Washington Nationals: Three takeaways during slump
The Washington Nationals have dropped five straight, falling to 4-5. What have we learned and where do the Nats go from here?
This is not the start the Washington Nationals, or you, wanted to start the 2018 season.
The regular season is supposed to be the easy part. A six-month coronation of the best team in the National League East. The New York Mets? Well…
Washington remains the most talented team in the division. But, they are not playing like it. When they win, the Nats steamroll. However, losses are harsh. From leaving the bases loaded with nobody out to rare balks leading to crushing home runs, the first 10 days of the season are forgettable.
Is it a trend? Will Washington struggle all year?
No. The talent is too deep not to shine. But, this might be the season where they have grind through to the bitter end before clinching a playoff spot. Maybe, that helps come the fall. Even with the cold weather, October feels years away.
Although it is early, it is time to take stock of where the Nats are. There is an old saying in sports that says, “You are what your record says you are.” Nine games out of 162 is too early, but Washington is playing like a team struggling to reach .500.
Daniel Murphy’s return to the lineup and warming weather will help. But, there are concerns. Hey, at least the cherry blossoms are blooming. Keep the jacket handy.
While you celebrate the beauty of DC, here are three things to file away on the season so far. All stats are before Sunday’s game.
THE GOOD
The top of the Nats lineup is strong.
From Bryce Harper’s six home runs—including his blast off Matt Harvey—to the red-hot return of Adam Eaton, Washington has set the table well. Until Trea Turner’s ejection Thursday in the home opener, he drew a walk in every game. Turner and Michael Taylor have four stolen bases a piece.
Washington can create runs. They scored 40 in eight games. With 13 homers heading into Sunday, they can overpower you while out thinking opponents.
Did we mention Pedro Severino? He carries a slash line of .571/727/.571 replacing the injured Matt Wieters. Add his impressive defense and the Nats have a winner.
In the bullpen, Sean Doolittle, Ryan Madson and Matt Grace carry a WHIP under 1.000. Grace has six games under his belt already. Throw in good outings by Sammy Solis and Shawn Kelley and the foundation is there for good things.
Once Murphy returns after a short rehab assignment in two weeks, we will get a look at this offense for the first time as a unit since last April. Runs are not a problem. Stringing together base runners is.
Do not forget, Gio Gonzalez has pitched two good starts. Both he and Max Scherzer carry a FIP under 2.00.
THE BAD
Safe to say the Ryan Zimmerman experiment this spring failed.
Zimmerman is late on fastballs and ahead on off-speed pitches. Outside his home run, he looks terrible. His OPS+ of 20 bears that out. But, that is not the worst on the team.
Before his paternity leave, Miguel Montero’s OPS+ is -54. Taylor, despite his stolen bases, is -14. Remember, an average hitter scores 100. Wilmer Difo’s OPS+ is 52 and Wieters was 36 before his injury.
Go back to the home opener. Sixth inning, bases loaded and nobody out. And, the runners never moved. Those are the mistakes that will bite over the course of the season. Turner getting caught in a rundown Sunday night, same thing.
When teams get deflated, bad things happen. Washington cannot let mistakes linger. They must stop dwelling on them.
Although what happened with Anthony Rendon’s ejection was beyond stupid, the Nats must stop constantly arguing strike calls. As long as the umps are consistent, Washington must adjust. Else, close calls go the other way.
Nearly 200 words and no mention of A.J. Cole. Pressure is not his friend. Another stinker and he might find himself with Enny Romero clearing waivers. Cole deserves better, but he must perform.
WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
Warmer weather will help with how pitchers grip the ball. That should help Brandon Kintzler’s sinker and some wildness we have seen from the starters.
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Still, they must last longer in games or the bullpen will get exhausted early. Grace has not appeared in three games. He is on pace to pitch in 108. Way too much.
Although rookie manager Dave Martinez would like to wait until Murphy returns to re-configure his lineup, he needs to do something now. Sandwich Harper between Turner and Rendon. Drop Zimmerman down to take the pressure off.
Brian Goodwin is playing well. Give him more time in centerfield when Eaton can finally play a full game.
Consider recalling Wander Suero and Andrew Stevenson from Syracuse. Stevenson has power and his bat has improved from last year. Suero is a fresh arm which can rest Kintzler and Madson from overuse.
Speaking of Syracuse, Severino deserves to stay when Wieters returns. Outside his adventures catching Scherzer in Atlanta, he has exceeded expectations.
Next: 2018 minor league preview
The knee jerk reaction to losing is making hasty decisions. Yes, there are tough ones on the horizon. But, Washington is still a 90-95-win team. All the expectations of October are in play. This year, the road is steeper.