MLB 2019 Season: Shipping Up To Boston

NonP

NonP

Legend
Had to miss the 1st inning due to an errand, dozed thru the 7th and the top of the 9th. So I missed pretty much all the big action, LOL. Did catch Altuve's sweet walk-off homer:

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1185777750298132481

As for the other side....

victorcruz said:
Are you kidding me Chapman??? You let Altuve beat you???
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Al is no chopped liver, but yeah not exactly a powerhouse. Think Chapman got tight at the end. Throwing an occasional slider is fine but in crunch time you should trust your best stuff, especially when you've got those 100-mph fastballs at your disposal. Still he almost redeemed himself with that meme-worthy smirk.

Anyhoo a fun, competitive series. Looks like the As remain heavy faves come Tuesday but given how vulnerable Verlander was vs. the Yanks I think my Nats will have their chances. Just hope they don't collapse a la the Cards against them.

Now some off-topic housekeeping:

hollywood9826 said:
Once saw Muresan grab a rebound (offensive) and windmall jam it without jumping. Then he made that stupid movie and refused to wear the orthotic inserts on the set and ruined his feet forever.
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Me, Bro and Dad weren't really that tight but one thing we liked to do together was watching a Bullets game for peeks at Muresan lumbering across the court after each possession. Usually worth a good chuckle or two.
 
Raul_SJ

Raul_SJ

G.O.A.T.
NonP said:
Had to miss the 1st inning due to an errand, dozed thru the 7th and the top of the 9th. So I missed pretty much all the big action, LOL. Did catch Altuve's sweet walk-off homer:

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1185777750298132481

. Looks like the As remain heavy faves come Tuesday but given how vulnerable Verlander was vs. the Yanks I think my Nats will have their chances. Just hope they don't collapse a la the Cards against them.
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Raul_SJ said:
The Astros have solid starters as well plus a closer. I am still not confident of Corbin putting in a solid start under pressure. Came out wild with 4 walks in one inning. Nerves? Getting hit is one thing. Wildness is another.
Walks tend to be magnified and particularly deadly in the playoffs. Rather Martinez go with Strasburg,Scherzer,Sanchez...
If they make it, I expect the Astros to be the huge favorite. At least 1.5. Would not be surprised if Astros were close to a 2 to 1 favorite.
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Odds are even worse than what I had predicted. Nationals are not getting any respect.
Cole is a heavy favorite over Strasburg in Game 1.
:unsure:

2019 World Series Odds & Schedule: Washington Nationals vs. Houston Astros​

  • Nationals World Series odds: +180
  • Astros World Series odds:-220
    • Game 1 date: Tuesday, October 22 in Houston
    • Nationals Game 1 odds: +179
    • Astros Game 1 odds: -200

Nationals have a decent chance of grabbing a game on the road with Strasburg and Scherzer going in Game 1 and Game 2.
Will then likely hand the ball to Corbin for Game 3.
We pray that Corbin will step up in the World Series and deliver a win in critical Game 3. Hope that is not asking too much from the $140 Million Man.
:(


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Raul_SJ

Raul_SJ

G.O.A.T.
victorcruz said:
Are you kidding me Chapman??? You let Altuve beat you???
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So dumb. IF you're gonna even pitch to Altuve I'd rather Chapman had gone with his 100mph fastball. Strength vs strength.
I can see initially pitching to Altuve, but after getting behind in the count, it is really questionable.
So much wanted to see a Game 7 with Cole vs Severino.

Beautiful at bat by Lemahieu battling off pitches off of the best in the business Osuna. And then launching the homer to tie it. Unbelievable.
Considering the circumstances, really one of the most dramatic at bats and home runs I have ever seen.
Only to be followed by the Chapman major league CHOKE after getting two out... and then he gives that stupid smirk?!! or smile or whatever the hell that was.
This one really hurts. Can only imagine how Yanks fans feel.

This game could have been an all-time classic and should have gone into extra innings.
Now trying my best to forget that this game ever happened... Thanks Chapman. :(
 
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ACE of Hearts

ACE of Hearts

Bionic Poster
stringertom said:
They swept another 100-win team. Exactly how many playoff games did your team win this year? Oh, that’s right...they didn’t make the playoffs!

#HaterzGonnaHateAsExpected
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That’s laughable. Lol. The twins? Hahahaha. They own the twinkies. Finally played some top competition and they lost! Face it the yankees season was a major bust!
 
r2473

r2473

G.O.A.T.
ACE of Hearts said:
Face it the yankees season was a major bust!
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Wow, that’s rough. But I guess if a 103 win season and losing 4-2 in the ALCS against the odds on favorite is a “major bust”, you must have had higher expectations for the Yankees than most.

Curious, why did you expect the Yankees to do better than they did. To most folks, they finished pretty much exactly where expected. But for you, losing to the Astros was a “major bust”? Curious to hear your explanation.

Now if you had said the Dodgers season was a major bust, or even better, the Cubs, then I’d tend to agree.
 
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Federer and Del Potro

Federer and Del Potro

Talk Tennis Guru
Yankees didn't get much out of their big money players, Stanton sort of has an excuse being injured most of the year. But him, Edwin, even Judge didn't do much of anything.

It was a winnable series for them if they were more clinical with RISP, but they weren't.

The gap between the two teams is not that great though. One more reliable SP for New York coupled with Cole leaving the Astros which is possible swings the pendulum back in NYY favor I'd say.
 
stringertom

stringertom

Bionic Poster
The Nationals are staying close to the vest about their rotation but the most probable choice for Game 1 is Scherzer, who actually has better numbers this season on the road. Game 2 is not locked in either. Conventional wisdom would be to send your second ace Strasburg and that probably happens if the Astros win Game 1. However, if the Nationals grab Game 1, they might consider going to Sánchez with his better road results and experience pitching in The Juice Box. That would leave Strasburg, Corbin and Scherzer to pitch to the heavy right-handed Astros lineup in the roomier left field at Nationals Park.

A split in Houston and a sweep at home wins the Series. If they take 2 of 3 after a split, they still go back on the road up 3-2 and have Strasburg fully rested for a Game 7.

Lots of options. One constant...Corbin starts at home and he may be called on in relief for the occasional one lefty batter in either game in Houston.
 
hollywood9826

hollywood9826

Hall of Fame
Altuve is money, press conference afterwards first thing he said was it couldn't have happened without springer.
Maybe Chapman got a little cute with the offspeed stuff their. Looked like Altuve was sitting on it. High and outside pitch to be pulled like that is probably not an adjustment. Either way he wasn't fooled.

Nationals fans probably a little sad they don't get didn't get a game 7 to screw up the rotations. Baseball fans stoked for Cole vs Scherzer and Verlander vs Strasburg. Cole and JV are 1 and 2 (in some order) for AL CY. Max and Stras finish top 3 at least I assume. Cant remember a time when both teams had top 3 Cy candidtes.
 
hollywood9826

hollywood9826

Hall of Fame
Cant say it was a bust for the Yankees season. They couldn't get the job done with RISP but this Astros team is a powerhouse. History will not look at it as a choke.
Probably did show the Yankees they need to get a SP or 2.

Sad to see Sabathia go out the way he did, rather have seen him get chased by giving up a dinger than simply getting hurt and leaving the game. That guy was the ultimate gamer, that run he had with MIL a few years back probably took 2 years of his prime pitching every day on short rest.

Astros should be favorties going into this but, these teams are pretty evenly matched. Nats Pen is the only question mark.
 
stringertom

stringertom

Bionic Poster
hollywood9826 said:
Cant say it was a bust for the Yankees season. They couldn't get the job done with RISP but this Astros team is a powerhouse. History will not look at it as a choke.
Probably did show the Yankees they need to get a SP or 2.

Sad to see Sabathia go out the way he did, rather have seen him get chased by giving up a dinger than simply getting hurt and leaving the game. That guy was the ultimate gamer, that run he had with MIL a few years back probably took 2 years of his prime pitching every day on short rest.

Astros should be favorties going into this but, these teams are pretty evenly matched. Nats Pen is the only question mark.
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Cold bats were more to blame but Cashman needs to have his SP beat his gf in the spring instead of September. They missed German and the Betances injury didn’t help. Offseason, keep developing the prospects (Abreu & Little Pedro) and try and get a veteran in FA but don’t settle for a Happ/Gray level. Otherwise, Cashman should just give the innings to the young ‘uns. Cessa and Loaisiga pitched well enough when pressed into service to get postseason innings and they have live arms. Just add seasoning.

Cashman also has a trading chip with Urshela’s solid play at 3B making Andujar expendable.

I like 2020 chances from the way this team reacted to adversity time after time so the season was a bust in the minds of the drive-by haterz only.
 
Federer and Del Potro

Federer and Del Potro

Talk Tennis Guru
stringertom said:
The Nationals are staying close to the vest about their rotation but the most probable choice for Game 1 is Scherzer, who actually has better numbers this season on the road. Game 2 is not locked in either. Conventional wisdom would be to send your second ace Strasburg and that probably happens if the Astros win Game 1. However, if the Nationals grab Game 1, they might consider going to Sánchez with his better road results and experience pitching in The Juice Box. That would leave Strasburg, Corbin and Scherzer to pitch to the heavy right-handed Astros lineup in the roomier left field at Nationals Park.

A split in Houston and a sweep at home wins the Series. If they take 2 of 3 after a split, they still go back on the road up 3-2 and have Strasburg fully rested for a Game 7.

Lots of options. One constant...Corbin starts at home and he may be called on in relief for the occasional one lefty batter in either game in Houston.
Click to expand...

I was hoping Scherzer would face off against Verlander
 
hollywood9826

hollywood9826

Hall of Fame
Cole, Verlander, Greinke, Bullpen is apparently what the Astros are doing. I don't know why WAS would change from Max and Stras at #1 and 2 at this point.

The intersting thing about Grienke is that for a pitcher he is quite a good hitter. .225 career with 9 homers. He hit three bombs this year alone with the D-Backs before getting traded. Not 1970 BMore oriles pitcher homer good (Cuellar GS in ALCS, McNally GS in WS) but in typical HOU fashion there could a slight advantage to him hitting over the other guys.

Speaking of Cuellar he had some rocky stints to which the great Earl Weaver said "I have Cuellar more chances than I gave my first wife"
 
Raul_SJ

Raul_SJ

G.O.A.T.
Leave Scherzer in as long as he feels okay and is keeping the game 2-2 and no signs of velocity drop. Let him throw at least 115.
And at least finish 7. Do not baby him. He has had plenty of rest and is in good physical shape. Hopefully he settles down.

AVOID going into the bullpen!! If somebody must relieve, go to Corbin first over Doolittle/Hudson.

This is what happens when you have a weak bullpen and starter is not completely on his game.
Very tough to win.
:(
 
Federer and Del Potro

Federer and Del Potro

Talk Tennis Guru
Raul_SJ said:
Leave Scherzer in as long as he feels okay and is keeping the game 2-2 and no signs of velocity drop. Let him throw at least 115.
And at least finish 7. Do not baby him. He has had plenty of rest and is in good physical shape. Hopefully he settles down.

AVOID going into the bullpen!! If somebody must relieve, go to Corbin first over Doolittle/Hudson.

This is what happens when you have a weak bullpen and starter is not completely on his game.
Very tough to win.
:(
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You will mention Corbin every half chance you get won't you lmao
 
stringertom

stringertom

Bionic Poster
Raul_SJ said:
Leave Scherzer in as long as he feels okay and is keeping the game 2-2 and no signs of velocity drop. Let him throw at least 115.
And at least finish 7. Do not baby him. He has had plenty of rest and is in good physical shape. Hopefully he settles down.

AVOID going into the bullpen!! If somebody must relieve, go to Corbin first over Doolittle/Hudson.

This is what happens when you have a weak bullpen and starter is not completely on his game.
Very tough to win.
:(
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At his pace, 115 will be in the fifth.
 
Raul_SJ

Raul_SJ

G.O.A.T.
Scherzer at around 115 pitches after five. May be settling down.
First 123 inning.

Do NOT yank Scherzer for Corbin in the sixth. Too soon for Corbin!!
Scherzer works out and is in shape and wants the ball.
Stay with Scherzer in the sixth. Do NOT give the ball to Corbin as long as Scherzer is effective.
 
Federer and Del Potro

Federer and Del Potro

Talk Tennis Guru
I honestly couldn't believe the odds for this series. It's early days yet but the Nationals must be respected. Soto and Rendon are absolute beasts and the Nationals pitching staff CAN go toe to toe with the Astros staff. This is a great roster the Nationals have, and they are scorching hot to boot.
 
Raul_SJ

Raul_SJ

G.O.A.T.
Nationals are taking the ball out of Scherrzer's hands and giving the ball to Corbin.
Should stay with Scherzer. No signs of velocity drop. Extra pitches are not gonna kill him.
If it's not broke don't fix it. Over-managing by Martinez.
:(

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stringertom

stringertom

Bionic Poster
Raineyman was almost Astros’ secret weapon. Hudson too good though. I don’t think he has 2 plus innings in him so Dr. Doolittle will navigate the heavy-righties Astros lineup. 5-3.
 
stringertom

stringertom

Bionic Poster
The team without a bullpen had just enough, holding on to win 5-4. One run yielded each by Rainey and Hudson. Doolittle closed with 4 straight outs.

Another duel of aces tomorrow with Strasburg vs Verlander.
 
NonP

NonP

Legend
Max's questionable early exit and the idiot communication between Zimmerman and Robles in the 8th made this way too close for comfort, but we survived. Doubt we can make Cole give up 5 runs again but I'll take it.

Federer and Del Potro said:
2-2. Nationals are a scrappy bunch.
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Lots of close calls this postseason, yes. Dare I say shades of 2015 Royals?

And now the MVP of tonite's game is....

Federer and Del Potro said:
Is Juan Soto better than Bryce Harper? :oops:
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stringertom said:
Nationals had the best record in MLB after their 19-31 start.

Soto gets another hit. Ace hitting coach Kevin Long approves.
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insideguy said:
This is how good Soto is. Only 8 players in history 20 or younger have had .400 on base percentage or better in a season. Soto has done it twice. That is insane.
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He's a real special kid. Cocky without being arrogant, absolutely fearless, and better yet he seems to be loving every minute of it. Hope he can keep it up for the rest of the series.
 
Federer and Del Potro

Federer and Del Potro

Talk Tennis Guru
NonP said:
Max's questionable early exit and the idiot communication between Zimmerman and Robles in the 8th made this way too close for comfort, but we survived. Doubt we can make Cole give up 5 runs again but I'll take it.



Lots of close calls this postseason, yes. Dare I say shades of 2015 Royals?

And now the MVP of tonite's game is....





He's a real special kid. Cocky without being arrogant, absolutely fearless, and better yet he seems to be loving every minute of it. Hope he can keep it up for the rest of the series.
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Pulling for you guys, been a Max fan for about a decade now. Both Michigan State/Michigan my alma maters so I got to see Max a lot in Detroit :). Great pitcher, better person. Had the pleasure of meeting him in person a few different times in 2011 and 2012.

Go Nats!
 
Raul_SJ

Raul_SJ

G.O.A.T.
NonP said:
Max's questionable early exit
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Don't like that move at all. 115 pitches after 5 innings. Last inning was 1-2-3.
Throw the pitch count out the window. Scherzer feels good and is well-rested. He WANTS the ball. Critical Game 1 opportunity to top Cole.
Leave Scherzer in for the sixth. Pull him out if he gets in trouble. But my gut tells me Scherzer had plenty in the tank and would have cruised through.
This is The World Series. Once in a lifetime chance for Scherzer. Do not take the ball out of his hands after a 1-2-3 inning.
 
stringertom

stringertom

Bionic Poster
Raul_SJ said:
Don't like that move at all. 115 pitches after 5 innings. Last inning was 1-2-3.
Throw the pitch count out the window. Scherzer feels good and is well-rested. He WANTS the ball. Critical Game 1 opportunity to top Cole.
Leave Scherzer in for the sixth. Pull him out if he gets in trouble. But my gut tells me Scherzer had plenty in the tank and would have cruised through.
This is The World Series. Once in a lifetime chance for Scherzer. Do not take the ball out of his hands after a 1-2-3 inning.
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He was cooked, sweaty like Nadal. No command but he gutted it out. The Astros had Correa and Alvarez up that inning, two guys that could hurt him with one swing each. 115 was enough. Glad Martinez is managing.
 
NonP

NonP

Legend
Federer and Del Potro said:
Pulling for you guys, been a Max fan for about a decade now. Both Michigan State/Michigan my alma maters so I got to see Max a lot in Detroit :). Great pitcher, better person. Had the pleasure of meeting him in person a few different times in 2011 and 2012.

Go Nats!
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He does seem like a nice guy in his off-mound appearances. Where did you happen to meet him? (That is, are you talking about seeing him in action or did you run into him/attend one of those scheduled events?) I actually noticed that he and I live in the same town (though he's probably based in the swanky NE community) but I don't remember ever hearing about a Scherzer sighting here.

Raul_SJ said:
Don't like that move at all. 115 pitches after 5 innings. Last inning was 1-2-3.
Throw the pitch count out the window. Scherzer feels good and is well-rested. He WANTS the ball. Critical Game 1 opportunity to top Cole.
Leave Scherzer in for the sixth. Pull him out if he gets in trouble. But my gut tells me Scherzer had plenty in the tank and would have cruised through.
This is The World Series. Once in a lifetime chance for Scherzer. Do not take the ball out of his hands after a 1-2-3 inning.
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Obviously you can't argue with the result, but it was still puzzling to see Martinez pull him out right after that 1-2-3 inning. Maybe there's a lingering issue we're not aware of (yet), cuz he did sweat quite a bit last nite.

Anyhoo I thought one of our road wins (if any) would come vs. Verlander rather than Cole so this is a rocking start for us. Hope we can steal another one later tonite.
 
Raul_SJ

Raul_SJ

G.O.A.T.
NonP said:
Obviously you can't argue with the result, but it was still puzzling to see Martinez pull him out right after that 1-2-3 inning. Maybe there's a lingering issue we're not aware of (yet), cuz he did sweat quite a bit last nite.

Anyhoo I thought one of our road wins (if any) would come vs. Verlander rather than Cole so this is a rocking start for us. Hope we can steal another one later tonite.
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I am fine with pulling him if Scherzer told the manager he was running on empty.

AFAIK, Scherzer did not ask to be pulled or indicate to Martinez he was tired. Scherzer has a reputation for not wanting to give up the ball. I love that.
If Scherzer tells you he wants the ball, you do not pull him out after a 1-2-3 inning to bring in Corbin. Especially with that shaky middle relief bullpen. Must conserve relief pitchers. Another 20 pitches is not going to kill Scherzer... Looks like silly stubborn dogmatic adherence to pitch count. Must also consider other factors. This is The World Series. Get input from the wily veteran Scherzer on how he feels.

Nationals cannot afford to let down here. Let's see how Strasburg comes through. Cannot have another shaky start like he had against the Dodgers... I give the Astros an 80% chance of taking Game 2. They are the better hitting team but have left a lot of runners on. Nationals have been fortunate to get out of those jams.
 
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hollywood9826

hollywood9826

Hall of Fame
I don't mind pulling Scherzer after 5. That was one of the best pitching performances I have ever seen from a guy that had his C stuff. At that point they had the lead. At 115 was the plan on him going 130+ pitches? Better to start the next inning off with a new pitcher instead of sending Scherzer out their just to yank him once the first guy gets on base. Also the 115 included a large amount of high leverage pitches. 115 in 5 tough innings is a lot different than coasting to a 115 inning shutout.

Also, not sure Corbing pitching rules him out to start his regular game. These guys throw bullpen sessions in between starts anyway so he was throwing pitches regardless.

Astros continue to not drive guys in they are not quite NYY ALCS RISP bad but pretty close.

Cole looked scared to throw his fastball after that 2d homer. I'm sure the Astros will chalk it up to he was due for a dud game. Most runs he had given up since late May or something.

Oh yeah, terrible bunting by both teams. Why even try it at this point?

I was watching with my buddy and when eaton game up as the 2nd batter in the game my buddy says.
"That guy right there is gonna be the MVP, I'm calling it"
He then proceeds to pop up a bunt for an out
 
Raul_SJ

Raul_SJ

G.O.A.T.
hollywood9826 said:
Oh yeah, terrible bunting by both teams. Why even try it at this point?

I was watching with my buddy and when eaton game up as the 2nd batter in the game my buddy says.
"That guy right there is gonna be the MVP, I'm calling it"
He then proceeds to pop up a bunt for an out
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Don't like Nationals Eaton bunting with a runner on second. ..
Another bad bunting strategy was Astros Maldonado bunting with runner on first, tied 2-2. (n) :mad:

Nationals 2-2 Astros, bottom 4th​
​
Maldonado shows bunt and falls behind 0-2. I question this strategy. Scherzer throws another ball that Suzuki has to block and then another pitch well outside. It’s 2-2. And then 3-2. 77 pitches now for Scherzer. On pitch 78, Maldonado hits one long but not that long and it’s just the first out.​
​
www.theguardian.com

World Series Game 1: Washington Nationals 5-4 Houston Astros – as it happened

Inning-by-inning report: The underdogs came out on top in the opening game of the Fall Classic
www.theguardian.com www.theguardian.com
 
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Federer and Del Potro

Federer and Del Potro

Talk Tennis Guru
NonP said:
He does seem like a nice guy in his off-mound appearances. Where did you happen to meet him? (That is, are you talking about seeing him in action or did you run into him/attend one of those scheduled events?) I actually noticed that he and I live in the same town (though he's probably based in the swanky NE community) but I don't remember ever hearing about a Scherzer sighting here.



Obviously you can't argue with the result, but it was still puzzling to see Martinez pull him out right after that 1-2-3 inning. Maybe there's a lingering issue we're not aware of (yet), cuz he did sweat quite a bit last nite.

Anyhoo I thought one of our road wins (if any) would come vs. Verlander rather than Cole so this is a rocking start for us. Hope we can steal another one later tonite.
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I met him in person while I was working an internship with the Detroit Free Press. Had credentials to be in the clubhouse on a few occasions. Had to help cover the story of his brothers suicide. My least favorite thing I’ve ever had to do especially since I had met and spoken to him personally a few times. He was always my favorite Tiger by a mile. Austin Jackson and Anibal Sanchez (another Nat now!) were also very classy.
 
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