Miami Marlins Series Preview: Nationals Chat with Ricky Keeler

Jul 24, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Matt den Dekker (21) greets right fielder Bryce Harper (34) after Harper scored a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fourth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Marlin Maniac: What kind of moves are the Washington Nationals going to make in advances of the July 31st trade deadline?

Ricky Keeler: Reportedly, the Washington Nationals have been mainly looking at ways to improve the bullpen. While Drew Storen has been excellent as the closer this season and Casey Janssen has been good as the current setup man, the Nationals’ bullpen ERA is at 3.39, which is in the middle of the pack in the National League. As Ken Rosenthal tweeted last night, the Nats are thinking big in trying to build a great 8th-9th inning combination, whether it be for San Diego Padres closer Craig Kimbrel or Reds’ closer Aroldis Chapman. It is unknown whether those players would buy into a setup role, but it is clear that Mike Rizzo is thinking big in terms of way to improve the roster.

MM: At 52-45, would you be okay with saying the Nats have been underwhelming in 2015? What record do you see the team finishing with at the end of the season?

RK: A lot of people coming into the season thought this team would runaway with the NL East, so I would say it is fair to say that the team has underachieved so far. While they have had most of the regulars out of the lineup, Washington has not had as dominant starting pitching as everyone thought, outside of Max Scherzer and Jordan Zimmermann at times. The question for the Nationals is going to be how do they play when they get everyone back in the lineup. It’s tough to give an exact roster, but I still think this team is the slight NL East favorite, but the Mets are making this division race much more interesting than people thought in Spring Training.

MM: Bryce Harper, hands down, should be the National League MVP this season. What clicked for him this season and how fun is he to watch? 

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RK: This season, it has been all about plate discipline for Bryce Harper. While he does have 27 home runs this season (leads the league), he has drawn 72 walks, which is second in the National League. He is not swinging at too many pitches out of the strike zone, which allows him to get his on base and give the players behind him a chance to drive in runs. It has been fun to watch Harper this season because he is capable at any moment of having a three home run game, like he had against the Marlins back in May. When the Nationals have a healthy level, I think Harper might go on yet another hot streak at the plate.

MM: What is the latest on the injured Anthony Rendon, Stephen Strasburg, and other Nats currently hurt?

RK: Rendon was back in the lineup for the Nats Saturday night. The Nationals will get one more injured player back tonight as Jayson Werth returns from the disabled list after injuring his wrist back in May. Stephen Strasburg will be making a rehab start for the Nats’ triple-A affiliate, the Syracuse Chiefs, on Wednesday night. Ryan Zimmermann could be back soon as he has played a few rehab games at double-A, but he is 1-for-15 in those games. As for Denard Span, he has yet to start baseball activities, so his return could be a while, but Michael Taylor has fared well in center field and he is starting to get more comfortable in the leadoff spot.

MM: What is the current state of the Nats farm system?

RK: Lucas Giolito was moved up to double-A, which is a huge step for the 20-year-old. He is regarded as the top prospect in their system and it’s a farm system that is rich in pitching. First, Giolito had the third most strikeouts in the Carolina League and had a 1.04 ERA in his last five games, so he was ready for the next challenge. The Nationals are taking it slow with him after he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2012. The Nats farm system is not rich with position players, so having a shortstop like Trea Turner could be big for them next season, if Ian Desmond becomes a free agent and leaves this winter. Turner came over in that three team deal with San Diego this winter along with starter Joe Ross, who has fared well when he has pitched in the big leagues this season at age 22. The Nationals have the pitching in their system to go out there and make a big trade if they need to.

Next: Pitching Matchups and Predictions

May 19, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman (11) walks off the field after beating the New York Yankees 8-6 at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

MM: Can you give us a quick scouting report on the pitchers the Marlins will face this series? 

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RK: Jordan Zimmermann takes the ball for the Nationals tonight against Jose Fernandez and I would expect Zimmermann to pitch well. He has a 2.08 ERA in two starts against Miami this season and he has continued to show good control that he had last season. That being said, he does have a ERA of nearly four in four starts this month. The Marlins will see Doug Fister on Wednesday and Fister has struggled all season. The problem for Fister is that he is leaving his sinker up in the zone and teams are taking advantage of a pitcher who only throws his fastball in the mid-80’s in terms of velocity.

The Marlins will see Max Scherzer Thursday afternoon and Scherzer is coming off his worst start of the season. He gave up three home runs for the first time in a start this season and has given up five runs twice in his last four starts. That being said, Scherzer has still been a consistent ace for the Nats this season and he did strike out ten in his first start against Miami back in May.

MM: How do you see the series playing out? Any bold predictions?

RK: To me, this series will be interesting to watch from a Nats standpoint. The reason is because they have a big series this weekend against the Mets, so will their focus be somewhat on that series. However, I do like the Nationals to win the final two games of the series and for Bryce Harper to hit multiple home runs. I know I made that prediction in May, but Harper has not hit a home run in his last nine games. Even though Gordon is expected to be back and he has owned the Nats this season, the loss of Stanton will be a big relief for Washington. Plus, I’m sure they want to play better at Marlins Park after being swept there in April. Washington finds a way to take two of three in the series. .

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That just about does it for our Nationals series primer. A big thanks to Ricky Keeler for taking the time to answer our questions, and make sure to check out District on Deck for all your Washington Nationals coverage. You can follow Ricky and DoD on Twitter as well.

Follow Marlin Maniac on Twitter @MarlinManiac for all your Miami Marlins news, opinion and analysis!

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