Nats start new beginnings vs. Braves
Last year’s massive misfire prompted the Nationals to switch up their leadership in the dugout. National League East rival Atlanta, meanwhile, continues to change pretty much everything about its makeup.
The two teams, equipped with wildly different expectations for 2016, meet at 4:10 p.m. ET in the final season opener at Turner Field. Washington is a 1.5-run favorite in the eyes of oddsmakers at online sports book Bovada.lv.
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Naturally, ace righty Max Scherzer toes the rubber for the visiting squad. He hurled a no-hitter in his last start of 2015, which otherwise featured a sea of negativity. The Nats squandered one of the bigs’ most talented rosters en route to a 83-79 finish. Manager Matt Williams paid the price, too, getting axed on Oct. 5.
Veteran skipper Dusty Baker now inherits a talent collection that includes reigning NL MVP Bryce Harper, Scherzer and Wednesday’s starter, Stephen Strasburg. For what it’s worth, Washington amassed the majors’ best record throughout spring training (19-4) and stayed largely healthy. On paper, the squad seems to be every bit the equal of the 90-win Mets.
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The Braves’ immediate aspirates are … less lofty. Only first baseman Freddie Freeman and this afternoon’s starter, Julio Teheran, remain from the 2013 group that claimed the division. Freddie Gonzalez remains on hand to oversee the development of numerous youngsters, but he can only do so much with a non-competitive core.
Management’s message is clear: Get ready for next summer, when SunTrust Park opens. At that time, Atlanta’s deluge of quality prospects will begin to bring some Southern comfort to the area. Presently, though, expect Scherzer and the Nationals to set in motion another bumpy ride.
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