2013 Nationals Review: Wilson Ramos

Mandatory Credit:

-USA TODAY Sports

Name: Wilson Ramos

Position: C

Stat Line: 

2013 Expectations: 

2013 was supposed to be the year that Wilson Ramos would break out and have an all-star type season. He was going to play in 140 games and be able to showcase his power. He was coming off an injury, so we all figured a slow start, but in time he would find his stroke and put up a good season for the Nationals from behind the plate.

Defense would be an issue, as he isn’t known for his defense. He doesn’t throw out too many runners, so don’t expect a good caught stealing rate. He will have to work with the pitching staff again, since he is coming off an injury. The pitching staff isn’t used to throwing to him, here lately.

2013 Results: 

It was another injury filled season for the catcher. He only played in 78 games, which is another set back on his career. He has the potential to be great, if only he could stay healthy.

He had a good season at the plate hitting 16 homers. He is a big hit or miss player, but when he does get ahold of it, it goes a long way. I have stated this more than once when talking about Ramos, but he did drive in the second best percentage of base runners last season, only behind Allen Craig. That comes from Matt Hunter of FanGraphs.

He played some at the end of the season, giving him momentum going into the spring of 2014. The bad thing is a back up played more game than him in 2013 which is a problem. He will need to show accountability and that health isn’t going to be an issue in 2014.

2014 Outlook: 

Ramos will be the starter for the Nats’ in 2014. Like I said he is coming off an injury once again, which could cause a slow start. It will be key for him to stay healthy, because the Nats’ can’t afford to use a back up catcher for half the season once again. This could possibly be his last chance to prove himself before Mike Rizzo goes in another direction and finds another starting catcher, that can give him good innings behind the plate and at the dish.

If healthy he can have a 20 homer season, without a doubt and could possibly drive in 80. He is the backbone of the lineup, driving in the guys in the middle of the order. He is placed perfectly in my lineup you will see later today, but the question still remains if he will produce.