Washington Nationals: Top Predictions For 2017
By Ron Juckett
HARPER, EATON SWAP OUTFIELD POSITIONS
This may seem likely, but the plan at the moment is to use Bryce Harper in right field and Adam Eaton in center.
Eaton is an outstanding right fielder and a slightly below-average one in center. Watch for Dusty Baker to experiment with them switching in Spring Training and Harper signing off on the switch.
In the rush to move Trea Turner to his native shortstop, they traded the above-average glove in Danny Espinosa away to make everyone happy. When Eaton came from the ChiSox, the writing was on the wall for Espinosa. Once he expressed his displeasure, he left for Los Angeles to help the Angels rebuilding effort.
Although the upgrade to the offense is immediate, to get the better part of the defensive equation in place, Eaton needs to be in right. There might be a few angry words to the press at the start, but both outfielders will dazzle the beat writers early.
By the time we see meaningful baseball, they will be comfortable in their new positions and we will wonder why we had this conversation.
It should not take long with Turner at short and Eaton in right for those who questioned the Giolito deal to like it. Especially if Turner’s glove is as hot as the bat.