Every season a team that has significantly improved in the standings from the previous season has a breakout performance from one or several players. The 2008 Tampa Bay Rays entered the playoffs and World Series for the first time in the history of the franchise after finishing last in the AL East. Tampa was lead by the break out performance of Evan Longoria who was brought up from the minor leagues during the early part of that 2008 season. Last year the Giants were led by rookie catcher Buster Posey who was brought up from the minors after the All Star break to replace Benji Molina, who was traded to the Texas Rangers. Buster directed the pitching staff to a late season rally that captured both the NL West pennant and shortly thereafter the 2010 World series title. Who on the Nationals will lead their team to a .500 or better record in 2011 with a break out performance.
Ian Desmond could be that break out player for the Nationals in 2011, as his previous season showed glimpses of his defensive and offensive abilities. Ian was often snubbed by his mental mistakes or Adam Dunn’s inexperience at first base, and he was also limited by the lack of consistent play at the second base position. Harmony should prevail as Ian now has Danny Espinosa that could start 90% of the games in 2011 at second base.
Danny Espinosa blew up his first several games with the Nationals only to cool down late in the season. The one question he answered for Nationals’ fans is that this guy can play second base. Can Espinosa maintain the consistent bat throughout the season that he showed off in his first several games up from the minors?
Roger Bernadina has speed, a howitzer arm, and occasional power but can he display these attributes consistently to convince Riggleman that Roger is the everyday left or center fielder. Bernadina struggles with the breaking ball but made strides with his approach last season. Roger had productive at bats when he was patient at the plate looking for the pitches he could handle.
Wilson Ramos will get the opportunity to play this season and should he deliver at the plate unlike Wil Nieves then the Nationals may win more games this season. Ramos provides depth for the Nationals behind the plate and he could emerge as a future club house leader under Pudges’ mentoring.
Chien-Ming Wang could be a comeback player of the year if he could just achieve double digit wins and attain the level of performance he was achieving while pitching in New York. Before Wang’s injury he was a Cy Young candidate and his effective recovery will be determined this spring.
Jordan Zimmerman may reach his potential this season as the expectation is for him to step forward and help lead this starting rotation to a productive 2011.
Collin Balester shined late last season and there is an expectation from fans that Collin could make a push for the closer role if Storen fails to earn the position. Collin has a powerful delivery and possesses the skills to dominate hitters from out of the bullpen.
Jayson Werth would win over fans quickly with a strong 2011 season, and ease the critic backlash for his lengthy contract by achieving strong offensive numbers.
Spring training is approaching quickly and another season eagerly awaits to begin. The Nationals are entering a season with probably the best roster since 2005. I believe this is a breakout year for several Nationals, and the team is on the brink of contention.