Desmond wins SS job/Maxwell demoted

[Jollay]

Kudos to the Nationals going with at least one of their young talented guys in the starting lineup. Desmond was killing the ball all Spring.

Now the plan is to use Guzman as a utility guy at second and short. As discussed before, he is almost untradeable at 8 million a year, so he will remain with the club as insurance. He should get some time as a late inning defensive replacement at short, or he can step in if Des can't handle the job.

Justin Maxwell, who everyone hoped would take a big step forward this year after his grand slam to close Nats Park last year off Francisco Rodriguez, was unfortunately demoted.

The rightfield job was his to lose with the release of Dukes, but he definitely lost it, batting around .100 in the exhibition season. He's going to Syracuse.

Looks like Mike Morse will start in right against lefties, with either Bernadina or Harris getting alot of ABs against righties.

Depth chart to be updated accordingly!

[ShabbaNatsFan]

I think this is a good choice even though I originally thought they would go with the vet. But I like this decision.

[Jollay]

I think this is a good choice even though I originally thought they would go with the vet. But I like this decision.

I thought they would too. But as a season ticket holder, I'm thrilled. The Nationals can always send Desmond down or play him in a utility role if he's not ready.

I think his bat is ready, though. Boswell did a typically interesting column about it in today's Post.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... 02430.html

[Rafael122]

I think it's time to write Maxwell off. He's 26 years old, turning 27. And he's still in the minors.

[Jollay]

I think it's time to write Maxwell off. He's 26 years old, turning 27. And he's still in the minors.

It's a real disappointment. I thought late last season he had finally turned the corner.

There is still an opening for him if Bernadina can't step up, but he has to really kill the ball in AAA, return and claim the job this year, or I think the Nats will write him off.

In theory next year the Nats will spend some money and sign a rightfielder if neither steps up. They may still sign Jermaine Dye this year to a one-year.

[Jollay]

Michael Burgess is only a couple of years away from getting a shot as well...