I disagree with the conclusion.
I think that this is one of the most undervalued lines since the early moves. This team got 67 wins last season, with an absolutely idiotic hitting order and players willing to leave while having an abismal %-age in 1 run games.
They took only one big hit in the offseason - Batista. At the same time they took Guillen, who I rate BETTER than Batista and Castilla who still can hit homers, even if he's almost useless in defence. I won't make a case about it being a good hitting line-up, but with a bit of sense and moving Wilkerson out of the No1 spot, it can be decent enough to compete.
Anyway, the case I wanted to make is about pitching. I honestly believe that Nationals have the pitching to compete in the East and then some more.
Hernandez is brilliant.
Armas is good.
Day is pure talant and Loiaza can still rebound.
Closing by cometee can be a *****, but the bullpen seems solid enough to manage it.
I wouldn't try convincing anyone to back the overs, but I'm pretty confident they can beat the number with 3+ games.
I think that this is one of the most undervalued lines since the early moves. This team got 67 wins last season, with an absolutely idiotic hitting order and players willing to leave while having an abismal %-age in 1 run games.
They took only one big hit in the offseason - Batista. At the same time they took Guillen, who I rate BETTER than Batista and Castilla who still can hit homers, even if he's almost useless in defence. I won't make a case about it being a good hitting line-up, but with a bit of sense and moving Wilkerson out of the No1 spot, it can be decent enough to compete.
Anyway, the case I wanted to make is about pitching. I honestly believe that Nationals have the pitching to compete in the East and then some more.
Hernandez is brilliant.
Armas is good.
Day is pure talant and Loiaza can still rebound.
Closing by cometee can be a *****, but the bullpen seems solid enough to manage it.
I wouldn't try convincing anyone to back the overs, but I'm pretty confident they can beat the number with 3+ games.