Following Saturday’s loss in Miami, the Washington Nationals were 52-99 overall, one loss away from the organization’s first 100-loss season since 2008 (103) and 2009 (102). However, those hundred loss years gave them their No. 1 overall picks, which they used on Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper. It's rough on the fans, players, and front office, including Dave Martinez.
Before the series finale in Miami on Sunday, Martinez said of all the losing this season, “For me it’s been tough... Because I do love to win. I love to win games, but I understand where we’re at, I understand the process of this whole thing ... [but]... honestly, I didn’t even know we were that close [to 100 losses], I really didn’t. I’m focused on getting these guys better, and having these guys being ready to compete next year, and getting better, and hopefully our record would indicated that next year as well. So for me, it’s all about getting these guys out there, teaching them every day, and making sure that when they leave here this year we have a plan for them moving forward for Spring Training.”
This is good to see and hear that the Manager who led the team to a World Series just three short years ago that the feeling of losing isn't just something that he takes lightly. Hopefully, this feeling sticks with the team so that they are reminded of this so that this doesn't happen again.