MLB Trade Deadline: Top 5 Solutions to Center Field for the Washington Nationals

It's been no secret that the Nationals are looking for a center fielder right now. Roger Bernadina and Rick Ankiel have split time at the position and are both solid defenders, but neither has been able to provide enough offense for the team.

The Nationals are also looking for someone that can hold down the leadoff spot in the order, which leads me to believe that they are looking for speed and on-base percentage.

The Nationals are pretty much out of the playoff race, but could still be looking for a long-term fix at the deadline. Here are five players that could be in the mix for a new job in the nation's capital.

5. Lorenzo Cain, Kansas City Royals

I'll start by saying that I think Lorenzo Cain is the most talented player on this list. I don't think that the Nationals will get him and his name hasn't been thrown into the ring at all, but if the Nationals wanted to find the best available player to fill the position that is marginally available, Cain is the answer.

Lorenzo Cain was acquired this offseason by the Royals in the Zack Greinke trade with the Brewers. He has spent the entire season so far at Triple-A Omaha and has torn up the Pacific Coast League.

The 25-year-old center fielder is starting to develop power to go with his speed and is emerging as a five tool threat similar to Adam Jones or a young Torii Hunter.

The Royals aren't likely to shop Cain, but he is the type of borderline untouchable player that could be acquired if the right deal came along. If the Nationals want the best available young center fielder, they should push for Lorenzo Cain.

4. Peter Bourjos, Los Angeles Angels

The Nationals have been linked to Peter Bourjos, who figures to lose his job in the near future to Mike Trout. Bourjos possesses terrific defensive ability and is only in his second year in the majors, so the Nationals could get him for the next five years if they take him.

Bourjos' calling card is his speed. He has great range in the outfield, as shown by pushing Torii Hunter—a recipient of nine consecutive Gold Gloves, to right field.

He can steal bases, but only has 12 this year in 91 games after 10 steals in 51 games in 2010. That said, he'll get more comfortable on the bases and be a force to be reckoned with.

Peter Bourjos is still a work in progress, which could scare the Nats away. He doesn't walk enough and his average isn't very high, but when he does make contact, he can stretch singles into doubles and doubles into triples.

Bourjos is good, but doesn't even hit arbitration until after 2013, so he could be pricey.

3. Denard Span, Minnesota Twins

Denard Span was having an alright season until he got a concussion in early June. He has been working his way back ever since and is currently trying to rehab, but has had some setbacks. This could make him unavailable, but if he comes back, the Nationals could pounce.

Denard Span is highly regarded defensively and is a solid hitter. He doesn't hit many home runs, but he has had double-digit triples the last two seasons and is very patient at the plate. Span has consistently kept his walk total fairly even with his strikeout total.

Span's greatest asset is his ability to get on base because it unlocks his incredible skill set. Span is incredibly fast, so the more he is on first with a walk or single, the more he can take second and get in the pitcher's head.

If the Nationals want Span, it's going to be very difficult. Denard is on Year 2 of a very team-friendly five-year, $16.5 million deal, which would behoove the Twins to keep him.

The Nationals would have to give up a lot for Span, but it would great for the franchise because Span is a great player and a DC native.

2. Michael Bourn, Houston Astros

Michael Bourn is on the block for the major league-worst Houston Astros. The Astros have been told to cut salary and Bourn could become too expensive for the Astros in arbitration this year. That may be the Nationals gain.

I'll admit that reports are that the Nationals aren't that interested, but I think it would be a great move to add Bourn to the team. Bourn has improved his on-base percentage to a pretty good one for a leadoff guy at .360 this year. His speed is his best asset.

Michael Bourn's speed rivals that of any other player in the game. Bourn is leading the majors in steals by a good margin at 38. He had 113 over the last two seasons, even out-stealing the entire Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs in 2009. Bourn has become a nightmare on the paths that the Nationals have missed since Nyjer Morgan.

When Nyjer Morgan came to the Nationals in 2009, the offense received a jolt in runs because they were much more dangerous on the bases. Michael Bourn could be that player and more if the Nationals wanted him. The good news is that Bourn will likely come cheap.

The Astros have to shed salary and since they refuse to give Hunter Pence—and nobody wants Wandy Rodriguez and Brett Myers—they may just have to give away Bourn.

1. B.J. Upton, Tampa Bay Rays

The Nationals have had their eyes on B.J. Upton since the season began and have not backed down. Upton is currently in a down year, but is still a better option than anything that the Nationals have in center.

The Nationals should love Upton. He is fast and has incredible range in center. His ability to play in allows leeway to the other outfielders, making the entire outfield defense better.

As a leadoff hitter, Upton isn't quite where he needs to be. Upton is second to only Vladimir Guerrero in swinging at first pitches, which leads to short at-bats. Leadoff guys need to work the pitcher to swing the momentum quickly into the offense's favor.

Nevertheless, Upton is available and potentially expendable with Desmond Jennings getting the call and posting three consecutive multi-hit games to start his season. Upton won't come cheap though. The Rays may want Ian Desmond in a buy-low scenario and a few other players, like Tyler Clippard or Drew Storen.

The power that Upton could bring to the Nationals could put the team over the top, especially if he is joined by Bryce Harper in the future. An outfield of Harper, Upton and Werth would rival that of any team in the majors.