Washington Nationals: Laying Foundation with Bryce Harper, Strasburg and Others
Some people might think I’m crazy, but I have one prediction for the Washington Nationals: If the Nats can eventually rise to becoming a playoff force in the National League, then I see this team becoming more popular than the beloved Washington Capitals.
If you were to ask me 10 years ago if the Capitals would take the D.C. area by storm, I would have simply replied, "You are absurd."
Suddenly they get a new owner, draft the most exciting player in the league in Alex Ovechkin and hire new coach Bruce Boudreau. Now the Caps are treated like royalty with one of the best home-crowd advantages in the NHL, and I don’t see why the Washington Nationals can’t exercise the same principles.
Mark my words, if the Nationals can manage their organization appropriately, they can be a major player in the playoffs for years to come and engage a fan base similar to that of the Caps.
If you look at the Nationals' current roster, there are many pieces that should lay a foundation for a team of the future, as well as other ballplayers who will hopefully be in D.C. next year.
I’ve made a list of each of these players, as well as others whose position with the team isn’t solidified.
Catcher: Wilson Ramos
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This turned out to be a great trade for GM Mike Rizzo. Ramos was acquired from Minnesota in exchange for then-All-Star reliever Matt Capps. The Nationals' bullpen hasn’t missed a beat since, and it appears the team has their catcher of the future in Wilson Ramos.
He’s become a reliable hitter throughout the season and is much improved defensively in comparison to last year. It appears Ivan Rodriguez has taken Wilson under his wing, and his potential has positively shined.
Catchers typically aren’t supposed to be the team’s power hitter or put up great offensive numbers. If Ramos can keep up his average of .275, 80 RBI’s, 15-20 home runs and extra base hits, then this was a steal of a trade.
Third Baseman: Ryan Zimmerman
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Jayson Werth might have been signed to a lucrative contract, and Bryce Harper might become the game’s best hitter, but Ryan Zimmerman is the face of the franchise as long as he can stay healthy.
He’s arguably the best fielding third baseman in baseball and has proved himself as a clutch hitter.While he will put up All-Star numbers, Zimmerman is the longest-tenured National on the team and will need to step into a leadership role for the younger players.
Zimmerman’s contract is up soon, but he should expect a significant pay raise.
Shortstop: Ian Desmond
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There are times when I watch Ian Desmond, and I see him emulating Derek Jeter.
There are other occasions when I think he needs to retool his mechanics in the minor leagues.
In his second full season in a Nats uniform, there have been some improvements. Although he is still committing errors, they have definitely dipped from last year, and his base running has become very good, as he is one of the league leaders in stolen bases this season.
It's obvious Nationals officials are very high on Desmond and expect him to improve his hitting throughout the year. Ian is hitting in the low .200’s, and if he can find a way to become a solid .300 hitter, All-Star games could be in his future. He has great speed and decent power to where he can turn singles into doubles.
Unfortunately, pitchers seem to have a good scouting report on him, as he is still struggling against breaking balls and remains impatient at the plate. In my opinion, hitting a baseball from a professional pitcher is the hardest skill in any sport, so it is not a skill that will be achieved overnight. Desmond might be a frustrating player to watch at times, but I would like to see an overall advancement after the season is complete.
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Second Baseman: Danny Espinosa
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Espinosa has skills that have been impressive thus far; he’s already a dependable infielder (it wouldn’t surprise me if he and Desmond switch positions eventually), has great speed and can switch-hit.
At the beginning of the season, Espinosa looked to be in the running for Rookie of the Year. Since then though, his bat has slowed down, hitting right at the .200 average with a lot of strike-out issues similar to Ian Desmond.
Players with speed, such as Espinosa and Desmond, are a threat to get on base every time if they put the ball on the ground. Espinosa has deceitful power, but needs to adjust his mechanics and learn to get on base so the big bats can send him home.
Danny is a good athlete, and it will be interesting to see if he has the mental toughness to get out of this hitting slump. If that happens, the Nationals will feel more comfortable with their youngsters.
Right Fielder: Jayson Werth
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I understand the season is still young, but is Jayson Werth playing at the level of his contract?
Absolutely not.
Prior to the start of the season, it was expected that Ian Desmond was going to be a consistent leadoff hitter; Werth batted second, Zimmerman batted third and LaRoche was in the cleanup spot. Desmond struggled immediately at leadoff and has since slid down the batting order, Zimmerman has been hurt for essentially the whole season and LaRoche’s injury this week may be the reason behind his atrocious batting average.
Zimmerman’s injury was so crucial because as a results, Werth has become "the guy." In Philadelphia, Werth was almost an afterthought, considering that opposing pitchers also had to deal with Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Shane Victorino.
That being said, I cannot blame him entirely for his misfortunes on offense. Other than that, he’s been great in the outfield and as a base runner, but most importantly, he brings veteran leadership to the clubhouse.
Werth seems to be involved in the team’s game-to-game strategies, and I expect him to rebound once his fellow teammates get healthy.
Right Fielder: Bryce Harper
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I know Youtube can make any athlete look like the next star, but watching Bryce Harper’s swing makes non-baseball fans jump out of their seats.
Even though Harper’s path to being the No. 1 overall draft pick was unorthodox, he has seemed destined for greatness upon his arrival to Nats Park.
Harper is dominating the low single A minor affiliate, and I expect him to move himself up through the minor league ranks throughout the season.
I also like Mike Rizzo’s strategy with their young star. It is a given the Nationals need Bryce Harper on so many different levels; they need his offensive power, and he will increase ticket sales, merchandise and media coverage.
(Similar to what Strasburg did last year.)
Let me remind you that if Harper took the traditional route in becoming a big leaguer, he would still be a senior in high school. Give Bryce some time to mature and learn how to be a consistent professional on a daily basis.
Starting Pitcher: Jordan Zimmerman
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If people are concerned about Stephen Strasburg and his healing arm, take a look at Jordan Zimmerman.
Before Strasburg was drafted, it was Zimmerman who was considered to be the ace of the future.
In his first full season back after recovering from Tommy John surgery, Zimmerman has been solid. While he hasn’t had a lot of run support, Zimmerman still has a commanding fastball and breaking ball. He’s still young and hasn’t mastered his craft.
When he does, I expect him to be a great complement to Strasburg.
Starting Pitcher: Stephen Strasburg
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Nationals fans were spoiled with Strasburg’s performance last season; his first start is something I will always remember as a Washingtonian.
It was heartbreaking to see his potential suffer a substantial setback when he had Tommy John surgery. Fortunately, the recovery rate for this type of injury is optimistic, and most will assume he will come back to the rotation for the start of the 2012 season.
Even though he is severely missed in Washington this summer, this injury may have been a blessing for him and the rest of his career.
Prosperous pitchers make a living with off-speed pitches while painting the corners (see: Livan Hernandez). Even though he is known for his fastball, Strasburg's breaking balls and off-speed pitches can prove to be just as effective.
Relief Pitcher: Drew Storen
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While Storen struggled in Spring Training and early on this season, he now seems to have gotten into a groove; I actually think he can earn a save on his slider alone.
If there is one hallmark of this franchise so far, it’s been their bullpen, and Storen has the most talent.
Early this season, Storen beat out Shawn Burnett as the closer, and manager Jim Riggleman is confident in his young reliever. To be a closer, you need to have ice in your veins, and for Storen to already welcome that role in pressure-filled situations is remarkable.
Relief Pitcher: Tyler Clippard
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Clippard may have a bad night from time to time, but he has been a solid middle reliever/setup man for the past two seasons with a very deceptive fastball-changeup combination.
Tyler embraces doing the dirty work of the bullpen, showing versatility in his and pitching more than an inning if needed. Players of his caliber are essential to a team’s success.
Outfielder: Roger Bernadina (Indifferent)
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Bernadina is human highlight reel in the outfield, especially after what I think was the greatest catch in Nationals Park's short history against the Florida Marlins.
I was surprised to see Roger demoted to AAA to start the season because I thought a player with his defensive skill set would be needed.
In order for Roger to become a regular on the Nationals' roster, he’s going to need to learn how to be a leadoff hitter, and leadoff hitters cannot hit .250. If he can establish a way to get on base more effectively, I think he will become a solid player because he possesses all the other skill sets on defense and as a base-stealer.
Unfortunately, Bernadina has had multiple opportunities to impress the Nationals, and he still hasn’t been able to bring up his batting average. The jury is still out on him.
Outfielder: Laynce Nix (Indifferent)
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Nix started off on the bench for the Nationals and upon Mike Morse’s struggles, was given an opportunity that has kept him in the lineup.
Laynce is a very aggressive left-handed hitter who seems reluctant on drawing a walk. Players who swing for the fences are definitely enjoyable to watch, but Nix will need to show a little more patience when he’s at the plate.
Despite that, I believe there is a roster spot for Nix in the future. He might not be an everyday starter, but he can be a spark off the bench, which is an absolute necessity for National League teams.
Starting Pitcher: John Lannan (Indifferent)
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Two seasons ago, I envisioned John Lannan developing a career similar to Tom Glavine, excelling in great control of pitches and inducing ground balls.
Since then, Lannan has been decent at best.
He’s had trouble with his control, which sent him back down to the minors last year, and now he seems to be getting out-pitched by Jordan Zimmerman and Jason Marquis.
Lannan is also struggling in the beginning of games, which is not a good sign when you have a poor offense like the Nats do. If he can get back to his old form, then I can see the left-hander in the rotation.
He still has a lot to work on though.
Starting Pitcher: Jason Marquis (Indifferent)
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What a difference a year makes.
Last season Marquis was a certifiable bust with health problems for most of the year. Now he has been arguably the most consistent pitcher of the rotation. Excluding his last performance in Baltimore, he has pitched into late innings.
On a side note, he is a good hitter as well, so manager Jim Riggleman gives him the green light to swing away. Even though Jason is older and his contract is up at the end of this season, I think it would be prudent to bring him back for the next few years, as he can be a solid veteran pitcher in the rotation.
Relief Pitcher: Sean Burnett (Indifferent)
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Once Matt Capps was traded last season, Burnett was heavily relied upon in the bullpen. Whether it was as a closer, setup man or middle-inning reliever, Burnett performed effectively in all assignments. He also started off this season as the team’s closer, but Drew Storen seems to have earned the spot over him now.
Nonetheless, Sean is a good pitcher. He’s been in a slump once he was removed of his closer role this season though.
I believe Burnett’s stability with the organization has yet to be seen, but without another solid left-handed reliever, his chances are looking optimistic.
Relief Pitcher: Henry Rodriguez (Indifferent)
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Any pitcher who can throw 100 MPH should be given an opportunity.
Rodriguez was acquired through the offseason trade with Josh Willingham from the Athletics, and it almost seems too good to be true for the A’s to trade away a reliever who has Henry's skills unless there is a noticeable flaw in his pitching game.
A common dilemma with flamethrowers such as Rodriguez is control issues. However, Nationals pitching coach Steve McKatty is one the best coaches in baseball, and he can absolutely help him improve that.
A pitcher with Henry’s velocity is a great fit for the Nats, especially when four of their five starters don’t throw much higher than 90 MPH. This will be a difficult adjustment for batters who will face an entirely different style of pitching when he’s called upon.
Relief Pitcher: Cole Kimball (Indifferent)
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My excitement for Cole Kimball is vastly premature, but it is enjoyable to watch a pitcher exhibit that kind of intensity while also having a great combination of pitches.
In his brief appearances in the big leagues, Cole hasn’t disappointed, and manager Jim Riggleman has done an excellent job examining him in a variety of situations.
Kimball has the potential to pitch vital innings when Storen, Clippard and Burnett need a day off. I am looking forward to seeing his progression as a relief pitcher once there is a good scouting report on him and if he can adapt to playing on a professional basis.
So far so good though.
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