Pacemaker Fishing Forum

Should be a fun year to be a Nats fan!
I think the cubs are going to win it all though
To bad Ernie Banks didn't live to see it.

As strong as the pitching staff already was, I am surprised they felt the need to spend the money to upgrade even more.  Seemed like they needed a couple big hitters.  That was what let us down last year.  Not home run hitters, but the on-base percentage guys.  Especially since that was a mantra of Williams to play small ball and keep the line moving.  BUT....we definitely have a stud pitching staff and that really is a huge asset.

Ernie knows I am not a fan of Ryan Z in general, and especially at 3rd base.  This will be the year for him to prove to me that he really is that special at hitting, fielding (1st base), and being the leader on the team.

I am a huge fan of Rendon.  I will bet that he will thrive and quietly and cheerfully lead in all categories wherever they put him.  I hope/expect it will be 3rd base, but he would be great at SS too.

OK I feel warmer now too.

I look forward to the season.  On a side note, I met Pete Rose while on travel in Vegas.  Hard to believe he's not a hall of famer.  It's not like he was shooting steroids.  I'll post pics soon!

GregF wrote:

As strong as the pitching staff already was, I am surprised they felt the need to spend the money to upgrade even more.  Seemed like they needed a couple big hitters.  That was what let us down last year.  Not home run hitters, but the on-base percentage guys.  Especially since that was a mantra of Williams to play small ball and keep the line moving.  BUT....we definitely have a stud pitching staff and that really is a huge asset.

Ernie knows I am not a fan of Ryan Z in general, and especially at 3rd base.  This will be the year for him to prove to me that he really is that special at hitting, fielding (1st base), and being the leader on the team.

I am a huge fan of Rendon.  I will bet that he will thrive and quietly and cheerfully lead in all categories wherever they put him.  I hope/expect it will be 3rd base, but he would be great at SS too.

Some of the stats guys say the Nats had the 2nd or 3rd best off season. They pick up Max for 7 years so he is stable. Our top 4 pitchers (Stras, Gio, Fister, JZim) may walk in a year or 2. Some will stay. Roark will be there so in 2-3 years, with the other Gio coming up, we will be stable.

RZim at 1st will be good. He won't hurt you with the arm. He is a great fielder and a very good hitter.

Rendon....I expect a monster season as I do with Harper. The later needs to play baseball. My biggest concern is out right fielder. I know they say he's good but i wonder sometimes.

We have 2 really good prospects that we picked up this off-season. Trae Turner will take over Desmond's spot in a year or 2 (that is why we have Escobar, not an even deal but adequate). The other one is a tall pitcher, much like Fister. Could be his replacement in 2 years.

It all starts back up in a couple of days...winter might still be kicking our butt but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.