With a rotation featuring Stephen Strasberg, Gio Gonzalez, and Edwin Jackson, the Nationals have well above average starting pitching. Washington has a core of solid position players as well including freshly paid Ryan Zimmerman, Jayson Werth, Adam Laroche, Bryce Harper, and Adam Morse. Even the rear of the bullpen is something to worry about featuring Brad Lidge and up and coming closer Drew Storen. Take a glimpse at Washingtons roster and you see the talent is relevant.
I'm not sitting here saying the Nationals are going to over take the Phillies as King's of the National League East, but this year, as well as future years....Worrying about the Nationals will be in the back of every Philadelphia fans dome. They have clamped down on the Phillies Phaitful being able to purchase tickets to Nationals Stadium and even went as far as starting a campaign called "#FUPhilly. Jayson Werth compared Washington management taking over Nationals Park to the upheaval in attendance at Citizens Bank Park back in 2007. (Completely and utterly false), and A few days ago the Nationals manager, Davey Johnson was asked about his pitching staff and put his top three (Strasburg, Gonzalez, Jackson) right up there with Halladay, Lee, and Hamels.
"Their top three versus our top three, stuff wise, we match up as good," Johnson said.
Yea.....Right.
Only to add gasoline to the fire, former Philly hero Brad Lidge stated today that he believes this year Nationals team is the most talented ball club he has ever been apart of. Is this the same man who was invincible and flawless during Philadelphia's run to winning the 2008 World Series, going a perfect 48 for 48 in save opportunities? Indeed, only his fastball has dipped from the mid 90's to the low 80's and is on the roster of a team who can't fill the park with their own supporters. Where did the Nationals get all of this cocky swagger from? I'd like to see them conquer something before they freely run their mouths.
Anybody else feel a rivalry brewing?
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