deGrom, Nimmo could steal All-Star Game spotlight from Nationals

deGrom, Nimmo could steal All-Star Game spotlight from Nationals

by Tim Reilly June 20, 2018 0 Comments

We’re less than a month away from the Midsummer Classic, occurring on July 17 at Nationals Park.

In theory, this will be a time for the Nationals to celebrate their own, putting Max Scherzer on the hill to start the game and fans will get a big stage to plead their case for Bryce Harper to stay put in the Nation's Capital. The Mets might be looking up at the Nationals in the standings, but they can certainly play spoiler for the hometown fans at the All-Star Game.

Jacob deGrom is pitching at an unreal level. Scherzer has been tremendous himself. I won’t knock that guy, mostly because his different colored eyes freak me out and I’m kind of scared of him. I’m just saying you’d be hard-pressed not to start deGrom with the numbers he’s posting. Forget about wins, a starting pitcher with an ERA of 1.51, half a run better than his closest counterpart, should be starting the game. Case closed.

As for Harper, he’ll likely start in right field at the ASG…for the last time in a Nationals uniform. No chance he sticks around after this season. He and agent Scott Boras have bigger things, and bigger money on their minds.

You might have noticed of late that this Brandon Nimmo guy is actually good. Like, All-Star Game good. At the very least, he’s in the discussion at this moment to make the roster as a reserve. Starting is out of the question because, well, he’s not even on the ballot. We’ll save that for another discussion… 

Nimmo is just shy of qualifying for the stats leaderboard. Some of that has to do with being sent back down to the minors in April for a short stint.

If Nimmo’s current stats were to hold or stay within reason for another 22 at-bats, he would lead all NL outfielders in OBP,  SLG and OPS. His 12 home runs have him tied for fifth, just two behind second. Those are the kind of numbers that get you sent to an All-Star Game. 

My dream scenario is to see Jake get the ball first for the NL. There’s nothing better than watching “Mad Max” go mad, and deGrom starting on his own mound would certainly do that. National fans will still have their opportunities to cheer when Harper takes the field behind deGrom. The crowd will be full of half-smiles as they watch their superstar knowing full well this is the beginning of the end. 

When it’s deGrom’s turn in the lineup, I can’t think of a better pinch hitter than Nimmo to take him out of the game. Mets fans will be smiling ear-to-ear, knowing the “happiest man in baseball” is with us for years to come, right in the Nationals face as Harper’s star begins to burn out in D.C.

How's two shutout innings from deGrom with 5 Ks and a home run from Nimmo sound? Hey, it could happen.




Tim Reilly
Tim Reilly

Author

T7L contributing blogger - Follow Tim on Twitter




Also in The 7 Line Blog

Pregame Party with The 7 Line Army at The World Famous Fergs
Pregame Party with The 7 Line Army at The World Famous Fergs

by The 7 Line March 22, 2024 0 Comments

Are you going to be in St. Pete for the game vs the Tampa Bay Rays on May 4th? We are! We sold 1,000 tickets to an Army of excited Mets fans, and you're more than welcome and encouraged to come meet up before the game. 

Read More

The 7 Line's Spring / Season Updates 2024
The 7 Line's Spring / Season Updates 2024

by Darren Meenan March 16, 2024 0 Comments

Baseball 2024! In no particular order, here's a list of things you might want to know about if you're a fan of The 7 Line merch, attend our outings, or plan to this season. Tailgates, new merch, 50/50 raffles, London Series stuff, hotel blocks, and more.

Read More

Opening Day 2024 Tailgate Party at Citi Field!
Opening Day 2024 Tailgate Party at Citi Field!

by The 7 Line March 05, 2024 0 Comments

Kick the 2024 season off with The 7 Line Army in the Marina Lot at Citi Field! Corona beers, pizza, cornhole, music, empanadas, friends, high fives, and good vibes. ALL FANS WELCOME! You don't need to be sitting with us to tailgate together. 

Read More

.video-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; padding-top: 30px; height: 0; overflow: hidden; }