Spring Training 2022

[welch]

They scored 8 runs. Who did the hitting?

https://www.mlb.com/gameday/cardinals-vs-nationals/2022/03/30/706786#game_state=final,lock_state=final,game_tab=box,game=706786

[imref]

They scored 8 runs. Who did the hitting?

https://www.mlb.com/gameday/cardinals-vs-nationals/2022/03/30/706786#game_state=final,lock_state=final,game_tab=box,game=706786

TD and a 2-pt conversion

[JCA-CrystalCity]

They scored 8 runs. Who did the hitting?

https://www.mlb.com/gameday/cardinals-vs-nationals/2022/03/30/706786#game_state=final,lock_state=final,game_tab=box,game=706786

  Josh Bell with a 3 run dinger and Gilbert Lara with another did most of the damage.
thomas had a couple of hits, including a triple, but otherwise nothing special from the guys who will make the team.

G Lara isn't among the top 30 Nats prospects but was an AA all star and ended the year in AAA. 24 this year.  He was kind of overwhelmed last year after going to Rochester, so don't look for him as a surprise 3rd baseman instead of Franco in April.  I assume if he has a decent half season and Kieboom is not in the mix that Lara may get a call. 

[DPMOmaha]

I don't think it's inevitable that this team will be among the worst in franchise history. It may play out that way in the end, but I don't think it's inevitable at all. I also don't don't think they're championship level, so don't me wrong. The offense put up runs last year and added a big bat. I think they'll hold their own there. If Corbin and Stras rebound a little, they'll improve from last season. The gray hair bullpen won't be as big of a dumpster fire as last year either. That was as bad as I've ever seen in DC.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

I don't quite recall, but wasn't last year their 43rd worst full-season W-L record?

[imref]

this is just awful:

6:10 PM vs Mets

1. Dee Strange-Gordon (L) 2B
2. Juan Soto (L) RF
3. Nelson Cruz (R) DH
4. Lane Thomas (R) CF
5. Andrew Stevenson (L) LF
6. Maikel Franco (R) 1B
7. Alcides Escobar (R) SS
8. Riley Adams (R) C
9. Ehire Adrianza (S) 3B
P. Josh Rogers

[imref]

Strange-Gordon having a MAT-like spring.

[NatsAllThe Way]

Nice win..... Nats turning corner?

[imref]

Nice win..... Nats turning corner?

What is this win thing you speak of?

[welch]

A win! A win!

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Strange-Gordon having a MAT-like spring.

I'm beginning to wonder if Rizzo is a closet Cream fan.  After signing SWALBR to play left last year, he goes out and signs Strange Brew. BTW - Dee has to make Strange Brew his walk up song.

[imref]

I was thinking People are Strange by the Doors?

Or this?

[blue911]

Or





Or

[Smithian]

this is just awful:

6:10 PM vs Mets

1. Dee Strange-Gordon (L) 2B
2. Juan Soto (L) RF
3. Nelson Cruz (R) DH
4. Lane Thomas (R) CF
5. Andrew Stevenson (L) LF
6. Maikel Franco (R) 1B
7. Alcides Escobar (R) SS
8. Riley Adams (R) C
9. Ehire Adrianza (S) 3B
P. Josh Rogers

Insert Hernandez into 2B or 3B and I don't hate that lineup

[Smithian]

I don't think it's inevitable that this team will be among the worst in franchise history. It may play out that way in the end, but I don't think it's inevitable at all. I also don't don't think they're championship level, so don't me wrong. The offense put up runs last year and added a big bat. I think they'll hold their own there. If Corbin and Stras rebound a little, they'll improve from last season. The gray hair bullpen won't be as big of a dumpster fire as last year either. That was as bad as I've ever seen in DC.

I think it is very possible this could all go to hell.

But if the pitching is a bit more competent than expect, I could see the lineup exploding and keeping this thing within close enough striking distance that they consider going for it at deadline. The book isn't closed yet.

[Elvir Ovcina]

I think it is very possible this could all go to hell.

But if the pitching is a bit more competent than expect, I could see the lineup exploding and keeping this thing within close enough striking distance that they consider going for it at deadline. The book isn't closed yet.

It's difficult for me to envision a way - save the entire Atlanta roster getting hurt - that this team comes within fifteen games of the Braves.  Yes, they don't have Soto, but they have five outfielders who are all better than anyone else the Nationals have, there are fewer question marks in the rotation, they have a much better infield at every position, and they have actually good relievers.

[DPMOmaha]

It's difficult for me to envision a way - save the entire Atlanta roster getting hurt - that this team comes within fifteen games of the Braves.  Yes, they don't have Soto, but they have five outfielders who are all better than anyone else the Nationals have, there are fewer question marks in the rotation, they have a much better infield at every position, and they have actually good relievers.

Don't have to. Just have to get within shouting distance of the Wild Card.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

It's difficult for me to envision a way - save the entire Atlanta roster getting hurt - that this team comes within fifteen games of the Braves.  Yes, they don't have Soto, but they have five outfielders who are all better than anyone else the Nationals have, there are fewer question marks in the rotation, they have a much better infield at every position, and they have actually good relievers.

If you just go by Baseball Prospectus's projections, Braves and Mets are 90+ win teams and the Nats are 70.  Median scenarios have us 20+ games out.  We'd have to be around 73 wins and the Barves/ MEts around 88 to be 15 wins.

[Natsinpwc]

Don't have to. Just have to get within shouting distance of the Wild Card.

I believe they are projected at least 15 games behind the wild card. 1.4 percent chance to make the playoffs per fangraphs. 

https://www.fangraphs.com/standings/playoff-odds

[aspenbubba]

Insert Hernandez into 2B or 3B and I don't hate that lineup

Did you forget Bell or doesn't that ring true?

[DPMOmaha]

I believe they are projected at least 15 games behind the wild card. 1.4 percent chance to make the playoffs per fangraphs. 

https://www.fangraphs.com/standings/playoff-odds

Well, I guess it's a good thing that's not how the results are determined.

[Smithian]

Did you forget Bell or doesn't that ring true?

I assume he doesn’t play every day. But with Hernandez and Bell that’s a solid lineup.

[Natsinpwc]

Well, I guess it's a good thing that's not how the results are determined.

Yea. 1.4 seems high.

[English Natsie]

The Official Website features 'Predicting the Nationals Opening Day roster'.  So, here goes...

1. Really?
2. Intentional Walks a.k.a.Many Times
3. You're Kidding?
4  Surely Not?
5. What The?...
6. Are You Serious?
7. Oh Dear, Oh Dear
8. How On Earth?..
9. This Will All End Badly

See?  Easy....

[imref]

6:40 PM vs Florida - MLB app

This is your opening day lineup everyone (barring injury of course, or last minute trade for Trout):

LINEUP:
1. Cesar Hernandez 2B
2. Juan Soto RF
3. Nelson Cruz DH
4. Josh Bell 1B
5. Keibert Ruiz C
6. Lane Thomas LF
7. Alcides Escobar SS
8. Maikel Franco 3B
9.Victor Robes CF

Joan Adon RHP