"Part of the problem was the lack of stepping up and the stepping down of players from last year's surprisingly watchable squad. The Amazing Fifth Starter Squad showed themselves to be... well 5th starters. The Trevor Williams bubble burst. Cavalli and Herz got hurt. Brady House and Dylan Crews in their first long stretches in the majors were not good."
"Along with that is the uncertainty of ownership. The Lerners do not seem committed as a group to the team and they've even put it out there they'll sell for the right price, but can they get it? We did see the last of Rizzo and Davey which for most people was a relief. You know how I felt about Davey a manager that managed to undershoot expectations"
Preseason projections centered around 71 wins, with one estimate at 'high 60s', which missed the mark. The team underperformed, producing disappointment and concern amid a rebuilding phase combined with a new general manager and manager that could delay progress by years. Young players who appeared promising either slipped, regressed, or suffered injuries. Standouts like Wood, Gore, and Abrams may become trade assets rather than future cornerstones. The pitching depth proved weaker than hoped, and several hitters declined. Ownership uncertainty under the Lerners adds instability. Departures include Rizzo and Davey, with mixed evaluations of their legacies.
Read at Natsbaseball
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