VA Baseball

Archive for the ‘Nationals’ Category

In many ways 2010 was more of the same for this historically losing Nationals/Expos franchise. However, the season was not without its highlights. Moving forward, despite a 69-93 final record, Nats fans can look ahead with tempered optimism. As fans of the local franchise, here’s a few things to hang your ballcap onAdam Dunn is in Chicago Rarely is losing a 40 home run candidate to free agency a positive building block for an organization. Dunn’s first base play in the field was atrocious, however, and the Nats have replaced the lost power in some degree with Adam LaRoche, a 25 homer guy the past two seasons, not to mention one of the better defensive first basemen in the league. Yes, Dunn’s lumber in the middle of the lineup will be missed, but LaRoche drove in just 3 less runs last year while playing for the Diamondbacks. Meanwhile, a more competent fielder at first should help mitigate the error-proneness of potential laden shortstop Ian Desmond.Jayson Werth and Rick Ankiel Join the Outfield Werth and Rick the Stick should help to provide additional power, collectively more than making up for Dunn’s departure, with Werth also showing the ability to swipe a base from time to time. Between Ankiel, Werth, Zimmerman and LaRoche, the Nats lineup features 4 batters all capable of 25 homeruns this year, with Nyger Morgan and Desmond playing table setting roles and speed on the basepaths. Read the rest of this entry »