We will get to choosing a good lead-off hitter later on, but right now I am having some trouble choosing mine. Here we are. If the Nationals are to ever reach their first World Series it will be because of some of the young talent playing in Arizona right now. --Mark Zuckerman from natsinsider.com
The Homestead Greys split time between D.C. and Pittsburgh. Their bat boy lived in Pittsburgh and most likely wasn't with the team for their time in D.C., but an interesting read none the less. It is always fun to learn about people from a bygone era. --Kevin Kirkland at post-gazette.com
Alberto Gonzalez would rather start than be a utility man. Good luck with that. --Ben Goessling from masnsports.com
Reports indicate that Javy Vazquez might be interested in signing with the Nationals. This is not the number one Rizzo is looking for, but if he could be had for a couple million on a one year deal it is worth a shot. --nationalsenquirer.com
Of course it is important to keep in mind that signing free agents isn't without some amount of risk. By some estimates half the signing teams have instances of regret. --Time Dierkes from mlbtraderumors.com
Most people believe it is better to build the team through the draft and the farm system. An early look at the top prospects in the class of 2011. --Jonathon Mayo from mlb.com
Then there is the third way. The Nationals are in the market for a center fielder and to say the free agent class is pathetic is an understatement, but there are some interesting names that could be had in a trade. --Tim Dierkes at mlbtraderumors.com
The reports out of Arizona are all a flutter with tales of Bryce Harper and sometimes Derek Norris, but it seems they aren't the only prospects putting on a show in the AFL as Brad Peacock has been simply dominating. --Harrisburg Senators via Twitter
World Series previews and predictions after the jump.
Around the NL East
The image of Ryan Howard striking out and then turning in disgust while Brian Wilson honors his father and Posey rushes towards him could become an iconic one. It is a symbol of a band of ragtags and misfits overcoming a great machine, and Ryan Howard is going to take a lot of flack for his unclutchness, but he isn't to blame. He got plenty of hits in the series, but there just weren't enough men on base for him. --Dave Cameron from fangraphs.com
The Phillies have the money and the desire to try and keep Jayson Werth, or so they say. --Craig Calcaterra from nbcsports.com
General Baseball
Bengie Molina started this season on the Giants, and when Posey kicked down the door to the majors he was traded to the Rangers. One way or the other he is getting a World Series ring. --fannation.com
The Fox ratings disaster came to pass and I am sure you will hear lots of talk about how terrible it is to have teams from Dallas and San Francisco facing each other in a meaningful game, but just for a minute imagine it is the NFC Championship instead of the World Series, and then call the markets small. --Aaron Gleeman at nbcsports.com
The Giants haven't won a World Series outside of New York and the Rangers haven't won one at all. One of these two team will win, and end years of frustration. --Jeff Passan at yahoosports.com
Every advantage needs to be taken when trying to win a series, and the Rangers might want to think about putting Kinsler at the top of the line-up. --Matt Klaassen from fangraphs.com
Creator of Bull Durham working on new baseball comedy series for TBS. --rttnews.com