The Nationals had a weird year in 2011. Their manager, Jim Riggleman stepped down while his team was on a winning streak and was a game over .500 at 38-37, Riggleman was then replaced by a World Series winning manager in Davey Johnson. Johnson took over and led them to a 40-43 and the Nats finished with a 80-81 record.
The Nationals look to improve on that record and look to win the Wild Card or NL East Division. The Nats have a young pitching staff led by the phenom Stephen Strasburg. They also acquired Gio Gonzalez from the A’s, who is a nice number two starter for the Nats. The sleeper in the Nats rotation is Jordan Zimmermann who can step up and can be a stud for the Nats. The rotation is solid one through five with John Lannan, who was the number two, moving to the four slot and Chien Ming Wang rounding out the rotation.
The bullpen has been solid for the Nats and now have acquired Brad Lidge to go with former Yankee, Tyler Clippard and closer Drew Storen.
The key for me is offense, I was certain Prince Fielder would wind up in Washington but since he is in Detroit the Nationals have to pray that Jayson Werth returns to form this year after having a dud year. We have to wonder if Michael Morse can have the same year that he had last year. Ryan Zimmerman will be solid as he is the best third baseman in the National League.
The biggest question is will Bryce Harper be in the MLB this year? Will the Nationals feel pressure to call him up if he hits .350 in spring training? Will they rush him up or will he sit in the minors most of the year and be a September call up?
The Nationals can contend in the NL East this year and have a shot to enter the postseason as a wild card team. They have improved in every aspect this offseason. In 2011, they finished 19-17 vs. the Braves and Phillies and went 36-36 in the division. They can compete in the division and could shock many baseball fans in 2012.
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