MLB Predictions 2011: Who Cares About Washington Nationals Without Strasburg?

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The Washington Nationals are gearing up for a season that they thought would be special. They felt confident that they could sign a marquee free agent, which they did, and they figured their ace would open the 2011 MLB season.

He won't.

The Nats signed Jayson Werth this past Winter, although it took a ton more than anyone else would have paid to acquire his services. But the team lost Adam Dunn, so Werth is basically a more expensive replacement who will not his as many home runs.

Did anyone ever take courses on finances or common sense in Washington?

Also, they will be without phenom Stephen Strasburg for the entire season following Tommy John surgery in his rookie year. With their ace having to watch from the dugout, will the fans still pay to watch the games?

It doesn't appear too likely. The Nats' attendance was horrible in games not started by Strasburg last year. They at least had a relatively affordable power hitter in Dunn last season to attract some fans.

This year, Strasburg needs the year to heal, Dunn is mashing bombs in Chicago with the White Sox, and they are stuck with Werth for the next seven years.

I guess things really do have to get worse before they get better.

Washington is not going to improve upon a disappointing season from last year. If anything, it could get worse and they could remain in last place in the National League East. The only other team who could challenge them for the cellar is the pathetic New York Mets.

Strasburg finished the season with zero wins, while Werth will struggle to hit 30 home runs.

And as usual, no one in Washington will care.

For more on the first pitches from every game, make sure to check out Bleacher Report Mets Featured Columnist Ash Marshall, who takes a look at MLB Opening Day 2011: 20 memories, Stats and Facts from Baseball's Opening Day.

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