The Washington Nationals have taken some big steps forward during the 2011 season. Relative to the 298 losses the franchise suffered over the previous three seasons, this year would have to be considered a successful one.
The perception is that this Nationals squad is not a bunch of overachieving spare parts, as was the one that somehow managed to win 73 games in 2007 when preseason predictions were as dire as 40 victories.
No, this improvement is viewed as a team on the rise, one with young talent that is on the verge of being a winning team over the course of an entire season.
So what happens now? What moves will the Nationals make this winter to help take that next step?
First, you do all you can to convince Davey Johnson to return as manager — if he needs convincing. He may drive you crazy sometimes with in-game decisions, but he remains several steps ahead of the guy in the other dugout in most situations.
He knows how to work a clubhouse. He may be 68, but he loves young players and was working with them for several years before taking over the Nationals’ managing job when Jim Riggleman quit. He is old school but was leading the class years ago on the new school ways to put together a roster. And stop with the age foolishness. Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel is 67. Cardinals skipper Tony La Russa is 66.
So with Johnson coming back, what roster moves should general manager Mike Rizzo and his front office team make this winter?
Do they, as many fans crave, go out and sign a top-name, high-priced free agent?
No. Ironically, on a team that no longer puts spare parts on the field every game, the Nationals will invest their money this winter in the best spare parts money can buy — the bench and the bullpen.
You’ve heard Johnson talk often about how important both are for a winning club. He says when he is managing a game, it is his bench against the opposing manager’s bullpen and vice versa. This is where the investment will be for next year’s team.
The Nationals hardly have an All-Star at every position. But they seem to have enough in-house options — save still for a leadoff hitter and center fielder — to concentrate on strengthening other areas.
There has been talk of another starting pitcher, but it is free agent folly to invest money in any such target for more than a two-year contract. And again, the options they have available may be better than what is on the market.
The Nationals will have their share of spare parts next season. But they will be on the bench and in the bullpen, not in the starting lineup or pitching rotation.
Examiner columnist Thom Loverro is the co-host of “The Sports Fix” from noon to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday on ESPN980 and espn980.com. Contact him at [email protected].
