Washington Nationals: Plan to Make 2017 World Series
By Ron Juckett
SETTLING TREA TURNER
Whether the Nationals keep Trea Turner in the outfield, or move him to his native shortstop, he needs to know his position before Spring Training starts.
Turner played a passable centerfield this year. If you consider he has a whopping career total of 52 games in the outfield in professional baseball, he did a great job in the field. Yes, that means Danny Espinosa is the Opening Day shortstop, but Espinosa for all his offensive faults slugged 20 homers in 2016.
If the Nationals trade Espinosa and move Turner to the infield that works. With Ian Desmond available and players such as Andrew McCutchen possibly on the move, Washington can find a true outfielder to stick in center and see what Turner can give at short over a full season.
Turner is better suited for the infield over center, but as he learns how to use his instincts in running down fly balls, his confidence will grow and his speed will be an asset building his range. If Washington decides he is not the second coming of Mookie Betts, the sooner he takes daily infield in the Majors,. The better.
Because he is such an offensive threat with power and speed, they have to decide early where to place him. Either way, the focus needs to move on keeping his bat productive.