Washington Nationals News: Plenty of changes coming for Nationals
By Pablo Roa
Good afternoon DoD readers, and welcome to today’s District Daily. Get caught up on the latest Nats news and opinions with some great Washington Nationals articles from around the web below.
In today’s Daily, MLB.com’s Bill Ladson discusses how the Nationals are expected to make many changes this winter after a disappointing 2015 season. As Ladson notes, the team already dismissed manager Matt Williams and his entire coaching staff, but general manager Mike Rizzo is nowhere near done with what could be an overhaul of a significant chunk of the roster.
As Ladson writes in his article, the Nationals will need to completely rebuild the bullpen, which was by far the team’s biggest weakness in 2015. The Nationals will also have to restructure their starting rotation, with Jordan Zimmermann and Doug Fister likely to leave via free agency this offseason.
While the Nationals will certainly have to acquire and/or call up some players to fill holes in the bullpen and rotation, they’ll also have to decide what to do with many of the players they do have.
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According to Ladson, Drew Storen will likely be traded. The team could also part ways with Jonathan Papelbon. The Nationals must also decide what to do with the infield now that Ian Desmond‘s days with the team are likely over. Trea Turner will be the shortstop next season, leaving second base open for Danny Espinosa or Yunel Escobar.
In another interesting note, Ladson writes about how the team could be looking for a catcher. Wilson Ramos has been the team’s starting catcher for years, but the ‘Buffalo’ struggled mightily with the bat in 2015 and had a slew of defensive problems as well. Needless to say, it’s going to be an interesting winter in the nation’s capital.
Also in today’s Daily, MLB.com’s Mike Rosenbaum discusses some key prospects participating in the Nationals’ instructional league this fall. As Rosenbaum notes, the team’s camp boasts plenty of talent with Lucas Giolito, Erick Fedde and others honing their skills in Viera, Fla.
Be sure to check out both article below, they’re definitely worth a read. And as always, stay tuned to DoD for all your Washington Nationals needs.
Plenty of changes coming for Nationals
WASHINGTON — After being unable to reach the postseason this year, the Nationals dismissed manager Matt Williams and informed their entire coaching staff that their contracts would not be renewed.
However, changing the coaching staff can only do so much. The Nationals need to improve their roster. For starters, they need to improve the bullpen. It was at its worst when it faced teams like the Mets in July and September. Read full article here.
Giolito, Fedde among Nationals at instructs
The Washington Nationals will soon begin a turnover at the Major League level, with shortstop Ian Desmond and right-handed pitcher Jordan Zimmermann set to hit free agency following the World Series.
However, the Nationals got ahead of the likely turnover by entrusting rookie Joe Ross — whom they promoted directly from Double-A Harrisburg — to handle meaningful innings in place of an injured Stephen Strasburg while also giving shortstop Trea Turner, the Nats’ No. 2 prospect, a chance to play both middle-infield positions over the final month of the season. Read full article here.