Each week The Examiner sits down with a Comcast SportsNet personality to get their take on the issues of the day.
Will the Nationals’ new ownership clean house? Scott Hanson tells us who’s likely to finish the season in Washington.
Examiner: With the new ownership there’s talk of a fire sale. In your opinion, who’s untouchable?
Scott Hanson: I would say no one is untouchable, and I really mean that. [Ryan] Zimmerman they’re probably not going to move, and probably [John] Patterson they’re not going to move. But I would say maybe outside of Ryan Zimmerman, they would consider just about anyone for a good offer. People use the term “fire sale” — if you get some one in return for a “fire sale,” then it wasn’t like you’re left with nothing. They’re not headed to playoffs this year so they may have some big-name players on the way out. They’ve got to be real smart in who they get in return.
EX: What does the future hold for Jim Bowden and Frank Robinson?
SH: I certainly think both will stay here through the season. They’re both going to be reviewed very firmly at the end of the season. Out of respect for Frank, they’ll probably go to him and see how much gas he has left in the tank, if he wants to do it.
In terms of Bowden, I think they’ve got to look at him and see if the mentality of new ownership and his mentality can mesh because Bowden has a very distinctive managerial style. If the ownership doesn’t agree with his certain way of doing things, and he’s not willing to bend to that, then they’ll probably part ways. But I don’t think either one of them is definitely out.
EX: What are your thoughts on the performance of Alfonso Soriano? He’s at the top of the National League in both assists and errors.
SH: It’s an adventure with him every time, and the encouraging thing for Nationals fans is that his errors are getting less and less from a lack of effort, and they’re based purely on that he’s a complete fish out of water in left field. But when you look at his offensive numbers, the balance there is acceptable or more than acceptable with what he’s been doing at the plate. It a certain sense, it’s a shame he has to be a leadoff hitter because his numbers could balloon even more batting third or fourth in the lineup.
