The question of who will actually occupy center field for the 2012 Nationals remains open as the club winds down its 2011 campaign. Since Nyjer Morgan was traded in March, fans have seen six different players patrol that expanse: Rick Ankiel, Roger Bernadina, Jayson Werth, Jerry Hairston, Brian Bixler and Laynce Nix. All but Nix actually started games there, but will any of the others — save the departed Hairston — see time there in 2012, or will acquiring a new center fielder be a major offseason priority? Rick Ankiel began the season as the starter out there, but injuries forced him to the DL for a while, and frankly, he didn’t hit much until he returned from the disabled list. His play down the stretch puts him in the conversation for 2012 should the Nats re-sign him, but I can’t see his role as anything more than a spare part.
Bernadina spent considerable time at Syracuse this year but played more than 80 games with the big club, with 50 starts in center. By now you know Bernadina’s story: while possessing the foot speed and athleticism to play center field, some in the Nats’ front office believe he’s better suited for the corner outfield slots. Yes, he’s occasionally taken some bizarre routes to the ball, but he’s also made some memorable catches. The club obviously likes Bernadina — they’ve resisted offers to trade him — but may no longer view him as an everyday player. Still, he’s likely to be in the mix for 2012.
Werth has shown a willingness to do anything the Nationals ask him to do. Most of his career has been spent in right field, but he has almost 100 starts in center over the past decade and clearly looks like he can play the position. The frequency with which he’s played there recently leads many to believe he’ll be there Opening Day next year. The expected arrival of Bryce Harper either by September 2012 or April 2013 combined with Werth’s long-term contract may also factor into that decision.
Bixler and Nix project as bench players in 2012, similar to their roles this year, but might the Nats take the trade route to acquire a veteran for that spot?
The club tried to acquire Michael Bourn from Houston before the Astros sent him to Atlanta. They dodged a bullet in July when a trade for Minnesota’s Denard Span unraveled. Span has suffered concussion-related symptoms and has played very little since mid-August. The Angels’ Peter Bourjos’ name has come up in rumors, along with Tampa Bay’s B.J. Upton. Upton’s batting average was down this year, but his overall offensive production is solid. The rap on Upton is his makeup, and the Nats are big on character. Matt Kemp of the Dodgers? A fantasy.
The 2012 Winter Meetings convene in Dallas in 70 days. Let’s see where the Nats are by the following Thursday.
Examiner columnist Phil Wood is a baseball historian and contributor to MASN’s Nats Xtra. Contact him at [email protected].
