Nationals Win, Clinch Home Field Advantage

Your 2016 Washington Nationals have officially clinched home-field advantage for the NLDS. #OnePursuit pic.twitter.com/OqUzBBut6y

— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) October 1, 2016

Thanks to the team that eliminated them from the playoffs in their previous appearance, the Washington Nationals clinched home field advantage against the Los Angeles Dodges in the NLDS this coming week.

Winning 3-0, the San Francisco Giants handed the Nationals home games in three games of the five game set that will begin this coming Friday, October 7. Last time the Nationals had home field advantage in the NLDS, it was the Giants that eliminated Washington on their way to winning the World Series.

It's a Fundamental Thing...

Zimmerman, above, has committed 9 errors this season.
(Photo: media.knoxnews.com)

The beginning of this years Washington Nationals season hasn't quite met expectations. While the team is still 2 games above .500 and just 2.5 games behind the Braves for the NL East lead, the Nationals certainly have the talent to be in first and many more games in the green.

Like the old saying goes: "Offense sells tickets, defense wins championships." When it comes to the Nationals, it doesn't look like they'll be selling tickets anytime soon and they definitely won't be winning championships at the rate their going defensively.

Let's Play Ball!!!

Photo: MLB Google Plus Page

This one may be a day late, but it still means the same nonetheless. Baseball is back. And thank goodness it is. The crack of the bat, the whistling of the ball as it flies through the air, and the roar of the crowd as the hero does his home run trot around the bases. Ah yes...it's beautiful.

A Change to the Blog

My dear reader,

Ever since August of 2010, you have made it a point to take a few precious minutes out of your day to stop here and see what is the latest and greatest in all things Washington D.C. sports. And some of you have even gone out of your way to share what you read on here on your Twitter and/or Facebook pages and for that, I thank you.

But, there will be a somewhat major change hitting The Skinny On Sports blog from here until forevermore.

Late in the month of October, I was contacted by Beyond Sports Network and was offered the position of Director of Media Relations. Let me back track a quick second...

Recall if you will, this blog post I did this past spring regarding the Beyond Sports Network Collegiate Showcase in Akron, Ohio. I kept in touch with powers that be at BSN and they offered me this position.

Due to the workload that I have happily taken on, I will not be able to post up-to-the-minute updates on your favorite D.C. sports teams. It pains me to say this, but The Skinny On Sports will only be updated 2-3 times per week.

When will it be updated? you may ask. This blog will now be used to recap the latest sporting event, be it Redskins, Wizards, Capitals, or Nationals, and give my personal take on what happened during the game.

I sincerely hope that you continue to check in on this blog on read my latest and greatest take on what exactly happened on the ice, diamond, field, and hard wood. I promise to bring you my unbiased (mostly) opinion on what went down during the game.

Thank you to my readers that check in day after day to see the latest and greatest sports news. You keep me motivated to continue my work and perfect my craft. For now, keep this blog on your list and check in every now and then to see what is going on in the world of The Skinny.

Sincerely,

Brian "The Skinny On Sports" Skinnell

Nats Make Offer to LaRoche

(Photo: Keith Allison)

Today, it was reported that the Washington Nationals made a qualifying offer to free agent first baseman Adam LaRoche. The Washington Times has more here.

According to the report, the offer is for one-year and $13.3 million. The original offer that LaRoche turned down to become a free agent was for one-year and $10 million. As you can see, this would give LaRoche a hefty $3.3 million more.

This qualifying offer serves two purposes. The first is that it gives Adam LaRoche something to mull over. He has until November 9th decide whether or not he will accept the offer. It also turns LaRoche into a compensated free agent. If he were to decline the Nationals offer and sign with another team, the Nationals would receive a compensatory draft pick.

The compensatory draft pick significantly decreases his value to other teams. According to the Washington Times article, the Nationals would likely receive a second round draft pick. If a team had to give away big money and a high draft pick in order to acquire LaRoche, that will drop the number of teams willing to sign him.

However, should LaRoche decline the offer, the Nationals are still more than welcomed to submit another offer. Like stated above, LaRoche has until next Friday to either accept or decline the Nationals offer.

The Nationals have not yet submitted an offer to free agent relief pitcher Sean Burnett.

Question: Do you think Adam LaRoche should get paid more, less, or exactly $13.3 million? Leave your answer in a comment below!

Follow the blog on Twitter @SkinnyOnSports & @TheSkinny66 and on Facebook by searching The Skinny On Sports!!

Source: The Washington Times

LaRoche, Burnett Hit Free Agency

(Photo: Keith Allison)

Today, Washington Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche and relief pitcher Sean Burnett declined their options and will officially declare for free agency which begins this Saturday at midnight. The Washington Post has more here.

Don't expect the Nationals to sign them to new deals before the clock strikes twelve on Saturday night. The whole point of these two declaring free agency is so they can make more money. How much money, you ask?

Well, LaRoche turned down $10 million over the next season in hopes of a long-term higher paying contract. As the Nationals biggest bat this past season and Gold Glove winner, LaRoche deserves to be paid a little more over a few years.

To give comparison with the money aspect, Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder is set to make around $23 million annually. LaRoche is more than likely not asking for that much, but I would be willing venture that LaRoche wants between $15-$20 million annually over 3-4 years.

Letting LaRoche walk would be a mistake. While the Nationals do have Anthony Rendon, the minor league star broke his ankle last season and finished off the year on the recovery trail. Also, it would be a good idea to hang onto 33 homers and 100 RBI. If the price is right, LaRoche will be a National next season.

Sean Burnett, however, is a different story. I believe that Burnett is more likely to go than LaRoche. Last season, Burnett made just $2.35 million (his option was for $3.5 million). He'll likely be looking for something around $4-$5 million annually and over 2-3 years.

However, if the Nationals were to let Burnett walk, it would not be the end of the world. Burnett was by no means the star of the bullpen and is coming off of surgery to remove a bone spur from his elbow.

The Nationals would have Tyler Clippard, Tom Gorzelanny, Drew Storen, Ryan Matheus, and Craig Stammen in the bullpen. I don't want to get your hopes up prematurely, but Todd "Coffey Time" Coffey will be available this free agency.

Both Burnett and LaRoche have been adamant they want to stay in Washington and the Nationals have said that they want to retain both players. Maybe that kind of mindset will aid in the negotiation process and both will be willing to give a little to make a deal work.

Question: Do you think the Nationals should resign LaRoche and/or Burnett? Leave your answer in a comment below!

Follow the blog on Twitter @SkinnyOnSports & @TheSkinny66 and on Facebook by searching The Skinny On Sports!!

Source: Washington Post
Salary Source: ESPN

Golden Night for LaRoche

LaRoche, right, won his first Gold Glove. (Photo: Keith Allison)

Tonight, Nationals first baseman finally got some hardware for his impressive skill in the field. He was awarded the National League first baseman Gold Glove Award. It is the first such award for his LaRoche in his career.

LaRoche is coming off of one of the best seasons of his entire career. His 33 home runs are a career high and he tied his career high in RBI with 100. He batted .271 with a slugging percentage of .510.

But, LaRoche earned his Gold Glove for his play in the field.

LaRoche was tied for the NL lead in fielding percentage with 99.5%. That's right...darn near perfect. In 1,367 total chances, LaRoche committed just seven errors and made 1,260 put-outs. LaRoche also turned 113 double plays.

LaRoche beat out Joey Votto of the Reds and Freddie Freeman of the Braves for the award.

In related news, shortstop Ian Desmond lost to Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins for that position's Gold Glove.

For a complete list of winners, go to this link.

Question: Do you think Adam LaRoche was worthy of a Gold Glove? Do you think Ian Desmond should have won his? Comment with your opinion below!

Follow the blog on Twitter @SkinnyOnSports & @TheSkinny66 and on Facebook by searching The Skinny On Sports!!

Nats Up For Award

Desmond, above, is up for a Golden Glove Award. (Photo: Keith Allison)

Yesterday, Rawlings announced its finalists for the coveted defensive award of the Golden Glove. The award is given to the top fielder from each position. From the National League side, the Washington Nationals had two players make the final list.

At first base, Adam LaRoche is up against Freddie Freeman and Joey Votto for the award. The fact that Votto did not play for a good chunk of the season bodes well and aids in LaRoche's campaign.

This season, LaRoche had a fielding percentage of 99 percent and committed just seven errors on 1,367 total chances. He made 100 assists and turned 113 double plays. Of those 1,367 total chances, he converted on 1,260 of them for an out.

At shortstop, All-Star Ian Desmond Zack Cozart, Jimmy Rollins, and Jose Reyes for the award. Desmond is coming off of his best year for the Nationals. It has been highlighted by his first All-Star game, which he didn't attend due to injury, and now his nomination for a Golden Glove.

This season, Desmond had a fielding percentage of 97 percent. He committed just 15 errors on 492 total chances. Desmond had 306 assists and turned 65 double plays. Desmond also made 171 put outs this past season.

The award winners will be announced live on ESPN2 at 9 PM eastern on Tuesday, October 30th. For the complete list of finalists, go here.

Question: Do you think that Adam LaRoche and Ian Desmond are worthy of winning the award? Do you believe that any other Nationals should be on this list? Leave your answer in a comment below!

Follow the blog on Twitter @SkinnyOnSports & @TheSkinny66 and on Facebook by searching The Skinny On Sports!!

Source: CBS Sports

Nats Tracy Has Knee Surgery

Chad Tracy should be good to go by spring training. (Photo: Keith Allison)

The second Washington National has undergone arthroscopic surgery. Utility man Chad Tracy went under the knife for a procedure done to his left knee. NBC Hardball Talk has more.

Tracy got his surgery done by the same doctor that preformed the same style of surgery on Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman. Like Zimmerman, Tracy is expected to be ready to go by spring training.

Tracy became the Nationals go to pinch-hitter during the season and even led the MLB in pinch-hit RBI. He batted .269 with a .343 on base percentage. Over the season, he had 14 RBI and scored three runs personally. Also, when first baseman Adam LaRoche had to sit a couple games early in the summer, Tracy stepped in a played first base for the Nationals.

This past August, the Nationals gave Tracy a one-year $1-million extension so he can be a part of the club next season.

Follow the blog on Twitter @SkinnyOnSports & @TheSkinny66 and on Facebook by searching The Skinny On Sports!!

Source: NBC Hardball Talk

Zimmerman Undergoes Surgery

Zimmerman, above, will be good-to-go in six weeks following surgery. (Photo: Keith Allison)

The face of the Washington Nationals, and starting third baseman, Ryan Zimmerman underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder. The Washington Post has more here.

For most of the season, pretty much all of the season, Zimmerman has been feeling the effects of the injury, but has been limiting the side-effects with multiple cortisone shots. He first experienced problems with his shoulder following the Nationals season opening homestand.

During that homestand, Zimmerman made several diving stops at third base and also had a head-first slide into home. That constant stretch and almost unnatural movement left him feeling the effects for quite some time. Zimmerman even went on the disabled list and was replaced by Steve Lombardozzi.

After getting his first cortisone shot, his hitting improved and his play in the field improved. However, you could still tell that he was feeling some discomfort in that shoulder. His usual web-gems were not always a sure-fire play for the usual sure-fire infielder.

Zimmerman experienced one of his worst statistical seasons for the Nationals. He batted a career low .282 and a second worst in his career .346 on base percentage. However, Zimmerman did hit 25 home runs, 95 RBI, and 36 doubles.

General Manager Mike Rizzo told the Washington Post that Ryan Zimmerman should be ready to go full speed in six weeks. The procedure was preformed by team doctor Wiemi Douoguih.

Follow the blog on Twitter @SkinnyOnSports & @TheSkinny66 and on Facebook by searching The Skinny On Sports!!

Source: The Washington Post

Cards Knock Off Nats

In possibly the most emotional night in D.C. sports history, the Washington Nationals playoff run ended in a dramatic 9-7 collapse to the defending champion St. Louis Cardinals.

The Nationals offense finally had the outburst that everyone was waiting for in the opening innings of the game.

Following a Jayson Werth leadoff double, Bryce Harper hit an RBI triple off the wall to score Werth. The face of the franchise, Ryan Zimmerman, then crushed a two-run homer to put the Nationals up 3-0 after one inning.

In the third inning, the Nationals had the heart of the order up and looking for more. Bryce Harper started the inning with a leadoff home run. After Ryan Zimmerman got a base hit, Michael Morse stepped  up to the plate and put one in Cardinals bullpen and the Nationals were up 6-0 after three innings.

While the offense was rocking the Cardinal pitching, the Nationals starter, Gio Gonzalez, was fairing much better against the Cardinals offense. Gonzalez held them scoreless into the fourth inning when Matt Holiday doubled to score Carlos Beltran.

In the fifth inning, Gonzalez found himself in a bases loaded jam. With Holiday at the plate, a ball took a funny bounce off of the dirt just behind home plate and skipped off and away from catcher Kurt Suzuki's shoulder pad. The wild pitch brought home David Descalso. Gonzalez then walked Holiday to load the bases. Allen Craig then drew a walk that scored Shane Robinson.

That would be the only damage done, however, as Gonzalez worked his out of it allowing just two runs to score and the Nationals lead was cut in half to 6-3 after five innings. Gonzalez's final line: 5 innings pitched, 5 hits, 3 earned runs, 4 walks, and 5 strikeouts.

The Cardinals continued to chip away at the Nationals lead as the innings wore on. With Edwin Jackson on the mound for the seventh, Holiday grounded out to the shortstop, Ian Desmond, which scored Jon Jay. The Cardinals had cut the lead to 2, 6-4.

Reliever Tyler Clippard came on to pitch the eighth. After allowing a leadoff homer to David Descalso, Clippard recovered to get three outs and hold the lead for closer Drew Storen.

However, Kurt Suzuki capped off his productive night (3-4 with an RBI) with an RBI single that scored Adam LaRoche. Storen was given a much needed insurance run.

With the bases loaded, David Descalso hit a hard grounder up the middle that hit off the glove of short stop Ian Desmond and into center field. Two runs scored for the Cardinals and the game was tied. Pete Kozma then followed that with a 2-RBI single and the Cardinals were suddenly winning 9-7.

Those four runs came with two outs in the inning. Five times, the Nationals were one strike away from the National League Championship Series. Five times, however, the Cardinals hitters either fouled off a pitch or took it for ball four.

In the bottom of the ninth, the Nationals went down in order of Werth-Harper-Zimmerman.

As quickly as they had taken the lead, they lost it and their season was over. The Cardinals completed the six run comeback to defeat the Nationals 9-7 and advance to the NLCS to play the Giants. For the Nationals, who have a lot to be proud of this season, it's game over.

As I stared at my television in disbelief last night, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride for (my) the Nationals. A team that lost 100 games just a few years ago made it all the way to game five of the NLDS. Not only did this team exceed expectations, they did it by being the best team in baseball.

They weren't "supposed" to go to the playoffs until next year. They were just supposed to play a good season and leave us all with something to look forward to next year. The fact that we can sit here today and debate what went wrong last night in and of itself is a blessing given to us by an overachieving baseball team.

So what exactly did go wrong? Simply put, while the Nationals exceeded expectations and got to the playoffs, they weren't ready. This team was not ready to go to the playoffs. Look at the teams in the AL/NLCS's: Yankees vs Tigers, Cardinals vs Giants. All those teams have years of playoff experience. It doesn't matter how great you play in the regular season, the best will rise in October.

The Rangers, Reds, Dodgers, and Nationals were all at the top of the baseball world at some point during the regular season. Now, however, they are all at the bottom and out of the postseason. The playoff experienced teams did what they always do: they got the playoffs and won.

The Nationals took a HUGE step forward this season. Next season, assuming a few offseason re-signings, this whole team will return. More importantly, they'll return with postseason experience. (Don't even get me started about whether or not Stephen Strasburg would have made a difference. His replacement, Ross Detwiler, won his game.)

The Nationals have a lot to be proud of. They simply were a season ahead of time. The last thing that Davey Johnson said to the press last night could sum up this entire season: "We proved our worth and we just need to let this be a lesson and ... learn from it, have more resolve, come back, and carry it a lot farther."

Thanks for the ride, Nationals. They'll be back, folks....they'll be back.

Follow the blog on Twitter @SkinnyOnSports and on Facebook by searching The Skinny On Sports!!

Quote Source: Washington Post Sports website

Nats Force Game 5

Jayson Werth jumps on home plate following his walk-off home run. (Photo: dbking)

With the series, and season, on the line, the Nationals turned to a pitcher that was at one point removed from the lineup. Ironically, he's the same pitcher that replaced Stephen Strasburg in the postseason rotation.

Through six innings with not a single run was earned, one was a sac-fly, Ross Detwiler delivered possibly the best performance of his life.

Over six innings, Detwiler gave up just one run (unearned) and three hits. He walked three, including Pete Kozas to setup the Cardinals only run which was scored on a Carlos Beltran sac-fly, and struck out three. Simply put, it was the best start of Detwiler's young career.

His adversary, Cardinals starting pitcher Kyle Lohse, was just as solid. He allowed just two hits. One, however, came on a solo home run to center field from Adam LaRoche in the second inning. Lohse also struck out five Nationals.

But, prior to the bottom of the ninth inning, the star(s) of the game was the National pitching staff. Detwiler made it all the way through the sixth inning allowing just one run and that's when Davey Johnson handed the game over to his bullpen.

The first pitcher in the game was game two's starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann. Zimmermann had arguably the best stuff of his season as he struck out the side on just 12 pitches. Tyler Clippard then came in for the eighth inning and kept the K-streak alive. Clippard allowed just one base runner, a walk, and struck out three in his inning of work.

The top of the ninth, and the 1-1 tie, belonged to Drew Storen. Like Clippard, Storen allowed a baserunner with a walk, but battled to strike out  two. The third out came on a ground-out and the game went to the bottom of the ninth.

When outfielder Jayson Werth stepped to the plate to leadoff the ninth for the Nationals, he had yet to collect a hit. During the season, Werth ranked fourth in the MLB for most pitches seen during an at bat. Last night, Werth had the at bat of his Nationals career.

Werth finally connected with the 13th pitch he saw and put it in the Cardinals bullpen for the walk off home run. It was the 14th home run of his playoff career. Drew Storen was credited with the win.

The Nationals had just three hits on the game, yesterday, but two of them were home runs. The only other National to collect a hit yesterday was Ryan Zimmerman.

Yesterday was an example of what the Nationals are capable of. Ross Detwiler is the bottom of the rotation starter and is only pitching in the post-season because Stephen Strasburg was shutdown. The bullpen showed us all that they still got it after not giving up a hit and striking out 8 over three shutout innings.

The only left is for the bats to pick up. The Nationals have struggled mightily this post-season offensively. If they want to have success tonight, they'll need to find a way to get the offense going.

Last night, however, all they needed was two two-run homers to win the game. Tonight, it's game five at Nationals Park and Gio Gonzalez will be facing Adam Wainwright. First pitch is at 8:37 PM EST.

Check back here on The Skinny On Sports prior to tonight's game for my game five preview!

Follow the blog on Twitter @SkinnyOnSports and on Facebook by searching The Skinny On Sports!!

Nats Turn To Detwiler For Save

Detwiler, above, could become an unlikely hero in this Nationals season today. (Photo: Keith Allison)

Today, the Nationals face elimination from the playoffs to the St. Louis Cardinals. Who will be on the mound to keep their playoff hopes alive? Well, that would St. Louis native Ross Detwiler.

This season was Detwiles first full season as a starter for the Nationals. He's seen the lowest of the lows, being benched for Chien-Ming Wang, and the highest of the highs, he struckout seven in April against the Marlins while giving up just three hits in a 2-0 victory. Today's game, however is by far the most important in his career.

The last time Detwiler squared off against the team from his hometown, the Cardinals, it didn't end well. He lasted just 2.1 innings and gave up seven runs, three earned, and four hits including a home run. He walked five and struckout just three while throwing 81 pitches. It was a dismal start to say the least.

Detwiler has yet to be put in this kind of position in his young career. He's never been the guy that a team has turned to with literally the season on the line. Today, he'll get his chance to make a huge statement against a line-up that has torn apart the Nationals pitching so far this series.

So far in this series, the Cardinals have put together 18 hits collectivley. They've hit two home runs and seven RBI. David Freese, Daniel Descalso, and Carlos Beltran have been the big three for the Cardinals. Freese has a batting average of .429, Beltran has collected three RBI, and Descalso has scored three runs.

If Detwiler wants to keep the Nationals playoff run alive, he'll need to bring his best stuff; which is something we haven't seen in a while. Detwiler lost three of his last four starts in the regular season including a 6-4 loss to the Phillies and a 10-4 loss to the Cardinals.

Detwiler hasn't pitched since September 30th and that will have a huge impact on how comfortable he is to start the game. Throwing a game simulation is nothing compared to the pressure of an elimination game.

If he can survive the early innings, the Nationals will have a chance. Another thing that will need to happen is for the bats to come alive. Simply put, the Cardinals have been hitting everything and the Nationals haven't been to get something going. They'll get a leadoff double and then spoil with three poor at-bats following that.

This team has relied and Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez, and Jordan Zimmermann all season long as their aces. Detwiler has been the guy at the end of the rotation that takes up a slot. Today, however, Detwiler will have his chance to solidify himself as a regular on the Nationals rotation.

What do you think about Detwiler's chances at winning the game? Start the conversation and leave a comment below with your thoughts!!

Follow the blog on Twitter @SkinnyOnSports and on Facebook by searching The Skinny On Sports!!

League Leading Nats

While the Washington Nationals locked up the best record and home field advantage in the National League, some other players topped the charts in other categories. Let's take a look!

Most Wins (NL/MLB): Gio Gonzalez
Gio Gonzalez had a season certainly worthy of a Cy Young. The Nationals ace won 21 games and lost just eight. He finished the regular season with an ERA of 2.18 and fanned 207 batters. In 199.1 innings pitched, Gonzalez finished with a Walks, Hits per Innings Pitched (WHIP) rating of 1.13. Opposing batters struggled mightily against him and had an average of just .206.

Least Amount Of Hits Allowed (NL): Gio Gonzalez
Yet another impressive stat that aids his candidacy for the Cy Young Award, Gonzalez allowed just 149 hits over 199.1 innings. He allowed 11 hits less than Edison Volquez.

Least Runs Allowed (NL): Gio Gonzalez and Jordan Zimmermann
Zimmermann and Gonzalez both tied for tops in this category with 69 runs given up. Of those 69 runs, 64 of the runs were earned. That ties them for first in that category with Clayton Kershaw, as well.

Most Strikeouts (NL): Danny Espinosa
Poor Danny had a rough year at the plate. It started off well, however, as he was near the top of the charts in walks drawn to start the season. However, the old Danny returned as we moved through the season and he finished the season with an NL high 189 strikeouts.

Most Runs Scored by Rookie (NL): Bryce Harper
Who else but the run generating man himself? Harper scored 98 runs for the Nationals this season to lead all rookies in the National League by at least 15. Harper is most certainly in the running for Rookie of the Year after the sensational season that he had.

Most Triples by Rookie (NL/MLB): Bryce Harper
It could have been an infield hit and Harper would have tried to stretch it into a double. If he hit a bloop double into right field he would then try to stretch it into a triple. Harper led all rookies this season with nine triples.

Most Strikeouts by Rookie (NL): Bryce Harper
With great power comes great responsibility. Harper is going to have to learn when to take pitches and when to swing at them. He led all rookies with 120 strikeouts. Toward the end of the season, he started to get more patient in his at-bats, but he will still need to work on that in order to improve for next season.

The Nationals had a lot of great things happen this regular season. Adam LaRoche broke the 100 RBI barrier and Gio Gonzalez led the MLB in wins. As the Nationals head into the post-season, the Nationals will look to continue their winnings ways all the way to the World Series.

Follow the blog on Twitter @SkinnyOnSports and on Facebook by searching The Skinny On Sports!!

Stat Source: ESPN.com

Nats Playoff Picture

(Photo: dbking)

Now that the regular season has finished up, it's time to look toward the post-season (that is still fun to say/type/write!). The playoff picture is set for the Washington Nationals...kinda.

First off, with the Nationals 5-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies yesterday, they clinched the best record in the National League and will have home field advantage throughout the post-season. They were tied with the Reds for the best record in baseball, but with today's win they take that crown.

For the Nationals opening game of the 2012 National League Division Series, they will play the winner of the Wild Card Round between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Atlanta Braves. The outcome of the game, which will played Friday at 5 PM EST, will determine the final two pitching rotation spots. If the Braves win, expect to see John Lannan in the rotation.

No matter the outcome, the Nationals will play their first two games of the five game series on the road at their opponent. The last three games of the series will be played at Nats Park. The series begins this Sunday at 7 PM EST. The Nationals won't have their first home playoff game since the club came to D.C. in 2005 until next Wednesday.

Gio Gonzalez will open the series this Sunday and Jordan Zimmermann will follow after that. The rest of the rotation depends on whether the Nationals play the Cardinals or the Braves.

Keep in mind, this is a best-of-five series for the Nationals. If the arrive at Nats Park next Wednesday in a 2-0 game deficit, each game could be the final game of the season. Luckily, the Nationals are very successful at home and should be able to hold that home field advantage through the playoffs.

Follow the blog on Twitter @SkinnyOnSports and on Facebook by searching The Skinny On Sports!!

Johnson Hurts Nerves

Johnson, center, should be just fine despite his recent injury. (Photo: Miss Chatter)

Usually in the late August to early October days we seen players that are a bit dinged up. They can still play, but they are a little sore. A tender ankle here. A tender hand there. It's expected and practical after a grueling 162 game regular season. However, rarely do you see a manager banged up.

Nationals 69-year old manager Davey Johnson left the game today in the seventh inning after his leg went numb. James Wagner of the Washington Post has the complete story here.

The report says that Johnson originally felt the numbness in the third inning. He took some medication to see if it would go away and that didn't help. In the seventh inning, Johnson decided to leave the dugout to get further treatment.

He left to get an x-ray done which revealed that two discs in his spine were narrowing (a normal thing). Due to the narrowing, they were pressing against the nerves and thus his leg went numb. To combat that, Johnson has taken some medicine to help the swelling and if it still doesn't subside, he will have to get a shot.

This will not effect Johnson's ability to manage in the playoffs. After the way this season has gone, I don't think he'll let anything effect his ability to manage in the playoffs. He's a modern day Lou Brown (for you young kids, he was the manager of the Indians in the popular baseball movie series "Major League").

Like everything else this season, Johnson is using humor to get through the situation. When asked about his level of concern for his leg, Johnson simply said "I don't want to miss a step going up (the dugout) and doing a header like Gio or somebody."

Follow the blog on Twitter @SkinnyOnSports and on Facebook by searching The Skinny On Sports!!

Source: Washington Post

Life After Strasburg

Gio Gonzalez, above, will be the Nats ace in the post-season. (Photo: Geoff Livingston)

As the Nationals clinch the NL East Division Championship with a loss last night, I couldn't help but come to the realization of something: Once Strasburg got shutdown, the Nationals pitching staff has considerably dropped off.

Strasburg was shutdown for good following a 9-7 loss at the hands of the Miami Marlins. It was by far Strasburg's worst start of the season and some credited that due the fact that he was about to be shutdown. I, personally, think that the Marlins just got the best of him that night.

Since then, however, the Nationals are 11-11 and haven't been able to string together more than three wins in a row and have lost as many as three in a row. Tonight against the Phillies, the Nationals will be looking to stop a two-game losing streak.

Over the past 22 games, the Nationals have given up more than five runs eight times. Twice they have given up more than ten runs including a 12-2 loss against the St. Louis Cardinals. Just once have the Nationals pitching staff shutout a team.

Could the Nationals pitching staff be losing steam? A rotation that was once dominant and tops in the major leagues has been vulnerable as of late and that leaves a lot of decisions as to who will be the starting pitchers in four-man post-season rotation.

The obvious first choice is Gio Gonzalez. He has one 20+ games and has been lights out for the Nationals. He will likely be the starting in game one. The next easiest decision is to put Jordan Zimmermann on the rotation. Zimmermann has been getting better and better as the season goes on and look to him to fair well in the post-season.

The last two spots will likely come down to Ross Detwiler, Edwin Jackson, and John Lannan. All three were at one point dominant in the season. Lannan has the least amount of experience in the MLB this season, but, that does not mean he isn't the least qualified.

This season, Jackson has been much more consistent and reliable one the mound. He also doesn't take long to settle into a groove. So with that in mind, I'm labeling Jackson as the third man in the rotation.

The final spot will come down to Detwiler and Lannan. When at their best this season, both have been lights out. However, when teams are able to string a few hits together, things fall apart quickly for these two.

Detwiler takes a couple innings to settle into a groove. Usually, you'd like to see your starting pitcher be settled and ready to roll as you start the second inning. That is not always the case for the Detwiler. At times, Lannan can be the same way. It can sometimes take him two to three innings to settle in.

So how do you decide? Well, when things get a little out of hand early, who's able to recover the best? In my opinion, it's Ross Detwiler. When things go wrong early for Lannan, they stay wrong until he's finally pulled from the game. For Detwiler, he's able to regain his composure and the damage that has already been done will be the only damage that is done.

So here's my post-season starting pitching staff:

1) Gio Gonzalez
2) Jordan Zimmermann
3) Edwin Jackson
4) Ross Detwiler

We could probably expect the bullpen to be the likely suspects of Craig Stammen, Tyler Clippard, Sean Burnett, and Drew Storen.

Like I stated above, the Nationals starting pitching has fallen off since Stephen Strasburg was shutdown. They have a .500 record and there are still two games left in the season. Hopefully, the Nationals haven't peaked too soon. This team has a lot of talent and a lot of potential to go deep into the post-season.

Got an idea for the Nationals pitching staff? Leave a comment below stating who you would pick and why.

Follow the blog on Twitter @SkinnyOnSports and on Facebook by searching The Skinny On Sports!!

CHAMPS!!!

At about the same time Danny Espinosa fielded a ground ball to end the eighth inning, the Pirates did the same to end the game against the Atlanta Braves. In doing so, they clinched the NL East Division Championship for the Washington Nationals.

While the Nationals lost to the Phillies 2-0, there is still plenty to celebrate. This is the first division championship for the DC ball club since they came to the district back in 2005. When watching the team and fans celebrate, you'd never have known that they lost the game.

It's symbolic, in a way. On the same night that the Phillies, who dominated the NL East as of late, are in town, the Nationals clinch their first ever NL East title. Also, the Pirates defeated the long time kings of the division, Atlanta Braves, to hand the Nationals the crown.

It's a changing of the guard. The Nationals have officially completed one of the greatest single season turn arounds in D.C. sports history. They went from a team that lost at least 100 games twice in the past four season and was in the cellar of the division, to a team that will nearly win 100 games and will be at the top of the division when all is said and done.

You can't help but feel the same joy and happiness that we saw when the Nationals players got the word before the ninth inning that they were the NL East Champs. They way the dugout, and Nats Park, came apart after seeing the official announcement was put on the board was sensational.

What made the evening so special was how the players returned to the field following their initial celebrating to celebrate with the fans. All season long "Natitude" has grown in D.C. and it boiled over into one extravagant climax following the game. Players were high-fiving with fans and some even sprayed champagne into the stands.

It's time, D.C. Year after year we've seen the Wizards fall short, the Capitals come so close, and the Redskins collapse in the playoffs. This time, however, the Nationals are stepping up to the plate to bring a title back to D.C.

The playoff are right around the corner and I just have one thing to ask...

Are you ready, DC, to show your #NATITUDE?

Follow the blog on Twitter @SkinnyOnSports and on Facebook by searching The Skinny On Sports!!

Nationals Have Pitching Problems

A couple days ago, Davey Johnson finally switched the roles of pitchers Chien-Ming Wang and Ross Detwiler. Detwiler was taken out of the bullpen and back into the rotation while Wang was sent back to the bullpen.

Let's be honest, if it ain't broke don't fix it. And that is exactly what Davey Johnson tried to do. He tried to tweak the best starting rotation in all of baseball and it blew up in his face. Having Detwiler as the number five starter to start with was just fine. At one point, statistically he was the Nationals best pitcher (yeah...you heard me).

The best reason that anyone ever gave me as to why the switch to insert Wang (oh...that sounds bad) in the starting rotation was that he has more experience in a late season playoff push drama type of situation. Let me ask you this, if you don't want Ross in there because he doesn't have the experience, then how is he supposed to get it?

I'll answer that for you...he won't. If you don't water the seed, the plant won't grow.

Then, Chien-Ming Wang stunk it up out there. Rarely did he get out of the third inning alive and even then he would get torn apart in the fourth inning. His first pitch back in the majors came on a relief appearance in which he gave up a two run double.

Detwiler, while he may feel right at home coming out of the bullpen, should be a starting pitcher for the Nationals. If it makes him feel more comfortable, just have him run out of the bullpen at the beginning of the game.

I fear that we haven't seen the last of Chien-Ming Wang. The Nationals are standing firm on their 160 innings limit that they have placed on Stephen Strasburg. With the way the Nationals organization has handled injuries in the past (and they've done quite well, really), I wouldn't expect to see Strasburg past September 15th.

So, since the Nationals ace will be out for the season, that leaves just one guy available: Chien-Ming Wang.

To better prepare Wang, and the organization, for a late season playoff push, it would serve them well to have sent to Triple or Double A until then. He needs to work on his mechanics and gain some confidence. He isn't necessary to have in the bullpen.

While it may seem that the Nationals have it all figured out with their pitching staff, there are still some foreseeable tough decisions coming in the near future and down the road. The Nationals will need to sort out their dilemma with Chien-Ming Wang and prepare for when Stephen Strasburg is shut-down for the rest of the season.

Lombo Solves Lead-Off Problem

Lombardozzi, above, has been great for the Nationals. (Photo: kffl.com)

Last season, the Nationals could not find anyone suitable for the lead-off spot in the line-up. They started off this season with Ian Desmond and Danny Espinosa both taking turns. However, they seem to have landed on the lead-off man they have been looking for.

Standing at six feet flat and weighing a whopping 195 pounds, Steve Lombardozzi hardly looks like your typical major league baseball player. He's a right handed switch hitting second baseman that can play in the outfield if Davey Johnson so pleases. The Fulton, Maryland native is your prototypical do-it-all baseball player.

After batting a satisfactory .265 in the month of April, Lombardozzi exploded in May batting .348 throughout the entire month. He had a slugging percentage of .435, but never hit a home run (he hit six lead-off doubles). He struck out just twice and reached first base on a walk three times. He also scored eight runs in May.

Steve Lombardozzi is a critical piece to the Nationals puzzle that often goes over looked. Last season, the Nationals would have given anything for a lead-off man this good. This season, it's a spot that they seldom have to worry about thanks to his consistently great play.

Last night, Lombardozzi hit a lead-off double to start the game. Bryce Harper then stepped into the batters box and knocked him in with an RBI single. Lombardozzi barely beat-out Jose Bautista's laser throw from right field to score the games first run before an out was even recorded.

That is the kind of luxury that the Nationals have been getting from "Lombo" ever since he took over the lead-off role. He gets on base early, and then let's the combination of Harper-Zimmerman-LaRoche-Morse bring him across the plate to score the run.

What's more impressive than his batting average is his on base percentage. Throughout May, he maintained a .392 on base percentage. He was hit by two pitches and took three more for a called ball four. Simply put, the man gets on any way he can.

This June, Lombardozzi has gotten off to a cold start. He's batting just .154 with and on base percentage of .241. He's been walked three times (which isn't bad considering it's the beginning of the month) and has struck out five times already.

Despite the slow start in June, Lombardozzi is a gem that the Nationals have uncovered. He can play any position on the diamond (including the hot corner the Ryan Zimmerman usually occupies) and plays them all very well.

The top of the Nationals order is fast becoming one of the most treacherous in the MLB thanks to Steve Lombardozzi. The more you break this team down, the better they look for a HUGE push into late October.