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.
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