7 Moves the Washington Nationals Must Make to Pull off a Miracle NL East Run

The Washington Nationals have hovered around .500 this year. They've survived two months without Ryan Zimmerman, manager Jim Riggleman's abrupt departure and Jayson Werth's horrifying four months. It's highly unlikely that they'll contend in the season's final two months, but with the trading deadline just a few days away, they need to get better.

The Phillies and Braves are probably not catchable, but why not give it a shot?

Davey Johnson has returned to the majors after more than a decade, and he's enjoyed his first month. Whether he'll be back for 2012 or 2013 is questionable. If the Nationals contend in August and September, we'll probably see Johnson next spring. If not, who knows?

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Jordan Zimmermann Must Be the No. 1 Starter

In his first full season after Tommy John surgery, Jordan Zimmermann has pitched creditably, but the Nationals, in desperate need of a staff leader, need him to lead. He doesn’t have to be the No. 1 starter for long; Stephen Strasburg will be back next year.

.Get Davey Johnson What He Wants

When Davey Johnson took over in late June as the Nationals’ manager, he said he wanted a “big, hairy guy” on the bench for late-inning pop. Pete Incaviglia isn’t available. Nor is David Ortiz. They need someone better than Matt Stairs (2 RBIs) for some oomph.

Pray Wilson Ramos Survives

In his first season as a major league catcher, Wilson Ramos’ defense has been spectacular, and his offense isn’t embarrassing. Ivan Rodriguez is hurt, and onetime prospect Jesus Flores is inadequate as a defensive backup. The last two months is the championship distance, and Ramos must not wilt

Go to Your Left

Davey Johnson wants a better left-hander in the bullpen, and Sean Burnett, once a bright spot, has disappointed recently. The Nationals signed J.C. Romero to a minor league contract, but quickly let him go.  Maybe Ross Detwiler, the 2007 first-round pick is the answer.

Get More from Morse

If Jayson Werth won’t produce, hope that Michael Morse will continue to. For years, Morse was dismissed as a Four-A player in Seattle and Washington, but this year with Adam LaRoche gone for the season, Morse has been the Nationals’ chief power source. That must continue.

Hope Chien-Ming Wang Can Come Back Spectacularly

Chien-Ming Wang hasn’t pitched in the major leagues since July 4, 2009. After more than two years, he’s back, and the Nationals must hope that he can resemble the pitcher who won 19 games in 2006 and 2007. If he can get on a roll, so can the Nationals.

Jayson Werth Has to Be the Man

Jayson Werth has had a horrible 2011. In his first season in Washington, Werth hasn’t thrived. He’s withered.  Feeling pressured to justify his mammoth, seven-year, $126-million contract, Werth has been below .220 through much of July. He has to relax and not try so hard. He has a no-trade clause, and he can't be moved..