Run Differential: -164
2009 could not end soon enough for the Nationals and their fans. Aside from having the worst record in the league, the team had a public relations nightmare in the front office. Fantasy owner/GM Jim Bowden resigned after being linked to a bonus shaving scandal in Latin America and top scout Jose Rijo was fired for the same offense. Manager Manny Acta served as the scapegoat and was fired in July after the team had managed to win 26 games in 87 tries. Although Jim Riggleman had better luck in the second half, the team still had the worst rotation in baseball and the bullpen was constantly changing in an effort to find someone who could get three outs. At times a poor pitching staff can be offset by a good offense and that seemed to be the plan for the Nationals going into the season. Unfortunately only the core players in Adam Dunn, Nick Johnson, Ryan Zimmerman, and Josh Willingham performed to their standards. Highly regarded second year catcher Jesus Flores tore his labrum and missed nearly the entire season causing the team to suffer with Josh Bard and Wil Nieves behind the dish. This change alone probably cost the team three or four games. Christian Guzman, fresh off his shiny new two year extension, reverted to the Guzman of old (no power, no walks), and Elijah Dukes regressed completely. What should have been one of the league's best offenses ended up being mediocre.
This season arrives with similar expectations as last: an above average offense and improved defense look to carry a mediocre pitching staff in the team's first quest to finish with a winning record.
The same core of offensive players return (minus Nick Johnson) though the team is worried with the slow recovery of Flores from shoulder surgery. This prompted them to overpay for the services of Pudge Rodriguez, who at 38 is no longer a quality every day player but should be an improvement over Nieves. If they can get league average innings out of Jason Marquis and Scott Olsen while John Lannan holds onto the strides he made last season then this team may turn a corner. Top prospect Stephen Strasburg will likely be called up in May and will immediately be the best pitcher on the team. Team officials are hopeful the bullpen will be much improved as several players seemed to perform better once they found their niche. So, yes, there is reason to be optimistic for 2010. The biggest question Washington should be asking themselves is whether or not they should be big spenders. The team made a couple of thrifty acquisitions with Matt Capps and Marquis but then paid Rodriguez as if it's 2003. The team's minor league system is not likely to contribute any top talent other than Strasburg unless Dunn or Willingham is moved therefore making smart spending key. Signing several pitchers to non-guaranteed minor league contracts can only help the franchise as they'll either help the team contend or help improve minor league depth. Whatever happens this season it's not going to be as bad as 2009 and at least Jim Bowden can be left to focus on building a contender in his fantasy league.
Likely Opening Day Roster:
Pos. | Name | My Two Cents |
C | Ivan Rodriguez | I don't care what ESPN says, he's nearly washed up. |
C | Wil Nieves | Just a placeholder until Flores is healthy |
1b | Adam Dunn | 2009 was the first time since '03 he failed to reach 40 HR as he finished with "only" 38 |
2b | Adam Kennedy | Big second half with Oakland gives him leg up on starting job |
3b | Ryan Zimmerman | If he can duplicate last season's performance one could argue for him as NL's best 3bman |
SS | Christian Guzman | No power + no walks = inconsistent performance dependent upon batting average |
LF | Josh Willingham | Acquiring Willingham might rank as Bowden's best move with the franchise |
CF | Nyjer Morgan | Best defensive CF in baseball? He's in the discussion |
RF | Elijah Dukes | At least he stayed out of trouble last season |
IF | Ian Desmond | When Guzman flops, Desmond will get his shot to be starting SS |
UT | Willie Harris | Saved his career by learning how to draw a walk. One of the most fun players in the game |
OF | Michael Morse | Only player to be suspended twice for performance enhancers. |
OF | Justin Maxwell | Could form a speedy platoon with Morgan |
SP | John Lannan | Team's number one starter may be doing with with smoke and mirrors: 3.9 K/9 last year |
SP | Jason Marquis | His team has never missed the playoffs. |
SP | Scott Olsen | If shoulder is fully healthy will help shore up rotation |
SP | JD Martin | Pitched pretty well last year. Deserving of a chance to prove that wasn't a fluke |
SP | Garrett Mock | Still too early to give up on him as a starter |
Cl | Matt Capps | Hard to believe he was non-tendered and not traded. Make or break year for him as "closer" |
SU | Brian Bruney | 3.25 ERA in four seasons with Yankees |
RP | Sean Burnett | Thriving now that he has a permanent role in the bullpen |
RP | Colin Balester | Former top prospect failed as starter, now seems destined to be a reliever. |
RP | Tyler Clippard | New slider allowed him to post 2.69 ERA in 41 appearances last year |
RP | Jason Bergmann | Will probably be a roster casualty when Strasburg is called up |
RP | Tyler Walker | Well traveled veteran hopes to stick with Nats |
Say Hello To: Matt Capps, Adam Kennedy, Ivan Rodriguez, Jason Marquis, Chien-Ming Wang, Brian Bruney, Eddie Guardado, Tyler Walker
Wave Goodbye: Wily Mo Pena, Joe Beimel, Julian Tavarez, Nick Johnson, Austin Kearns, Josh Bard, Livan Hernandez
Rookies: Stephen Strasburg, Justin Maxwell
Potential Breakout: Strasburg is the only real candidate here. It should be fun.
Welcome to Earth: Jason Marquis - I'm just not convinced he's for real.
Likely to Rebound: Elijah Dukes - If he remembers how to take a walk the rest will come.
Top 3 players: Ryan Zimmerman, Adam Dunn, Stephen Strasburg
Top Prospect: Stephen Strasburg - The once in a generation talent likely will begin the year in the minors. After a month or so fans can expect to see his 100mph fastball every fifth day.
Prediction: 74-88 5th place N.L. East
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