Photo by Andrew Lang for TalkNats
The Nats are wreaking havoc on the bases with their speed and also on defense. Both General Manager Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez promised that the team would be running more this year. In fact Martinez said he expected Turner to attempt 75-to-80 steals in this upcoming season. In addition, they want to get those extra bases on balls in play. During Sunday’s game, both Trea Turner and Victor Robles stole bases, and Turner also took an extra base on a ball that squirted away from the catcher and beat the throw. Juan Soto sped from first to third base on a single, and it was another indication of a possible preview of what is to come. Several Nats players have shown how speed has enhanced their defense too and great defense leads to better pitching.
Okay, there have certainly been some plays bungled like a pop-up that feel in front of two outfielders in the “Bermuda Triangle” and there were some fielding errors by some NRIs on Saturday. Overall, the first team looks different than before even though most of the projected 25 were on last year’s team except for the 7 newbies like Patrick Corbin, Anibal Sanchez, Trevor Rosenthal, Kyle Barraclough, Yan Gomes, Brian Dozier, and Kurt Suzuki who is on his second stint with the Nats. Add to that, Mike Rizzo reacquired Matt Adams and Jeremy Hellickson to fill the 9 holes in the roster. Now the Nats are in the rumor mill again for another high profile free agent, and that free agent, Craig Kimbrel, is far from free.
https://twitter.com/keithlaw/status/1102072293579280385
For today, the Nationals travel up the road for a game against the Marlins and will face the left-handed Wei Yin Chen.
Washington Nationals vs. Miami Marlins
Stadium: Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, Jupiter Florida
1st Pitch: 1:05 pm EDT
TV:
Nats Radio: MLB app (Marlins radio)
Line-up subject to change (without notice):
Adam Eaton RF
Anthony Rendon 3B
Ryan Zimmerman 1B
Kurt Suzuki C
Yan Gomes DH
Andrew Stevenson LF
Michael A. Taylor CF
Wilmer Difo SS
Adrian Sanchez 2B
Jeremy Hellickson RHP
