Former Washington Nationals president Stan Kasten used to preach patience during horrible seasons. One day, Kasten promised the Nats would be contenders rather than 100-game losers.
Finally, that time has come — even if Kasten is long gone.
The Nats can win 90 games this season after recording 80 victories last year. A 10-game jump into NL wild-card contention is not only possible but expected.
The Presidents Race will no longer be the highlight of the evening. The Nats should be in a pennant race. Teddy, you’re the only loveable loser at the ballpark now.
Fans may stay past the seventh inning this year. They might take back the park when Philadelphia comes to town May 4-6 or the New York Yankees on June 15-17. Attendance should top 2 million this season.
That’s because the Nats have more starting pitching than past years combined and a lights-out bullpen.
Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmermann and Gio Gonzalez are the top three of eight pitchers vying for starting jobs. Ross Detwiler, John Lannan, Chien-Ming Wang and Edwin Jackson will compete for the final two spots in the rotation. A couple years ago that group would have been the rotation.
For a solid lineup, the Nats need Ryan Zimmerman and Adam LaRoche healthy, Jayson Werth to rebound and Ian Desmond and Danny Espinosa to continue maturing.
And what if Bryce Harper earns an Opening Day start?
The hitting has to improve. There’s no way Werth, who signed a blockbuster deal last year, hits .232 with 160 strikeouts again. Maybe the pressure was too much and he will be lessened the second year around, especially if home fans don’t boo him like he still plays for the Phillies.
LaRoche hit only .172 in 43 games before shutting down for the season after shoulder surgery. A return to his .267 career average with 20-plus homers would definitely be a nice boost.
Zimmerman missed 60 games last season with a torn abdominal muscle. He’s still a solid .290 hitter with power and a penchant for game-winning hits.
Desmond might become the leadoff hitter. His .253 average was nothing special, but his 25 stolen bases raise his worth. Espinosa is certainly an intriguing middle infielder, with 21 home runs in his first full season. But he needs to raise his .236 average.
Michael Morse was a surprise last season, hitting 31 homers and 95 RBI with a .303 average. Can he stay healthy again after having injury woes early in his career.
Finally, if Harper can skip Triple-A in his second season, the Nats’ outfield is suddenly a strength. Spring training means everything for his chance to start in the majors. In past years, the Nats would have patiently developed Harper. But with a real playoff opportunity for the first time since arriving in the District in 2005, the Nationals can’t dwell on the future.
Suddenly, it’s about what happens now at Nationals Park.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or email [email protected].
