The Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals made some very smart moves this off season. Those moves may have a very significant impact in the 2014 season. One big move they made was acquiring starting pitcher Doug Fister to add to an already steady rotation.

They added to their lineup by getting outfielder Nate McLouth to come in off the bench and play left field when needed. The two important parts to the Nationals' lineup are Ryan Zimmerman and Bryce Harper. In 2014 they will be healthy and ready to drive in some runs. Second base may be a battle between Anthony Rendon and Danny Espinosa, because of Rendon's high expectations and Espinosa's recent struggles. The following is how the Nationals' lineup should look in 2014.

1. L. Denard Span         CF 94 OPS+
2. R. Jayson Werth        LF 154 OPS+
3. L. Bryce Harper        RF 133 OPS+
4. R. Ryan Zimmerman  3B 121 OPS+
5. L. Adam Laroche      1B 102 OPS+
6. R. Ian Desmond         SS 114 OPS+
7. R. Anthony Rendon    2B 99 OPS+
8. R. Wilson Ramos         C 111 OPS+

Bryce Harper and Stephan Strasburg 

The Nationals not only have one of the best lineups in the Major Leagues, they also have one of the best starting rotations. They departed with Dan Haren who pitched under a one year deal in Washington and performed terribly, and replaced him with Doug Fister. Anchored by once phenom, but now veteran Stephan Strasburg and followed by southpaw Gio Gonzalez and studs Jordan Zimmerman and now Doug Fister, the Nationals are in a very good position. Here is how the pitching rotation for the Nationals looks.

1. R. Stephen Strasburg   126 ERA+
2. L. Gio Gonzalez           113 ERA+
3. R. Jordan Zimmerman  116 ERA+
4. R. Doug Fister             115 ERA+
5. L. Ross Detwiler            94 ERA+

The bullpen for the Nationals is pretty solid in the late innings. Pitching the 7th inning is one time closer Drew Storen, pitching the 8th inning is strikeout prodigy Tyler Clippard, and closing games out is the emotionless Rafael Soriano. The Nationals do not have a good lefty in their bullpen besides a few young guns and veteran Jerry Blevins. If they were to make another move this off season they should get a lefty specialist. The other important part to the Nationals pen is Craig Stammen who makes his money pitching the middle innings.
 

Baseball in the Big Citi

The All Star Game is next week and this year it will be held at my home. New York City. Its been 5 years since the All Star Game was held it Yankee Stadium, this time the venue will be at the Mets' Citi Field.

Bryce "The Warrior" Harper and Chris "Crush" Davis

First the Home Run Derby will take place Monday, but Citi Field doesn't yield many home runs, so they will have to be blasted. The participants for the National League: David Wright, Carlos Gonzalez, Michael Cuddyer, and Bryce Harper. For the American League: Robinson Cano, Prince Fielder, Chris Davis, and Yoennis Cespedes. I predict Harper will win the Home Run Derby at Citi Field.

I know I'm not the only one hoping Gonzalez's injury will sideline him from the All Star Game and Giancarlo Stanton will have to be added to the Home Run Derby. That guy will hit them all the way to Brooklyn.

The actual All Star Game will be exciting as well. Matt Harvey will probably get the start for the National League, because it's his home ballpark, although Clayton Kershaw clearly deser
ves the start purely based on statistics. For the American League, I think Jim Leyland may go Felix Hernandez to start the game, and it almost certain Mariano Rivera will be pitching at some point. I predict the American League will win the All Star Game this year.

First time All Star Patrick Corbin will be returning to his home state and will be fun to watch pitch, for he has dominated the Major League this season. Manny Machado has been ripping doubles left and right and he is on track to break the record for most doubles in a single season. Marlins starter Jose Fernandez also made the roster for his stellar first half and is a huge promise for the future of their organization.

You can view the rest of the roster here http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130706&content_id=52391804&c_id=mlb

But there were some huge All Star Game Snubs. Grant Balfour, Evan Longoria, Matt Carpenter, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Mike Leake.

Vote in the poll for who you think was the biggest All Star Game snub.








Dont Forget to submit your vote for All Star Game Final vote. Vote Puig! and Vote Robertson!

The Birds and the ... Nats?

The Orioles and the Nationals made it to the post season last season. Both clubs were underdogs entering 2012, but now in 2013 they are regarded as strong contenders for their respected divisions.

The Orioles showed that they can compete with the Rays, Yankees, Red Sox, and Blue Jays in the American League East. They will again have to prove that they are fit to compete in 2013.

The offense for the Orioles is stronger than most, but not the strongest. The big bat is the face of their franchise, Adam Jones. He along with Chris Davis, Matt Weiters, and J.J. Hardy provide the power that propels the team to victory We can't forget about 2013 Rookie of the Year favorite Manny Machado who came onto the scene in mid 2012, he will be key to the success of the Orioles. Here is how their lineup will look in 2013.

1. S. Roberts 2B *105 OPS+ *2010 stats
2. L. Markakis RF 126 OPS+
3. R. Jones CF 125 OPS+
4. L. Davis 1B 121 OPS+
5 S. Wieters C 107 OPS+
6. R. Hardy SS 88 OPS+
7. R. Machado 3B 98 OPS+
8. L. McLouth LF 90 OPS+
9. R. Riemold DH *111 OPS+ *2011 stats

The pitching rotation for the Orioles is unproven and for the most part young. The only guys who have a given spot in the rotation for 2013 are Wei Yu Chen and Jason Hammel. Tommy Hunter, Dylan Bundy, Zach Britton, and Jair Jurjjens all have to work to earn a spot onto the club.

The bullpen for the Orioles was probably their biggest strength in 2012. Jim Johnson held down the back end and closed the door all season for the O's. Ayala set up very well and maintained a low era as he did in seasons previous. It seems as if the Orioles will have the strategy as they did last year: Just get outs.

I project 89 wins for the Orioles in 2013.

The Nationals won the National League East and shocked everyone with their large spread of young talent. They added some big names and are on a quest to win it all 2013.

The Nationals have a beautiful assortment of young players and veterans in their lineup. For the younf player, phenom Bryce Harper will man left field while Espinosa and Desmond will play the middle infield. The Nationals traded Michael Morse, but they have decent production from every position. Lets look at the lineup.

1. L. Span CF            105 OPS+
2. R. Desmond SS     126 OPS+
3. L. Harper LF         119 OPS+
4. R. Zimmerman 3B  121 OPS+
5. L. LaRoche 1B      128 OPS+
6. R. Werth RF          125 OPS+
7. S. Espinosa 2B       94 OPS+
8. R. Ramos C           105 OPS+

Unlike the Orioles the pitching rotation for the Nationals is almost set in stone. There will be no innings limit on Stephen Strasburg and the newly acquired Dan Haren will be a great veteran presence. Here is how the rotation shapes up:

1. R. Stephen Strasburg  3.16 ERA
2. L. Gio Gonzalez          2.89 ERA
3. R. Jordan Zimmerman 2.94 ERA
4. R. Dan Haren              4.33 ERA
5. L. Ross Detwiler         3.40 ERA

The bullpen for the Nationals has a new look to it as well. Rafael Soriano will take over as closer after a fantastic season with the Yankees, Drew Storen will become a setup man, and Tyler Clippard will remain to dominate in the late innings. The Nationals have a great bullpen, but no great left handed reliever, they should consider trading for one if they want to fix their only hole.

I project 96 wins for the Nationals in 2013.