Washington Nationals: 5 reasons why they lose the NLDS

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DUSTY VERSUS JOE

Although there are many qualities making Dusty Baker one of the best managers in the game, the chess matches of the playoffs are not his strong suit.

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Across the diamond sits the daring Joe Maddon, the lone manager ever to get the Tampa Bay Rays into a World Series and ended a curse last year with the Cubs. On paper, this is a mismatch of tacticians.

Because Baker is brilliant at long-term planning, sometimes he is sold short on his managerial skills. Simply, you do not earn nine 90-win seasons by being a bad skipper. Yet, pressure causes mistakes. Maddon won Game 7 of the World Series despite bobbling the bullpen last year.

If there is a point to watch, it is with how long starting pitchers go. Baker relies on them heavily. One batter too many against the Atlanta Braves will cause many to rush on Twitter to complain. There is always another game tomorrow.

There is no such luxury now. Three losses end the season.

Remember, how players execute or not determines who moves on. But, Baker has to make moves at the right time to keep the machine moving. With a brilliant bullpen and bench, those decisions should be easier. Assumptions are dangerous.

Next: 5 X-factors in NLDS

Without an announced extension, Baker goes into the NLDS under immense pressure. Washington won 97 under him this season. He is up to the challenge.

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