Flip This Baseball Team: Washington, D.C.

Bad.

In one word, that's how I would describe the National's season.

But, the season was also a season of learning and growing:

Ryan Zimmerman had his best season ever, and John Lannon crossed the 200 innings mark. Also, Gordan and Nyjer Morgan had very promising seasons.

But, there are major holes on the team:

Catcher, relief pitching, back-end rotation, right field, and second base/shortstop (whichever Christen Guzman decides not to play.)

Here's how I would fix them.

First, let's look at who will leave the Nat's this off season.

Leave or Keep

Free agents: Josh Bard, C; Livan Hernandez, RHP; Ron Villone, LHP; Dmitri Young, 1B.

-Let them all leave, except Ron Villone. No others are worth a contract.-

Eligible for arbitration: Jason Bergmann, RHP; Sean Burnett, LHP; Logan Kensing, RHP; Wil Nieves, C; Mike MacDougal, RHP; Scott Olsen, LHP; Pete Orr, 2B; Josh Willingham, OF.

-Bring back Burnett, Nieves, Olsen, Orr, and Willingham.-

Club option: Austin Kearns, OF, $10 million.

-Bring back Kearns.-

Who can Catch?

Who can Catch?

I think the number one option for the Nationals is to sign Victor Martinez. But he might be unreachable.

Who else is there?

Kurt Suzuki.

This guy plays great defense, is great with pitchers, and is a productive hitter. (88 RBI's last year despite playing in Oakland.)

How hard would he be to get?

All the A's would need would be Will Nieves to replace Kurt, Elijah Dukes, and a B prospect. That would definately complete the deal.

A final option would be to draft a catcher first round and wait.

Shortstop/Second Base

It is believed that Guzman will start at second base, "to prolong his career." That leaves a hole at short.

Although the Nats say that they're comfortable with Ian Desmond. But I'm not.

The nationals should try to get Miguel Tejada, but when that fails, they should go for Khalil Green.

Right Field

I want Austin Kearns to get another chance, but, if they want a free agent, like they've said they do, I'd go after Bobby Abreu. He is the picture of consistancy, and is an underrated defender. The only problem is that he wants to play on a play-off caliber team. Randy Winn could also be an option, should Abreu fail.

Right Field

I want Austin Kearns to get another chance, but, if they want a free agent, like they've said they do, I'd go after Bobby Abreu. He is the picture of consistancy, and is an underrated defender. The only problem is that he wants to play on a play-off caliber team. Randy Winn could also be an option, should Abreu fail.

Starters

The Nats have said they want veterans, so who should they go for?

Here's the rotation so far:

Scott Olsen

John Lannon

J.D. Martin (expendable)

Stephen Strasburg (expendable)

That leaves 1-3 holes. Let's at least fill two holes.

First off, sign Randy Johnson. He's a great pitcher.

Next, go for Jarrod Washburn. He's going to love the NL.

Other options could include Ben Sheets, Vincent Padilla, and Daniel Cabrera.

Starters

The Nats have said they want veterans, so who should they go for?

Here's the rotation so far:

Scott Olsen

John Lannon

J.D. Martin (expendable)

Stephen Strasburg (expendable)

That leaves 1-3 holes. Let's at least fill two holes.

First off, sign Randy Johnson. He's a great pitcher.

Next, go for Jarrod Washburn. He's going to love the NL.

Other options could include Ben Sheets, Vincent Padilla, and Daniel Cabrera.

Relievers

The Nats need a new closer, and one more reliever. Here's who they should get:

Mike Gonzalez. Good, underrated, and he fits well in D.C.

LaTroy Hawkins: Great reliever.

Relievers

The Nats need a new closer, and one more reliever. Here's who they should get:

Mike Gonzalez. Good, underrated, and he fits well in D.C.

LaTroy Hawkins: Great reliever.

Results

The nationals will finish one game above .500. Kurt Suzuki, if on the team, will make his first All-star appearence. Adam Dunn and Ryan Zimmerman are in the MVP talks, and Bobby Abreu greats another 100 RBI season.

However, down the streatch, injuries hurt the team, bringing down Randy Johnson, Mike Gonzalaz, John Lannon, Austin Kearns, and Christen Guzman. Under new management, Elijah Dukes has a breakout season in Oakland. Vincent Padilla's attitude gets in the way, and Jim Riggleman proves yet again that he's not a majot league manager.

However, the youngsters grow a little more, and in the June draft, the Nats will get a big time prospect.

Not to shabby.

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