Trea Turner showed he belonged in big leagues and gave hint of potential

The Nationals might still be licking their wounds from the Game 5 loss Thursday in the National League Division Series, but president of baseball operations and general manager Mike Rizzo built this team for the long haul and the core of this team is still very young.

Two of the youngest players reside in the outfield in center fielder Trea Turner (23) and right fielder Bryce Harper (24 on Sunday).

Today, we spotlight N.C. State product Turner.

Turner had an amazing season for the Nationals, having to play a position he never really played after being a shortstop his whole baseball life.

"I exceeded probably a lot of (my expectations)," Turner said. "I don't know if I had any goals or anything. I just tried to play hard, try to compete and win as much as I can. Looking back, I think I did a pretty good job of that. I didn't really give anything away. I think that's something to be proud of."

Every player in the clubhouse was taking the loss pretty hard Thursday night into Friday morning. Hugs, slaps on the back and quiet words were exchanged between the players. Right-hander Max Scherzer spent time with catcher Pedro Severino. Jayson Werth spoke with left-hander Gio Gonzalez. Many more of those types of meetings were going on all over the clubhouse on as they contemplated the 2016 season.

"It's tough. I think that it's real tough because you come to the field every day for six months, seven months," Turner said. "You put in a lot of effort with these guys and for it to end this way, it stinks. Only one team gets to celebrate at the end and unfortunately it's not us.

"Heck of a game from both sides. Pitchers were used in crazy spots. A lot of people had to play today off the bench. It was a wild game. That's baseball. That's what makes it fun."

Turner could be moved to shortstop next season or he could stay in the outfield. None of those subjects have been decided upon just yet. Bottom line is he will be in the Nationals lineup again. What a find for Rizzo and company just last season. He came over in a trade with right-hander Joe Ross on Dec. 19, 2014 from the Padres in a three-team trade with the Rays. The Nationals gave up left-handed pitcher Travis Ott and outfielder Steven Souza Jr.

Thursday night Turner was asked what he learned about playing in the postseason.

"I can't say I necessarily learned anything other than how to deal with playing in the postseason," he said. "It's fun. It's fun with everything on the line and working all year for this series, then getting a chance to finally play it. It's the postseason. It was nice to be here and hopefully I can do it for many years."

The Nationals, with a young nucleus, hope that is the case. That is the way Rizzo has envisioned the future: multiple chances at the prize, not one-hit wonders.