Washington Nationals are built for winning the World Series
Although not entirely perfect, the Washington Nationals are built to play in the World Series.
Will the Washington Nationals finally get over the NLDS hump and make it beyond the first round of the 2018 playoffs? Before we know, there is a month of Spring Training action to complete and a 162-game regular season schedule.
After the Nationals get through that, they hope to be atop the division again this year. There’s a good chance they do it when considering how poorly the other four NL East teams performed last season. None of them have gotten significantly better either, making the Nationals an easy favorite to repeat as division champs.
Unfortunately, the Nationals have loftier goals than a division title. This is a team destined for a lot more. One look at their roster, it’s clear they are built to play in the World Series.
Why the Washington Nationals are built for the World Series
To compete in the World Series, a team needs a couple of things. One crucial aspect is depth. The Washington Nationals earned a big check mark in this department. Depth is one of their primary strengths.
Let’s say they do get to the World Series this year. They could trot out a rotation of Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez, and Tanner Roark — whoever their fifth starter is could end up in the bullpen as a multi-inning weapon. In a worst-case scenario, the Nationals just go with the four names listed above. When compared to most teams, this is a great group of four starters.
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It’s beyond the starting rotation when the Nationals look to have the greatest World Series advantage. Unlike many National League squads, they have the depth to trot a reliable DH into the batter’s box each game.
Against a right-handed pitcher, you better believe Matt Adams gets the start. Perhaps the Nationals use him at first base and give Ryan Zimmerman the DH duties. Either way, the Nationals aren’t sending an incapable bat to the plate four times a game.
When a lefty pitches, the Nationals are still in luck. Howie Kendrick can play multiple positions or simply fill in as the DH. They would even have Adams on the bench, ready to pinch hit in the late innings when needed.
Another element to love about this Nationals team is how many wonderful tools their bench players have. By the time the Nationals could reach the World Series, it’s very likely Victor Robles is a contributor. Even if he’s doing so in a reserve role, the Nationals could just use him for defense or pinch running. Lesser known players, like Andrew Stevenson, could contribute in similar ways as well.
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A lot can change between now and late October. The Nationals could put together a failure of a season or add several new faces to an already incredible roster. What’s important is that they should open the year with the talent needed to compete with the best teams in the American League. First, they have the obstacle of beating the rest of their rivals in the National League.