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Five Washington Nationals Storylines To Watch In 2016 Spring Training

By Ricky Keeler

Mar 19, 2015; Melbourne, FL, USA; A view of Space Coast Stadium during the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Washington Nationals. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2015; Melbourne, FL, USA; A view of Space Coast Stadium during the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Washington Nationals. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 23, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa (8) bunts the ball against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning at Nationals Park. Espinosa was safe on a throwing error. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa (8) bunts the ball against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning at Nationals Park. Espinosa was safe on a throwing error. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

The New Double Play Combination

Heading into this season, the Nats will have a new duo fielding double plays. Ian Desmond is a free agent, but Washington is not going to bring him back and Anthony Rendon is going back to third base since Yunel Escobar was dealt to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for reliever Trevor Gott.

This offseason, the Nats went out and signed former Met Daniel Murphy to a three-year, $37.5 million deal to play second base. At shortstop, Danny Espinosa likely takes over for Desmond, but Trea Turner is waiting in the wings to eventually be the starter in the long-term.

Plus, the Nats went out and signed Stephen Drew to a one-year deal and gave minor league deals to Brendan Ryan and Scott Sizemore. Another player to watch is Wilmer Difo. Difo made his debut with the Nats last season and hit .182 (2-for-11) in 15 games at the major league level.

Right now, Turner is expected to begin the season at triple-A Syracuse, but if he has a great spring training and impresses Baker, maybe he would start as the Opening Day shortstop over Espinosa.

This spring, working on double plays is going to be interesting to watch because of the new infielders. Remember, Danny Espinosa has never had a season in which he has played more than 36 games at shortstop. As for second base, Murphy had  -6 defensive runs saved last season, which was an improvement from the low total he had in 2014 (-10).

Next: Managing Papelbon Vs. Harper

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