Bryce Harper’s big afternoon for the Washington Nationals and a intimate portrait of Michael Taylor leads our Daily Washingtonian.
Good Morning Washington Nationals fans!
Today is Monday, April 2, 2018. The Nats are in first place in the National Leaue East by a full game over the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves following Washington’s three game sweep of the Cincinnati Reds.
What a Sunday for Bryce Harper. His two home runs were vital in the Nats 6-5 win.
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Although Adam Eaton is certain to take player of the week honors, Harper went 4-for-10 in Cincinnati with two walks and three runs scored. He did not strike out and looked comfortable against the young Reds staff.
A diving catch early Sunday was his defensive highlight. Harper wants to add a Gold Glove to his resume and plays like that will help. With the focus on where Trea Turner should hit and how will Gio Gonzalez pitch, Harper spent a rare weekend out of the spotlight.
He took full advantage.
Speaking of Gonzalez, what a marvelous outing he had. Along with seven strikeouts, he scattered five hits, a walk and an earned run in his debut. He meshed well with new catcher Miguel Montero and worked extremely fast with the bases empty.
Washington moves down to the Atlanta suburbs to face the Braves at 7:35 ET. Tanner Roark makes his debut.
Now on this groggy Monday, onto the links:
On Tap Magazine on Michael Taylor
Joel Goldberg sits down with Micheal Taylor for a candid interview. Taylor’s main goal is winning a World Series. The two, in a must-read piece, go into Taylor’s prior struggles and his great success last year.
You do not read many interviews from Taylor. This is worth it.
YES Network on Ollie Perez
The New York Yankees signed old friend Oliver Perez to a minor-league contract Saturday. This is not Perez’s first time in the Big Apple after several seasons with the Mets. (They don’t miss him in Queens.)
But, as a Nats reliever, Perez found a role as a tough lefty. Undoubtedly, if he pitches well in Scranton, the Yanks will use him.
Call to the Pen on Brandon Kintzler
Tim Boyle writes a good profile on Brandon Kintzler and his role on the Nats. Boyle goes into how Kintzler took less money, and a possible closer’s role elsewhere, to stay in DC and his willingness to do whatever is asked.
Washington Post on Sammy Solis
Do not let Sammy Solis‘ shaky outing Sunday fool you. The Nats need him and Chelsea Janes explains why. Solis has a ton of natural talent. Dave Martinez will find the right role for him to thrive.
Congrats to the women of Notre Dame and their NCAA Basketball Championship. Enjoy your Monday.