In A Rotation Of Aces, Who Will Be Number One?

Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Gio Gonzalez absolutely dominated in his first year with the Nationals in 2012, but was not quite as effective last season.

The 28-year-old left-hander finished the season 11-8 with a 3.36 ERA and 192 strikeouts. Gonzalez did not have a bad season by any means, but given his phenomenal performance in 2012, the Nationals clearly expected more than what he gave them.

Gonzalez finished the 2012 season with a league leading 21 wins and a 2.89 ERA, along with 207 strikeouts. Gonzalez finished third in the National League Cy Young Award race, and was a key player in the Nationals’ first playoff appearance in team history.

Like so many of his teammates, Gonzalez took a step back in 2013 and is looking to return to his 2012 form next season. If Gonzalez has a solid spring and demonstrates that he is back to his dominant self, he may very well be pitching for the Nationals on Opening Day.