District On Deck
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Washington Nationals DoDCast: Rounding Out The Roster

By Ricky Keeler

Sep 20, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Stephen Drew (10) connects for a double during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Stephen Drew (10) connects for a double during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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On this week’s DoDCast, we look at the remaining issues on the Washington Nationals roster and discuss some of their recent spring training invites

On Wednesday night, Ron Juckett and I recorded our fourth episode of the DoDcast, which is our last offseason episode before the Washington Nationals begin spring training on February 14. With 11 days left till spring training, the Nats still have a couple of needs, but they did make some signings both on the Major and Minor League front since our last show.

First up, we looked at the Nats bringing back infielder Stephen Drew on a one-year, $3 million deal. What impact does Drew coming back have on the Nats infield and what does that mean for Wilmer Difo? Plus, does the Drew signing mean that the bench is set in stone for 2017.

Then, the conversation shifted over to the bullpen. The Washington Nationals still haven’t signed a closer, but could Joe Nathan, who signed a minor league deal earlier this week, be a possible closer candidate? Also, we look at the signings of Matt Albers and Vance Worley. Could Worley be what Yusmeiro Petit was last season and does that allow A.J. Cole to continue to start at triple-A Syracuse?

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Of course, the Washington Nationals lost out on another closer option when Greg Holland chose to sign with the Colorado Rockies. Does Holland choosing Colorado continue to magnify the money issues that the organization has? Now, with Holland off the board, Ron and I look at some other free agent relievers that could be in a curly W uniform at some point.

After our bullpen conversation, we looked at where Trea Turner should rank amongst the top shortstops in all of baseball. Then, we looked at the farm system and outfielder Victor Robles, who was ranked as the eighth best prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline. Is there any deal the Nats could make that the two of us would feel comfortable giving up Robles?

February should be a busy month as the Washington Nationals have yet to reveal their full list of non-roster invitees to spring training. We do a quick preview of what to expect at West Palm Beach and discuss the upcoming World Baseball Classic (rosters come out on Feburary 8).

Finally, Ron and I answer a viewer question in regards to what the Washington Nationals starting lineup should be Opening Day and we debate the best baseball rivalry as well as our stance on pitch counts.

Next: Interview With Catching Prospect Nick Rickles

Our next scheduled episode will take place on Monday, February 13 when we give a full preview of spring training and look at our storylines. Just think we are a little more than three weeks away from actual spring training games. It’s almost here.

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