After enjoying a fairy-tale like season in 2012, much like the band A-Ha, the 2013 Washington Nationals fell victim to their newfound expectations and failed to reach the playoffs for the second consecutive season. Nevertheless, baseball fans in the DMV area are anxious for the beginning of baseball season and the potential to again reach the postseason this fall.
Blessed with a breakout season in 2012 when the team won 98 games en route to their first NL East division championship, fans of NatsTown entered last season overconfident like Mike Tyson against Buster Douglas. Unfortunately the Nationals contracted a tough case of “worst case scenario” disease in 2013 and slumped to a disappointing 86-76 finish, 10 games behind the Atlanta Braves in the division. Manager Davey Johnson retired following the season, and the Nationals quickly snared his replacement, former Arizona third base coach Matt Williams.
The Nationals’ vacancy was particularly appealing because Washington has built their franchise to be competitive for many years. Washington returns their three aces, Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez, and Jordan Zimmermann to headline a potentially dominant starting rotation. At times in 2013 the team struggled offensively, however the Nationals are expecting better results in 2014. They anticipate improved seasons from veterans Adam LaRoche and Denard Span, along with the emergence of talented youngsters Bryce Harper and Anthony Rendon. Coupled with All-Stars Ian Desmond, Ryan Zimmerman, and Jayson Werth, this lineup has breakout potential in 2014.
In order to close the gap on their division rivals, this winter the Nationals’ front office had four specific needs to fill: a fourth starter, a versatile reserve outfielder, a left-handed reliever, and a backup catcher. Quickly Mike Rizzo went to work crossing off these needs, trading three players to Detroit to acquire Doug Fister, one of the most underrated pitchers in baseball, and stealing outfielder Nate McLouth from Baltimore with a 2-year contract. In addition, the Nationals traded for Oakland lefty Jerry Blevins and obtained Tampa Bay playoff hero, catcher Jose Lobaton.
With these additions, the Nationals roster looks solid on paper, as the team has an excellent starting rotation, a quality, deep bullpen, and a potentially powerful lineup. However, questions still exist with the back of the rotation, as Fister will begin the season on the disabled list, Ross Detwiler will begin the season in the bullpen, and Taylor Jordan and Tanner Roark remain unproven. Also, how will Williams, a rookie manager, handle the pressure of leading a team with tremendous expectations? The answers to these questions, the ability for the starting lineup to create runs, and the health of the team will determine how long into September (and October) the 2014 Nationals play baseball.
Predicted Record: Washington Nationals 89-73, 1st Place in NL East
MY Bold Nationals Predictions:
1) Doug Fister makes less than 15 starts for the Nationals in 2014.
2) Wilson Ramos represents the Nationals in the All-Star game in Minnesota this summer.
3) Taylor Jordan pitches 170+ innings for the Nationals at the back of their rotation with a sub-4 ERA, giving the team a durable workhorse to go with Strasburg, Gonzalez, and Zimmermann.
4) Ryan Zimmerman bounces back defensively from his subpar 2013 season to capture the Gold Glove award at third base in the NL.
Predictions Around MLB
AL East: Tampa Bay 91-71
AL Central: Detroit Tigers 90-72
AL West: Oakland Athletics 91-71
But this problem of men’s can be solved by having a medication known as ‘https://www.energyhealingforeveryone.com/about.html lowest prices viagra Jelly’. In increases estrogen level viagra 20mg and decreases the risk of health issues like hormonal imbalance. Why does erectile dysfunction occur in males? There are many reasons viagra sale in india responsible for erection breakdown in many young and older males are the victims of ED. Also debilitating painfulness could very well deliver episodes of severe tenderness. best viagra for women AL Wild Cards: Boston Red Sox 89-73, Baltimore Orioles 87-75
NL East: Washington Nationals 89-73
NL Central: St. Louis Cardinals 93-69
NL West: Los Angeles Dodgers 90-72
NL Wild Cards: San Francisco Giants 88-74, Atlanta Braves 87-75
AL MVP: Mike Trout OF Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
AL ROY: Nick Castellanos 3B/LF Detroit Tigers
AL Cy Young: Justin Verlander SP Detroit Tigers
NL MVP: Bryce Harper OF Washington Nationals
NL ROY: Billy Hamilton OF Cincinnati Reds
NL Cy Young: Jose Fernandez SP Miami Marlins
5 Bold Predictions for the 2014 MLB Season
1) The Baltimore Orioles capitalize on improved starting pitching and a breakout season from Kevin Gausman to make the playoffs with 87 wins.
2) Billy Hamilton will steal 91 bases this season en route to capturing the NL Rookie of the Year Award.
3) Two Tampa Bay starting pitchers make the All-Star game in July, and neither will be David Price, it will be Alex Cobb and Chris Archer representing the Rays.
4) Yordano Ventura takes the American League Central by storm, striking out 175+ batters and leading Kansas City to a near playoff appearance with 86 victories.
5) The New York Yankees suffer from injuries and mediocre starting pitching to finish with an 81-81 record and a 4th place finish in the AL East.