Washington Nationals: 3 lessons to learn from World Series

SPARK PLUGS ARE NEEDED

The lasting image after Wednesday night’s Game 7 was Carlos Correa proposing to his girlfriend after the game.

Although any championship is a total team effort down to the laundry person keeping the pants comfortable where would the Astros be without Correa and Jose Altuve at the top of the lineup? Likely watching the Dodgers celebrate on television with the rest of us.

From Dustin Pedroia in his prime with the Boston Red Sox to Alcides Escobar with Kansas City, having a pest of a player who can charge a game from the start is essential. Altuve’s ability to score runs either with power or speed was a huge ace for Houston.

The Nats hope Trea Turner can be that spark, but unlike Altuve and Pedroia, Turner is shy and reserved. Perhaps a healthy Adam Eaton can provide the mix of personality and performance Washington has lacked. It is clear somebody needs to provide swagger and back it up.

Bryce Harper has self-confidence by the carload, but he lacks the on-field fire we saw with Anthony Rizzo the last two years. Although Max Scherzer’s personality and performance matches the description, pitchers do not have the same impact throwing maybe three games of seven.

Washington needs a player who can distract pitchers from the start. If they come across as annoying, even better. The Nats have rarely controlled the pace and tempo of playoff games and it shows in the results.