Washington Nationals: Do not read too much into spring training

2018 should be an exciting year for the Washington Nationals, but we should not read too much into spring training exhibition games. Here’s why.

Yesterday was a very exciting day for Washington Nationals fans, as the team played their first game since suffering yet another early postseason exit last October. However, yesterday’s game against the Houston Astros, unlike their matchup against the Chicago Cubs in the NLDS, was meaningless.

The Nats lost to the defending champions 3-2, which is not the result that you would like to see, but it is absolutely meaningless. The Nats could win 100-0 or lose 100-0, and the result would still be meaningless.

Tommy Milone got the nod in the Nats’ spring opener, which is a perfect representation of how much the Nats wanted to win. Milone is a professional pitcher with major league experience, but he is not exactly in a position to supplant Max Scherzer, or even Tanner Roark, in the Nats’ rotation.

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Starting alongside Milone was a plethora of backups, minor leaguers, and non-roster invitees. Brian Goodwin, Wilmer Difo, Matt Adams, and Howie Kendrick were all in the starting lineup, but none of the Nats’ projected Opening Day starters were even in uniform.

Although the result was essentially meaningless, there are a few takeaways from the game. First of all, Milone impressed, pitching two scoreless innings. He is a long shot to make the Opening Day roster, but a strong spring could put him on the short list to earn a promotion in the case of an injury.

In addition to Milone, prospects Victor Robles and Wander Suero turned in strong performances. Robles, the Nats’ top prospect, replaced Goodwin in center field and took full advantage of this opportunity.

Robles went 1-for-1 at the plate with a double and a walk. His double was obviously impressive, but he made the most of his walk as well.

The next batter, Jose Marmolejos, singled into center field and Robles advanced from first to third. This is exactly the type of under-the-radar play that goes a long way in winning games and making a name for yourself as a prospect.

Robles also impressed defensively, making a diving catch on a sinking line drive to rob Kyle Tucker of a base hit.

Suero, a relief prospect, also impressed. He was tasked with pitching the seventh inning, and turned in a perfect frame while striking out the side. Although the most notable hitter to step in the box that inning was A.J. Reed, Suero made a great impression.

Robles and Suero took advantage of their opportunities to showcase their talent in front of the major league coaching staff, but that is just about the extent of good spring training opportunities.

The main focus in spring training should be to ensure that everyone is healthy and ready to perform come Opening Day. Some lesser-known players may put up big numbers, but we cannot read too much into it.

For years, Michael Taylor raked in spring training. He hit .323 and .453 in 2015 and 2016, respectively, but hit .229 and .231 in those regular seasons. He has established himself as a solid major leaguer now, but was not ready yet in 2015 and 2016. However, his spring training stats would have led you to believe he was ready for a big league role.

Players, specifically pitchers, also experiment with certain things in spring training. Sean Doolittle, for example, has said that he will experiment with different pitches this spring. This may lead to diminished results, but they are meaningless. As long as he remains healthy, even if his numbers are poor, it will be a productive spring.

Next: Predicting the Opening Day roster

Spring training is an exciting time, since baseball is finally back, but it must be taken with a grain of salt. After all, a Grapefruit League championship is worth less than a single win in the regular season.

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