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MLB Playoffs: Predicting the Nationals-Dodgers Divisional Series

By Greg Goldstein

September 25, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner (10) celerbates with fans after the Dodgers clinch the National League West title following their victory against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
September 25, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner (10) celerbates with fans after the Dodgers clinch the National League West title following their victory against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nationals Roster (Projected)

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Starting Pitchers

  1. Max Scherzer
  2. Tanner Roark
  3. Gio Gonzalez
  4. Joe Ross

Bullpen

  1. Mark Melancon (Closer)
  2. Shawn Kelley
  3. Blake Treinen
  4. Sammy Solis
  5. Marc Rzepczynski
  6. Matt Belisle
  7. Reynaldo Lopez
  8. Oliver Perez

Starting Lineup

  1. Trea Turner CF
  2. Jayson Werth LF
  3. Daniel Murphy 2B
  4. Bryce Harper RF
  5. Anthony Rendon 3B
  6. Ryan Zimmerman 1B
  7. Danny Espinosa SS
  8. Jose Lobaton / Pedro Severino C

Bench

  1. Clint Robinson 1B/OF
  2. Chris Heisey OF
  3. Ben Revere OF
  4. Stephen Drew 2B

Dusty Baker is in a little bit of a tricky situation here. His team is not healthy right now, which makes for some pretty difficult choices. Bryce Harper and Daniel Murphy, the team’s two best hitters are question marks because of injury. In fact, their MVP caliber second baseman just returned from an 11 day absence on October 2. Harper has been able to fight through his injury, but his play has definitely been effected because it’s clear that he is not 100 percent.

This could lead Dusty Baker to adding another hitter to help ensure that he’s covered if something unforeseen would force either of his middle of the order bats to miss time in the series. This is why Ben Revere makes the roster. He has a track record even though he has not been an everyday player like the Nationals may have expected. Still, his speed could be a game-changer if the club needs a run late in the game.

The rotation looks fairly set at this point even though I’m sure the Nats would love to have Stephen Strasburg penciled in for a start. Unfortunately that’s just not in the cards right now, however the rotation is still led by Max Scherzer and Tanner Roark, whose ERAs are both under 3.00.

Relief pitching is the real question when it comes to arms as Dusty Baker has some tough choices to make here as well. Which pitcher does he leave off the roster if he goes with a five man bench? Which lefty relievers does he go with? I decided that the veteran Oliver Perez will be chosen over the likes of Sean Burnett and Yusmeiro Petit because he’s just made more appearances this season and has a longer track record.

Overall, the Nationals are led by their rotation and need at least some contributions from their stars if they want to win this series.

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