What to trade?

[Slateman]

Fangraph’s totall legitimate and not full of crap playoff odds still have us winning the division, so there’s that

Oh okay.

[Slateman]

https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/nationals-trade-deadline-breaking-down-potential-fits-needs-best-catcher-and-pitching-targets/

TL;DR - Need a catcher and rotation depth

[Monarch]

Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports that the Astros and Rays have been "in contact" about a possible Wilson Ramos trade.

Brian McCann underwent surgery on his right knee earlier this month and is expected to be out until sometime in September, so the defending World Series champions are looking to bring in an established catcher for the stretch run. Ramos, 30, has batted .291/.340/.479 with 14 home runs and 51 RBI in 75 games this season and was named an American League All-Star on Sunday. He's scheduled to become a free agent in November.
Source: Jon Morosi on TwitterJul 12 - 2:38 PM

[CoryTheFormerExposFan]

What about the division? Frangraphs has us in the lead, which is even funnier when you consider that the Mariners (facing a similar deficit) only have a 2% chance.

Wells they are chasing the Astros and we are chasing the Braves.  So there's that.

[CoryTheFormerExposFan]

The 1st half has been disappointing, but I expect us to catch the Braves/Phillies.  Those are young teams that I see some regression coming for this year.  Even if they don't, I expect us to win a lot more in the 2nd half barring more significant injuries.  Murphy is just now rounding into form, and we know what kind of damage he can do as a hitter.  Harper is not going to continue in his funk forever.  Strasburg is on his way back, which means an Ace replacing AAA fill-ins in the rotation.  I imagine Roark once again works out of a funk and becomes solid again as he's done in the past. 

[varoadking]

The 1st half has been disappointing, but I expect us to catch the Braves/Phillies.  Those are young teams that I see some regression coming for this year.  Even if they don't, I expect us to win a lot more in the 2nd half barring more significant injuries.  Murphy is just now rounding into form, and we know what kind of damage he can do as a hitter.  Harper is not going to continue in his funk forever.  Strasburg is on his way back, which means an Ace replacing AAA fill-ins in the rotation.  I imagine Roark once again works out of a funk and becomes solid again as he's done in the past.

Don't forget we get Zimm back soon, too...

[Smithian]

Don't forget we get Zimm back soon, too...

In a world where Zimmerman was hitting half as well as last year, the Nats could shop Mark Reynolds hard.

But we don't live in that world.

[Slateman]

In a world where Zimmerman was hitting half as well as last year, the Nats could shop Mark Reynolds hard.

But we don't live in that world.

Not sure why we can't now. Even if Zim doesn't hit well, his salary will command that he start. By the time he admits he's still hurt, the season will be done.

[Slateman]

https://fancredsports.com/articles/inside-baseball-mlb-notes-mike-trouts-mickey-man

So another tidbit from this article.

— Sources: The Nationals also declined to part with Víctor Robles for Gerrit Cole …

I can't say that I disagree with Rizzo's decision at the time, but man, in hindsight, that is pretty devastating.

[Baseball is Life]

I know the Nats look like crap but I can't believe so many of you are pretty much giving up on them getting it together and winning the division (or rivals coming back down to earth).

how about we start a poll during the break to see if posters think the Nats can win division, wild card, etc.?

[Monarch]

I know the Nats look like crap but I can't believe so many of you are pretty much giving up on them getting it together and winning the division (or rivals coming back down to earth).

Because the the other NLE teams aren't coming back down to earth. At least not both of them. The fact is, the teams we feasted on the past 2 years don't suck anymore.

[Slateman]

Phillies pushing hard on Machado.

Rizzo needs to go big or start getting ready for next season.

[rileyn]

Phillies pushing hard on Machado.

Rizzo needs to go big or start getting ready for next season.

Imagine plugging him at SS in that lineup.  Yikes. 

[Greg_SRT]

Yikes is that bullpen over 162.

[Slateman]

If Rizzo doesnt find a replacement for Roark, hes basically telling the the team this season doesnt matter

[ZimW1N]

If we don't add another starter by the Braves series after the ASB than Rizzo has done a major disservice to the fans. We need to move on from Tanner. I think he still might have a small amount of trade value as a rehab project so maybe we can move him and a decent prospect for Eovaldi

[rileyn]

If we don't add another starter by the Braves series after the ASB than Rizzo has done a major disservice to the fans. We need to move on from Tanner. I think he still might have a small amount of trade value as a rehab project so maybe we can move him and a decent prospect for Eovaldi

They will tell you that getting Strasburg back is like adding a SP.  Same with Zimm. 

[ZimW1N]

They will tell you that getting Strasburg back is like adding a SP.  Same with Zimm. 

Getting Strasburg back is like getting a pitcher but we still need the number 3 starter we've needed all season

[Slateman]

Yikes is that bullpen over 162.

https://mobile.twitter.com/JSalisburyNBCS/status/1017924129712955393

[RichMinSC]

If Rizzo doesnt find a replacement for Roark, hes basically telling the the team this season doesnt matter

Since january I have said Rizzo needs to make a splash for an SP  to slot in at #3   I wanted Arrietta instead we got Gio as 3 Roark as 4 and Cole hellickson Rodriguez Fedde and now Voth   to make the [layoffs this team has to win 40 of 66 games left   NOT happenning     The Nats nee dto be sellers  at the deadline rizzo screwed the pooch this year

[nats4ever]

Since january I have said Rizzo needs to make a splash for an SP  to slot in at #3   I wanted Arrietta instead we got Gio as 3 Roark as 4 and Cole hellickson Rodriguez Fedde and now Voth   to make the [layoffs this team has to win 40 of 66 games left   NOT happenning     The Nats nee dto be sellers  at the deadline rizzo screwed the pooch this year

Season isn't done yet is it.

[Slateman]

Season isn't done yet is it.

Technically no, but the Nats are going to be able to catch the Phillies/Braves. Particularly since those teams are going to be adding talent at the deadline

[RichMinSC]

Season isn't done yet is it.

yeah right........................this one was done in March when Dizzo refused to get a starting pitcher

[Jeff in Gaithersburg]

If Rizzo doesnt find a replacement for Roark, hes basically telling the the team this season doesnt matter

Rizzo might be wondering if it's worth it to give up good prospects for a pitcher who probably won't get enough run support to consistently win, especially in a season that's circling the drain at this point.

[nats4ever]

yeah right........................this one was done in March when Dizzo refused to get a starting pitcher

Then stop watching them.