Tag Archives: Washington Nationals

Red Sox Starters

Red Sox Vs. Marlins Preview

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Although this series is only two games, this could prove to be the spark this team needs after their sweep at the hands of the Rays.

While this series might not be a marquee match up, this Marlins team boasts the lowest scoring offense while allowing the second most runs in the National League. The Red Sox swept this club earlier this season and have a 2-0 record this season against them.

The Marlins have a disastrous 53-79 record. While they are clearly in a rebuild, they are trending upward, with series splits against the Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees. In total they have won five of their last nine games.

The pitching matchups should be intriguing. Game one sees Brian Johnson ( 6-4, 4.33 era) against the electric Jose Urena ( 4-12, 4.50 era) Johnson did not last long against the Indians, lasting 4.1 innings while allowing 3 earned runs off 5 hits and 1 walk. He mustered up 1 strikeout.

Urena on the other hand pitched amazing his last start. He played a complete game against the Nationals, only giving up 1 earned run on 2 hits and 2 walks. He also struck out 4 hitters. Urena managed to stir up some controversy over plunking future stud Ronald Acuna Jr. in the first at bat of the game.

Game two sees Pitching phenom David Price ( 14-6 3.50 era) against Trevor Richards ( 3-7 4.23 era) Price was lights out against Cleveland. He lasted 8 innings of work with 0 earned runs, striking out 7 while only giving up 3 hits. Richards lasted 5.1 innings against the Yankees only giving up 2 earned runs on 3 hits and 3 walks while striking out 9 batters.

Player to watch for: J.T Realmuto

He has clearly been the best player for the Marlins all season long. After wanting to be traded last winter, building his stock this year only heightens his demands. He has become a strong trade candidate for this offseason.

Be prepared to see some of the brighter aspects of this Marlins team come out and ready to perform.

What Could a Mookie Betts Extension Look Like?

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The Red Sox are most certainly going to re-open extension talks with the All-Star right fielder. What could a potential extension look like?

With free agency about the blow up the entire landscape of the MLB for the foreseeable future, could the Red Sox make an unprecedented move? If so, what could shake up things for the next decade? Extending All-Star and MVP candidate Mookie Betts! The five-tool player has shown flashes of greatness. When will Betts get paid?

His career numbers as of now indicate his game is only trending upward. He sports a career .301 batting average, with 105 home runs and 374 runs batted in. to go along with 104 stolen bases. To go along with two Gold Gloves, three straight All-Star selections, and a Silver Slugger award.

Last winter, the Sox signed J.D. Martinez to a five year $110 million contract with numerous player opt-outs after this season. While there are talks of restructuring after this season, these are the present numbers. J.D. has experienced his fair share of struggles throughout his career, making Mookie the better of the two. He will command more in any contract.  The rising star is becoming one of the top 3 players in the game.

Similar extensions

In 2015, the Los Angeles Angles extended Mike Trout to a six year, $144.5 million contract. The two-time MVP is one of the other top three players in the league. Now, there is no comparison between Trout and Martinez as an all around player, but offensively you could make some arguments. If Trout could command this money, what can other stars expect to want?

This year, the other top three player becomes the biggest free agency prize in years. Bryce Harper watch has been in effect all season long, with hopes of hints as to where he’ll wind up after free agency is all said and done. He could command anywhere to a rumored ten year $400 million deal. It would be the largest deal in sports history, but that deal could be shrinking after his sub-par .248 batting average. The Washington Nationals star has plenty of options moving forward.

Finally in 2014, the Miami Marlins extended Giancarlo Stanton to a 13 year $325 million contract, the largest contract ever. Now a member of the New York Yankees, Stanton has ten years left on his current contract, while he can opt out at anytime after 2020. The no trade clause is still in effect.

Considering all of the above contracts, what could a possible Mookie Betts extension look like? With the level of play he has flashed (especially against American League east teams) He could easily command a $200 deal. He is currently making $10.5 million this season with three more years of arbitration left.

Let’s just suggest his arbitration increases by at least $5.5 million each season. By the time he hits his first free agency, he would make $27 million for one season. If you go by his five-tool ability, it’s easy to conceive that his extension could be in the eight year, $225 million range.

If the two sides decide to go this route will have to wait. The postseason is creeping fast. While the numbers will be different, this is how the market is. While all attention shift to the end of the season, more excitement is soon to come.

Division Predictions: NL East

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The National League East had a sort of weird off-season. The Marlins cleaning house over the winter has made the division weaker. Yet at the same time, the arrival of Arrieta and Santana in Philadelphia have definitely given the division more strength. The Braves provide a young, talented presence that almost equals the Phillies’ talent. As for the Nationals, well they’re the Washington freaking Nationals man!

Atlanta Braves

The Braves are young and determined. Not much noise was made during the off-season by Atlanta. Despite that, you could consider the Braves similar to Philadelphia’s squad. Both teams are developing their young talent. In a rotation led by Julio Teheran, they should be pretty solid throughout the season if they stay consistent. Freddie Freeman will be the anchor of the lineup while No. 1 prospect Ronald Acuña is working on things down in the minors. He will definitely get the call sooner or later.

Miami Marlins

It’s sad to see what happened in Miami. They went from a “division contending” ball club to the exact opposite in one off-season. The losses of Stanton, Yelich, and company really strike a huge dent in their success this season. They’re simply in “rebuild mode” now and if you want my opinion, I don’t expect anything great from Miami this season.

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies are definitely looking to make a push for the division this season. New members Jake Arrieta and Carlos Santana definitely bring a veteran presence. Along with the return of Pat Neshek, they will look to lead a team that’s still in a “young rebuild mode”. Aaron Nola will be a solid number two for the club if he stays consistent. Rhys Hoskins is probably going to keep hitting home runs.

New York Mets

I think this is a big year for the Mets pitching staff. With a team that added and brought back some talent (Todd Frazier and Jay Bruce), they’re going to need to get back to business. Since the World Series run in 2015, the four leaders of the staff seem to have become flat. The healthiness of the rotation is key to their success. Syndergaard gets the ball opening day, I’m excited to see if he can stay consistent as the Mets’ ace.

Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals are without a doubt the favorites to win the division. Max Scherzer (16′ and 17′ Cy Young Award Winner) and Stephen Strasburg are looking to dominate as the fearsome duo they are in the rotation. Bryce Harper and Daniel Murphy are looking to, yet again, have consistently great seasons. First year manager Dave Martinez will look to have great success in his first year. He can be described as a “bench coach pioneer” as he has been in that role with the Rays (2008-2014) and the Cubs (2015-2017). He looks to bring a championship mentality to the ball club, as he was the bench coach for the Cubs after their iconic World Series win in 2016. The Nationals are going to be a force to be reckoned with this season, and don’t be surprised if you see Harper’s name at the top of the MVP race either.

Final Standings

Washington Nationals

New York Mets

Philadelphia Phillies

Atlanta Braves

Miami Marlins