Washington Nationals: Anthony Alford would make an interesting addition
The Washington Nationals have a talented starting outfield, though they lack depth at the position. With Anthony Alford available, the two may be a good match.
The Nationals are tied for the third worst record in the league and sit at the bottom of the National League East. May be time to shake things up a little but and infuse some enthusiasm into the team. This worked a year ago with the addition of Gerardo Parra, maybe a new face in the clubhouse wouldn’t be all bad. Enter Anthony Alford.
Alford was recently designated for assignment by the Toronto Blue Jays and is now available for the taking, if the Nationals can either work out a trade for him or snag him if he’s released.
They plucked Josh Harrison off the scrap heap and he has not provided the instant spark the team was looking for. True, he has only been in five games, but he wasn’t the missing piece when he was brought in.
Alford has a lot of upside, just lacks the experience. Over parts of four major league seasons he has struggled to get on the field, then struggled once he has gotten there.
His eleven hits in seventy-one career at bats leaves him with a lifetime average of .155. His ability to hit has surely been hampered by inconsistent playing time. He doesn’t need to be a regular for the Nationals, though. Alford can be a late-inning speed option.
The one thing Alford can do, and was called upon in Toronto, is run.
Yes, the Nationals have a player like this on their team now in Michael Taylor, whom they do not use. Taylor is hitting .182 in his limited time, and while his defense may be his upside, Alford has committed just one error in his career as well.
Yes, the Nationals have a player like this at their alternative camp in Andrew Stevenson. They do, though they have shown a lack of trust in him thus far and as a fringe player he can’t seem to stay in the bigs for an extended period of time.
Next. Daniel Hudson or Mike MacDougal. dark
At this time I think either Josh Harrison and Wilmer Difo are expendable roster spots. Bringing in someone to mix things up could be the spark the team needs. Anthony Alford may fill that void.