2009 Sleeper Ball Clubs- Washington Nationals

Washington Nationals- 100 wins, HIGHLY unlikely. Sniffing the sweet smell of .500? There's definitely a chance. The team is filled with potential- Lastings Milledge and Elijah Dukes for instance are both young outfielders capable of 20-20 seasons. Ryan Zimmerman looks like he could become the next Scott Rolen. Cristian Guzman is a very solid SS, Jesus Flores is at the very least developing in to an above average offensive catcher. Nick Johnson, if healthy, isn't far off from Kevin Youkilis. If not, Josh Willingham can easily fill that void with 20-30 bombs. Between Austin Kearns, the possible signing of Adam Dunn and Chris Marrero, the Nationals right field spot looks like it will be very promising.

Pitching, the Nats' biggest question mark go into 2009 looks stronger and deeper than its been given credit for. John Lannan looks at least like Jeff Suppan, if not Jeremy Guthrie. Scott Olsen is a proven commodity. Although away from the friendly pitching confines of Miami, Olsen will still give the team a lot of quality innings. Collin Balester is a very solid young pitcher and Jordan Zimmerman has blown through the minors. Odalis Perez if re-signed is another very solid pitcher, but if not, then Ross Detwiler, Shawn Hill and Jason Bergman all have a shot at rounding out the staff.

The bullpen also looks like it is filled with potential. Joel Hanrahan has very good stuff and proved capable of holding the closers role down in 2008. Steve Shell and Garret Mock are both B+ relievers, and if Ross Detwiler is moved to the bullpen in the minors he could be Billy Wagner. Prospect Shairon Martis could also be a starter, but may provide help to the bullpen. Of course, Saul Rivera will be back and he's always proven to be a very solid middle man.

The bench also looks deep and a plus. Anderson Hernandez' slick defense and contact hitting will help spare the middle infield a few times a week. Willie Harris put up very good numbers last year, and is capable of playing second, LF and CF. Harris would be starting on about a third of ML teams. Alberto Gonzalez provides a very good glove at SS/3B/2B if anyone goes down with injury, or simply as a defensive replacement. Wil Nieves should be fired and then re-hired as a bat boy and Luke Montz should be given the back-up catchers job. Montz has shown plenty of pop in the minors and plays solid defense.