In my piece for MASNSports.com this morning, I rained on everyone's parade that now expects the Washington Nationals to continue to win at a 13 out of 15 pace the rest of the season. I kinda kept my mouth shut once the winning streak really got rolling, but now that the Nats have lost three of four and folks are actually starting to complain about the fact that Davey Johnson hasn't won a game as manager yet (in two games!), I thought a dose of reality might help keep things in perspective.
NatsTown, there are a lot of good things to look forward to with this team. It's young and talented up the middle in the infield, has some really good arms in the bullpen, has a potential No. 2 type starter recovering from Tommy John surgery, several high-ceiling prospects not too far away from the Major Leagues, and the game's best third baseman when healthy. That is certainly a lot to like.
But the roster, as it's constructed right now, is not of competing quality. There's exactly one starting pitcher on this roster that will be part of the Nats first legitimate contending team. They have one-third of a competitive starting outfield (that is, if the right fielder can find himself), and they are depending too much on a rookie second baseman and 29-year old slugger that is getting his first opportunity to play full-time.
The Nats were on a hot streak, one so pronounced that folks got a little too excited about what was going on. So let's keep things in perspective. It's good that there are things to be optimistic about, but let's keep that optimism grounded in reality.
Here's my thing. Things were heading to the right direction under Riggleman. He knew how to use his players, and guys looked sharp. You get a new manager, and there is an adjustment period.
I mean what idiot goes out and play Matt Stairs four games in a row. I was really bothered about Davey not PHing Stairs in the ninth. He gave up an out. It wasn't just yesterday.
How about leaving Todd Coffey way too long when he doesn't go two pitches? How about Davey not getting on Lannan for throwing to first? Lannan spent more time throwing to first than pitching, and he was rattled by the Angels runners. That's on Davey to get his starter focused by telling him to go out on pitch.
It's three games, but Davey hasn't exactly won either.
That's why Nats fans are apprehensive of what's going on.
Leslie, thanks for the comment.
I think part of Coffey staying in the other night was due to the bullpen being short. Clippard is still nursing a tired arm, and Storen had just gotten in that day coming back from his grandmother's funeral. there are things that go on constantly in the clubhouse the general public is unaware of that sometimes lead to personnel decisions on the field.