The Morning Briefing: Moneyball

Saturday Morning Headlines, news and more about the Washington Nationals and Major League Baseball

by Richard Wachtel

Updated October 17, 2020

Good Morning, Washington Nationals Fans,

It's Saturday morning and the start of the weekend. Yesterday, we watched the baseball movie "Moneyball." While watching the film, we thought about the sabermetric approach to assembling a competitive baseball team despite having a small budget and how it completely changed the game.

What is your favorite baseball movie of all time? Tell us in the comment section below.

Okay, back to baseball and the Nationals, here is everything that you need to know for Saturday, October 17, 2020.

Have questions, comments, or tips? Email us.

Washington Nationals Headlines

Changing of the Guard

This past week, Michael Taylor cleared waivers and declared free agency. This move will most likely mark the end of Taylor's time in Washington, D.C. The Nationals might also be saying goodbye to some fan favorites such as Adam Eaton and Aníbal Sánchez.

Our friends at Talk Nats.com analyze how multiple players designated for assignment and declared free agency would affect the Nationals 40 man roster. From the article: "The team has decisions for several veteran players like Eaton, but also Anibal Sanchez, Howie Kendrick and Eric Thames who all have options. We would expect all of them to have their options declined, but it is possible that the team could bring some of them back on "market rate" deals like they did last year with Ryan Zimmerman and Yan Gomes." [Read the full article]

Hudson 2.0

Byron Kerr from MASN Washington that despite some rocky moments during the shortened 2020 season, Washington Nationals closer Hudson feels "good" about heading into the offseason. "This season, Hudson had five blown saves. One that stung a lot was allowing the two-run shot to Dansby Swanson in the bottom of the ninth in Atlanta on August 17, a 7-6 loss. The Nats enjoyed a 6-3 lead after a Juan Soto solo shot in the top of the ninth and needed just three outs to record a win against the first-place Braves. But facing Hudson, Adam Duvall homered before Swanson unleashed his blast. It was the first time since June 2012 that Hudson had allowed two homers in one game. But as the season ended, Hudson got it going a bit. He didn't allow a run in his final three appearances and five of his final seven outings." [Read the full article]

Here are some other Washington Nationals Headlines that we are looking at:

From the Nats Report Archives: Bryce Harper Breaks His Silence And Explains His Entire Free Agency
Brad Holman enjoyed time with now-former Nationals' Pitching Coach Paul Menhart via Federal Baseball
Was strong finish enough for Fedde to earn spot in rotation? via MASN Washington

Around the League: the Championship Series

Yesterday, in the American League Championship Series, the Houston Astros won 7-4. It forced a Game 7 in the ALCS, and by winning last night, the Houston Astros became only the second team to fall behind 3-0 in a best of seven-game series and force a game 7. The other team to do this was the 2004 Boston Red Sox. [Here is a recap of last night's game]

In the National League Championship Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers stave off elimination in Game 5 by beating the Atlanta Braves 7-3. Dodgers Will Smith hit the go-ahead home run, and then Corey Seager homered twice to force a Game 6, which will be played tonight.

Tyler Skaggs News

In other Baseball News, according to ESPN, Former Los Angeles Angels employee Eric Kay indicted in Tyler Skaggs' overdose death, from the article: "Former Los Angeles Angels employee Eric Kay indicted in Tyler Skaggs' overdose death..." [Read the full article]

Other Major League News and Headlines