Washington Nationals: 5 predictions for 2018
By Ron Juckett
NATS WIN NL EAST
Okay, this one seems cheap now.
As the Nats search for their third National League East championship in a row, they start the year in a division already weak. The Miami Marlins stole the blue lights from your local K-Mart for a going out of busi…fire sale for the ages. Up in Queens, the New York Mets cleaned house and stood pat.
Although the Philadelphia Phillies have spent some of their millions and the Atlanta Braves continue to feature prospects, neither team on paper are poised to cut the 20-game margin from last year into anything resembling a race. Yes, both are better, but need everything to go right to challenge Washington.
The Mets can contend if their starters remain healthy, but their 2015 World Series run feels longer than three years ago.
Conventional wisdom said last year the Mets and Nats were even going into the season. This season, you could say the margin between Washington and anyone else is 15 games at a minimum. The funny thing about conventional wisdom is it is often wrong.
Do not be surprised if either Philly or Atlanta hang in for a while. You cannot say in good faith Washington is 15-20 games better in January.