Matt Williams' pregame message to Nats: "We're best when we're aggressive"

Nationals manager Matt Williams said Wednesday night after his team's 11-4 loss to Arizona that he would have a pregame team meeting on Thursday prior to the series finale to discuss some important topics.

Williams gave the media gathering hints as to what the subject of that pregame team meeting would be and what he wants his team to get back to doing well.

"I think it's important for us to understand we're best when we're aggressive," Williams said. "When we're an aggressive team, we're at our best. There are limitations depending on the guys or the state of everybody's health when it comes to that. But aggressiveness is key for us, and we've proven that when we play like that, we are a better team.

"So, that's the message. Let's be ready to play. Let's not be afraid to go on that ball that bounces in the dirt because that's who we are, that's how we play."

Williams said losing can cause some to hang their heads and to not be as aggressive as they normally would be if the score was 0-0 or if they had the lead.

"When things aren't going the way you want them to go, oftentimes human nature tells us that you kind of back up and play it safe," Williams said. "But that's not the type of team we are. Let's make sure we stay who we are. That's important to us. If we can do that, then we play well."

Williams said they have to take advantage of opportunities with men on base, putting pressure on the opponent to crack and make a mistake. They need to be aggressive when the ball goes in the dirt, and they need to take that base and advance the runner so the next base hit scores that run.

"We're an aggressive baserunning team," Williams said. "First to third is important. We want to continue to do that. If we get into a good hitter's count, let her fly. If you get a good pitch to hit, let her fly. That's what we want."

And these are the times when the manager needs to step up and deliver the message.

"A subtle reminder of that is sometimes appropriate," Williams said.