Nationals’ Opening Day Lineup Prediction

Mar 1, 2014; Melbourne, FL, USA; Washington Nationals center fielder Denard Span (2) steals second base during the third inning against the Atlanta Braves at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

1. Denard Span CF

2013 Stats: .279/.327/.380 HR 4 R 75 RBI 47 SB 20

Denard Span had an incredibly slow first half in 2013 but really picked up the pace in the second half. In fact, he hit above .300 after Rick Schu took over as hitting coach. His on base percentage was a little low for a lead off hitter, but he has a career mark of over .350, which is more than adequate for a lead off hitter.

The more aggressive Span was, the more successful he was. He even had that incredible 29 game hitting streak and a lot of those hits came early in the count. I see Span as the perfect option for lead off in the Nationals’ lineup. His only real competition would be Jayson Werth, who I believe would be better suited in a place where he could hit with runner on base.

Mar 15, 2014; Jupiter, FL, USA; Washington Nationals third baseman

(11) hits an rbi sacrifice fly against the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

2. Ryan Zimmerman 3B

2013 Stats: .275/.344/.465 HR 26 R 84 RBIs 79 SB 6

Ryan Zimmerman is a guy who I have always looked at as a great option for the number two hitter. He has every quality that you would want out of your number two hitter. He is an above average base runner, has good knowledge of the strike zone and can really drive the ball to right field.

The key thing is that he can drive the ball to right. When Zimmerman is on, every ball is hit hard to the right side of the field. But if Zimmerman is struggling early in the year, expect Rendon to take over the two-hole.

Mar 5, 2014; Melbourne, FL, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder

(34) at bat against the New York Mets in spring training action at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

3. Bryce Harper LF

2013 Stats: .274/.368/.486 HR 20 R 71 RBIs 58 SB 11

Before Bryce Harper got hurt last year, few questioned whether or not he was a true number three hitter. The problem is not ability, it’s whether or not Harper is 100 percent healthy. If he is, the Nationals have one of the best hitters in the league.

Harper hitting third also helps the balance of the Nationals’ lineup. Before getting hurt, he had nine home runs and was hitting.356 in a month’s span.

Mar 2, 2014; Melbourne, FL, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder

warms up before a game against the Miami Marlins at Space Coast Stadium. Werth was a late scratch due to a biceps injury, said manager

(9) after the game. Mandatory Credit:

-USA TODAY Sports

2013 Stats: .318/.398/.532 HR 25 R 84 RBIs 82 SB 10

For me it was between Zimmerman and Jayson Werth for the fourth spot in the lineup. I went with Werth because of how great he was last year. He slugged at an excellent rate and drove in plenty of runs — both of which you want out of your cleanup hitter.

After struggling in his first two years with the Nationals, Werth had a great 2013. He went back to his career average and showed that his power was still there. If Werth struggles early, there is a good chance that he and Zimmerman switch spots in the order. However if he continues to hit well, it should help Harper because pitchers will have to pitch to him.

Mar 2, 2014; Melbourne, FL, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond (20) steals second base in front go Miami Marlins second baseman Derek Dietrich (32) in the first inning as the Nationals beat the Marlins 10-3 in a spring training exhibition game at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

5. Ian Desmond SS

2013 Stats: .280/.331/.453 HR 20  R 77 RBIs 80 SB 21

Ian Desmond is a great player to put in the five hole, as long as you trust that he will have the success that he has had the past two years. Desmond will have a great chance at surpassing the 100 RBI mark with Harper and Werth in front of him.

Desmond hitting fifth will also give Werth a lot of protection, which should benefit him greatly. Desmond has been the Nationals’ most consistent hitter the past two years and deserves to hit in the middle of the order where he will get plenty of key at bats.

Sep 15, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche (25) breaks his bat as he lines out in the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

6. Adam LaRoche

2013 Stats: .237/.332/.403 HR  20 R 70  RBIs 62 SB 4

Adam LaRoche is known for being an extremely inconsistent player and last year, he was consistently bad. He struggled with weight loss all year due to medicine he was taking. This really limited his power which was key to his success in years past.

However, lets not forget that just two years ago, LaRoche almost single-handedly carried the Nationals’ offense for two months. LaRoche should see plenty of pitches in the sixth hole, considering Ramos is behind him.

Feb 28, 2014; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets third baseman

(68) cannot hold the throw as Washington Nationals catcher

(40) takes third base in spring training action at Tradition Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

7. Wilson Ramos

2013 Stats: .272/.301/.470 HR 16 R 29 RBIs 59 SB 0

When Wilson Ramos is healthy he is one of the best offensive catchers in the National League. He has massive power and a knack for driving in runs. If Ramos starts 120 games, he could surpass the 30 home run mark with ease.

If Ramos is hitting well early, expect him to move into the middle of the order. Early signs point to a good year as he has been crushing the ball this Spring. Ramos is super important to the Nationals’ success this year.

Mar 6, 2014; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Anthony Rendon (6) bats in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

8. Anthony Rendon 2B

2013 Stats: .265/.329/.396 HR 7 R 40 RBIs 35 SB 1

Putting Anthony Rendon in the eight-hole shows just how deep the Nationals order is because Rendon would be a number two hitter on a lot of teams. Similarly to Zimmerman, when Rendon is on, he is driving the ball to right field.

The eight hole is a difficult spot to hit in as there is no protection, but I’m confident Rendon could do it because he is very patient at the plate. If Rendon is hitting well, expect him to jump up to the number two hole.