Washington Nationals 2012 Preview

Coming off a near .500 season the Nationals made some big moves this off season to attempt to bring their first division title to D.C.  The team added some great pitching to improve an already young rotation.  Some of the youngsters in the rotation have already battled the injury bug so we will see how they will handle a full season in the big's and if their arms can handle it.  It will be very interesting to see if the Nationals decide to put Bryce Harper in right field to start the year, even if they don't expect to see him sometime in the season.  The Nats will have their work cut out for them if they do intend on making a serious run for the NL East crown, they will have to go through veteran clubs who have already been through it all.  But some of the recent additions might help them finally get out of the cellar of the division.  Let's take a look at what the Nationals will look like come Opening Day.
Starting Rotation- The rotation will be lead by newly acquired arms Gio Gonzalez and Edwin Jackson, both who have a lot of experience under their belts.  Gonzalez should be the guy who gets the nod come Opening Day, given his All Star track record should do just fine.  Jackson looks to be more of back end of the rotation guy, but has plenty of October baseball experience and will help out a lot.  Youngsters Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmerman will be tasked with the two and three spots in the rotation.  The organization is very high on both guys but both guys are coming off Tommy John within the past two years and will be monitored for fatigue and what not very closely.  Chien-Ming Wang will look to secure the fifth rotation spot and return to the form he once had in New York.  Look for John Lannan to compete for a rotation spot as well, if he is not traded sometime in Spring Training.
Bullpen-  Drew Storen who did a quality job as the closer last year will again have the job but will have a couple other arms to help him out this year.  New additions Ryan Perry and Brad Lidge can also come in a shut the door late in games.  Tyler Clippard who surprised a lot of people last year and has the stuff to be a future closer.  Henry Rodriguez, Sean Burnett and Ryan Mattheus will also fill in some of the setup roles for the 'pen and look for Tom Gorzelanny to be the long relief option.
Catcher- Recently kidnapped Wilson Ramos will be the starting backstop after impressing everyone with a strong Rookie year.  Youngster Jesus Flores will also seem some starts but look for Ramos to get the majority of the looks.
Infield- Ryan Zimmerman will again lead the infield and should put All Star numbers.  Danny Espinosa turned a lot of heads in his Rookie campaign and will look to build on that at second base.  Shortstop Ian Desmond continues to improve both in the field and at the plate.  Adam LaRoche will be at first base and provide some leadership, look for LF Michael Morse to see some action here too.  Off season signee Mark DeRosa will get a lot of action and could possibly get some starts if anyone goes down to injury.
Outfield- Michael Morse who had a great 2011, especially at the plate, will be in left field.  Look for 19 year old Bryce Harper to make the club in Spring Training and be the everyday right fielder.  Bringing Harper up will have them move Jayson Werth to CF were he has seen some action.  Roger Bernadina will be the utility man and if Harper isn't on the club out of Spring Training could be a starter.  IF they move John Lannan during Spring Training it probably will be for OF help since they are very thin here.
Lineup-
1. Ian Desmond- Continues to get better at the plate.
2. Danny Espinosa- Can he avoid the sophomore slump?
3. Jayson Werth- Should drive in 100 easily.
4. Ryan Zimmerman- If he stays healthy should be an All Star.
5. Michael Morse- Power for days.
6. Adam LaRoche- Still can hit for some power, especially with a short porch in right.
7. Wilson Ramos- Impressed his first year, look for more.
8. Bryce Harper- Great potential will see some speed bumps but its just the beginning.
9. Pitcher's Spot- Just Bunt!

The Nationals are on a mission to start winning and make D.C a baseball place and they have all the right pieces in place.  One thing that everyone that loves baseball is ready for is for Teddy to finally win a race in the Nationals Racing Legends, given all the change that has come to the organization maybe this will be his year.  Once they get all their great young talent in the big's this will be a contending team for years to come.  With the rest of the NL East having such seasoned veterans this will not be the year that the Nats take home the division crown, but will easily finish over .500 and could even contend for the Wild Card.  It will be a very exciting year for the Nationals and especially for the fans. Good Luck in 2012 Nationals Fans!

-Buddy