Washington Nationals: Problems deeper than closer
Another long losing streak has Washington Nationals fans grumbling and the team slipping sideways. The problems are bigger though than the obvious.
The problems plaguing the Washington Nationals are deeper than never-ending saga of finding a closer.
With Koda Glover on the shelf again, it is an issue. Blake Treinen and Shawn Kelley pitched themselves out of the job. Matt Albers is effective setting up games but does not have the arsenal to slam doors shut. Who steps up over the next week to earn saves is anyone’s guess.
Although the need is obvious and the blowing of leads is easy to focus on, what should concern you be elsewhere.
Two iceberg’s are poised to sink the Nats ship. A lack of pitching depth—especially with starters in case of injury—and a team unable to execute basic baseball fundamentals. Those things have a better chance of ripping apart the season than the bullpen. And the pen is horrid.
It is cliché to say it is the little things that make you champions. But, it is true. Runners need to move over. Bunts must be executed. Pitchers have to throw first pitch strikes. Fielders got to make basic plays and players should always have situational awareness.
The list above are items the Nats failed to do in the last week. If you cannot execute against the Texas Rangers and Atlanta Braves, what makes you think it can happen over a short series versus the Los Angeles Dodgers?
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The blame game is in full force on social media. President of Baseball Operations Mike Rizzo gets a virtual earful every night the Nats lose. Dusty Baker picked the wrong week to go public with his desire for an extension and raise. The Lerner family shuns the spotlight more than Greta Garbo and Howard Hughes.
As upset fans point fingers, they should finger all three. This will not happen during the regular season, but only one of those three is guaranteed back in 2018.
Let’s start with Rizzo. Although you cannot blame him for Kenley Jansen taking less money to stay with the Dodgers, perhaps he should have fought harder on Greg Holland. And lowballing Mark Melancon from the start was not wise. If there was a lesson learned from last season’s playoffs, you cannot win without a bullpen. The Nats arrived in West Palm Beach unprepared.
The Lerner’s control the purse strings. Washington has the highest payroll in the National League East. Yet, sometimes they refuse to spend extra money. Take Greg Holland for example. Coming off Tommy John surgery, he easily might have busted out of his deal. Instead, the Nats signed Joe Nathan.
Then, there is Baker. One of the best in keeping layers on an even keel and a clubhouse in order, sometimes he is lost. You cannot press the buttons right every time, but the sloppiness around the team in executing and the same bullpen management issues are on him.
Next: Reactions to Nats draft picks
From the start of last December’s Winter Meetings, the pressure of winning now has come from within. Yet, the realization they need to work together to achieve is missing. Here is hoping they find it.