Nationals
 

Taking a look at the nationals overall going into this season.
I like the Wang & Marquis SP pickups.
Nyjer Morgan will have a whole season to produce for them.
Dunn will still have solid power numbers.
And maybe Zimmerman will have a big year.

Re: Nationals
 

huh?

Re: Nationals
 

I'm curious about the Pudge pick-up. Could be a solid veteran to have in the clubhouse, plus the Marlins and Tigers both went to the World Series with him. But he's also pushing 40. So it could backfire big time.

They're still a ways away but I expect to see significant progress this year

Re: Nationals
 

[quote=SmootSmack;667451]I'm curious about the Pudge pick-up. Could be a solid veteran to have in the clubhouse, plus the Marlins and Tigers both went to the World Series with him. But he's also pushing 40. So it could backfire big time.

They're still a ways away but I expect to see significant progress this year[/quote]
One knock I've heard on Pudge is that apparently he's not the best with young pitchers, as far as being an on-field coach/teacher. I don't know if that's true, but I remember hearing that when he was signed.

Even last year I found the Nats entertaining so I'm looking forward to this season. I can't wait to see what Strasburg if they call him up late in the season.

Re: Nationals
 

And maybe Zimmerman will have a big year?...that dude is a monster, I think he will have a bigger year than last. The pitching is going to be alot better-starting, middle, and the closing if Capps can stay healthy.

The division is too tough, but we should see a vast improvement.

Concerns: their infield defense is going to stink, especially up the middle. Light hitting Adam Kennedy signing brought nothing to the team at 2nd except injury concerns.

Re: Nationals
 

I've heard the same about Pudge AMD

Re: Nationals
 

[quote=SmootSmack;667451]I'm curious about the Pudge pick-up. Could be a solid veteran to have in the clubhouse, plus the Marlins and Tigers both went to the World Series with him. But he's also pushing 40. So it could backfire big time.

They're still a ways away but I expect to see significant progress this year[/quote]

Pudge may be expected to play some early. I really like the direction the Nationals are taking, first time in a very long time I've been excited abut Baseball in DC. I plan on going to the opener.

Re: Nationals
 

[quote=Skins4L;667433]I like the Wang...[/quote]

The Nats did makes a few decent upgrades this year. Nyjer Morgan was becoming a great player until he was injured last year.

Re: Nationals
 

the benefit of pudge is that the young national pitchers will have a HOF catcher calling the pitches. great catchers dont get enough credit for their ability to know batters, situational baseball and what pitches to call for.

im a big Os fan but i will following and rooting for the nats this year alil bit.

Re: Nationals
 

Hard not to get excited about this team. They seem to have a decent idea of how to build it up with youth and they do have some nice pieces. The ultimate direction though is pretty much tied to Strasburg. If he can be the pitcher that his talent allows him to be they could be a very strong team inside of 3 years. But he has to stay healthy and they need probably one more young arm at SP and some depth middle relievers. Plus their infield needs work but you can piece that together in FA.

Re: Nationals
 

Morgan is definetly going to be a factor this year.

Re: Nationals
 

[quote=Chico23231;667456]And maybe Zimmerman will have a big year?...that dude is a monster, I think he will have a bigger year than last.[/quote]

When i say BIG YEAR... i mean a defining season. Hes heading into his prime years..6,7th seasons guys start seeing it all and peaking. Hes a great player.

Ive taken him in 2 of 3 fantasy drafts so far this year.

Re: Nationals
 

[quote=Skins4L;670010]When i say BIG YEAR... i mean a defining season. Hes heading into his prime years..6,7th seasons guys start seeing it all and peaking. Hes a great player.

Ive taken him in 2 of 3 fantasy drafts so far this year.[/quote]

His numbers were awesome last year and still didnt get the attention he should have...other than the hitting streak early in the season. I was thrilled to see him breakout...if he just focuses on being a "doubles-gap hitter" and not try to be a power, home run hitter...this guy could hit .325 knock in 125 and score 110 runs easily and still hit 30-35 homers with ease just based on the natural contact he makes. I havent done my fantasy teams yet, but Ill be in the market for him...dude is amazing and a class act, perfect to build a team around

Re: Nationals
 

I hope that they greatly improve this year. I'm an O's fan but all of my fam followed the Senators, so DC baseball is close to home for me. My grandma always had great stories about meeting Senators players, Redskins players, etc and people around the team. She gave me some programs from way back with tons of autographs, a nice short letter from Ted Williams' wife, and whatnot. She was a bit of a socialite, had tons of pics with Chief Z, hung out with Jake the Snake, etc haha