I already talked about why I don’t want Michael Bourn in that spot, but who else can come in and step into that role? Let’s take a look.

Sept. 30, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Shane Victorino (8) steals second in the fourth inning of the game against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Dodgers won 7-1. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE

B.J. Upton

Upton is a sought-after free agent who, like Bourn, will get a lot of offers. Sure, Upton has hit lead off in the past but he isn’t exactly a prototypical lead off hitter. But he can play center field and even though he saw a drop in his walks last year, does know how to take one. I’d rather see the money they would spend on Bourn on Upton but Upton isn’t even my first choice.

Angel Pagan

Pagan was just the lead off man for the World Series champions and also plays center field. It would seem that the Nationals are picking the right year to fill this hole. Pagan is better than a lot of people give him credit for and while he may just stay with the Giants, he will probably make less money than Upton and Bourn which makes him even more desirable.

Melky Cabrera

Cabrera’s value is at an all-time low due to the failed drug test but he still has value and could fit in to the Nationals lineup. He is more of a corner outfielder which makes his fit in Washington a little less ideal, but even in his down seasons has shown he can get on base. It is a gamble, however. When he’s been bad, he’s not been a lead off caliber hitter. If last season wasn’t all smoke and mirrors, he could be a decent addition at a good price.

Shane Victorino

For some reason, no one thinks Victorino is a capable major leaguer anymore. However, if you look at what he has done recently, sure it is a drop off from where he was but he is a secondary Pagan. Low-power, high-OBP guy who can play center field. That is what the Nationals need and he will also take less of a commitment and could be in place until Brian Goodwin is ready for prime time.

Will Venable

Venable is not a free agent and is property of the San Diego Padres. However, I think he can be a valuable commodity for the Nationals. Of course, what he’s worth will depend on what the Nationals would have to give up but I think that something would be able to get done. If the Nationals are not willing to get into bidding wars or they can’t get their guy, they will look at trades and this guy should be near the top of their list.

Of course, there are other people who can come up and of course Ian Desmond is still a possibility as well, but he seemed to improve once he was moved out of that spot.

Victorino is slated to be a free agent at season’s end, one who could conceivably be an option that the Nationals may discuss when the time comes as the organization still seeks a long term solution in center field, and still has abour $3.3 Million remaining on his contract for this year. He’s spent nearly his entire career in center field but will likely shift over to left field with Matt Kemp‘s presence in center.

Shane Victorino will head back to the playoff chase after being dealt to the Dodgers this afternoon. (Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE)

Victorino has had a down year, hitting just .261/.324/.401 over 431 plate appearances. The 31 year old is returning to the organization that originally drafted him in 1999. Philadelphia selected Victorino in the 2005 Rule 5 Draft and was able to witness him develop into a three time Gold Glove Award winner. He was often the underrated part of the winning Phillies teams we’ve seen over the past few years, often being overshadowed by the accomplishments of Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, and the starting rotation. But Victorino may be missed in Philadelphia. There was still some belief that he could be resigned this winter up until the team signed Cole Hamels to such an extravagant contract extension just under two weeks ago.

Lindblom is the most immediate-impacting piece coming back from the Dodgers, as he’ll likely work into the team’s Major League bullpen mix. The 25 year old has posted decent numbers across his limited time in the Majors, posting a 2.91 ERA and 1.177 WHIP across 77.1 innings of work. This year he’s had some trouble keeping the ball in the park, however, allowing 1.7 HR/9.

Martin is the better prospect of the pair, ranking at #17 by Baseball America prior to the season. He’s projected to potentially have a ceiling of a #2 starter, but still needs a great deal of work in order to reach that potential. Martin was a 1st Round pick of the Dodgers in 2008 and has spent most of 2012 in Double-A where he’s 8-6 with a 3.58 ERA through 20 starts.

Losing Victorino suddenly seemed inevitable once the Hamels extension was formally announced, but for a long time it certainly seemed as though he’d be a fixture in Philadelphia for a long time coming. The Phillies at least have a replacement in house, as John Mayberry Jr. will likely slide into the starting role for the remainder of the season. Victorino – a career .283/.337/.421 hitter in 423 plate appearances against Washington – is now out of the NL East for the next two months but could be making a Dodgers lineup that much tougher to face in October.

One other factor worth keeping in mind as a result of this deal, the Phillies will potentially be bigger competition this winter for free agent center fielders.