Wire Taps: Washington Nationals wait for World Series opponent; baseball world starts in on Nats fans + more...

At the end of Davey Martinez’s post game press conference following Game 4 of the NLCS, which the Washington Nationals won, sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals, the moderator congratulated the second-year skipper on getting to the World Series.

THE MODERATOR: Davey, congratulations on bringing a World Series back to Washington, D.C.

DAVE MARTINEZ: I would love that.

Word. Not. Done. Yet. Go. Read. Your. Links.

NATS BEAT:

Much-maligned 'pen now a strength for Nats - (MLB.com)
"The Nationals' bullpen was such an obvious flaw that it threatened to derail their season at numerous points."

Michael A. Taylor on going from Double-A to World Series: "I know I'm a big leaguer" - (MASN)
"Taylor, 28, has been known for his plus-plus defensive ability during his career. He also has made a name for himself with clutch home runs in the postseason."

Dave Martinez's message, style have not changed since day he took Nationals manager job - (Washington Times)
"We’ve heard it repeatedly from Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez throughout his team’s comeback season..."

The Nationals’ World Series roster strategy figures to be big on stars, not on subs - (WaPost)
"The Washington Nationals will have 25 players on their World Series roster, but if all goes according to plan, Manager Dave Martinez won’t use all of them."

The 2005 Nationals brought baseball back to D.C. They love what they're seeing now - (WaPost)
"The 2005 Nationals didn’t choose to be in the position they were in, ambassadors of baseball in a city that had been without the sport since 1971."

Why Nationals fans should be rooting for the Yankees in the ALCS - (NBC Sports Washington)
"When it comes to that, Nationals should have one clear, if undesirable, option. That is to root for the New York Yankees."

7 biggest plays that got the Nationals to World Series - (WTOP)
"What’s the single biggest play that got the Washington Nationals to the World Series?"

Charles Krauthammer and the Nats and me - (Washington Examiner)
"In 2010, Charles shared with his readers what he called 'the joy of losing.': 'I go for relief. For the fun, for the craft … and for the sweet easy cheer at Nationals Park. … I’ve never been to a park where the people are more relaxed, tolerant, and appreciative of any small, even moral, victory.'"

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

MLB playoffs: Nationals ride unique mix of age, youth to World Series - (USA TODAY)
"Somewhere along the way to the franchise’s first World Series berth in its 50 years of existence, the Washington Nationals found their identity."

Philadelphia Phillies have Dusty Baker back for second round of interviews -- reports - (ESPN)
"Dusty Baker and the Philadelphia Phillies reportedly met for a second time Thursday as the team continues to search for a new manager."

Doubt the Nats at your own risk ... here's why - (MLB.com)
"You see those Baby Sharks in the Washington Nationals dugout? How about 40,000 fans screaming their lungs out and mimicking shark bites with their arms? Don’t laugh. This stuff matters, too."

The Washington Nationals Are The Team Of Destiny, Until They're Not - (Deadspin)
"For the entirety of their brief existence in the nation’s capital, the Washington Nationals have been too insignificant or too lousy or too unlucky or too self-defeating to hate."

Do the Washington Nationals (or Houston Astros!) have the best “Big Three” ever? - (Beyond the Box Score)
"With apologies to Anthony Rendon, Juan Soto, and Trea Turner, it’s their incredible starting pitching that delivered them to the promised land."

The Washington Nationals’ Persistence Paid Off - (The Atlantic)
"But the Nationals, established in 2005 when the Montreal Expos moved to D.C. (the team stretches back to 1969 in technical terms only), have stuffed their 15 seasons with heartbreak."