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| Nationals debate Walgreens on the topic of plagarizing W's. |
But it's important to remember how new this team is in D.C. The Nationals have had to face the numerous off-field obstacles associated with starting a new team, and in that respect they've done pretty well. Most notably, they had a new ballpark built -- a gem right on the Anacostia River. An even bigger accomplishment was getting it named Nationals Park and not TD Ameritrade Verizon US Bank Park.
One of the few benefits to sucking for 5 straight seasons is high draft picks (somehow our Pirates suck for 18 years, but still can't seem --). Thanks to the Nationals' 58 and 59 wins in 2008 and 2009, they received the No. 1 draft pick in 2009 and 2010. With those selections, the Nats drafted pitcher Stephen Strasburg and hitter Bryce Harper, easily the most hyped prospects of the last ten years. I remember seeing Bryce Harper on the cover of SI in 2009 -- when he was 15. The article was titled "Baseball's Lebron." Strasburg, meanwhile, made his Major League debut last year and it was like the Beatles came out of retirement.
To go along with the hottest two prospects in baseball, the Nationals revealed this off season that they are prepared to spend with the big boys, shelling out $126 million for outfielder Jayson Werth. While everyone, including the Nats, will admit that they overpaid for Werth, their goal was to make a statement as much as sign a star free agent. The Nationals believe their time has come and they are prepared to spend to make the most of it.
2011, however, will not be the Nationals' year. After an elbow injury last season, Stephen Strasburg underwent Tommy John surgery and will miss all of 2011. Bryce Harper is only entering his first year of pro ball and will spend the season in the minor leagues. But even without their two stars of the future, the Nationals are determined to make progress in 2011.
They Nationals already have two bonafide offensive stars in Right Fielder Jayson Werth and Third Baseman Ryan Zimmerman. There's no telling whether or not Werth will earn his massive paycheck. As we all know, not all (z) $126 million (i) men end (t) up panning out (o). Zimmerman is more automatic. In his 6 seasons in the big leagues he's averaged 25 HR, 98 RBI and .288 average per season.
First baseman Adam LaRoche belted 25 HR/100 RBI last season in Arizona and at 31 years old should still have some pop in his bat. He should be able to adequately replace Adam Dunn's power and will provide improved defense. Ankiel had an awful year last year, but he should be a serviceable Left Fielder.
Beyond these four, the Nats have an interesting mix of youth, age and sheer insanity. Up the middle of the infield, Ian Desmond and Danny Espinosa (25 and 23) will each look to gain solid footing in the big leagues. The age comes from ancient catcher Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez. At 39, it's a wonder Pudge can even get in the squat. Insanity comes from Nyger Morgan. He will steal bases and attempt beat the snot out of you.
On the mound, the Nationals are pretty thin. Livan Hernandez (who has never before appeared next to the word thin) will attempt to get one more year out of his arm and lead the pitching staff. Behind Livan are a duo of young guns: John Lannan (26) and Jordan Zimmerman (24). Neither have looked spectacular so far in their careers, but both have shown glimpses of being able to handle a mid-rotation spot. Journeyman Jason Marquis will have the 3rd or 4th spot. A 2-9 record with a 6.60 ERA in 13 starts in 2010 tells you all you need to know. In the 5 hole will be former Pirates great Tom Gorzelanny.
The Nationals will be an interesting team to watch this season. The fact that they have only 2 dominant hitters and 0 dominant pitchers will limit their success. But at this point, it's all about building a team that's just one dominant hitter and one dominant pitcher away from contending -- because that's exactly what they'll have when Strasburg and Harper arrive on scene.
The 2011 Washington Nationals
C: Ivan Rodriguez
1B: Adam LaRoche
2B: Danny Espinosa
SS: Ian Desmond
3B: Ryan Zimmerman
LF: Rick Ankiel
CF: Nyger Morgan
RF: Jayson Werth
P: Livan Hernandez
P: John Lannan
P: Jason Marquis
P: Jordan Zimmerman
P: Tom Gorzelanny
CL: Drew Storen
Best Case Scenario:
Bryce Harper hits the crap out of the ball in A ball, moving up to AA, where he hits the cover off a ball, makes out with the lifeguard, plays pickle with the Beast and steals home. Meanwhile, Stephen Strasburg's rehab from Tommy John goes smoothly and begins throwing with no pain whatsoever. Back in D.C., the Nationals quietly piece together a respectable 82-80 finish. Jayson Werth hits hits a career high 25 HR and 106 RBI as scoffers at his price tag slowly begin to fade away. On the rubber, Livan remains an ageless wonder and wins 14 games with a 4.00 ERA. He expresses his excitement at being the Nationals #2 pitcher upon Strasburg's return.
Strasburg and Harper, Nats tickets become a hot item in August and September and the D.C. Metro area slowly but surely begins a love affair with the Nationals that blossoms over the next 5 years.
Worst Case Scenario:
If the Nationals' 10-25 start wasn't depressing enough, fans are disheartened after hearing of serious complications in Stephen Strasburg's rehab. Growing impatient, Strasburg decides to ramp his rehab schedule, but in the process reinjures his elbow. His return date is unknown.
Turning then to their other ace in the hole, Nats fans again cringe when seeing Bryce Harper's .181 average at A ball in Hagerstown, MD. Sidelined for 3 months with an eye infection stemming from using copious amounts of eyeblack, Harper returns overweight and dangerously unmotivated.
Before Nats fans know it, it's August and the Nationals are 23 games out of first place. Jayson Werth finishes the season with only 16 HR and 75 RBI. Livan Hernandez and Pudge Rodriguez both retire mid-season as their age catches up with them. Nyger Morgan is charged with 13 counts of being bat-shit crazy stemming from a hockey incident in which he took of his skate and tried to stab someone with it. To make matters worse the Nationals finish 1 game ahead of Pittsburgh in the standings, missing out on the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.
As ticket sales and sponsorship plummet, Nationals Park is renamed Halliburton Oil Field.
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