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The Nationals problem is not offense...it's pitching.
Last season Washington finished last in almost every offensive category, their pitching however was another story.
With names like Livan Hernandez, the unsung hero John Patterson, innings-eater Esteban Loaiza, closer extroardinaire Chad Cordero and reliable setup man Luis Ayala, the Nats had solid pitching rotation and bullpen. But this year, things don't look so great; Livan Hernandez's knee isn't looking any better, Esteban Loaiza and Hector Carrasco were lost to free-agency, Brian Lawrence's season-eating shoulder surgery and the inconsistency of Ryan Drese and Ramon Ortiz to deal with. The late addition of Pedro Astacio compensates for the loss of Lawrence.
Now back to present time, Spring Training started a few weeks ago, the Nationals have posted a despicable 2-11 mark, last in the Grapefruit league with the most runs against (105 runs against) and averaging a hefty 6.66 runs against per game.
This does not bode well for the future, the Nats young pitchers are not heating it up, most of them having high ERA's and being wineless. Here is the consequence: the Nationals future pitching staff is in serious jepordy with only few to rely on, to name a few: Michael Hinckley, Bill Bray, some of the Nationals brightest future lights will probably start the season in the minors.
On the plus side, offensive life seems to have returned, the Nationals have hit 20 HR, which is the most in the Grapefruit league but probably won't carry on into the season...see RFK Stadium. The Nationals have scored 63 runs, good for 12th in the Grapefruit league and are 9th in hits with 121.
The future seems uncertain, but the present is for real
Signed: The Wilkernator.
Click here
The Nationals problem is not offense...it's pitching.
Last season Washington finished last in almost every offensive category, their pitching however was another story.
With names like Livan Hernandez, the unsung hero John Patterson, innings-eater Esteban Loaiza, closer extroardinaire Chad Cordero and reliable setup man Luis Ayala, the Nats had solid pitching rotation and bullpen. But this year, things don't look so great; Livan Hernandez's knee isn't looking any better, Esteban Loaiza and Hector Carrasco were lost to free-agency, Brian Lawrence's season-eating shoulder surgery and the inconsistency of Ryan Drese and Ramon Ortiz to deal with. The late addition of Pedro Astacio compensates for the loss of Lawrence.
Now back to present time, Spring Training started a few weeks ago, the Nationals have posted a despicable 2-11 mark, last in the Grapefruit league with the most runs against (105 runs against) and averaging a hefty 6.66 runs against per game.
This does not bode well for the future, the Nats young pitchers are not heating it up, most of them having high ERA's and being wineless. Here is the consequence: the Nationals future pitching staff is in serious jepordy with only few to rely on, to name a few: Michael Hinckley, Bill Bray, some of the Nationals brightest future lights will probably start the season in the minors.
On the plus side, offensive life seems to have returned, the Nationals have hit 20 HR, which is the most in the Grapefruit league but probably won't carry on into the season...see RFK Stadium. The Nationals have scored 63 runs, good for 12th in the Grapefruit league and are 9th in hits with 121.
The future seems uncertain, but the present is for real
Signed: The Wilkernator.
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