2020 Washington Nationals. Can the Nats build a dynasty?

[lucho2107]

L, (1-6) @Marlins Park
Another loss that complicates our chances to win the division. We lost the first game of the series in Miami. Strasburg started for us and gave up 4 runs in 5 innings. Javy Guerra gave up 2 more on the sixth. Matt Magil's debut with the team was a couple of clean innings. The offense was shut down thanks to a good performance by opposing starter Sandy Alcantara.

W, (4-1) @Marlins Park
We bounced back from the series opener defeat and managed to beat the Marlins thanks toa good performance by Patrick Corbin and the bullpen. Patty Ice went six innings and allowed just one run on 5 hits. The pen handled the rest of the game and Blake Treinen earned his 10th save of the year. Trea Turner had a good game as he went 3 for 5 with a couple of RBI´s

W, (5-3) @Marlins Park
After dropping back to back series we won the series finale at Miami and won the series. Anibal Sanchez started for us and went 7.1 innings allowing 3 runs. He recorded his 10th win of the year. Trea Turner finished a great series by going 2 for 5 with a key 2-run homer on the top of the 4th inning.

W, (4-2) @Camden Yards
We traveled to Baltimore to face the Orioles in the first Beltway Series of the year. We won the first game thanks to another great performance by Max Scherzer. Max worked for 7.1 innings allowing just one run in 6 hits. The run came via a homer by Jonathan Lucroy. Scherzer also punched out 10 rivals. Givens handled the rest of the eighth inning and Treinen recorded yet another save. Juan Soto went deep on the top of the 8th to give us an insurance run.

W, (7-1) @Camden Yards
We rallied behind our recent acquisition Kevin Gausman to sweep the Orioles in this short two-game series. Gausman went 7.1 innings and allowed just 3 hits and no runs. He also struck out 10. Matt Magill handled the rest of the game and gave up a solo shot to Rio Ruiz in the ninth. The offense was guided by Howie Kendrick who went 2 for 5 with a couple of doubles and 3 runs batted in.

League News
Adam Wainwright of the St Louis Cardinals was diagnosed with a Torn ulnar collateral ligament and will miss the rest of the season.

[lucho2107]

L, (5-9) @Nationals Park
We went back home to face another interleague series. And the game was just terrible for us. Strasburg only threw 17 pitches before exiting the game with an unknown injury. Victor Robles was injured while running for a ball in center field and he will be out of action of 5 months. Watson, Doolittle, and Guerra struggled during the middle innings and allowed the A´s to score 9 runs. Soto and Kendrick went deep for us but that was not enough.

Roster Moves
Andrew Stevenson was recalled from AAA to replace Victor Robles who was placed on the 60-day IL.

W, (5-3) @Nationals Park
We won the second game of the series behind a good performance by Patrick Corbin. He allowed just 2 earned runs in 7 innings. Givens, Treinen, and Harris were okay during the last two innings and Harris earned his second save of the year. Taylor and Gomes had solo shot. Zimmerman had a key 3-run homer on the eight to give us the lead and secure the victory.

Roster Moves
Stephen Strasburg was placed on the 15-day IL with a forearm strain. Wander Suero was recalled from AAA. We will try to work with a 4-man rotation for the next few weeks.

W, (12-6) @Nationals Park
A magnificent performance by Juan Soto allowed us to win the last game of this home series. Soto went 4 for 6 with 6 RBI´s. He had a three-run homer in the third inning to bring his season total to 25. Javy Guerra, the reliever, also went deep in the 8th inning for his first home run as a professional baseball player. In spite of Anibal Sanchez, early struggles the bullpen railed behind the offensive performance and managed to only allow one run on the last 7 innings.

League News
Jackie Bradley Jr signed an extension with the Red Sox´s worth 70.5M for 5 seasons (14.1 M avg per season)

W, (10-7) @Nationals Park
After a couple of good starts, Max Scherzer struggled and gave up 6 runs in just 3 innings. Nevertheless, the bullpen came through and held to Padres to one run on the next six innings. Our offense also did a good job and scored 6 runs in the first three innings as well. We scored a couple of more in the middle innings thanks to a couple of homers by Trea Turner and Adam Eaton

Roster Moves
Joe Ross was called up from AAA. Wander Suero was sent down to the Minors.

L, (4-6) @Nationals Park
We dropped the second game of the series thanks to a terrible nine inning. Gausman had a quality start as he went six innings and allowed 2 runs. We were up by 2 in the ninth when Treinen entered and gave up 3 runs. A couple of 2-run homers by Adam Eaton and Michael Taylor in the first 2 innings helped us create a futile difference.

W, (10-6) @Nationals Park
A grand slam by Zimmerman on the 4th inning helped us take the third game of the series. Zimmerman had a great game by going 3 for 4 with 4 RBI´s. Adam Eaton homered as well and he has gone deep on the last 3 games. Joe Ross made an impromptu start and did a decent job allowing just 3 runs in 6 innings.

L, (1-3) @Nationals Park
We dropped the final game of the series thanks to a good performance by opposing opener Chris Paddack. Paddack had seven shutout innings in which he only allowed 2 hits. Both hits were connected by our rookie Carter Kieboom. Corbin was okay but his six innings of 2-run baseball were not enough to help us get the W.

[lucho2107]

L, (8-13) @Colorado Field
Anibal Sanchez is having a terrible second half of the season. In the opener vs the Rockies, he gave up seven earned runs in just 1.1 innings. The game was decided there even tough our offense try to rally with a good 6th inning. More bad news as Blake Treinen keeps struggling.

L, (9-10) @Colorado Field
A terrible ninth inning cost us the game as we blew a 2 run lead. Zimmerman and Soto went deep and Turner had a good game by going 3 for 5 with 3 doubles. Nevertheless, that was not enough as Scherzer and Magil struggled again and Wil Harris gave up 3 runs on the final inning.

W, (5-4) @Colorado Field
A late-inning rallied helped us clinch the third game of the series. Adam Eaton had a key 2-out bases-clearing double that helped us tie the game. At the top of the ninth Eric Thames went deep and Treinen was able to hold the lead and earn his 14th save of the year.

L, (5-8) @Colorado Field
A poor pitching performance by Joe Ross, who gave up 6 runs in the first inning, helped the Rockies win the final game of the series. We tried a late-inning comeback thanks to a solo shot from Juan Soto in the sixth and a grand slam from Ryan Zimmerman on the eight, but it was not enough.

Roster Moves
Joe Ross and Tony Watson were DFA´d. Wander Suero and Javy Guerra (we have 2 Javy Guerra´s in the active roster) were called up from AAA and AA respectively. We are carrying a 9 man bullpen to a key 3 game series in San Diego

L, (3-4) @Petco Park
More 9th inning chaos. We were holding a one-run lead and were one strike away from the win when Blake Treinen gave up a 2-run walk-off home run to Tommy Pham. Javy Guerra made his debut in a Nationals uniform against his former team and went 1.1 innings without allowing one hit and no runs.

L, (3-4) @Petco Park
Another cruel extra-innings defeat. In spite of Anibal Sanchez's bad performance, the offense managed to tie the game by scoring 5 runs in the seventh inning. That was not enough as the Padres bullpen held us down for the next innings and in the bottom of the eleventh Trent Grisham had a walk-off single

W, (4-2) @Petco Park
We took the final game of the week thanks to a good performance by Max Scherzer and Howie Kendrick. Max went 7 innings and allowed just 2 runs. Suero handled the ninth and had his second save of the year. Kendrick had a great game as he went 3 for 4, with 2 doubles and 3 runs batted in.

[lucho2107]

W, (5-1) @Nationals Park
We won against the Mets on the first game of this home stance. Kevin Gausman had a good outing and went 6.2 shutout innings. He only allowed 6 hits and punched out 8 rivals. Turner, Eaton, and Zimmerman went deep against Steven Matz.

W, (8-2) @Nationals Park
It was another good day for our pitching staff as this time Patrick Corbin managed to go seven innings allowing just one run. Bourque, Guerra, and Doolittle handled the rest of the game. Turner went deep for his 23rd home run of the season, a career-high. Michael A Taylor also went deep against deGrom.

Roster Moves
We signed Gio Gonzalez, who was released by the White Sox´s, to a minor league contract for the rest of the season. He was placed on the active roster and James Bourque was sent down to AAA to make room.

L, (4-11) @Nationals Park
It was obvious the Gio Gonzalez bet was a long shot. He had an okay outing as he went six innings and allowed 4 earned runs. The bullpen had a terrible game, especially Matt Magill. Magill who we traded for at the deadline is having a bad season in D.C. Wilson Ramos was named player of the game as he had a couple of homers.

Roster Moves
Matt Magill was DFA and placed on irrevocable waivers. James Bourque was called up from AAA. Joe Ross cleared waivers and was placed on the AAA roster.

W, (8-6) @Nationals Park
We managed to overcome a very bad first inning from Anibal Sanchez and take a very important game in the race for the top spot of the national league wild card. Trea Turner and Juan Soto both had great games. Turner went 3 for 4 with a couple of doubles and Soto went 2 for 4 with 3 runs batted in. Suero threw a clean eighth and Treinen got out of a little jam in the ninth and recorded another save.

W, (3-1) @Nationals Park
Max Scherzer had a great performance when we needed him the most. Scherzer went 8 innings and allowed just one run. The big story of the night was Ryan Zimmerman as he recorded his 30th homer of the season and the number 300 of his career.

L, (5-13) @Nationals Park
Kevin Gausman kept us in the game for as long as he could but our horrible bullpen gave up 10 runs in just 3 innings. There was not a single decent performance from any of our 7 relievers. Didi Gregorius had a great game for the Phillies as he went deep twice and drove in 5 runs.

Roster Moves
Roster expansion date. Joe Ross and Tanner Rainey were called up.

[lucho2107]

W, (11-6) @Sun Trust Park
We won the first game of the series against the Braves. Patrick Corbin struggled a bit as he went 5 innings and allowed 4 earned runs. The bullpen was okay, except Javy Guerra who gave up 2 runs in the eight and managed to keep us at a comfortable difference. The offense relied on a good performance by Juan Soto who went 3 for 4 and a pinch-hit grand slam by Eric Thames.

L, (6-10) @Sun Trust Park
Gio Gonzalez's second start of the season was a bust. He gave up 6 runs in 3 innings thanks to a couple of back to back homers by Acuña Jr and Austin Riley. The bullpen gave up four more runs in the game, two of them by Tanner Rainey. Howie Kendrick had a good game as he went 3 for 5 with two doubles.

Roster Moves
Gio Gonzalez was designated for assignment. Stephen Strasburg was recalled from the injured list.

W, (7-4) @Sun Trust Park
We took the final game of the road series thanks to a great offensive performance by our lineup. Yan Gomes had a solo shot in the eighth, his fifth of the year. Anibal Sanchez is on a long slump and this start he gave up three runs in just four innings. The bullpen did a good job keeping down the Braves offense and Treinen recorded his 18th save of the year.

L, (1-2) @Citi Field
Steven Matz had a great performance for the Mets and he held us to only one run. Scherzer had some neck soreness and had to be taken out of the game after just 2 innings.

W, (6-5) @Citi Field
In spite of Kevin Gausman's first-inning struggles, he gave up 5 runs, we managed to take the game to extra-innings and win it. The bullpen had an incredible game as they recorded 9 innings of shutout baseball. The offense rallied behind this inspiring performance and won it in extras thanks to a homer by Michael A Taylor.

L, (1-5) @Citi Field
Noah Syndergaard was amazing for the Mets as he had a complete game and allowed just one run in three hits.

[lucho2107]

W, (7-2) @Citizens Park
We started a key series with a big win. Strasburg had a great game and went 6 strong innings after being replaced by a leadoff walk in the seventh. He allowed just one run that came thanks to a home run to left by Mike Mathook. Bourque, Givens, and Treinen handled the remaining three innings. The offense was great thanks to a couple of clutch hits by Mr. Nat, Ryan Zimmerman. He came to the plate in the 4th with the game tied at 0, one out and the bases full and delivered a bases-clearing double. On the 8th he delivered a single with the bases loaded and two outs to give us an insurance run. Juan Soto went deep to opposite field to record his 28th homer of the year.

L, (4-5) @Citizens Park
The second game of the series was exciting from the start. After an error by Starlin Castro, Anibal Sanchez, allowed two base-runners and a homer to put the Phillies in front. At the top of the third, Turner went deep with a runner on base. On the same inning, Suzuki brought home Castro with a double to tie the game. Sanchez recovered and had a good game, his final slash line was 6.0 IP/2H/2ER/5K. On the top of the 7th, Castro placed us in front thanks to an RBI single that brought Turner home. Nevertheless, on the bottom of the seventh Harper, who came as pinch hitter, tied it with a double. On the bottom of the ninth, the Phillies won it in a walk-off manner as Andrew McCutchen singled off Guerra with the bases loaded and two outs.

L, (3-4) @Citizens Park
In the final game of the series, we suffered another cruel defeat. This time it was in extra-innings. Scherzer had a good outing by going seven strong and allowing 3 runs. Eric Thames had a two-run homer in the ninth to tie it but on the bottom of the eleventh Alec Bohm brought home the winning run with a triple.

L, (0-3) @Marlins Park
The bats went silent when we needed them the most. Sandy Alcantara from the Marlins shut us down and we did not take advantage of a good performance from Kevin Gausman.

W, (7-3) @Marlins Park
Corbin was amazing in six innings as he did not allow a single earned run. The bullpen struggled a bit but the offense came up and scored enough runs to secure the win of the second game of the series.

L, (2-3) @Marlins Park
This loss probably will haunt us if we do not make the playoffs. A great pitchers duel as Strasburg went 8 innings without allowing a single run. On the top of the eighth Soto had a key homer and put us up by 2. In the bottom of the ninth Treinen was in charge of the save and he gave up 3 runs costing us the game.

Pennant Chase
We are 4 1/2 games behind the Phillies for the second spot of the National League Wild Card.

[lucho2107]

W, (9-6) @Nationals Park
We won the first game of the last interleague series of the season. The Orioles attacked Aníbal Sanchez early and scored 5 runs in the first inning. Our offense never gave up and managed to score 6 runs in the next three innings. Soto got his 30th homer of the year. Turner had a 3-run homer in the 7th to give us the lead that was protected by the bullpen.

League News
Fernando Tatis Jr had a historic game as he recorded 4 home runs.

W, (10-1) @Nationals Park
We won against the Orioles again and we have swept them. We won all 4 games played against them this season. Scherzer went seven innings and allowed just one run, a home-run by Rio Ruiz. The offense rallied behind Turner and Soto who had homers for their second night in a row.

W, (3-1) @Nationals Park
Kevin Gausman had a great game as he went 8 innings against the Marlins and only allowed one run. The run came thanks to a Lewis Brinson home run. He also struck out eleven rivals. Trea Turner had his third consecutive game with a home run and he has now 27 for the season.

L, (3-8) @Nationals Park
Patrick Corbin struggled a lot and Sean Doolittle was terrible on relief. The Marlins had the game in control at all times and we lack consecutive hits during most part of the game.

League News
The Tampa Bay Rays have won the AL East

W, (3-2) @Nationals Park
A base clearing double by Carter Kieboom on the second inning was enough to take the last game of the year against Miami. Strasburg went 5 innings and punched out 10 whilst allowing 2 runs. The bullpen had a good game as they kept the Marlins scoreless and secured the win.

Pennant Chase
We are practically out of the race for the playoffs. We are 5 1/2 games behind the second wild-card spot with 7 games remaining

[lucho2107]

L, (3-4) @Sun Trust Park
The last week of the season started as disappointing as usual. We lost in a walk-off fashion to the Braves. We managed to score two runs on the top of the ninth to tie the game, but Treinen blew the game and Ozuna was the walk-off hero for Atlanta. Juan Soto had his 32nd home-run of the year.

League News
Philadelphia Phillies secured the #1 spot of the NL Wild Card
New York Yankees secured the #1 spot of the AL Wild Card

W, (9-3) @Sun Trust Park
Carter Kieboom had a great day as he went deep twice and had 6 runs batted in and three bases on balls. He has 9 home runs this season. Max Scherzer had an okay start and went 7 innings allowing 2 earned runs and punching out 9 Braves.

League News
The Cleveland Indians have won the AL Central
The St Louis Cardinals have won the NL Central
The Los Angeles Dodgers have won the NL West

L, (2-6) @Sun Trust Park
Gausman struggled by giving up 6 runs in 3 innings. We are officially out of the race for a playoff spot and with this victory, the Braves clinched the division.

League News
The Atlanta Braves have won the NL East
The San Diego Padres have secured the #2 Wild Card spot
The Oakland A´s have won the AL West

W, (5-2) @Sun Trust Park
We won the last game of the year against the Braves. Patrick Corbin had a good game and Trea Turner went deep for his 29th home run of the year.

W, (6-2) @Citizens Park
Strasburg's last start of the year was a decent one as he went 7 innings and allowed just 2 runs. He punched out 14 rivals. Howie Kendrick had a good game as he homered and drove in 4 runs.

W, (7-3) @Citizens Park
Anibal Sanchez went 8.1 innings and allowed just one run. He did not have a good season. The offense was okay and they had a good game behind Carter Kieboom, who went 2 for 3 with a couple of doubles and bases on balls.

W, (8-2) @Citizens Park
The last game of the year was a win against the Phillies. Scherzer last start helped him lowered his ERA and rise his strikeout numbers. Eaton and Ryan Zimmerman had home runs.

League News
Matt Chapman from the Oakland A´s was injured and he might miss the playoffs.

[lucho2107]

*We did not make the playoffs but I will inform you about the series results. Any roster move or news (contract negotiation or updates) will also be announced.

Roster News
Aníbal Sanchez was diagnosed with a torn UCL and he will undergo TJ surgery.

AL Wild Card Tiebreaker
Los Angeles Angels 3 @ 5 Toronto Blue Jays.
Game MVP: Bo Bichette

AL Wild Card
Toronto Blue Jays 3 @ 4 New York Yankees
Game MVP: Aaron Hicks

NL Wild Card
San Diego Padres 9 @ 6 Philadelphia Phillies
Game MVP: Manny Machado

NLDS
San Diego Padres (2) vs (3) Los Angeles Dodgers
Series MVP:Will Smith

NLDS
St Louis Cardinals (3) vs (0) Atlanta Braves
Series MVP: Brad Miller

ALDS
New York Yankees(1) vs (3) Tampa Bay Rays
Series MVP: Austin Meadows

ALDS
Cleveland Indians(1) vs (3) Oakland A´s
Series MVP: Marcus Semien

NLCS
St Louis Cardinals (4) vs (3) Los Angeles Dodgers
Series MVP:Yadier Molina

ALCS
Oakland A´s(4) vs (2) Tampa Bay Rays
Series MVP: Chad Pinder

League News
Gleyber Torres was injured in the last game of the ALCS and will miss the next 6 months
Yadier Molina has signed an extension with the Cardinals for 2 years and 15.4M

WORLD SERIES
St Louis Cardinals(0) vs (4) Oakland A´s
Series MVP: Mark Canha

[lucho2107]

End of the year Roster Evaluation

I will do a season review before entering the offseason. All of the players in the 40-man roster who participated in more than 7 games during the season will be evaluated on a scale from A to F. If a player is going to be a free agent, he will have (FA) after his stats. If a player played his rookie season, he will have an (RK) after his stats. If a player was traded to the team, his grade and stats will be only on the time he played for the Nationals. The players who were traded away or DFA´d will not be graded.

Starters
Max Scherzer B- 3.88 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 202 IP, 265 K, 5.5 WAR
Stephen Strasburg B- 3.43 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 144.1 IP, 133 ERA+, 4.4 WAR
Patrick Corbin B- 3.76 ERA,1.31 WHIP, 196.1IP, 4.4 WAR
Kevin GausmanC- 4.02 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 69.1 IP, 0.9 WAR (FA)
Anibal Sanchez D 4.96 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 177.2IP,1.1 WAR (FA)
Joe Ross D- 5.37 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 115.2 IP, -0.1 WAR

Relievers
James Bourque B 2.54 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 56.2 IP, 179 ERA+, 1.0 WAR (RK)
Sean Doolittle F 4.65 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 62.0 IP, -0.3 WAR (FA)
Mychal Givens C- 3.76 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, 26.1 IP, 0.2 WAR
Javy Guerra D+ 4.09 ERA, 2.00 WHIP, 11.0 IP, 0.2 WAR
Javy Guerra C 3.72 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, 58 IP, 0.5 WAR
Will Harris C 3.90 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 62.1 IP, 2.40 FIP, 2.0 WAR
Tanner Rainey F 6.04 ERA, 1.78 WHIP, 25.1 IP. -0.0 WAR
Wander Suero B 2.64 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 44.1 IP, 173 ERA+, 1.1 WAR
Blake Treinen D 4.09 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 44.0 IP, 0.7 WAR (FA)

Catchers
Kurt Suzuki B- .280 AVG, .765 OPS, 468 PA, 1.9 WAR (FA)
Yan Gomes C- .227 AVG, .631 OPS, 227 PA, 0.2 WAR

Infielders
Eric Thames C- .188 AVG, .761 OPS, 209 PA, .267 ISO, 0.2 WAR (FA)
Ryan Zimmerman B+ .268 AVG, .835 OPS, 589 PA, 31 HR, 109 RBI, 2.7 WAR
Asdrubal Cabrera C .263 AVG, .751 OPS, 266 PA, 1.0 WAR (FA)
Starlin Castro C .312 AVG, .785 OPS, 85 PA, 0.4 WAR
Howie Kendrick A-.322 AVG, .844 OPS, 609 PA, 107 RBI, 3.4 WAR (FA)
Carter Kieboom B- .279 AVG, .783 OPS, 563 PA, 2.8 WAR (RK)
Trea Turner A .311 AVG, .890 OPS, 749 PA, 103 RBI, 28 HR, 47 SB, 5.6 WAR

Outfielders
Victor Robles B+ .293 AVG, .827 OPS, 494 PA, 3.8 WAR
Andrew Stevenson B .322 AVG, .770 OPS, 95 PA, 0.1 WAR
Michael A Taylor B .267 AVG, .778 OPS, 414 PA, 1.8 WAR
Adam Eaton A .335 AVG, .883 OPS, 548 PA, .386 BABIP, 4.1 WAR
Juan Soto A+ .310 AVG, 1.024 OPS, 638 PA, 32 HR, 106 RBI, 126 BB vs 99 SO, 7.6 WAR

* * *

Roster Moves
I will NOT execute the option on: Anibal Sanchez (it was for 12M) and Eric Thames (it was for 4M)
Howie Kendrick has decided to opt-out of his contract and will be a FA
I executed the option on Adam Eaton´s contract (it was for 10.5M)

[lucho2107]

Roster Moves
I´ve decided not to offer a contract to Aaron Barret, who was eligible for arbitration, and he will become a free agent.

Gold Glove Award
American League
P: Nathan Eovaldi (BOS)
C: Christian Vazquez (BOS)
1B: Matt Olson (OAK)
2B: Ehire Adrianza (MIN)
3B: Matt Chapman (OAK)
SS: Anderlton Simmons (LAA)
LF: Austin Meadows (TB)
CF: Kevin Kiermaer (TB)
RF: Alex Verdugo (BOS)

National League
P: Jake Arrieta (PHI)
C: Yadier Molina (STL)
1B: Anthony Rizzo (CHC)
2B: Kolten Wong (STL)
3B: Nolan Arenado (COL)
SS: Freddy Galvis (MIL)
LF: Austin Slater (SF)
CF: Harrison Bader (STL)
RF: Mookie Betts (LAD)


Reliever of the year Award
American League: Kyle Keller (LAA)
National League: Kenley Jansen (LAD)


Hank Aaron Award
American League
C: Gary Sanchez (NYY)
1B: Yordan Alvarez (HOU)
2B: Chad Pinder (OAK)
3B: Rafael Devers (BOS)
SS: Gleyber Torres (NYY)
LF: Austin Meadows (TB)
CF: Mike Trout (LAA)
RF: Joey Gallo (TEX)
DH: J.D Martinez (BOS)

National League
P: Jacob deGrom (NYM)
C: J.T Realmuto (PHI)
1B: Freddie Freeman (ATL)
2B: Gavin Lux (LAD)
3B: Nolan Arenado (COL)
SS: Fernando Tatis Jr (SD)
LF: Juan Soto (WAS)
CF: Cody Bellinger (LAD)
RF: Ronald Acuña Jr (ATL)

Rookie of the year Award
American League: Luis Robert (CWS)
National League: Gavin Lux (LAD)

Manager of the year Award
American League: Bob Melvin (OAK)
National League: Brian Snitker (ATL)

Cy Young Award
American League: Lucas Giolito (CWS)
National League: Jacob deGrom (NYM)

Most Valuable Player Award
American League: Mike Trout (LAA)
National League: Nolan Arenado (COL)

[lucho2107]

League News
The Indians have traded RHP Nick Wittgren and minor leaguer RF George Varela to the Brewers in exchange for CF Ender Inciarte

Roster Moves
The free agents have filed. I will be looking for a top Catcher, a top starting pitcher, and a couple of top relievers. I will also look for some infield help.

League News
1. The DETROIT TIGERS have signed MOOKIE BETTS!!! The contract was for 8 years and 233M. (29.1 avg per season)
2. The Cardinals have signed DJ LeMahie to a 5 year 75M contract
3. Raisel Iglesias was traded from the Reds to the Astros.

Roster Moves
We´ve signed reliever Keone Kela to a 2-year contract worth 14.5M. The second year of the contract has a team option attached.

League News
1. The Phillies have resigned Didi Gregorious thanks to a 7 year 112M contract
2. The Phillies have signed SP Charlie Morton for 2 years and 30.8M
3. Corey Kluber signed with the Los Angeles Angels for 54.4 M and 4 years
4. Reliever Tony Watson signed with the Braves for 2 years and 7.36M
5. The Yankees signed Kevin Gausman for 7 years and 123.9M
6. The Red Sox´s got Marcus Stroman with a contract of 7 years and 93.9M
7. The Reds have traded Michael Lorenzen to Philadelphia
8. The Blue Jays acquired Nick Castellanos from Cincinnati

Roster Moves
We´ve signed reliever Brad Hand to a one year deal worth 6M

League News
1. The Yankees signed Jake Odorizzi to a 4 year 59.6M deal
2. Anthony Rizzo signed with the Cleveland Indians for 6 years and 152M
3. Kirby Yates signed with the Yankees for 2 years and 14.3M
4. Austin Barnes was traded from the Dodgers to the Padres

Roster Moves
As the owner said we´ve signed Max Scherzer to an extension. It was for 3 more years (until 2024) worth 83M. The last year of the deal has attached a club option.

League News
1. Kurt Suzuki has signed a 3 year deal with the Los Angeles Angels worth 29.4M
2. Mike Minor signed a 3 year deal with the Dodgers for 29.6M
3. Minnesota has signed Derek Dietrich to an 18.3M deal for 3 years

Roster Moves
We´ve signed catcher Jason Castro to a 3 year 11.4M deal. The last year has a team option attached.

League News
1. The Yankees signed reliever Liam Hendricks to a 3 year 18M contract
2. Carlos Santana signed for 2 years and 14M with the Cubs
3. Ken Giles signed for 1 year and 6.1M with the Cardinals
4. Marcel Ozuna signed with Boston for 7 years and 151M
5. The Blue Jays signed Kike Hernandez to a 3-year contract worth 16.5M
6. Masahiro Tanaka signed with the Astros for 3 years and 19.8M
7. Mathew Boyd signed with the Yankees for 3 years and 8.6M

Roster Moves
We´ve signed SP Trevor Bauer to a 3-year 33M contract. The last year has a team option attached.

League News
1. Freddy Galvis has signed a 4 year deal with the Los Angeles Angels worth 27.4M
2. The White Sox´s signed Nelson Cruz for 2 years and 18.3M
3.C Danny Jansen was traded from Toronto to Colorado

Roster Moves
We´ve made a trade with the Boston Red Sox´s. We sent catcher Yan Gomes and minor leaguers Seth Romero and Jeremy Ydens. We received catcher Christian Vazquez and minor leaguer Durbin Feltman
We´ve signed 2B Kolten Wong to a 4-year deal worth 46.1M. The last year of the contract has a team option attached.

League News
1. Jonathan Villar has signed with the Padres for 4 years and 42.9M
2. James Paxton has signed with the Cubs for 5 years and 54.9M
3. Zack Britton has retired

Roster Moves
We´ve signed Rick Porcello to a one year deal worth 1.1M

League News
1. Barry Bonds, Curt Schilling, and Roger Clemens have been inducted to the Hall of Fame
2. Starling Marte signed with the Orioles for 5.6M and 2 years
3. The Rangers signed Jake Arrieta for 4 years and 35.6M
4. The Pirates signed a contract with Simmons for 5 years and 40.6M

Roster Moves
We´ve traded Joe Ross to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for minor league pitchers Drew Harrington and Tim Naughton.
We´ve signed 1B Daniel Murphy to a one year 4.5M deal

League News
1. The Baltimore Orioles signed a 2 year deal with Michael Brantley
2. J.D Martinez has signed a 3-year deal worth 63.8M with the Blue Jays
3. International free agent CF Takamasa Shimada has signed with the Phillies for 7 years and 161M

[lucho2107]

Notable spring training roster additions
-Drew Harrington LHP (AA)
-Jacob Condra-Bonga RHP (AA)
-Wellington Castillo C (Veteran)
-Drew Mendoza 1B (A+)
-Luis Garcia 2B (AA)
-Cristian Santana 3B (AA)
-Luis Sardinas SS (AAA)
-Carlos Tocci (AA)

Roster Moves
Terrible news from spring training camp as Patrick Corbin was diagnosed with torn flexor elbow and will be out for the next 6 months and probably all of the 2021 season.
I´ve signed Garret Richards, who underwent TJ surgery last season, to replace Corbin. His deal was for one year and 3.6M.

League News
Drew Pomeranz has decided to retire after not being able to recuperate from his last TJ surgery.
Sonny Gray was diagnosed with a stretched elbow ligament and will miss the upcoming season
Justin Turner was signed by the Tampa Bay Rays. The contract is for 1 year and 5.4M

Roster Moves
The first players cut from the spring training roster are: LHP Drew Harrington, RHP Jordan Guerrero, RHP Kyle McGowin, C Tres Barrera, 3B Drew Ward, RF Nick Banks, 1B Drew Mendoza.

League News
Kenley Jansen has signed a 2-year extension with the Dodgers. The deal is worth 11.6M

Roster Moves
Strasburg is suffering from back problems and he will be out of action for the next couple of weeks.
The players cut from the spring training roster are: LF Telmito Agustin, SS Luis Sardinas, 2B Cole Freeman, RHP Will Crowe.
I´ve traded Erick Fedde to the Pirates in exchange for Jameson Taillon (35% retain)

League News
The Braves and Freeman have reached an agreement to extend the contract for 5 more years. The deal is worth 137M, the season average salary will be 27.4M and there is an opt-out clause for the player after 2024 season.

Roster Moves
The third round of cuts in spring training consists of: RHP Sterling Sharp, RHP Ty Tice, RHP Jhonathan German, LF Yadiel Hernandez, 3B Christian Santana, 2B Adrian Sanchez.
Before the end of spring training, I´ve decided to trade Will Harris to the Boston Red Sox´s. We will retain 10% of his salary and will receive LHP Daniel McGrath and minor leaguer SP Thad Ward


Opening day Roster

The preseason predictions place us winning 86 games and finishing third on our division.

Starting Pitchers
Max Scherzer
Stephen Strasburg
Trevor Bauer
Rick Porcello
Jameson Taillon

Relievers
James Borque
Mychael Givens
Javy Guerra
Keone Kela
Tanner Rainey
Wander Suero
Daniel McGrath
Brad Hand

Catchers
Jason Castro
Christian Vazquez

Infielders
Daniel Murphy
Ryan Zimmerman
Kolten Wong
Starlin Castro
Wilmer Difo
Trea Turner
Carter Kieboom

Outfielders
Adam Eaton
Victor Robles
Michael A Taylor
Juan Soto

[lucho2107]

W, (4-3) @ Nationals Park
The first game of the new season came with a thrilling walk-off win. Max Scherzer went seven innings and allowed 2 runs (none earned) and punched out 13. Wander Suero took over in the eight and gave up one more run. We were heading to a 2-run defeat when at the bottom of the ninth Adam Eaton had a double that brought home the tying run. Adam Eaton was the hero again as he brought home Christian Vazquez with a single in the 11th to win the game. Wong debuted with 2 hits and Vazquez with one. Keone Kela and Brad Hand also made their debuts by throwing a shutout inning each.

League News
Bad luck for the Angels as their new signing Corey Kluber has suffered a torn rotator cuff and will undergo TJ surgery. He will miss this season and maybe a couple of months of the next one.

W, (14-3) @ Nationals Park
The second game of the series featured Stephen Strasburg vs Sixto Sanchez. We had a big first inning as our first five-player managed to get on base and score. In the 4th inning, there was a 70-minute rain delay. After that Strasburg gave up one run. He will end his performance by going 5 innings, allowing only 1 run, and striking out 7. Starlin Castro pinch hit for Strasburg on the fifth and had a double. Victor Robles followed him by going deep to left field. Daniel Murphy went deep as well on the seventh inning with one out to record his first home run of the year. Tanner Rainey gave up a couple of solo shots to the Marlins on the eighth but the offense responded on the bottom of the frame by scoring 5 more runs, three of them courtesy of a home run by Carter Kieboom. It was our very first blowout win of the year.

L, (3-5) @ Nationals Park
Trevor Bauer's debut was in the final game of the homestand against the Marlins. He gave up a run in the third game after a double by Monte Harrison. Later, in the 5th inning, he allowed a 2 run shot to Chad Wallach. His final slash line was 5.0IP/3ER/7K. We responded right away thanks to a solo shot by Christian Vazquez. Daniel McGrath took over and had a great debut in a Nationals Uniform by going 2 clean innings and punching out 4. Nevertheless, on the eighth inning, Kela struggled and gave up 2 runs. We tried a rally on the 9th and Taylor drove in one more but we fell short and lost the final game of the series.

[lucho2107]

L, (2 -4) @Nationals Park
Jameson Taillon debuted in the series opener against the Braves. He sat down the first 9 rivals in order but in the 4th inning, he allowed 4 runs after a couple of unlucky plays and a 3-run homer by Freddie Freeman. Kolten Wong had his first homer of the season by going deep on the fifth inning. Victor Robles had to be taken out of the game on the seventh after a diving catch. Taillon finished his outing after 7 innings. Zimmerman had a pinch-hit double that brought Kieboom to the plate and cut down the Braves lead on half. We were shut down on the final two innings by the Braves bullpen and dropped the first game of the series.

L, (2 -4) @Nationals Park
The second start of the year by Scherzer was decent. He went seven innings and punched out 12 rivals. He allowed 3 runs all of them via a solo shot. The offense scored a run in the fifth thanks to an error Charlie Culberson. The offense struggled all the game and we finished with only three hits and one run, dropping the second game of the series and the third in a row.

Roster News
Ryan Zimmerman has announced he will retire at the end of the season.

W, (3 -1) @Nationals Park
Rick Porcello made his debut as a National. On the bottom of the first, we scored a run thanks to a bases-loaded walk to Vazquez. Juan Soto had an RBI single on the third inning. Another RBI by Soto on the 4th inning made the Braves skipper take out Max Fried of the ballgame after just 3.2 innings.
Porcello was rolling and throwing a shutout game when Freeman went deep. He quickly recovered and got a strikeout and a double play. The score remained the same and in the ninth inning, after a little trouble, Brand Hand recorded his first save of the year.

W, (3 -1) @Marlins Park
We traveled to Miami to play the first road series of the year. Kolten Wong had a 2-run double on the top of the 4th to give us an early lead. Strasburg who was keeping the Mets hitless till the 5th inning struggled in the sixth and gave up two runs. His final slash line was 6.0 IP/2ER/10K. Wander Suero handled the seventh and Givens the eighth. We scored an insurance run in the ninth thanks to a pinch-hit single by Ryan Zimmerman. Brad Hand, had some trouble in the ninth and gave up a run, but he managed to earn the save and secure the win.

W, (3 -2) @Marlins Park
We featured some changes on the lineup in the second game of the series. Trea Turner played at center field and Wilmer Difo at shortstop. Adam Eaton rested and Michael Taylor played the right field. Juan Soto gave us the lead on the 4th with a triple. Miami tied the game in the 4th thanks to a triple by Monte Harrison. We got back on the field quickly thanks to an RBI single by Christian Vazquez. Trevor Bauer's game was done after just 68 pitches and six innings. He allowed one run in 4 hits with 6 strikeouts. In the 7th, Turner, who is having an early frost, had an RBI double that gave us a bigger lead. Keone Kela had a good relief outing by going 1.1 scoreless innings. Wander Suero handled the ninth and had his first save of the year.

L, (0 -3) @Marlins Park
Scherzer started for us the final game of this series against Miami and gave up 2 runs in the first inning. He settled down on the next couple of innings but gave up another one on the 4th. He was out of the game after the 5th inning, allowing 3 runs and punching out just 3. McGrath entered the game and had two scoreless innings. Nevertheless, that was not enough as the bats went silent and were shut out by the Marlins.

[mgom27]

Good Thread.

[lucho2107]

L, (2-3) @ T-Mobile Park
We started the week by dropping the first game of an interleague series. It was a pitching duel in Seattle as, Strasburg four and McHugh for them, had great outings. Wander Suero was credited with the loss in spite of a good relief outing. Our offense could not figure out McHugh for most of the game and both are runs came thanks to solo shots by Trea Turner and Jason Castro.

W, (3-0) @ T-Mobile Park
We had our first shutout win of the year thanks to an amazing performance by Jameson Tailon. The pitcher from Texas went 7.2 innings, allowing just 4 hits and punching out 5. Keone Kela handled the rest of the game easily and we secured the second game of the series. Daniel Murphy and Christian Vazquez both went deep to get their second home run of the year.

W, (6-1) @ PNC Park
We won the opener against the Pirates thanks to a magic ninth inning. Trevor Bauer had a good outing as he went seven innings and allowed just one run. Kela and McGrath were great in relief and the offense of the Pirates was quiet in the final innings of the game. Juan Soto had a good game offensively going 2 for 4 with 2 RBI´s and clutch hit in the top of the final inning.

W, (4-1) @ PNC Park
The second game of the series featured Max Scherzer´s fourth start of the year. He worked for 6.2 innings and allowed just one run whilst punching out 9 rivals. The run came thanks to a home run by Austin Branes. In the 4th inning, Trea Turner went deep and was followed up by Adam Eaton. The bullpen was amazing and James Bourque recorded his first save of the year.

W, (7-4) @ PNC Park
One of the best games of the season so far. Juan Soto had his first home run of the year by going deep off Cody Bolton. We had a 2-run lead in the 8th when Givens and Suero gave up 3 runs to the Pirates. But in the 8th with 2 outs, Carter Kieboom had a heroic home run to take the game to extra innings. The relievers Guerra, Hand, Rainey, and McGrath were amazing and kept the Pirates hitless on extras. On the top of the 13th, Murphy had a 3-run RBI double to give us the win.

L, (2-3) @ PNC Park
We lost this one run affair in extras. Strasburg had another quality outing as he went six innings and allowed 2 runs. The runs came thanks to a 2-run shot from center fielder Travis Swaggerty. Daniel Murphy had a good game as he went 3 for 3 with 2 bases on balls. The bullpen kept the game tied until the eleventh when Bourque gave up a hit to Swaggerty who finally scored thanks to a single by Bryan Renolds off Givens.

[lucho2107]

L, (2-3) @Nationals Park
We faced the Phillies on the first game back home. Jameson Taillon started in spite of a mild hamstring strain. He did not have a good outing as he gave up 3 runs in 5.2 innings. In spite of the bullpen being tired from a long series on the road, the managed to keep the rivals scoreless. The offense could not rally behind the bullpen's performance and only scored 2 runs, both of them came thanks to a homer by Juan Soto, his second of the year.

W, (11-2) @Nationals Park
Trevor Bauer has been rolling in this early portion of the season and he kept the Phillies to two runs on eight innings. He struck out 7 and gave up a homer to Bryce Harper. The offense had a really good game, as most of the players on the starting lineup, managed to get more than one hit. Kolten Wong had his second homer of the year as he went deep off Victor Arano in the 8th with a 3-run shot.

W, (10-7) @Nationals Park
In spite of Scherzer´s, Sueros´s, and Bourque´s struggles we managed to get another w. Nevertheless, the offense had a really great game and scored 10 runs for the second game on a row. Turner, Zimmerman, and Murphy went deep. Between the three of them, they had 9 runs batted in.

W, (5-4) @Nationals Park
We had a one-run thrilling win on the series finale to get our 12th win of the year. Rick Porcello was rolling until the seventh inning, in which he gave up 3 runs. His final slash line was 6.2IP/4ER/8K. Coming to the ninth we were two runs down but a 2-run homer by Eaton tied the game. Then came up Soto to the plate who had walk-off solo homer against Serathony Dominguez.

League News
Jack Flaherty had a no-hitter vs the Colorado Rockies. The first of his career.

L, (2-3) @Nationals Park
Strasburg was okay as he gave up 2 runs in seven innings. He left the game with the score tied but our bullpen blew it. Guerra gave up 2, Rainey one more, and Givens 2 more. The offense was quiet except Juan Soto who had a 2 for 4 game with a couple of RBI´s

L, (12-14) @Nationals Park
It was a high score affair. Taillon struggled again and he gave up 6 runs in 4.2 innings. The bullpen arms failed again and Rainey and Kela gave up 5 runs combined, all of them on the top of the eighth inning. Juan Soto had another good game offensively and went 4 for 5 with 2 doubles and a 3-run home run. Turner, Robles, and Castro also homered.

L, (3-6) @Nationals Park
We were swept by the Pirates at home. This time it was Trevor Bauer who struggled and gave up 6 earned runs in just 1.2 innings. A tired bullpen managed to keep the Pirates scoreless but that was not enough as the offense could not come from behind. Victor Robles and Wilmer Difo had homers.

[lucho2107]

League News
Catcher Austin Allen was traded to the Seattle Mariners from the Oakland A´s.

W, (8-2) @Nationals Park
We snapped from the three-game losing streak thanks to a good victory against the New York Mets. We batted around 4-time Cy-young winner deGrom who lasted only 3 innings and gave up 6 runs. 4 of those runs came thanks to two homers by Daniel Murphy (one a solo shot and another with 2 men on base). Kolten Wong also went deep of deGrom in the 5th inning. Scherzer had a good outing by going seven innings and allowing just one run. He also punched out 9 rivals.

W, (5-4) @Nationals Park
We came back from a 3-run deficit in the eighth to take the second game of the series. Strasburg gave up 3 runs in six innings. The offense had an incredible rally in the eight mainly driven by a bases-clearing double by Adam Eaton. Brad Hand handled the top of the ninth and had his 5th save of the year.

League News
Michael Baumann from the Baltimore Orioles threw a no-hitter against the Astros.
Julio Urias from the Dodger has suffered a torn meniscus and will be out for 5 months.

L, (3-6) @Nationals Park
We dropped the final game of the series against the Mets. Rick Porcello struggled as he gave up 5 runs in 6.1 innings pitched. Mychael Givens has been awful from the pen and he has a season ERA of 7.14. He might get traded or released soon. Trea Turner had his fifth home run of the young season. Adam Eaton also went deep.

W, (7-1) @Citizens Park
We took the first game of the road series against the Phillies. Trevor Bauer had a good game as he went seven innings and allowed just one run. The run came thanks to a Bryce Harper home run. He punched out eight rivals. Our offense totally supported Bauer's great performance by scoring seven runs on the middle innings. The runs came thanks to homers by Kolten Wong, Adam Eaton, and Christian Vazquez.

L, (8-12) @Nationals Park
The second game of the series was a bullpen loss. Taillon went 5 innings and 2 runs and left the game with a 2-run advantage. Turner, Robles, Kieboom, and Murphy went deep but that was not sufficient as our bullpen gave up 10 runs on the final three innings. Suero, Guerra, and Kela each gave up 3 runs.

W, (13-7) @Nationals Park
Trea Turner was the player of the game as he went 5 for 5 in the final game of this road series. Scherzer had a mediocre outing as he gave up 4 runs in six innings whilst punching out 10. The offense came alive on the seventh inning and scored seven runs. Turner and Vazquez had homers. Trea Turner was named the NL player of the week

League News
Aaron Civale from the Cleveland Indians has suffered an elbow inflammation and will be out for the rest of the season.
Noah Syndergaard has signed a seven-year extension with the Mets worth 219M. He will earn a season average salary of 31.7M

Roster Moves
James Bourque was demoted to AAA. Garret Richards was recalled from his rehab assignment on the minors. He will have a place on the rotation and Jameson Tailon will go to be a long reliever

[lucho2107]

L, (3-5) @Citi Field
We dropped the first game of the series against the Mets. Strasburg did not have a good outing as he gave up 5 runs in just 4.2 innings pitched. The bullpen did a good job keeping the Mets scoreless for the rest of the game but the offense could not deliver. We were dominated by the Mets pitching staff, who started a reliever and then played the starter.

W, (5-2) @Citi Field
We took game 2 of the series thanks to a great offensive performance by Trea Turner. Turner went 3 for 5 with a 2-run home run. Garret Richards made his debut as a Nationals and he gave up a couple of runs in 4.1 innings of work. The bullpen did a good job again and threw 5.2 innings of shutout baseball. Brad Hand earned his sixth save of the year.

L, (1-5) @Citi Field
We lost the final game of the series thanks to a good performance by opposing pitcher Noah Syndergaard. Syndergaard went 7.1 innings allowed just 3 hits and 1 earned run. The run came thanks to a solo shot by Juan Soto in the second inning. Soto had all three hits of the team. Trevor Bauer had a bad outing, again, as he only managed to pitch for 4.1 innings and allowing 4 earned runs in 9 hits. Jeff McNeil had a 3-run home run on the 3rd inning.

W, (4-1) @Nationals Park
We took the first game of this home series against the Phillies. Max Scherzer had an amazing outing by going seven innings, allowing one run and punching out 12. Suero had a great eighth and struck out the side. Brad Hand had his seventh save of the year. Our offense relied on the small ball and it was a Juan Soto clutch double on the seventh inning that gave us a comfortable lead.

League News
Chris Paddack has suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament and will undergo TJ surgery. He will miss the rest of the season.
Takama Shimada, the center fielder for the Phillies, has suffered a serious concussion and will be out for the rest of the year.

L, (2-6) @Nationals Park
We lost the second game of the series. Rick Porcello worked for 5.2 innings and allowed 4 runs in 8 hits. Javy Guerra gave up a couple of homers in relief. Christian Vazquez had a great game as he went 2 for 3 with two home runs. He has six on the season. Rhys Hoskins was named player of the game as he had 2 home runs and 3 RBI´s.

W, (2-1) @Nationals Park
We took the final game of the series thanks to a great performance by our pitching staff. Strasburg went 6.2 innings allowing one run in seven hits. The bullpen took care of the rest and kept the Phillies hitless for the rest of the game. Brad Hand recorded yet another save. Aaron Nola´s good effort for the Phillies was not enough and he recorded his fourth loss of the year