Nationals opening day!
Bryce Harper is the LeBron James of Major League Baseball. Unlike LeBron, Harper is still in the early part of his career. At least his was. Trea Turner is the now the next big thing for the Nationals. Harper is entering his sixth season as a pro. His 2015 MVP season validated a lot of the hype coming into the league. He regressed hard in 2016, with his batting average dropping almost a hundred points and hitting just over half as many home runs. This is a make or break season for Bryce Harper and the Washington Nationals.
Opening day is where it all starts. Super star pitcher Max Scherzer won't make the start today but Stephen Strasburg is no slouch. He's been opening day starter before, I expect a great performance. After going 13-0 and then getting hurt and missing the last half of the season Strasburg will be more focused on dominating in October then April. However everyone wants to do good on opening day. Start the season off on the right foot.
Trea Turner, as mentioned before, is the next big thing in DC. He'll be batting lead off to start the year. This is a big deal because the Nationals have struggled in years to find a consistent leadoff man. If Trea can consistently get base the likes of Harper, Werth or even Ryan Zimmerman will surely bring him home consistently. Newcomers Matt Wieters in Adam Eaton will also look to make an impact in game one of the season. If they can stay healthy they will both be major parts of what should be a championship year.
Today's opponents, the Miami Marlins. They will put thier offseason pick up on the mound, Edinson Volquez. Joining his new team he looks to bring his ERA back down to earth. He posted a 5.37 ERA in 2016 but also had 139 K's. The always dangerous Giancarlo Stanton is the one, who over the last 5 season, has had the most success against Stephen Strasburg. Batting .433 when facing him in the last 30 AB. Dee Gordon is a great leadoff man and will be a tuff first out. If Strasburg doesn't start strong he could be a long opening day.
Nationals starting line up:
1. Trea Turner, SS
2. Adam Eaton, CF
3. Bryce Harper, LF
4. Daniel Murphy, 2B
5. Ryan Zimmerman, 1B
6. Jason Werth, RF
7. Stephen Drew, 3B
8. Matt Wieters, C
9. Stephen Strasburg, P
Marlins starting line up:
1. Dee Godan, 2B
2. JT Realmuto, C
3. Yelich, CF
4. Staton, RF
5. Bour, 1B
6. Ozuna, LF
7. Dietrich, 3B
8. Hechavarria, SS
9. Volquez, P
