Five More Questions for the Washington Nationals 2009 Season

3.  Will this team draft Steven Strasburg?

I know this isn't a regular season question per se, but this is paramount none-the-less.  Scott "the devil" Boras is going to ask for a huge Mark Prior like Major League deal.  He's going to get it from someone, will it be the Nats?

This kid has HUGE potential.  If you haven't heard he's been clock in triple digits (101) and has great breaking stuff.  He's getting a lot of Mark Prior comparisons (the good kind) and he's really exciting to watch. Click Here to view highlights of his 23-strikeout game. 

This is the type of player that can energize a fan base immediately.

4.  Will Jim Bowden still be the GM of this team?

There is a growing sentiment that Jim Bowden is public enemy No. 1.

This guy really thinks so.  With obvious bad contracts, inability to sign first round picks, poor drafting, shady activities with international scouts, and overall bad management; this stewardship has been a disaster. 

Down the parkway in Baltimore, Andy McPhail has done a great job of building his farm system, acquiring assets and overall improving the outlook on the Orioles. Fans in DC and looking for the same, soon they may be out-right demanding it.

5.  Will the young players improve?

Lastings Milledge, Elijah Dukes, Jesus Flores and others began to show some real promise last year.  Elijah Dukes especially had an OPS+ of 154 (roughly 54% better than league average) in the second half of last season.

Milledge had a .299/.355/.448 split in the second half last year which is very respectable for a center fielder.

In this first half of last year Flores had a .759 OPS and played great defense.  In the league today that makes for a rock-solid catcher.

While the farm system might be bleak, there's lots of young talent standing in Nationals Park right now.  If this talent continues to improve it should help give hope to fans until the reinforcements arrive.

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