Washington Nationals: Five Bold Predictions

Mar 5, 2014; Melbourne, FL, USA; Washington Nationals third baseman

(11) makes a bare handed play against the New York Mets in spring training action at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

1. Ryan Zimmerman will prove that he is more than capable of staying at third base.

This spring headlines were made when manager Matt Williams said that Ryan Zimmerman would get some playing time at first base. Most everyone understood the rationale, as Zimmerman struggled for much of the 2013 season with his throwing. Many believe that he will find a permanent home at first base as soon as next year. But I disagree. I believe that he will show that the arm strength is there and that he can consistently make the routine throws. Looking ahead to the future it could benefit the Nationals to keep Zim at third for a while, as LaRoche is a free agent after the season and both Billy Butler and Adam Lind have club options for next year. If the Nationals wanted to, they could let LaRoche go and have Lind or Butler at first. Imagine Butler, Rendon, Desmond and Zimmerman for an infield.