3 Reasons the Nationals Will Absolutely Win the World Series
By Parker White
Haven't we seen this before? You would think under the new format that Wild Card teams don't have a shot at making a deep run in the playoffs. But just like the 2014 San Francisco Giants, this version of the Washington Nationals appear to be the team of destiny. However, whether they face the New York Yankees or Houston Astros, they'll be going up against one of the better teams in the last decade or so.
This roster is littered with talent, and they have a ton of momentum. So, here are three reasons the Nationals will absolutely win the World Series.
3. Ability to Make Contact
Good pitching beats good hitting, right? That may be true, but that doesn't mean an offense that is looking to make contact won't thrive. The Nationals are the perfect example of this, and NLCS MVP Howie Kendrick embodies this approach. Kendrick has struck out only seven times over 38 at-bats this postseason. Most teams are striking out in double digits per contest in October, and the Nationals are averaging around nine strikeouts a game as a team. That doesn't mean a Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole or Luis Severino can't dominate the Nationals batting order, but there's a better chance the likes of Anthony Rendon and Juan Soto put the barrel on the baseball due to their high contact rate, which usually leads to runs.
2. Bullpen Has Settled Down
Don't get me wrong, the Nationals bullpen is their biggest weakness. However, it hasn't been as big of an issue in the playoffs, which is a good sign for this team. They lead all postseason teams with five saves, and in 28.1 innings out of the bullpen, they have 35 strikeouts. Manager Dave Martinez can't expect his pen to give him 12 outs a game, but with Sean Doolittle and Daniel Hudson, they have enough to shut it down late.
1. Impressive Starting Rotation
Washington's starting staff has been dynamite in October, and now they get a chance to take a breather, which should only help them in the World Series. The Nationals' starting rotation leads all postseason teams in ERA (2.04), innings (61.2) and strikeouts (88), while holding opponents to a .168 batting average. Unlike most playoff teams, they have four starters they feel good about handing the ball to, whether that be Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Patrick Corbin or Anibal Sanchez. Pitching wins championships, and the Nationals certainly have that nailed down in the rotation.