RECORD 13-12 (Tied 3rd, NL East)
It's been a very encouraging start to the season through 25 games. Considering the Nationals' poor spring record and absence of their best pitcher (Strasburg), there was not alot of short-term optimism amongst Nationals' fans. However, the 2010 version of the Nationals seems a vastly different bunch than last years'. Not only do fans sense management has a long-term plan to build a winner, they now sense the Nats can be successful soon. But there's a long way to go in the season, and the Nationals might play in the best division in baseball.
The difference this year has been pitching and defense. Last years' defense, the worst in the Majors, is now statistically about average (15th best fielding percentage out of 30). The starters have only improved marginally, but seem to be generally improving. The bullpen has been statistically about average, but that represents a vast improvement from last year. In a year where blown leads are epidemic, the Nationals have the second-best save percentage in baseball.
State of the Nationals (25 games)
Moderator: Rafael122
State of the Nationals (25 games)
-
Jollay
- Retired Mod
- Posts: 13,024
- And1: 661
- Joined: Apr 25, 2003
Re: State of the Nationals (25 games)
-
Jollay
- Retired Mod
- Posts: 13,024
- And1: 661
- Joined: Apr 25, 2003
Re: State of the Nationals (25 games)
GRADES
CATCHING (A-)
Most people thought the Nats overpaid a little when they gave Pudge Rodriguez a two-year 6 million dollar (total) contract in the offseason. No longer. Rodriguez has batted .400, and been an invaluable presence in the clubhouse. Only one person has stolen a base off him. Wil Nieves has been average at best, as one would expect, but he's come up with a few clutch hits in close games.
Jesus Flores might not come back for a while and the Nats might not need him to. And the question is: will the Nats draft Bryce Harper with the first overall pick? They may not need to deal with the top talent in the draft and a diva as well--but I think they will. The possible payoff is too good to pass up.
INFIELD (B+)
The Nats are pretty pleased with what has transpired here. Despite losing Ryan Zimmerman for almost half the year so far with a bad hammy, several players have stepped up in his absence.
Alberto Gonzalez has gotten some clutch hits and played good defense wherever he's filled in, especially third. Adam Kennedy started slowly with the bat but has come on a little, and has provided steady defense at third, second, and first. Cristian Guzman, far from sulking about losing the short job to Ian Desmond, has filled in there, at second, and even in rightfield, and hit okay (.271), although he still doesn't take walks. His range in the field has seemed a little better than last year, which is important.
The guy who has really wowed people has been Ian Desmond--but not because of his bat as expected. After a rough start in the field in which he committed three errors right away, Desmond has been nearly flawless since then. He's showed range, double play ability, but most surprisingly, consistentcy. The Nats are THRILLED with the progress Desmond has made. His bat has been mediocre at best (.247 AVG, 1 HR) but the Nats aren't worried about that part of his game in the least. Some of that might be because he's batted in the eighth hole alot--although even there he needs to show alot more plate discipline.
Adam Dunn has gotten off to a slow start with the stick (.233, 4 HR) but has picked it up recently of late. Still throw out one or two monster games and Dunn is having a very bad year thus far. Still, he's walking alot and setting up Willinghammer in the order. And he is performing adequately in the field, which is about all you can ask from Dunn in the NL. It should be noted that Dunn remains unsigned past this year.
OUTFIELD (C)
Mediocre performance here thanks mainly to the inconvenience the Nats have of having to play a rightfielder every day.
(Batting Averages)
Willie Harris .175
Justin Maxwell .174
Mike Morse .167
Willie Tavares .143
Roger Bernadina .091
Ugh. Still, the sample sizes obviously haven't been that great, and the defense in right has been great, even from Cristian Guzman (that's a lie, but he hasn't missed one yet).
Maxwell has a game saving catch as does Harris (in left field). Harris also has a couple of key homers that have essentially won games for Washington, Tavares is a great late-game option with his nearly unlimited range, and he's helped to save a game with relay throws in on extra-base hits.
The Nats will continue to give Maxwell every opportunity to win this job. But he hasn't yet and the Nats are losing patience. And no one else has really proven he is really more than a stopgap utility player as of yet.
Nyjer Morgan and Josh Willingham have been average to slightly above average in center and left, respectively. Morgan has displayed characteristic great range but has missed too many balls and been caught stealing way too many times (5 out of 11 tries). Willingham started way hot but has cooled off since he started playing "Your Love" by the Outfield as his theme song at the plate. He may be the key to this teams' offense, as teams will continue to be careful with Dunn ahead of him.
CATCHING (A-)
Most people thought the Nats overpaid a little when they gave Pudge Rodriguez a two-year 6 million dollar (total) contract in the offseason. No longer. Rodriguez has batted .400, and been an invaluable presence in the clubhouse. Only one person has stolen a base off him. Wil Nieves has been average at best, as one would expect, but he's come up with a few clutch hits in close games.
Jesus Flores might not come back for a while and the Nats might not need him to. And the question is: will the Nats draft Bryce Harper with the first overall pick? They may not need to deal with the top talent in the draft and a diva as well--but I think they will. The possible payoff is too good to pass up.
INFIELD (B+)
The Nats are pretty pleased with what has transpired here. Despite losing Ryan Zimmerman for almost half the year so far with a bad hammy, several players have stepped up in his absence.
Alberto Gonzalez has gotten some clutch hits and played good defense wherever he's filled in, especially third. Adam Kennedy started slowly with the bat but has come on a little, and has provided steady defense at third, second, and first. Cristian Guzman, far from sulking about losing the short job to Ian Desmond, has filled in there, at second, and even in rightfield, and hit okay (.271), although he still doesn't take walks. His range in the field has seemed a little better than last year, which is important.
The guy who has really wowed people has been Ian Desmond--but not because of his bat as expected. After a rough start in the field in which he committed three errors right away, Desmond has been nearly flawless since then. He's showed range, double play ability, but most surprisingly, consistentcy. The Nats are THRILLED with the progress Desmond has made. His bat has been mediocre at best (.247 AVG, 1 HR) but the Nats aren't worried about that part of his game in the least. Some of that might be because he's batted in the eighth hole alot--although even there he needs to show alot more plate discipline.
Adam Dunn has gotten off to a slow start with the stick (.233, 4 HR) but has picked it up recently of late. Still throw out one or two monster games and Dunn is having a very bad year thus far. Still, he's walking alot and setting up Willinghammer in the order. And he is performing adequately in the field, which is about all you can ask from Dunn in the NL. It should be noted that Dunn remains unsigned past this year.
OUTFIELD (C)
Mediocre performance here thanks mainly to the inconvenience the Nats have of having to play a rightfielder every day.
(Batting Averages)
Willie Harris .175
Justin Maxwell .174
Mike Morse .167
Willie Tavares .143
Roger Bernadina .091
Ugh. Still, the sample sizes obviously haven't been that great, and the defense in right has been great, even from Cristian Guzman (that's a lie, but he hasn't missed one yet).
Maxwell has a game saving catch as does Harris (in left field). Harris also has a couple of key homers that have essentially won games for Washington, Tavares is a great late-game option with his nearly unlimited range, and he's helped to save a game with relay throws in on extra-base hits.
The Nats will continue to give Maxwell every opportunity to win this job. But he hasn't yet and the Nats are losing patience. And no one else has really proven he is really more than a stopgap utility player as of yet.
Nyjer Morgan and Josh Willingham have been average to slightly above average in center and left, respectively. Morgan has displayed characteristic great range but has missed too many balls and been caught stealing way too many times (5 out of 11 tries). Willingham started way hot but has cooled off since he started playing "Your Love" by the Outfield as his theme song at the plate. He may be the key to this teams' offense, as teams will continue to be careful with Dunn ahead of him.
Re: State of the Nationals (25 games)
-
Jollay
- Retired Mod
- Posts: 13,024
- And1: 661
- Joined: Apr 25, 2003
Re: State of the Nationals (25 games)
STARTING PITCHING (C-)
Statistically, its been awful, ranking near the bottom of the league. But it really hasn't been that bad, as the Nats have been shelled in just a few games, which has slightly skewed the overall picture. This is the most interesting part of the team, as the rotation might be 60-80% different a month or two from now.
Right now it goes: Lannan, Atilano, Olsen, Stammen, and Hernandez. Jason Marquis and his 20.52 ERA is on the "DL" with "arm troubles." Garrett Mock was banished to the minors after one poor start after blaming his troubles essentially on the wind at CitiField.
Hernandez is 3-1 with a 0.87 ERA and has cemented a spot. Atilano has started strong as an unexpected fill-in for Marquis, and could cement a spot with a few more good outings. Olsen was bad initially but has been great in his last two starts, and seems to be regaining velocity and confidence.
The Nats' defacto ace, John Lannan, has been struggling along with a 6.34 ERA. Most troubling has been his lack of control, as he has walked 18 batters in just over 32 innings. Generally a WHIP at almost 2.00 isn't gonna get it done. He has been battling, averaging over five innings per start, and his place does seem secure, but he will need to step it up significantly, especially since the Nats can't reasonably expect Hernandez to continue to put up Cy Young-type statistics.
Stammen is on the shakiest ground of the five right now although he's shown promise. Another finesse pitcher, he's shown good control but has only a couple decent starts in five (1-1 6.75 ERA).
With Chien Ming-Wang and Ross Detwiller getting healthy (probably within a month), and Strasburg probably coming in June, things are going to change. My guess is Wang will supplant Stammen, who might be moved to the pen for long relief instead of the minors. My other guess is that the Nats will take their time with Detwiller, using him primarily in the minors this year.
What I don't know is how Strasburg/Marquis fit in. Will Marquis even get another chance if the Nats find five guys that are killing it? My guess is Strasburg will supplant whoever is pitching bad at the time (Lannan, Atilano, Olsen) but who knows.
Don't forget Jordan Zimmerman will be back this year as well. But late this Summer. Nice problem to have, this pitching depth--but the Nats still have to find five guys that can get the job done. They still have yet to do that all at once.
Statistically, its been awful, ranking near the bottom of the league. But it really hasn't been that bad, as the Nats have been shelled in just a few games, which has slightly skewed the overall picture. This is the most interesting part of the team, as the rotation might be 60-80% different a month or two from now.
Right now it goes: Lannan, Atilano, Olsen, Stammen, and Hernandez. Jason Marquis and his 20.52 ERA is on the "DL" with "arm troubles." Garrett Mock was banished to the minors after one poor start after blaming his troubles essentially on the wind at CitiField.
Hernandez is 3-1 with a 0.87 ERA and has cemented a spot. Atilano has started strong as an unexpected fill-in for Marquis, and could cement a spot with a few more good outings. Olsen was bad initially but has been great in his last two starts, and seems to be regaining velocity and confidence.
The Nats' defacto ace, John Lannan, has been struggling along with a 6.34 ERA. Most troubling has been his lack of control, as he has walked 18 batters in just over 32 innings. Generally a WHIP at almost 2.00 isn't gonna get it done. He has been battling, averaging over five innings per start, and his place does seem secure, but he will need to step it up significantly, especially since the Nats can't reasonably expect Hernandez to continue to put up Cy Young-type statistics.
Stammen is on the shakiest ground of the five right now although he's shown promise. Another finesse pitcher, he's shown good control but has only a couple decent starts in five (1-1 6.75 ERA).
With Chien Ming-Wang and Ross Detwiller getting healthy (probably within a month), and Strasburg probably coming in June, things are going to change. My guess is Wang will supplant Stammen, who might be moved to the pen for long relief instead of the minors. My other guess is that the Nats will take their time with Detwiller, using him primarily in the minors this year.
What I don't know is how Strasburg/Marquis fit in. Will Marquis even get another chance if the Nats find five guys that are killing it? My guess is Strasburg will supplant whoever is pitching bad at the time (Lannan, Atilano, Olsen) but who knows.
Don't forget Jordan Zimmerman will be back this year as well. But late this Summer. Nice problem to have, this pitching depth--but the Nats still have to find five guys that can get the job done. They still have yet to do that all at once.
Re: State of the Nationals (25 games)
-
Jollay
- Retired Mod
- Posts: 13,024
- And1: 661
- Joined: Apr 25, 2003
Re: State of the Nationals (25 games)
RELIEF PITCHING (B)
Pretty simple here. Capps and Clippard have been unbelievably good, the bottom of the bullpen very bad. Still, Clippard and Capps have pitched like all-stars, which is enough to earn the favorable rating. The Nats are winning the close games because of these guys. Capps leads the league in saves and Clippard has given up one whole earned run in 18 innings pitched. As I have stated ad nauseum, my only concern is whether Clippard wears down with no help.
Brian Bruney has been a disaster. Tyler Walker is prone to give up homers and the big innings. Miguel Batista has been very mediocre at best. Jay Bergmann and Jesse English have been sent down--Bergmann was terrible in limited action, and English was okay but he's very young and lacking in experience.
Sean Burnett hasn't pitched much, and Jim Riggleman wants to give him more opportunities. Although known as a left-handed specialist, he may get an opportunity to pitch some in the seventh whether he has a favorable matchup or not. The Nats have other options they may try in the minors to set up Clippard and Capps, but with Drew Storen now in AAA and coming fast, the question may be answered soon enough.
The Nats haven't given up on Bruney yet, but it's hard to have any faith in him (6.23 ERA, 15 walks and 15 hits allowed in 13 IP). Plus I don't really like him--wouldn't give me an autograph a few games back. Jackass, I pay your salary. Or at least 1/10000th of it or something....
Pretty simple here. Capps and Clippard have been unbelievably good, the bottom of the bullpen very bad. Still, Clippard and Capps have pitched like all-stars, which is enough to earn the favorable rating. The Nats are winning the close games because of these guys. Capps leads the league in saves and Clippard has given up one whole earned run in 18 innings pitched. As I have stated ad nauseum, my only concern is whether Clippard wears down with no help.
Brian Bruney has been a disaster. Tyler Walker is prone to give up homers and the big innings. Miguel Batista has been very mediocre at best. Jay Bergmann and Jesse English have been sent down--Bergmann was terrible in limited action, and English was okay but he's very young and lacking in experience.
Sean Burnett hasn't pitched much, and Jim Riggleman wants to give him more opportunities. Although known as a left-handed specialist, he may get an opportunity to pitch some in the seventh whether he has a favorable matchup or not. The Nats have other options they may try in the minors to set up Clippard and Capps, but with Drew Storen now in AAA and coming fast, the question may be answered soon enough.
The Nats haven't given up on Bruney yet, but it's hard to have any faith in him (6.23 ERA, 15 walks and 15 hits allowed in 13 IP). Plus I don't really like him--wouldn't give me an autograph a few games back. Jackass, I pay your salary. Or at least 1/10000th of it or something....
Re: State of the Nationals (25 games)
-
Jollay
- Retired Mod
- Posts: 13,024
- And1: 661
- Joined: Apr 25, 2003
Re: State of the Nationals (25 games)
MANAGER (A)
Hard to fault Riggleman at all, really. I can think of maybe a couple things strategy-wise I've taken issue with, and those things were very minor. As I've said, the only thing I fear is overusing Clippard, but a good start with this perennially losing team was essential, and Riggleman really didn't have any other reliable options.
This team has a new attitude--even last year's team did as opposed to the one under Manny Acta--and that has to be attributed a good deal to Riggleman, although the new vets have helped.
The Nats and Riggleman emphasized defense and pitching in Spring Training, and it has so far paid off. Riggleman/Rizzo seem to know what it takes to build a winner in the NL.
I also love the way Riggleman pushes the issue on the basepaths. The Nats are second in the league in stolen bases. Look who's first. Another surprise, the Padres, who are also pitching well and playing defense.
Coincidence? Not a chance.
Hard to fault Riggleman at all, really. I can think of maybe a couple things strategy-wise I've taken issue with, and those things were very minor. As I've said, the only thing I fear is overusing Clippard, but a good start with this perennially losing team was essential, and Riggleman really didn't have any other reliable options.
This team has a new attitude--even last year's team did as opposed to the one under Manny Acta--and that has to be attributed a good deal to Riggleman, although the new vets have helped.
The Nats and Riggleman emphasized defense and pitching in Spring Training, and it has so far paid off. Riggleman/Rizzo seem to know what it takes to build a winner in the NL.
I also love the way Riggleman pushes the issue on the basepaths. The Nats are second in the league in stolen bases. Look who's first. Another surprise, the Padres, who are also pitching well and playing defense.
Coincidence? Not a chance.
Return to Washington Nationals