Nationals' Poor Season Means a Lot to Look Forward To

The Nationals 2008 season so far has been one of disappointment.  They currently sit in last place with a 22-30 record and nine games out of first place. 

10 players from the Nats opening day roster have been on the disabled list and its not even June yet. 

As a Nats fan it is hard to be optimistic but I have decided in the midst of this tumultuous season to take a look at a few bright points for the near future.

 
The Nationals new stadium: The dimensions make it a more of a hitter’s park than RFK which should help the Nationals young hitters make the adjustment to the majors.  Attendance isn’t quite where it should be but you also have to consider that the Nationals ballclub isn’t performing to the levels it is capable of

Jon Rauch: At 6"11' 290 lbs. he is an imposing figure on the mound to say the least.  His 2.45 ERA and 10 saves make him a strong candidate for the closer job after Chad Cordero is gone.  He has only blown two saves so far this year and at 30 years old is entering the prime of his career.  His 20 strikeouts in 25 and 2/3 innings is also impressive. 

Ross Detwiler: The 6th overall pick of the 2007 draft, this young lefty has the tools to become a dominant left handed pitcher in the majors.  So far at Class A Potomac Detwiler is 4-2 with a 4.17 ERA which doesn’t sound too good but his 50 strikeouts in 45.1 IP attest to his potential.  With the way the Nats health is going, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Detwiler in the majors before the September expanded rosters.

Chris Marrero: Not even 20 years old Marrero is going to be one of the best outfielders in the majors for years to come.  The 15th overall pick in 2006 he is currently at Class A Potomac.  With 7 HR, 22 RBIs, and a .332 OBP through 47 games, he is already putting together a solid season.  His batting average isn’t quite where it should be but that will come around in time.  As with Detwiler, I think a September call up could be at hand if he performs well.

Michael Burgess: Another excellent outfield prospect currently playing at Class A Hagerstown.  He’s having an excellent 2008 so far batting .258 with 11 HR, 33 RBI, and a .328 OBP.  Imagine an outfield with Lastings Milledge, Burgess, and Marrero you would be hard pressed to find a better young outfield combination.  I think a 2008 call up is unlikely but you can definitely expect to see Burgess in the Majors in 2009.

Jason Bergmann: His 1-1 record this season doesn’t reflect how well he has been pitching since being recalled from Class AAA Columbus.  Since then he has thrown 19 and 2/3 innings of shutout baseball, struck out 22, walked 6, and given up 12 hits.  If he keeps this up, he will be a staple in the Nationals rotation for many years to come.  His curveball has seemed particularly nasty recently, and his stats reflect this.

Although the season can’t be completely written off, it’s not looking good for the Nats.  It will be interesting to see how these stories develop throughout the season and I’m excited to watch these young stars progress and eventually turn the Nats into a winning franchise.