Washington Nationals: 3 lessons to learn from World Series
By Ron Juckett
LEARNING FROM PAST MISTAKES
The last three champions have something in common. They fell short in the playoffs a year or two before their title with the same core of players.
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Houston missed the playoffs altogether after the Royals beat them in the 2015 ALDS. The Cubs were swept by the Mets in the 2015 NLDS and Kansas City lost a World Series Game 7 at home before conquering New York.
It is easy to say Washington must forget their playoff failures of the past, but it’s true. These run of current champions lost in heartbreaking fashion and bounced back. Either they made a change or figured out how to learn from the past. With the tremendous talent in Los Angeles, it is a matter of time before they break their 30-year drought.
Losses sting. You have a whole winter to think about why you fell short. Yet, these three teams made it happen and ended long championship droughts. Kansas City’s was the shortest at 30 years. If the Cubs can erase 108 years of frustration away, so can Washington.
The hire of Martinez is a start. Convincing fans this is not the same old Washington is the next challenge. Perhaps, the toughest.
As the thousands gathering in Houston for a parade can tell you, it can happen.