Why the Washington Nationals Will Be Contenders in 2013

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WASHINGTON - APRIL 20: Ryan Zimmerman #11 of the Washington Nationals celebrates with teammates after a 3-2 victory against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park on April 20, 2009 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

The Washington Nationals have been the annual laughing stock of Major League Baseball for a few years now. Last season, the Nationals had 102 losses for the MLB's worst record. This season is pretty much lost, as well (16 wins?).

But I believe that in 2013, the Nats will be contenders for the NL East division.

Here's why...

Ryan Zimmerman will be in his Prime

SAN FRANCISCO - MAY 13: Ryan Zimmerman #11 of the Washington Nationals bats against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park on May 13, 2009 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Rayn Zimmerman is by far the best player for the Nationals. He's a great offensive and defensive player, and should be for the next 10-15 years.

Stephen Strasburg will be in the Majors

SAN DIEGO, CA- APRIL 3: Starting Pitcher Stephen Strasburg #37 of the San Diego State Aztecs throws from the mound against the UC Davis Aggies during their game on April 3, 2009 at Petco Park in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Image

Stephen Strasburg was selected first overall in the MLB First-Year Player Draft by the Nats. Strasburg should be in the starting rotation and hopefully an ace for the team.

Colin Balester and Tyler Clippard will have it all Figured Out

VIERA, FL - FEBRUARY 21: Tyler Clippard #36 of the Washington Nationals poses during photo day at Roger Dean Stadium on February 21, 2009 in Viera, Florida. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)

Balester and Clippard are 20-something pitchers that have spent most of their careers in the minors. But by 2013, Clippard and Balester will be behind Strasburg and Zimmermann.

Jordan Zimmermann will be a Good Pitcher Also

WASHINGTON - APRIL 20: Jordan Zimmermann #27 of the Washington Nationals pitches against the Florida Marlins at Nationals Park on April 20, 2009 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

Jordan Zimmermann is the Nationals ace right now. Zimmermann will be 27 in 2013, and likely be pitching right behind Strasburg in the pitching rotation.

Joel Hanrahan will be among the Elite Closers in the Game

WASHINGTON - APRIL 16: Joel Hanrahan #38 of the Washington Nationals pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park on April 16, 2009 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

I'll be the first one to admit that Joel Hanrahan has been less than satisfactory as the Nats' closer, but I think that he will finally have it figured out by 2013.

Shairon Martis will be a good pitcher, too

SAN FRANCISCO - MAY 13: Shairon Martis #39 of the Washington Nationals pitches against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park on May 13, 2009 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Shairon Martis is 5-1 so far in 2009, and I have reason to believe that he will be even better in 2013. Martis will be more experienced, and, if injuries don't hamper him, could be a Cy Young-caliber pitcher.

Elijah Dukes will be one of the best players in the Game

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 07: Elijah Dukes #34 of the Washington Nationals hits an RBI single in the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 7, 2009 at Dodger Stadiium in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Elijah Dukes has personal demons. But I think by 2013, the demons will be gone, and he can play to the caliber that he's able to.

Josh Willingham will be an All-Star caliber player

ATLANTA - APRIL 10: Outfielder Josh Willingham #16 of Washington Nationals pinch hits against the Atlanta Braves April 10, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Josh Willingham has been a decent hitter with all-right defense, but I think by 2013 Willingham will be among the better players in the league.

Manny Acta won't be Managing Anymore

WASHINGTON - APRIL 13: Manager Manny Acta of the Washington Nationals walks out to the pitchers mound during the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park on April 13, 2009 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

Manny Acta. Definently the worse of the two-ever Nationals managers. Acta led them to the worst record in Major League Baseball last season. According to FOXSports.com, Manny Acta could be fired some time today. Thank God.

And Maybe, we might have Bryce Harper

Bryce Harper. Sports Illustrated calls him 'baseball's chose one'. And Harper's now going to a community college to become eligible for the 2010 MLB draft. And with the way the Nationals are going, they look like they're leading the race for the No. 1 overall pick. And that could be Bryce Harper.

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