My Team - Nationals at Atlanta

Proposed starters -

Friday: Jordan vs Wood
Saturday: Strasburg vs. Minor
Sunday: Gonzalez vs. Terehan

Thursday's home loss to the Giants was heartbreaking & continuation of a theme. The Nationals played just well enough to lose, and the closer's struggles continue. For those who feel the closer's role is overrated or overpaid, just watch Soriano work. The combination of a) lack of command and b) lack of a pitch he can count on to get a key out or strikeout means late innings become more stressful than necessary. Maybe the team needs a different closer in '14?

The Braves just swept Washington last week in D.C. Why won't it happen again? The Braves' pitchers gave up 6 runs in 3 games. Who's to say similar performance won't happen this time?

For Atlanta, Uggla is on the 15-day D.L. after Lasik surgery. If his replacement Pastornicky makes any kind of contact at the plate, it may make up for Uggla's all-or-nothing approach. Otherwise, the Braves are hitting better, fielding better and pitching better than Washington. The Braves' magic number for clinching the NL East is 28. I wouldn't be surprised if the Braves sweep Washington again.

For the Nationals, I would at least like to see the following this weekend:

1) Storen get a chance to pitch in the late innings, and regain his confidence at this level.
2) Bench guys like Bernadina get some at bats. This may be the last 6 weeks we see the "Goon Squad" in its present configuration.
3) Jordan get another win, as he approaches his innings pitched limit for this season.

When your team is out of it, you look for positive signs. I still believe the team is a contender in '14, dependent on who manages the team next season.