Washington Nationals: 2018 is no time for redemption stories
By Tim Boyle
The 2018 Washington Nationals should have one thing on their mind: winning. This leaves little room for any positive redemption stories.
Former star pitcher Tim Lincecum will suit up for the Texas Rangers in 2018. He’s a viable candidate to win the league’s Comeback Player of the Year Award following an amazing fall from grace.
Once considered an elite starter, Lincecum will need to fight for a role in the Rangers’ bullpen this spring. His opportunity at redemption is certainly something to watch this year.
Way north of Texas, the Washington Nationals prepare to open the 2018 campaign with far fewer underdog stories like the one Lincecum will star in. This is a team built with established players in their prime. Only those coming off a slumping season could come close to matching the kind of mission Lincecum has in mind with the Rangers.
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The Nationals embark on a year where the window of contention could shut on them soon. The thought that Bryce Harper may never suit up for them again looms.
Because of this and other factors, the Nationals cannot afford to employ players looking to rebound. If someone struggles, it’s time for the next man up to take his place.
A Few Good Redemption Stories
The motto for the 2018 Washington Nationals should include a brash plan to move on quickly from failed projects. If Matt Wieters struggles again, they shouldn’t be afraid to see what others can do. The same goes for other players, no matter how much they are getting paid.
Speaking of Wieters, he is one of the few candidates on this team looking for redemption. A strong year from him could earn the Comeback Player of the Year Award. First baseman Ryan Zimmerman followed this path. After some down years, he managed to put together a terrific 2017 campaign. The Nationals should hope for the same from Wieters, making him one of the few redemption stories this team has on them.
One could also classify Adam Eaton here, too. The Nationals’ leadoff hitter missed nearly all of 2017 with an injury. Bouncing back from that is no easy task. Because it was an injury and not lacking talent, it’s hard to see Eaton in the same vein as Tim Lincecum or any other redemption story in baseball.
The Nationals did a good job this winter at avoiding distractions. The few players they did sign won’t make much negative noise. Howie Kendrick was with them last year for long enough to know the environment. Matt Adams is what he is and shouldn’t get frustrated with a lack of playing time. He knew what he signed up for. A chance at regular playing time is not something he should expect.
Last season’s Washington Nationals team did offer us a few good tales of players making the most of their opportunity. Michael Taylor is the finest example. Finally, after years of waiting, Taylor put together a more-than-respectable season. In fact, he was downright good.
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Because expectations are so high for this team, the Washington Nationals cannot afford to let anyone break out of a slump. They need to move along swiftly and make sure no at-bat, pitch, or innings go to waste.