The Washington Nationals finished the 2011 season with their best position in the standings in their short history. They finished in third place in the National League East with a record of 80-81. The record was their second best in team history. Thus, there are reasons to be excited about things to come in Washington, and not all of them involve Stephen Strasburg.
First baseman Michael Morse had a breakout year in 2011. He led the team in many offensive categories, finishing with a .303 batting average, 31 home runs, and 95 RBI. He was near the top of the National League in each of these categories. Morse will probably see a raise in the off season, and there is reason to expect a repeat performance from him next year.
Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman is a veteran star for the Nationals who had a disappointing 2011 due to injury, but hopes to rebound in 2012. Zimmerman was hitting .357 when an abdominal strain put him on the DL, where he stayed for almost two months. He finished the season strong, but the Nationals didn’t enjoy the production he is usually able to provide all season. He should be healthy in 2012, and looks to return to his typical form.
Right Fielder Jayson Werth also had a less stellar season than the Nats expected. He finished with a .232 average, compared to .296 in 2010, and 20 home runs (down 7 from the previous year). Werth’s best years may be behind him, but he should be expected to contribute heavily again in 2012. He and Zimmerman will provide veteran leadership in the clubhouse for a team that is filled with young talent.
Leading the young talent offensively is outfielder Bryce Harper. Harper was chosen by the Nationals with the number one pick in the 2010 draft. He spent 2011 in the minor leagues, preparing for his transition to the majors. An injury ended his season early, but it’s expected that he’ll begin 2012 with the Nationals. He has home run power and will represent the addition of another slugger to the Nationals lineup.
Probably the best known player on the Nationals right now is young pitcher Stephen Strasburg. Strasburg was the first pick in the 2009 draft, and some have called him the most hyped prospect in the history of pro baseball. He lived up to the hype in his first start when he threw 14 strikeouts in a win against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Strasburg, however, experienced a serious shoulder injury late in the year that would require 12-18 months of rehabilitation. He only pitched 24 innings in 2011, but should be back fully healthy in 2012.
Manager Davey Johnson will be planning on having these young and veteran players back healthy in 2012. If so, the Nationals could contend for the National League East title and be one of the more formidable teams in the NL. By playing their stars conservatively and staying healthy throughout the year, the Nats will look to surpass the records they’ve already set in their short history.
