Washington Nationals: Five Bold Predictions
Oct 01, 2012; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals fans celebrate after clinching the National League east title at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
First of all I would like to say these are my predictions and most likely will end up being completely wrong. So feel free to put some of your predictions in the comments below!
Mar 5, 2014; Melbourne, FL, USA; Washington Nationals third baseman
Ryan Zimmerman(11) makes a bare handed play against the New York Mets in spring training action at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
1. Ryan Zimmerman will prove that he is more than capable of staying at third base.
This spring headlines were made when manager Matt Williams said that Ryan Zimmerman would get some playing time at first base. Most everyone understood the rationale, as Zimmerman struggled for much of the 2013 season with his throwing. Many believe that he will find a permanent home at first base as soon as next year. But I disagree. I believe that he will show that the arm strength is there and that he can consistently make the routine throws. Looking ahead to the future it could benefit the Nationals to keep Zim at third for a while, as LaRoche is a free agent after the season and both Billy Butler and Adam Lind have club options for next year. If the Nationals wanted to, they could let LaRoche go and have Lind or Butler at first. Imagine Butler, Rendon, Desmond and Zimmerman for an infield.
Mar 20, 2014; Melbourne, FL, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop
Ian Desmond(20) at bat against the Detroit Tigers during a game at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
2. Ian Desmond will once again have a 20/20 season with a Silver Slugger
If I am right in this prediction it will be the third year in a row Desmond has accomplished a 20/20 season. What a feat it would be. Ian is in his prime at 28 and the power is there. He should hit 20 plus homers relatively easily barring injury. With Matt Williams and his aggressive approach, odds are he will get to the 20 stolen base mark.
Mar 27, 2014; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder
Bryce Harper(34) breaks his bat against the New York Mets in spring training action at Tradition Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
3. Bryce Harper will win National League MVP
If Harper stays healthy this has a high likelihood of happening. Last year Harper hit nine homers in the first month of the season. He crushed the ball all month and then… he got hurt. When he came back he looked hurt. He wasn’t hitting, and looked to be in pain a lot of the time. Sure he’s competing with guys like Paul Goldschmidt, but Bryce has all the tools he needs to get his first MVP.
Oct 01, 2012; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals fans celebrate after clinching the National League east title at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
4. The Nationals will win the NL East
If you look on paper it’s pretty clear that the Nationals have the most talent in the National League East. But it’s still tough to predict what will happen, especially with injuries. Injuries are one of the reasons I have the Nats winning the east. The Braves have lost two starters (Brandon Beachy and Kris Medlen) to Tommy John already. They are now relying on guys like Aaron Harang to hold the back end of the rotation. Other than the Braves, I question the Phillies’ health and depth and the Mets don’t have the rotation or bullpen. Lastly, the Marlins don’t have the lineup to compete with the Nats.
Sep 25, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Detailed view of the World Series Champions patch on a St. Louis Cardinals jersey against the Houston Astros in the first inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
5. The Nationals will lose to the Cardinals in the NLCS
I think the Nationals will be able to advance in the NLDS, however I think the Cardinals have too good of a rotation and bullpen for the Nationals to win. The Cardinals have the most complete team on paper with an excellent rotation lead by Chris Carpenter and Wacha. It would be tough, especially considering how great the back end of their bullpen is. Remember, this is only what I predict will happen. Last year I thought the Nats would win the World Series and they didn’t even make the playoffs.