Washington Nationals Are Deep Enough to Field a Second Starting 9

I could be a better MLB Commissioner than Bud Selig.

But it's a pretty challenging job, so I would settle for being Commissioner-for-the-Day.

My first order of business?

Allow the Washington Nationals to field a second team.

This season the Washington Nationals have been plagued by injuries throughout the lineup. Their star closer has yet to play a game, their starting left fielder made his season debut in early June and their starting catcher is out for the season—and that's just the tip of the iceberg.

But in dealing with these injuries, the Nationals have seen the emergence of several rookies and role players who have stepped in for their injured teammates and excelled. This group has shown manager Davey Johnson that they need to play everyday.

Unfortunately, there are just not enough roster spots for all of these players—regulars, role players and rookies—to receive equal playing time.

So this got me thinking—as I am wont to do—of a completely hypothetical scenario that would help solve this dilemma even though it would never actually happen:

What if the Washington Nationals were allowed to field a second team?

It would be their "Junior Varsity" team—a split-squad that continued playing after Spring Training.

Let's have some fun with this, and take a look at the roster of this imaginary team: 

1. PITCHER: Craig Stammen. A converted starter, Stammen has been dominant as a reliever this season. But he has pitched more innings than any Nationals pitcher who has only pitched in relief, so he would be well suited to switch back to a starting role.

2. CATCHER: Jhonatan Solano. The 26-year-old rookie made his Major League debut on May 29 to replace fellow rookie Sandy Leon, who was backing up Jesus Flores, who had replaced Wilson Ramos. Solano has impressed both in the crouch and in the batter's box.

3. FIRST BASE: Tyler Moore. This Georgia native can rake, plain and simple. He debuted the day after Bryce Harper, but was sent back down to Triple-A Syracuse a month later. He returned to the Majors on June 8, and his bat will keep him there for awhile. He has also flashed the leather at first base, his natural position.

4. SECOND BASE: Mark DeRosa. This journeyman has played almost every position in his 15-year career, including two seasons each with the Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs in which he primarily played second base. DeRosa finally returned from an early-season injury on June 26, and the Nationals are glad to have his versatility back in the lineup. 

5. SHORTSTOP: Steve Lombardozzi. The son of a former Major Leaguer, Lombardozzi has mainly played left field this season, but is a natural middle infielder who played some shortstop in the Minor Leagues. He may finally end the Nats' search for a leadoff man.

6. THIRD BASE: Chad Tracy. Currently on the 15-day disabled list, Chad Tracy has starred for the Nationals this season as a pinch-hitter. But as a position player, Tracy is a natural third baseman. He has played there the majority of his eight-year career, spent entirely in the National League.

7. LEFT FIELD: Roger Bernadina. "The Shark" continues to prove his worth to the Washington Nationals, excelling as a pinch-hitter and utility outfielder. Roger began his career as a center fielder, but is actually a better left fielder.

8. CENTER FIELD: Rick Ankiel. This former pitcher began a second career in baseball after being crippled by the "yips." Now, he could start in center field for half of the clubs in Major League Baseball. And he still has a strong arm.

9. RIGHT FIELD: Xavier Nady. Like Chad Tracy, Xavier Nady is currently injured, but has also been a valuable pinch-hitter and role player. When healthy, Nady played mostly left field for the Nats, but he is a natural right fielder.

So there it is: the Washington Nationals' second starting nine.

But this frivolous exercise begs one more question: which Nationals team would win if they played against each other? 

As Commissioner-for-the-Day, I order the matter be settled with a double header.