My Team - Nationals at Arizona, At Season's End

Potential starting pitchers -

Friday: Strasburg vs Corbin
Saturday: Haren vs McCarthy
Sunday: Roark vs Miley

(starting pitchers subject to change)

My favorite soap opera is coming to a close. My favorite reality show is gonna shutter soon. After the last-minute rush and the disappointing struggle against the Marlins, the Nats are formally eliminated from playoff contention. These last three games in Arizona are for professional pride, a chance to get the team ready for 2014, and maybe a chance to get some insight on who might be the Washington manager next year.

The Diamondbacks have a fairly young team, and that bodes well for their future. Goldschmidt is the slugging 1B who's an MVP candidate. The outfielder Parra is a very good defender, who has occasional power. Outfielders like Pollock and Eaton can provide a spark, and are still highly-regarded prospects. The SS Gregorius has a ton of potential & had a decent year this season. He has great range and a plus arm. I like watching him play shortstop. They had a chance to compete this year, just before the Dodgers started playing up to their abilities.

On the mound, Corbin had five strong months, with an ERA under 3. Lately, he's been getting roughed up a bit. I suspect he'll bounce back on Friday night. McCarthy, Arizona's Saturday starter, has had an up & down year (mostly down). That will probably continue as well.  Miley, who starts on Sunday, has been quietly effective. Arizona doesn't have a lot of hard throwers, but they work quickly & throw strikes.

Left-handed hitters like Harper and LaRoche have struggled against left-handers this season. Runs for the Nats may be hard to come by Friday & Sunday.

For my favorite team, I wonder if the starters will go deep into these games? Is there a need for it to happen? Strasburg has shown he can go a full season. Haren has had a strong second half, and may be pitching for an opportunity with a new team for next year. Roark has shown a strong competitive streak, and is in the running to take the 5th starter slot for which Haren was signed. I would be surprised if Washington starters go more than 6 innings. There are guys in the bullpen (Cedeno, Abad, Davis) who could use some work this weekend.

I suspect Arizona will win Friday and Sunday, with Corbin & Miley both going around 7 strong innings with minimal pitch counts. I also suspect Haren will get roughed up on Saturday, but Washington will score enough to make up for that occurrence.

With that last win, Washington could finish with 85 wins. Not bad, but disappointing compared to the March projections. I look forward to 2014, which for the team should be the type of season expected in 2013. "Wait 'til next year!"