MLB Washington Nationals: Davey Johnson's Opening Day Lineup

The Washington Nationals have become a trendy pick as a contender for the National League wild card spot, or for possibly taking the NL East crown away from the Phillies. There is no doubt that Washington has the pitching to be a contender; but it will be the way that Johnson uses his lineup to score runs that will be the key to the Nats and postseason in 2012. 

So who is likely to be skipper Davey Johnson's starting lineup come Opening Day in Chicago?

Leadoff: Ian Desmond, Shortstop

After spending a great deal of time with Davey Johnson near the end of the season shortstop Ian Desmond closed strong. It may have kept him from being traded to the Rays for B. J. Upton. Either way, Johnson sees Desmond as his Opening Day leadoff man. 

No. 2: Danny Espinosa, Second Baseman

Last season, second baseman Danny Espinosa showed some real power. The rookie hit 21 homers, though his batting average tailed off a bit at .236. There is reason to feel good about his ability to hit up in the .250 to .260 range.

No. 3: Ryan Zimmerman, Third Baseman

Year in and year out, Ryan Zimmerman remains the Nationals' most consistent hitter. He can hit both for average and for power. The key for Zimmerman is staying healthy. The Nats can't afford to have him on the DL for an extended period of time like he was last year. 

No. 4: Bryce Harper, Right Fielder

There is no doubt that if he shows that he is ready, 19-year-old Bryce Harper will be the starting right fielder. Manager Davey Johnson has made it very clear that Harper's power bat and many talents should be used as soon as he proves he is worthy of being in the major leagues. If he can do that in spring training then he will be in the opening day lineup.    

No. 5: Michael Morse, Left Fielder

The Beast was the Nationals breakout star in 2011. Michael Morse was the team's most productive bat, and the hope is that he can continue to put up big numbers in 2012. His .303 batting average, .360 OBP, and .550 slugging percentage were strong numbers across the board.

No. 6: Jayson Werth, Center Fielder

After signing a seven-year, $126 million deal with the Nationals, Jayson Werth had what was by any standards a terrible year. He had 20 homers, but he only hit .232 and drove in just 58 runs. But he has worked hard over the offseason and we can expect those numbers to climb. All Nats fans hope that Werth's 2011 season was just a bad dream and not a peek at what will be coming down the line.  

No. 7: Adam LaRoche, First Baseman

In 2011, Adam LaRoche spent most of the Nationals season on the DL; and in a way that was a good thing. The reason being his not playing game Michael Morse a chance to shine. Well LaRoche, a top-flight first baseman is healthy; and that is good news. He is a career .267 hitter with pop in his bat, averaging 20-plus homers a year in his time in Atlanta. So he should be able to pick things up in 2012.    

No. 8: Wilson Ramos, Catcher

Well, after a solid rookie season with the Nationals, Wilson Ramos is ready to get even better in 2012.

Former catcher and Nats Assistant GM Bob Boone sees Ramos' .267 average and 15 home runs going up.  

Wild Card: Roger Bernadina, Center Fielder

If Bryce Harper does not make the Opening Day lineup, look for the Nationals to give the job to Roger Bernadina. His natural talents have yet to gel, but his last chance could come with the Nats in 2012.  

So that is the Nats starting lineup for Opening Day. We will see how things go after spring training.  

There Will Be Plenty of Sellouts at Nats Park in 2012

If the Nationals do make the run at the National League playoffs, there will be plenty of sell-out crowds at Nationals Park.