NL Best Record Race Watch

[MorseTheHorse]

IMO, the most important part of all this best record posturing was avoiding facing Kershaw in a 5 game series. That has now been avoided, unlikely as it ever was.

This has been discussed at length already, but Kershaw is probably going 1-4-7 in a 7 game series.   

[lougretzky]

Not if he doesn't have proper rest from pitching in the NLDS he's not. And I'd rather 2 shots at him on 3 day rest than twice on full rest in a 5 game series.

[3bside]

The ideal situation would be Kershaw versus Wainwright in Game 5 of their series.

[eddiejc1]

Not if he doesn't have proper rest from pitching in the NLDS he's not. And I'd rather 2 shots at him on 3 day rest than twice on full rest in a 5 game series.

Even if that were the case, I don't think the right strategy for the Nats would be to deliberately tank games to avoid an opponent. If playing to win inadvertently means that (a) we miss playing the Dodgers and Kershaw in the NLDS when they are more vulnerable or (b) we actually ensure that we face the Cardinals if they lose the division to the Pittsburgh Pirates and then win the play-in game, I still think it's better preparation for the playoffs because by then you REALLY have to win.

[natsarl]

The ideal situation is just keep winning, keeping a healthy lineup and pitching staff, and not worrying about what other teams are doing.

[Ray D]

The ideal situation is just keep winning, keeping a healthy lineup and pitching staff, and not worrying about what other teams are doing.

What fun is that? Plotting and scheming, and worrying about what the other teams are doing, is more fun.

[Count Walewski]

Well, the Cardinals DID beat Kershaw twice in the playoffs last year, didn't they?

[PC]

Done.