THOMAS BOSWELL: Nationals have built a foundation based on smart decisions — and good luck – The Post
How the Washington Nationals got to be on the brink of contention (on paper) after many years of being bad, according to their biggest fanboy columnist…
In three years, the Nats have seen stunned by the sudden resignations of their general manager, team president and manager. All three times, the Nats ended up stronger, but in ways that were totally unplanned and unexpected…
In three straight amateur drafts, they had stunning good fortune. When they tried to be lousy to get the No. 1 overall pick (’07), they were half-decent. When they wanted to improve (’08 and ’09), they were awful. The net result: They accidentally avoided players who might’ve been busts and instead ended up with Drew Storen, Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper.
Yay luck. Maybe — let’s see if they win first.
What to do about John Lannan (CSN Washington)? Poor guy had to pitch out of position in the rotation and kept his head above water and his ERA below 4 for the most part. It is a shame he’ll probably be sent somewhere to do more of the same for a bad team. I’m not ready to give up on him yet — I’m not sold on everybody staying healthy in the rotation (especially Chein Ming Wang) and Strasburg has an innings limit. GM Mike Rizzo says they are not shopping him.
Too much pitching is a great problem to have, but has a way of being short-lived.
Danny Espinosa thinks he was thinking too much and working too hard as a rookie last season. Great first half, terrible second half.
Closer Drew Storen likes Batman, does Bikram Yoga and drives a fast black car SB Nation.
@ouij put it well MT This is just not fair. When little kids dream, it looks like @DrewStoren’s life
Beltway Baseball featuring beat writers Mark Zuckerman (from Bethesda and not Viera?) and Amanda Comak from Viera:
Oh look, Bryce Harper is profiled in GQ with a baseball in his mouth! That picture won’t be regretted EVER. Still, a pretty flattering article.