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Washington Nationals: Martinez can get away with what Kapler cannot

By Tim Boyle |
CINCINNATI, OH - MARCH 30: Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez (4) takes the field for his first game as manager and greets first baseman Ryan Zimmerman (11) during opening day action against the Cincinnati Reds at the Great American Ballpark. (Photo by Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - MARCH 30: Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez (4) takes the field for his first game as manager and greets first baseman Ryan Zimmerman (11) during opening day action against the Cincinnati Reds at the Great American Ballpark. (Photo by Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

With the benefit of having a stellar roster, Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez can get away with creative thinking that others cannot.

Early on in 2018, we’ve seen fans embrace or turn on new managers. Philadelphia Phillies manager Gabe Kapler is one of the best examples. His unconventional and sometimes buffoonish managerial style is rubbing fans the wrong way. The Phillies knew they would get a “creative” approach. They didn’t think those plans would look so foolish one week into the season.

Meanwhile, down the turnpike in D.C., another first-year manager is also toying with other ideas. Washington Nationals skipper Dave Martinez hasn’t done anything too drastic, but his lineup cards have been questioned. Thankfully for Martinez, the roster he has to play with is better than what Kapler has. As a result, he can get away with thinking creatively.

Dave Martinez’s creative thinking

Martinez has chosen to write some slightly atypical lineups. For instance, Trea Turner isn’t batting at the top of the order. The expected number two behind Adam Eaton has slotted in closer to the middle. It’s not completely crazy when considering this means Anthony Rendon gets to hit ahead of Bryce Harper.

Another early decision made by Martinez causing some raised eyebrows is the one that placed Ryan Zimmerman and Michael Taylor on the bench for game number two. Matt Adams and Brian Goodwin took over instead, leaving some wondering if there was an injury.

This wasn’t the case. As Martinez explained, he wanted to keep his bench players fresh.

I don’t see this being a one-time thing either. Martinez has a deep roster. Adams should start at first base at least once a week. Goodwin will also get a fair shake in center field as long as he continues to hit well.

Plans for the bullpen

It’s still too early to tell, but we may see Martinez mix things up with his bullpen several times. Why stick with Sean Doolittle in the ninth inning when the matchup isn’t the best?

Ryan Madson and Brandon Kintzler have each proven they can get batters out in any inning they pitch. If, for instance, the Nationals found themselves facing a team like the New York Yankees with Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Gary Sanchez hitting beside each other, the wiser choice may be to pit a righty against them.

Additionally, if the Washington Nationals were facing a team with a pair of tough lefties hitting back-to-back in the eighth inning, Doolittle might need to enter the game earlier.

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There’s nothing to indicate that Martinez would do the above. However, unlike Kapler of the Phillies, he has the flexibility. Deep rosters allow a manager to think out of the box. In 2018, Martinez will have this benefit while a guy like Kapler will need to tone it down and follow traditional ways of thinking.

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