With Spring Training workouts in full swing, it's a good time to discuss the very few position battles on the Nationals' roster. First is the number 5 spot in the pitching rotation. John Lannan, Chien Ming Wang, and lefty Ross Detwiler. Lannan is the early front runner in my book, based on his past history and his value in the organization. His 3.70 ERA last year was not too bad but certainly not enough to secure his spot. Wang is coming off two years of shoulder problems. At the end of the season last year he came back and pitched pretty well. Detwiler has had hip problems in previous years but also look pretty strong through spot starts during the season. Unless Lannan is traded, I expect him to win the job in camp.
The second and perhaps last battle is to see whether or not phenom Bryce Harper will play right field on opening day. If he does, that will push Jason Werth to center for the season. Werth is very capable of holding down the fort for the year until a long term option is found. GM Mike Rizzo has said Skipper Davey Johnson has convinced him to keep an open mind on Harper during the spring. If Harper has an amazing spring, look for him in right field.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Offseason recap
Well it was a pretty eventful offseason for Washington. Between the trades, the rumors, and the surprise signings there really wasn't any telling what GM Mike Rizzo would do next. Gio Gonzales and Edwin Jackson were the headline acquisitions. Gonzales in a trade with the A's, Jackson in free agency in a 1 year 10 million dollar deal. These two, partnered with Steven Strasburg and Jordan Zimmerman give the Nats a very potent rotation rivaling almost any team in the National league. Adding Brad Lidge as the 7th inning setup to the setup man and a clubhouse leader was a very under rated move. The main storyline going into spring training is Bryce Harper. If he has a good camp and makes the club, the Nats may very well make the playoffs as a wildcard or even win the east. The Marlins, phillies, and braves will all be very competitive and this will be the most interesting division in the league.
Back!
Well after a year+ long battle with a rare form of Ewings Sarcoma, I'm back in the business. This blog will be repurposed as a non-sanctioned Washington Nationals blog. My thoughts and observations will in no way reflect the feelings or views of the Nationals.
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