Washington Nationals 2013 Opening Day Roster Prediction #1
By Jared Book
With Spring Training games officially underway, there are many who believe that there is no room on the roster for someone to surprise and take a spot. That very well may be true, but I will now go on the record (admittedly early) and take a stab at who I think we will see in Washington Nationals uniforms come April 1 (assuming no injuries or suspensions to come).
February 15, 2013; Viera, FL, USA; A general view of Washington Nationals players reflected in a puddle of water during spring training at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
Starting Rotation
Stephen Strasburg
Gio Gonzalez
Jordan Zimmermann
Dan Haren
Ross Detwiler
This is understandably the easiest part of the prediction besides the first 10 position players. I’m not a genius if I nail this one.
Bullpen
Rafael Soriano
Drew Storen
Tyler Clippard
Ryan Mattheus
Craig Stammen
Zach Duke
Henry Rodriguez
This was a tough group to put together after Stammen. I really like Zach Duke and think that he may be the best left-hander in camp. If they choose to have him stretch out as a starter in AAA, then his role can be filled by Will Ohman or Bill Bray (whichever is better in camp). Rodriguez is on the bubble. If anyone else impresses in camp, he may be the odd-man out.
Starting Lineup
C- Kurt Suzuki
1B- Adam LaRoche
2B- Danny Espinosa
SS- Ian Desmond
3B- Ryan Zimmerman
LF- Bryce Harper
CF- Denard Span
RF- Jayson Werth
Do I really need to explain?
Bench
Wilson Ramos (C)
Steve Lombardozzi (UT)
Roger Bernadina (OF)
Tyler Moore (1B/OF)
Chad Tracy (PH/IF)
I was thinking of going off of the board and putting someone like Micah Owings or Will Rhymes on the bench, but I don’t see them unseating Moore, Tracy or Lombardozzi. Same thing with Chris Snyder assuming Ramos is healthy enough to break camp with the team.
Chris Marrero is said to be having a great spring so far both in games and in the cage, but as of now, I don’t see who he would replace should everyone remain healthy.
I will do this a couple of more times throughout Spring Training. One about half-way through and another closer to the end of Spring Training.
What do you think? Who can surprise and sneak their way onto the roster?