Catching the Dodgers

[Optics]

If we get the D-backs or Rockies in the first round, we're going to get the worst starting times.

I'd love to play in Coors in October. We'd score 10 runs a game.

[RiotAct]

Except to fans who enjoy being at the ballpark for playoff games...

awww geez, not this again...

[expos1994]

Nats need to just play out the season, rest lots of guys. Use a 6-man rotation. Give even more rest where needed. And see where they stand when the dust settles. They can't control how terrible the Dodgers are going to play. Personally, I would rather they played the Central champ rather than the wildcard. Especially since that has been the assumed opponent since June or thereabouts. But the Dodgers freefall is what it is. And if they play the Rockies or D-backs (or maybe even the Central runner up) then so be it. Winning records against all of em (except Milwaukee... and they just lost an Ace. And I still believe Nats 'threw' that last series vs Brewers).

[Copecwby20]

I'm flying into DC tomorrow for the Friday and Saturday games. Can't wait to be back in Nat's park for the first time since 2012. Hopefully I'll bring that World Series Winning Mojo that I brought to Wrigley last year when I flew to Chicago for two games.

[GburgNatsFan]

I'm flying into DC tomorrow for the Friday and Saturday games. Can't wait to be back in Nat's park for the first time since 2012. Hopefully I'll bring that World Series Winning Mojo that I brought to Wrigley last year when I flew to Chicago for two games.

[Slateman]

How many threesomes can you have in a 48 hour period?

[tomterp]

How many threesomes can you have in a 48 hour period?

You offering Copec?

[Slateman]

at catching the Dodgers.

They should skip Strasburg's next start.

[spidernat]

This was s shiner thread.

[Optics]

We weren't going to catch LA anyway. I'm glad we got rocked game 1, get us back on schedule of just resting guys and getting ready for October.

I'm hopeful we skip Stras tomorrow too. Play as many bench/young guys as possible. Show them nothing.

[Ray D]

We weren't going to catch LA anyway. I'm glad we got rocked game 1, get us back on schedule of just resting guys and getting ready for October.

I'm hopeful we skip Stras tomorrow too. Play as many bench/young guys as possible. Show them nothing.

I could have gone along with any of the possible strategies: tank the series (show them nothing), go all out, or something in between.  What I don't like is that the whole world has been eagerly awaiting this matchup for several months as the two titans of the National League slugging it out for best record, the fans show up to see an epic series ...  and we play it like an exhibition.  It just should not have been promoted so heavily if the team has chosen to treat it as such. 

I mean, this game was showcased on MLB TV.  It was an embarrassing statement, that Edwin Jackson is even considered a major league pitcher much less suited to start a so-called epic series, and it was an embarassment to see Jayson Werth crap himself so badly in right field. 

[Natsinpwc]

I could have gone along with any of the possible strategies: tank the series (show them nothing), go all out, or something in between.  What I don't like is that the whole world has been eagerly awaiting this matchup for several months as the two titans of the National League slugging it out for best record, the fans show up to see an epic series ...  and we play it like an exhibition.  It just should not have been promoted so heavily if the team has chosen to treat it as such. 

I mean, this game was showcased on MLB TV.  It was an embarrassing statement, that Edwin Jackson is even considered a major league pitcher much less suited to start a so-called epic series, and it was an embarassment to see Jayson Werth crap himself so badly in right field.

And once October comes no one will remember this series at all.

[bluestreak]

I could have gone along with any of the possible strategies: tank the series (show them nothing), go all out, or something in between.  What I don't like is that the whole world has been eagerly awaiting this matchup for several months as the two titans of the National League slugging it out for best record, the fans show up to see an epic series ...  and we play it like an exhibition.  It just should not have been promoted so heavily if the team has chosen to treat it as such. 

I mean, this game was showcased on MLB TV.  It was an embarrassing statement, that Edwin Jackson is even considered a major league pitcher much less suited to start a so-called epic series, and it was an embarassment to see Jayson Werth crap himself so badly in right field.

I am sure that MLB did not consult the Nats when deciding how to promote this game. And Dusty is certainly not obligated to change his strategy based on MLB marketing decisions.

[Ray D]

I am sure that MLB did not consult the Nats when deciding how to promote this game.

I'm also talking about how the Nationals promoted the series. I think it was dishonest.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

more realistic than catching the Dodgers is finishing ahead of Cleveland and Houston for the 2 best record.  we are two games behind Cleveland and tied with Houston, and 5 up on Boston.  If the Nats win the pennant, then this would be for home field in the World Series. 

I have my Game 7 WS @ Nats Park tickets already.  I would not mind seeing it played this year.

[Ray D]

more realistic than catching the Dodgers is finishing ahead of Cleveland and Houston

Possibly even more realistic is that the Red Sox (or Yankees) win the AL, in which case we can coast to  best record.

[Slateman]

I mean, this game was showcased on MLB TV.  It was an embarrassing statement, that Edwin Jackson is even considered a major league pitcher much less suited to start a so-called epic series, and it was an embarassment to see Jayson Werth crap himself so badly in right field.

You might wanna find a hobby this weekend then. Indians win streak is over. This afternoon and tomorrow night are national games. You want to talk about embarrassing....

[bluestreak]

http://www.espn.com/blog/washington-nationals/post/_/id/3110/dodgers-nationals-series-hardly-a-playoff-preview

[Natsinpwc]

http://www.espn.com/blog/washington-nationals/post/_/id/3110/dodgers-nationals-series-hardly-a-playoff-preview

^

[nfotiu]

Finishing ahead of Arizona doesn't mean anything right?   I assume wild cards never get home field advantage in the nlcs, right?

[bluestreak]

Finishing ahead of Arizona doesn't mean anything right?   I assume wild cards never get home field advantage in the nlcs, right?

That is correct.

[Slateman]

Finishing ahead of Arizona doesn't mean anything right?   I assume wild cards never get home field advantage in the nlcs, right?

That's something that needs correcting

[bluestreak]

That's something that needs correcting

Why? It puts a premium on winning the division. It’s a feature, not a bug.

[Mathguy]

Agree - it's also a way to spread out locations of playoff games.  For example, there have been years when NYY & Red Sox had best records in AL.

Why? It puts a premium on winning the division. It’s a feature, not a bug.

[Slateman]

Why? It puts a premium on winning the division. It’s a feature, not a bug.

I feel like if you win more games than other division winners, you should be rewarded for being a better team.