By Kelly Parsons
The Washington Times
‘Chemistry’ is not a word Washington Nationals manager Davey Johnson throws around a lot when talking about the dynamics of his team.
"I've heard that term, ‘chemistry,’” Johnson said Friday afternoon. “Is sulfuric acid in there or what? Some kind of chemical imbalance or something?”
There’s no denying the first-place Nationals have been playing well together. Thursday’s win against the Giants put the Nationals 16 games over .500 for the first time this season.
But to Johnson, the success on the field isn’t necessarily a result of strong relationships in the clubhouse. Good “chemistry” might just be the byproduct of that success.
“To me, I look at it as when 25 guys understand their role and get mentally prepared for it on a daily basis and go out and perform,” Johnson said. “Then, it becomes a unit…Chemistry is what we call it, I guess.”
The Nationals will try to continue their good chemistry — and their four-game winning streak — tonight against the Rockies. Below are the lineups:
Nationals
Danny Espinosa 2B
Bryce Harper CF
Ryan Zimmerman 3B
Michael Morse RF
Adam LaRoche 1B
Ian Desmond SS
Tyler Moore LF
Jesus Flores C
Stephen Strasburg P
Rockies
Dexter Fowler CF
Marco Scutaro 2B
Carlos Gonzalez LF
Michael Cuddyer RF
Tyler Colvin 1B
Jordan Pacheco 3B
Wil Nieves C
Drew Pomeranz P
