2009 MLB Preview - Washington Nationals

Washington Nationals
Manager: Manny Acta (3rd season)
2008 Record: 59-102 (5th NL East)


Added: IF/OF Adam Dunn (CIN), OF Josh Willingham, OF Corey Patterson (CIN), SP Scott Olsen (FLA), SP Daniel Cabrera (BAL)
Lost: 2B Emilio Bonafacio (FLA)

Projected Lineup (2008 Stats)
1. SS Christian Guzman (.316, 77 R, 9 HR, 55 RBI) 2. CF Lasting Milledge (.268, 65 R, 14 HR, 61 RBI, 24 SB) 3. LF Adam Dunn (.236, 79 R, 40 HR, 100 RBI) 4. 3B Ryan Zimmerman (.283, 51 R, 14 HR, 51 RBI) 5. RF Austin Kearns (.217, 40 R, 7 HR, 32 RBI) 6. 1B Nick Johnson (.220, 15 R, 5 HR, 20 RBI) 7. 2B Ronnie Belliard (.287, 37 R, 11 HR, 46 RBI) 8. C Jesus Flores (.256, 23 R, 8 HR, 59 RBI)

Projected Starting Rotation (2008 Stats)
1. John Lannan (9-15, 3.91 ERA, 117 K) 2. Scott Olsen (8-11, 4.20 ERA, 113 K) 3. Daniel Cabrera (8-10, 5.25 ERA, 95 K) 4. Jordan Zimmermann (Rookie) 5. Shairon Martis (Started 4 games)

Bench
C Wil Nieves, IF/OF Willie Harris, IF Alberto Gonzalez, OF Elijah

Bullpen (2008 Stats for Closer only)
Joel Hanrahan (9 SV, 84.1 IP, 73 H, 93 K, 3.95 ERA), Saul Rivera, Garrett Mock, Joe Beimel, Julian Tavarez, Steven Shell

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Fantasy Studs: None
Fantasy Sleepers: OF Lasting Milledge

Men In The Minors: 1B Chris Marrero, SS Esmailyn Gonzalez, OF Michael Burgess, SP Ross Detwiler

Home Ballpark: Nationals Stadium (Grade 9/10)

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Team Outlook: Last year, they were the doormat of the National League. This year, they have made some big changes hoping to move from that dubious position. As far as batting goes, Dunn will carry the load with homers. Zimmerman can hit a good amount as well. But the rest of the lineup, except Milledge maybe, really doesn't scare any opposing pitchers. As far the Nationals pitcher, it's better but nowhere near where they need to be to win the division. The additions of Cabrera and Olsen are steps in the right direction even if they are baby steps. Lannan also needs a quality season. The bullpen could be worse. Joel Hanrahan did an admirable job closing once Jon Rauch. All in all, one would hope that the team just has fun this season, because winning a ton of games is probably out of the question.

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