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Nationals: DoD staff makes Over/Under predictions

By James Simmons

Patrick Corbin #46 of the Washington Nationals delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the first inning of a Grapefruit League spring training game at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on March 11, 2021 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Patrick Corbin #46 of the Washington Nationals delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the first inning of a Grapefruit League spring training game at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on March 11, 2021 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Josh Bell will be a huge reason why the Washington Nationals exceed 85 wins this season.
Victor Robles #16 of the Washington Nationals celebrates with Josh Bell #19 after hitting a solo homerun in the fourth inning against the Houston Astros in a spring training game at the FITTEAM Ballpark of The Palm Beaches on March 19, 2021 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

Max Rayman: Overs

Hammer the over! Washington’s lineup projects to be much better than it was in 2020. Josh Bell and Kyle Schwarber were acquired to hit bombs, something they are both very adept at. The duo spent the spring working with Washington’s hitting coach Kevin Long to tweak their swings. Be it spring training, but the extra work has seemed to pay off. Schwarber and Bell both looked comfortable at the plate, hitting .250, with four homers, and .383, with six homers respectively.

Ryan Zimmerman is back after opting out of the 2020 season. Pundits were worried that a year off would be the end of his career, but it seems to be the opposite. In 27 at bats, he hit .481, with six homers.  Josh Harrison re-signed with the team on a one year deal and surprisingly won the starting second base job. Starlin Castro’s 2020 season ended abruptly after he broke his wrist, but he looked fully recovered this spring. With Spencer Kieboom’s demotion, Castro was named the starting third baseman. While neither Harrison or Castro are known for their power, they both excel at getting on base.

More NATS. Top performances from Opening Day. light

Throw in Victor Robles, Trea Turner, and Juan Soto, and Washington’s offense is oozing with potential. Two things to keep an eye on is the lineup will strikeout at an alarming rate and boasts one of the worst defenses in the league.

The pitching staff is almost fully healthy, with the big thee once again leading the way. Jon Lester is the team’s new fourth starter and Joe Ross is back after opting out of the 2020 season. Once again, the bullpen is full of question marks. Unfortunately, off-season injuries’ have thrown a wrench in the team’s plans.

However, the team has too much talent to not win close to 90 games.

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