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Washington Nationals: Trea Turner Should Lead Off Over Adam Eaton

By Ron Juckett

Apr 25, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Chris Heisey (14) and center fielder Adam Eaton (2) and second baseman Daniel Murphy (20) celebrate with shortstop Trea Turner (7) after the game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Chris Heisey (14) and center fielder Adam Eaton (2) and second baseman Daniel Murphy (20) celebrate with shortstop Trea Turner (7) after the game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Although most argue Adam Eaton is the better leadoff option for the Washington Nationals, it really is Trea Turner. Here is why.

As good as Adam Eaton is, Trea Turner is the better leadoff option for the Washington Nationals.

That is not a knock on Eaton, who filled in admirable while Turner nursed his right hamstring. With the Chicago White Sox and the Nats, Eaton has led off in 461 games with a slash line of .285/.360/.415. Solid numbers.

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His three years on the Southside of Chicago gave him on-base percentages of .362, .361, and .362. Merriam-Webster defines that as consistency. With his ability to hit for double-digit home runs and triples, he should be the ultimate leadoff candidate, right?

Not when Turner is healthy.

Both are fast on the base paths, but Turner’s speed is natural and fluid. Eaton can motor in the outfield and on the bases, but Turner has the legs and instincts to steal over 50 bags a year.

Saturday against the New York Mets, he hit a grounder to pitcher Jerry Blevins and beat it out. Yes, Blevins throw was wide of first, but Turner slapped one back to the mound and beat the throw. You cannot teach that brand of speed, it is instinct.

It’s those instincts that make Turner dangerous. When he learns to take pitches, he can turn walks into doubles. Add his ability to slash triples and the potential of 20 home runs and you have a hitter who causes nightmares.

With the ChiSox, Eaton never stole over 18 bases a year. His career-high run total came in 2015 when he scored 98. Granted, the White Sox were never a contending team during his tenure while the Nats are.

As Turner has scuffled at the plate to start the season, he has three doubles and stolen bases on the stat sheet already heading into Tuesday night’s rain-delayed game.

Since returning from the disabled list, he has run full throttle. Whatever concerns his right hamstring gave the Nats is gone. At the plate, he is 4-for-13 switching with Eaton in the order once to leadoff. Two of his doubles came after his return.

To be fair, Eaton also has three steals for Washington. He looks comfortable wherever he is in the lineup. He is hitting .300 leading off with a .379 OBP, but batting second the OBP jumps to .423.

Turner’s raw talent makes him the ideal table setter for the big boppers in the lineup. His ability to out run grounders and take extra bases on well-hit balls gives opposing pitchers something to think about. It depends on how well he continues to hit, but he provides an extra dimension only a handful of players can.

None of this is a knock of Eaton. Early indications show this was a smart trade by the Nats. He reaches base and is a smart runner.

Next: Treinen's Woes Continue

Either way, it is a wonderful problem for Washington to have.

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