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WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Washington Nationals released their NLDS roster this morning in advance of their matchup with the defending World Series Champions.
Dusty Baker didn’t have much to say about the final roster decisions that needed to be made when he spoke to reporters about going up against the Chicago Cubs.
He did, however, talk about the roster and his players as they prepare for the fourth postseason run in the last six seasons, and his own second run in two seasons on the bench in the nation’s capital.
“This is a different team,” Baker said. “I mean, these guys, they know what's at stake.
“We don't have a bunch of meetings. That's how you know you have a good team, when you don't have the need for a bunch of meetings.
“They know how I feel. I've got a good idea how they feel.
“You can't wish your life away, you know, because you've got to enjoy today. You start saying, "Hey, man, I wish it was tomorrow or next week." Well, as you get older, man, there's one less day on your life or one less week on your life, so you've got to enjoy today because tomorrow isn't promised to anybody. And you hope that when tomorrow gets here, that you'll still be here.
“So these guys are a pretty cool bunch of hard-nosed dudes.”
Shortly after the veteran skipper’s press conference with reporters, some news leaked about the last few decisions that had to be made, with Washington Post reporter Jorge Castillo reporting that sources told him 20-year-old outfielder Victor Robles was going to be on the roster along with outfielder Brian Goodwin, who fought his way back from a groin injury to be available for the Division Series.
Brian Goodwin also made the roster, per source. Pedro Severino didn't.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) October 5, 2017
Victor Robles has made the Nationals NLDS roster, a source confirmed to @JesseSanchezMLB. That speed should be exciting off the bench
— Jamal Collier (@JamalCollier) October 5, 2017
Dusty Baker and Co. in the Nationals’ front office went 11 pitchers (six right-handers, and five left-handers), two catchers, six infielders, and six outfielders.
Robles and Goodwin are on their. So is Nationals’ lefty Enny Romero. Sammy Solis is in the bullpen as well. No Pedro Severino. Get’em #LOBATRON!
HERE’S THE WASHINGTON NATIONALS’ 2017 NLDS ROSTER:
Here's the #Nationals' NLDS roster for the matchup with the #Cubs: pic.twitter.com/jekAqs1fk9
— federalbaseball (@federalbaseball) October 6, 2017