Debate over who should lead off for the Nationals began as soon as Mike Rizzo dealt three top pitchers (they may leave our farm system, but never our hearts) for Adam Eaton. Eaton’s calling card was his ability to lead off and play great outfield defense – two things Trea Turner did for the 2016 version of the Nats. But Eaton took Turner’s centerfield spot, so Turner took Danny Espinosa‘s shortstop job, and Danny was sent home to California to grow his beard. Turner managed to keep his leadoff job coming out of spring training, but not coming off the DL as Dusty Baker used the return of Turner to switch a few things up. I wouldn’t stop there — I’d go a step further. Here would be my lineup:
Tag Archives: Trea Turner
Nats Make Waves at Caps Game
After a 4-2 loss to the Phillies Saturday, a group of Nationals and company witnessed an exhausting double OT Capitals loss in Game Two of their series against the Toronto Maple Leafs Saturday night. The boys were undeniable there, despite significantly less evidence of the outing than previous team adventures to Caps games and significantly fewer cowboy hats.
Turner Hits The DL
For right now, the Washington Nationals will miss Trea Turner. On Monday, the young shortstop was added to the 10-day disabled list after suffering a hamstring injury in Philadelphia on Saturday.
Kolko Makes Podcast Debut With ‘Between Innings’
The inaugural episode of “Between Innings with Dan Kolko” released Tuesday via Kolko’s Twitter account. The new podcast, featuring Kolko and MASN producer John, is recorded at Chad’s in Friendship Heights, a restaurant amidst a transition to a Nats-centric destination— a transition all ex-Orioles fans sympathize with.
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The Nationals’ Window Isn’t Closing, As Far As We Know
Two years is a long time in baseball.
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Trends of the Season: What to Watch for in 2017
Today is the day! The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the baseball players are no longer claiming to be in the best shapes of their lives. It’s Opening Day part two, which is kind of like when Parks and Rec released after The Office. We’re in the moments before starting a glass of lemonade, when you have the whole cup left to enjoy. There are 162 games to consume, and there are a few themes to follow that might enhance your appreciation of them.
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2017 Player Preview: Trea Turner
Trea Turner might have been the most exciting story coming out of the 2016 season. Sure, Max Scherzer won a Cy Young award, but he’s expected to be one of the best pitchers in baseball year in and year out. The Nationals did make the playoffs, but by coming up short in the NLDS yet again, it’s not something many fans are celebrating. Turner, though, made a huge impact on the field in only 73 games in 2016 and incited a wave of enthusiasm for his upcoming 2017 season. But MLB history is full of one-year wonders, so is Turner destined for greatness in 2017 or has the bar been set too high?
How Deep Are The Nationals?
January is typically the doldrums of the MLB offseason. Never mind that it is just a few days until the two-year anniversary of the Nationals’ signing of Max Scherzer: At this point in the offseason, most teams have made their moves and are filling their teams out around the edges. The Nationals have surely already made their biggest move in offloading several top prospects for Adam Eaton.
Nats Celebrate Christmas
With Rhett Wiseman, RC Orlan, and Nick Rickles still in the minors, there are no Jewish Nationals at the major league level. So, while the first night of Hanukah and Christmas eve fell on the same night, setting up the potential for a cross-holiday social media spectacular, a naked baby Eaton in a Santa hat and Ryan Zimmerman juggling limes will do just fine in its place.
Bryce (Finally) Ties the Knot
Bryce Harper and Kayla Varner tied the knot this Friday in La Jolla, San Diego. As any good wedding does, it had rain, photo booths, and Nationals players in tuxedos.