Nationals takeaways: An elite offense is uber-patient, a struggling staff is too patient

WASHINGTON — Over the last 20 years, only two teams have scored at least 140 runs and allowed at least 160 runs at this point of the season: the 2009 World Series-winning New York Yankees and the 2026 Nationals.These Nationals are fascinating, as well as perplexing, frustrating, tantalizing and alluring. They are an offensive juggernaut, though probably not the 2009 Yankees. The MLB Draft, trade deadline and offseason will determine if they can find the pieces to one day reach those heights. But it’s never too early to start adjusting the on-field process to see what habits could help them get there.Advertisement