Sweeping the Marlins may not seem like much of a feat (they finished in fifth place in 2012 with a record of 79-82), but it proves that the Nationals have the drive, energy, and talent to go far in 2013. With the additions of Haren and Span, and a healthy Ramos, Werth, and Strasburg, the Washington team can be expected to do big things this year.
Certainly a main talking point of the NL, the Nationals start the season at 3-0 in first place. No one can know how long their first place position will hold, but if this team stays healthy, they will be dominant all year.
Opening series was a great show that made me realize just how awesome it feels to be back in the swing of things again (pun absolutely intended) and enjoying my daily routine of school, baseball, sleep, repeat. Of course, now I have to talk about the performances of Bryce Harper, Stephen Strasburg, and Gio Gonzalez. Bryce Harper hit two home runs in consecutive plate appearances on Opening Day, propelling the Nationals to their first win of the 2013 season. Stephen Strasburg managed to shut them out on a three-hitter, retiring 19 batters in a row, and showing everyone just how ready he was. Gio Gonzalez proved just how strong he is, putting the allegations of PED use behind him and even pushing through some head pain. Besides pitching a fantastic game, Gio went yard for the second time in his career.
Despite getting only one hit in the series, Ian Desmond has impressed. His defense has been amazing. The offense will come in time. The same goes for Danny Espinosa, Adam LaRoche, and Denard Span. They may not be showing us much now, but when you go back and look at how they performed in Spring Training, they were great. Danny Espinosa and Adam LaRoche tore up offensively, and Denard Span impressed with his patience at the plate and his ability to spot a good pitch and take it. They'll come around, you'll see.
This team is going somewhere, and I know exactly where: the World Series. See you there.
No comments:
Post a Comment