Michael Morse opened the season with an 0-for-4 performance — striking out in the bottom of the ninth. Not the kind of start indicative of the outfielder’s breakout spring. Morse slugged nine homers, drove in 18 runs and hit .364 in 66 at-bats.
Spring training isn’t the best indicator of the kind of regular season a player will have. Talent is diluted, pitchers are more focused on mechanics than getting outs and the most motivated players are those fighting for a roster spot. But you can’t completely discredit a strong spring, right?
At 29, Morse finally will get the full-time starting opportunity he has been waiting for his entire career. Last year, he played well as a utility player in a career-high 98 games for the Nats after playing in just 67 games the previous four seasons combined. He had 15 homers and 41 RBI in 2010.
But there are a lot of lingering questions surrounding Morse. The outfielder has missed extended time with knee and shoulder injuries. He has no track record of being an everyday player. And will he live up to the expectations of Washington’s new dedication to defense?
With the loss of Adam Dunn and Josh Willingham in the offseason, the Nationals need a power bat in the middle of the order. Can Morse be the answer?
