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          Eric Karabell Blog

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          Fantasy value of Orioles, Nationals players

          Steve Pearce, Nelson Cruz, Anthony Rendon and Ian Desmond have all been solid fantasy values. USA TODAY Sports
          • Eric Karabell, ESPN Senior WriterSep 17, 2014, 10:43 AM ET
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            • ESPN contributor on TV, radio, podcasts, blogs, Magazine
            • Charter member of FSWA Hall of Fame
            • Author of "The Best Philadelphia Sports Arguments"
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          Congrats to the first two teams to secure MLB playoff berths, as the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals, their stadiums separated by less than hour of drive time, won their respective East divisions Tuesday night. The Orioles received five passable innings from right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez and home runs by Steve Pearce and Jimmy Paredes to rout the Toronto Blue Jays, while the Nationals enjoyed seven shutout innings by right-hander Tanner Roark and home run No. 23 from shortstop Ian Desmond to shut out the Atlanta Braves. Let's discuss these successful "Beltway" teams from a fantasy perspective, because from that sense there are actually few similarities.