The 2019 Washington Nationals really are like a child in learn-to-swim classes. They simply maintain potable water.
Every single time you believe they may be poised to make a move on the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves, the Nats let the opportunity escape them and shrivel up.
The Nationals now sit 6.5 games behind the Braves. Washington is given +600 odds to overtake Atlanta in the NL Divisional chances.
08/12/19 was taken on by * Odds.
Washington is just five games behind Atlanta in the loss column and two up on the New York Mets.
Just in Atlanta, Washington took two of four matches in the Braves past the midway mark of July. The Nats followed up by winning three of four by the Colorado Rockies. They had moved to within four games of the Braves.
This, however, isnt a team that embraces riches or opportunity.
Since that time, four of five series have dropped. That included falling throughout a three-game home.
They finished a road trip Sunday to complete the trip with their heads barely. Washington went.
The Nationals are a since the All-Star Break. The Braves are charging down.
The Detroit Tigers would be the American League version of this Nationals not long past. Like Washington, they boasted a sensational starting rotation. One starter — Max Scherzer — has been a part of both rotations.
Detroit made the playoffs five times and played in two World Series, but never came close to winning it all, because the Tigers did not bother to invest although between 2006-14.
Washington lovers, sound comfortable?
In Fridays opener of this series from the Mets, Washington nearer Sean Doolittle coughed a 6-3 lead in the ninth and was walked 7-6. Prior to Friday, the Mets had lost 187 matches when three runs in the ninth inning.
Washington possesses an MLB-worst 6.07 bullpen ERA. Even if you should discard the appalling 22.74 ERA of those departed Trevor Rosenthal, then the Nats will still own an MLB-bottom 5.63 ERA. Relievers have discounted 22 save chances of 52.
Guys who make their cover covering the disgrace that resides in the White House within DC recognize that the Washington bullpen is a Nationals disgrace.
Holding the first NL Wild Card spot, the Nationals start an important homestand against the Cincinnati Reds. Thats followed by three games with the Milwaukee Brewers, like the Reds a group in the Wild Card hunt.
This should be the attention of Washington. The old baseball adage is that you need a weeks worth of games to make up for one match in the standings. The Nats have been 6.5 games out with seven months to playwith, therefore that their division-winning window is closing fast.
They have seven matches but will practically should go at least to get some chance. The Nationals play with 17 of their last 45 games against Wild Card teams, 19 matches against playoff clubs and just 15 against groups using sub-.500 records.
The move for Washington is lock in on locking down the Wild Card and forget about the division.
Let us keep it civil and have fun.