Good Morning, Washington Nationals Fans.
Happy Monday? Let's start with a Nationals Trivia Question: Who was the first pitcher in Nationals History (2005 - present) to record a no-hitter, and what player was at the plate? Leave your answer below in the comment section. We will share the answer in tomorrow's Morning Briefing.
Okay, let's get back to Baseball. The World Series for 2020 is set. It is going to be the Tampa Bay Rays v. LA Dodgers.
Here is what is happening around the Washington Nationals and Major League Baseball.
IntraSquad Matchups
While the baseball world watched the World Series over the weekend, the Nationals prospects had a chance to play some fall ball in the Instructional League. From Federal Baseball: "But due to COVID concerns in Miami's camp, the Nationals played a five-inning intrasquad game and Mendoza had two hits, (including a double), and drove in three as his Team 1 beat Team 2 by a score of 4-0." [Read the full article here]
It is interesting to see which Washington Nationals prospects are playing. According to Baseball America, the Nationals team features all six of the Nationals draftees, headlined by Oklahoma right-hand pitcher Cade Cavalli. The group also includes lefthander Seth Romero, who made his MLB debut this group and is currently rehabbing. [Check out the full roster here]
One Year Ago
As the 2020 World Series is all set up, as Nationals fans, it's hard not to think about what we were all feeling this time last year. For us, back in 2019, we had a nice mix of excitement and nervousness, all meshed into one great feeling, however, even as baseball watchers, it is hard to get into this year's World Series, and it's not a reflection on the two teams who are playing in the Fall Classic. It just feels like Baseball is going through the motions on a lost year.
We will have some great 2019 look back World Series content on the website soon; however, in the meantime, check out our article on why we think that the 2019 World Series Washington Nationals were a team of destiny.
Behind the Plate
We think a big topic of conversation for the Washington Nationals during the offseason will be who will be behind the plate. We obviously, know that Yom Gomes will be one of the two catchers; however, who will be the second? Will the Nationals go big and get free agent J.T. Realmuto or will they go with a cheaper option? However, it looks like after two seasons, and it might be time to say goodbye to Kurt Suzuki. Mark Zuckerman from MASN Washington makes the case:
"The drop in power production this season could be a concern, or it could just be a weird one-off during a weird, 60-game season. The greater concern is the same thing that's been the biggest concern about Suzuki since he came to D.C.: his arm. It definitely cost the Nationals games over the last two years. Given Martinez's stated desire to improve the majors' worst defense in 2021, and given Suzuki's advanced age, it feels like the Nats will be ready to part ways and look for a new catcher." [Read the full article here]
Other Washington Nationals Headlines:
Nationals: The George Springer stock continues to risevia District on Deck
Michael A. Taylor's best moments with the Nats came in the biggest gamesvia Washington Post Sports Bog
Washington Nationals' Tanner Rainey & Kyle Finnegan two of the positives in 2020 via Federal Baseball
Washington Nationals star Max Scherzer Selling $15M Virginia Mansionvia Realtor.com
Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2021via MLB Trade Rumors
World Series 2020
Well, the World Series is set. This year, we will see the Tampa Bay Rays v.
On Saturday, the Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Houston Astros 4-2. 2nd year Randy Arozarena hit a monster 416 foot home run to put the Rays ahead in Game 7, and they never looked back. Arozarena's 21 postseason hits are one shy of Derek Jeter's 1996 playoff rookie record. Arozarena has broken out in this postseason and is already the ALCS MVP player. In the ALCS Randy Arozarena, hit .321 with four home runs and six RBI's. [Read the full recap]
Unfortunately, for the Houston Astros and, more specifically, former Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker, the Astros were unable to come back from a 3-0 deficit and advance to the 2020 World Series. Former Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker has now lost five elimination games during his managerial career.
LA Dodgers Win the NL Pennant
After losing the first two games in the series against the Atlanta Braves, the LA Dodgers for the third time in four years, the LA Dodgers are heading to the World Series. In an instant NLCS Game 7 classic, the Dodgers beat the Atlanta Braves 4-3. NLCS MVP Cody Bellinger, whose game-winning seventh-inning home run of Atlanta's Chris Martin was the difference in last night's game.
Some interesting facts about the LA Dodgers win last night:
They are the second team in the NLCS era to win the NL pennant three times in four postseasons. [Thank you, Nationals, for beating the Dodgers in the NLDS last season!]
Last night's Dodgers win is the fourth time a team has rallied from both 2-0 and 3-1 deficits to win a best-of-seven-series and first time since the 2004 Red Sox ALCS.
World Series Times and Dates
MLB has set the times and dates for the 2020 World Series, which will be played at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, and all times are East Coast Time. ESPN Radio will provide live national coverage of all 2020 MLB postseason games, and all games will be broadcasted nationally on Fox.
Here is the schedule:
Game 1: Tuesday, October 20, 2020
8:09 p.m. EST
Game 2: Wednesday, October 21, 2020
8:08 p.m. EST
Game 3: Friday, October 23, 2020
8:08 p.m. EST
Game 4: Saturday, October 24, 2020
8:08 p.m. EST
Game 5: Sunday, October 25 (if necessary)
8:08 p.m. EST
Game 6: Tuesday, October 27 (if necessary)
8:08 p.m. EST
Game 7: Wednesday, October 28 (if necessary)
8:09 p.m. EST
Other Major League Headlines:
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