JOE ROSS
This is the year the Nats need to see a full season from Joe Ross.
Injuries limited the second-year pitcher to 19 starts last year. Because he relies so much on movement to get guys out, he burns through pitch counts fast, lasting 105 innings or under 5.2 innings a game. Even for a fifth starter—his projected role—those numbers are not good.
Another pitcher who has played well this spring, Ross must take the ball every fifth day and keep the Nats in games until the bullpen is ready. He does not need 20 wins or 200 innings—it would be wonderful if he did—to have a successful year.
If his ERA stays around 3.45 and they can squeeze 160-180 innings from him, everyone will be happy. Ross must learn to trust his defense behind him to get batters out. He has to avoid allowing 0-2 counts balloon to full ones. Because his fastball dances and dips, he cannot always control the strike zone.
What he can do is manage his game better. Fitness and durability are essential. Remember, the team waived his name around last December at the Winter Meetings. He responded by having a great spring, giving Dusty Baker confidence.
That effort must continue over the next six months. All-Star Games and Cy Young considerations are sweet bonuses, but his Baseball Reference page should have 30 starts on his 2017 line. If another starter goes down, Ross moves up the chain.
With division games packed early and late, he has to turn potential into results. He can deliver.