Fansided

5 reasons the Washington Nationals will win it all in 2015

By Connor Muldowney

Aug 10, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Nationals third baseman Yunel Escobar (5) and left fielder Jayson Werth (28) celebrate defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-3 at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 10, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Nationals third baseman Yunel Escobar (5) and left fielder Jayson Werth (28) celebrate defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-3 at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 30, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon (58) throws against the Miami Marlins during the ninth inning at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 30, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon (58) throws against the Miami Marlins during the ninth inning at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Jonathan Papelbon

Acquiring Jonathan Papelbon at the trade deadline from the Philadelphia Phillies was a huge move by the Nationals, and it’s one that no one seems to be talking about. This guy has been solid all year long and will give the Nats some much-needed help out of the bullpen.

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Ex-MLB closer predicts Mets finish below .500 and the Phillies make it to the World Series
Ex-MLB closer predicts Mets finish below .500 and the Phillies make it to the World Series /

Rising Apple

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    • Papelbon has been on a World Series-winning team in the past, so the 34-year-old veteran closer knows what it means to play under the biggest lights.

    Washington already had a closer in Drew Storen, but he’s not splitting his duties with Papelbon, which has been great for the Nationals because he’s been struggling recently.

    Prior to Tuesday, Storen had blown a save and allowed 10 earned runs in his previous 3.2 innings pitched, ballooning his ERA from a solid 1.52 to 3.40. He didn’t allow any earned runs in the opening contest against the Rockies, but did face five batters in one inning of work. Storen has now thrown no fewer than 21 pitches in his last five outings.

    Good thing for the Nats, they can move Storen to the eighth inning, give Papelbon time in the closer’s role, and really ride a struggling hand.

    On the year, Papelbon has posted a 1.81 ERA with 19 saves, none blown, and a 0.99 WHIP. This could end up being his best season since he helped the Boston Red Sox win the World Series in 2007. His ERA that year was 1.85 with 37 saves.

    Next: Playoff Experience

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