Washington Nationals 2009

Jim Bowden was on thin ice with me before 2009, but he proved that he had some testicles this winter. Signing Adam Dunn, grabbing Olsen and Willingham for almost nothing and signing Daniel Cabrera and Wilfredo Ledezma to short term contracts. Below is a report on the Nationals and a brief list of their top players.

Rotation (C+): The starting rotation is the heart of any team and the Nationals, while young, are putting together a good one. John Lannan, Collin Balester, Shawn Hill, Ross Detwiler and Scott Olsen are all plus pitchers and Jordan Zimmerman, Shairon Martis and Jason Bergmann are more than ready to take over one of these spots if something goes wrong. They're deep, which like their offense is their biggest strength. Lannan is very good but no ace, and although Detwiler, a 100 mph flamethrowing lefty, has the makings of one he hasn't pitched more than 1 inning in the majors. If they can mature they'll be formidable.

Infield (B+): With Adam Dunn's bat the National's infield shot up almost a full grade. Ryan Zimmerman, Adam Dunn, Cristian Guzman, Jesus Flores and Ronnie Belliard/Anderson Hernandez at 2B makes them one of the top seven or eight infields in the NL. Zimmerman could hit 30 home runs if healthy for a full season, Dunn is a lock for 100 RBI's yearly, Guzman makes good contact and Flores has the makings of a Dioner Navarro. All and all they're a very good team and again deep. Dmitri Young, Nick Johnson, Alberto Gonzalez and Brett Boone will all be waiting for a shot to play some ball.

Outfield (B+): The Nationals' offense went from worst to maybe first in 2009. Their outfield is the backbone of their club, Elijah Dukes, Lastings Milledge, Josh Willingham, Austin Kearns and Willie Harris are all good players and Dukes and Milledge have the makings of top players. If Kearns can turn it around like Harris did in '08 and provide some support to Dukes-Milledge-Willingham then they'll looking back on the Braves and Marlins in 2009.

Bullpen (B-): Although deep the Nat's bullpen doesn't have a real closer. Sure, Hanrahan throws heat, a 95 mph fastball and 84 mph slider, but he has little to know experience in the closer's role outside of a sub-par showing in September '08. Again depth is this team's forte and Garret Mock, Steve Shell, Joel Hanrahan, Mike Hinckley, Shairon Martis, Saul Rivera, Daniel Cabrera, Marco Estrada, Terrell Young, Ross Detilwer and Luis Atilano are all plus pitchers. If Hanrahan can't hold down the CL job in 2009, no sweat, Mock, Shell, and most of all, Detwiler will be there to take it over.

Farm (B): For a team as young, as bad and as deep as the Nationals you'd think that their farm would be stellar...Well it's not but its aok. Jordan Zimmerman, Ross Detwiler lead the pack and are far better than anything the Nats' have to offer. Both will be effective big league starters closers. Chris Marrero, and Tyler Clippard both have the makings of decent players but neither are particularly touted prospects. Either way, Detwiler and Zimmerman in '09 and then we'll see whats up for 2010.

1. Adam Dunn (A-)- The backbone of this teams offense and good for 40 homers and 100 rbi's year in and year out.

2. Lastings Milledge (B)- The leader of this team and the future of the ball club. He showed flashes of brilliance in 2008 but has plenty more to offer. B.J. Upton deux.

3. Ross Detwiler (B)- Detwiler has the tools to be an A, with his heat and splitter and will be a force in whatever position he plays.

4. Ryan Zimmerman (B)- Another leader of the Nats, Zim is a top 10 3B when healthy.

5. Elijah Dukes (B)- Dukes could be a 20-20 guy, or even 30-20 in '09 if he controls his temper.

6. Jordan Zimmerman (B-)- Zimmerman is a very good prospect. He throws a good 93 mph fastball with a true path and good breaking balls. Could be a 2-3 starter in 2010.

7. John Lannan (B-)- The only Nationals starter besides Perez worth a look in 2008. Lannan is an innings eater and has the ceiling ot be a B.

8. Joel Hanrahan (B-)- Hanrahan is a hard guy to pass by, he throw 95 mph heat and has a plus-plus slider. If his arm stays healthy and he overcomes his own immaturity he can be a top closer.

9. Cristian Guzman (B-)- Guzman is solid at everything he does- hit, field and run. He'll never be a top 5 SS, but he'll usually be in the top 10-15 with a .290-.300 avg and 10 homers.

10. Collin Balester (C+)- The surfer-dude orange county product has the makings to be a B+ and has good stuff. He's very young and barely able to drink so if he gets a full season under his belt he could be their no. 1.