Fansided

5 reasons the Nationals finally get past the NLDS

By Joshua Sadlock

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 30: Starting pitcher Max Scherzer #31 of the Washington Nationals pitches in the second inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Nationals Park on September 30, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 30: Starting pitcher Max Scherzer #31 of the Washington Nationals pitches in the second inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Nationals Park on September 30, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 19: Johan Camargo #17 of the Atlanta Braves tags out Trea Turner #7 of the Washington Nationals in the ninth inning at SunTrust Park on September 19, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 19: Johan Camargo #17 of the Atlanta Braves tags out Trea Turner #7 of the Washington Nationals in the ninth inning at SunTrust Park on September 19, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

3. Trea Turner runs wild

Nationals shortstop Trea Turner’s wheels may very well be the biggest weapon in this series. He is the most dynamic leadoff man in the game, with a combination of speed and power matched by few in the league today. Turner stole 46 bases in only 98 games this year and was caught only eight times. He can go first to third without the hitter lifting his bat.

Over the past two years, Turner has hit .309/.351/.551 with 38 doubles, 14 triples, 24 home runs, 85 RBI and 79 stolen bases. Those are MVP numbers. Turner was not overmatched in the playoffs last year as a rookie, but he was not able to impact the game with his speed. He stole only two bases despite being on base eight times.

The Cubs are a perfect match for Turner to turn his speed loose. He will have no problem running on Jon Lester and Jake Arrieta. Both are slow to the plate, and Lester is notoriously bad about throwing over to first base. Turner must dare Lester to throw over if he reaches base. This is a case where he needs to force the issue until Lester actually picks him off.

Turner should be given the green light to go whenever he wants by manager Dusty Baker. This is his second trip to the playoffs, and he is no longer a rookie who cannot be trusted. Turner has shown exceptional instincts on the bases his entire career, and will not give away outs.

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