District Daily: Nationals bench players with potential for 2015

Sep 26, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; iWashington Nationals left fielder

Kevin Frandsen

(19) throws to first base during the fifth inning against the Miami Marlins in game two of a baseball doubleheader at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning DoD readers! Start off your day with some great Washington Nationals articles from around the web:

Washington Nationals: Bench players with potential for 2015

(Julia Dang, isportsweb)

Since the Washington Nationals haven’t picked up any big names yet during this offseason, it looks as though they will need to rely on their bench somewhat more. There is need for these guys to be able to produce runs when they are called up and could be more productive if given more playing time. Although the Nationals could use some improvement on their bench, these players have shown by past performance that they can step up if needed.

Here are some Nationals’ bench players that could make an impact in 2015. Read full article here.

More from District on Deck

With Souza gone, Michael A. Taylor’s development assumes more importance

(Chelsea Janes, Washington Post)

Sometime last Wednesday afternoon, as the Nationals inserted themselves and their International League MVP Steven Souza Jr. into trade negotiations with the Padres and Rays, Michael A. Taylor’s role in the organization changed. Whatever the difference is between “a” top outfield prospect or “the” top outfield prospect — and perhaps it’s minimal given Taylor was rated above Souza by Baseball America — that’s the leap Taylor made when Souza became a Tampa Bay Ray. The Nationals dealt away their most big-league ready outfielder and banked on others, such as Taylor, being ready soon.

Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo said he felt he could absorb the loss of Souza because of the depth of outfield talent behind him in the Washington system. Taylor, who Rizzo believes is “a half a year” behind Souza development-wise, tops that list. Read full article here.