96 wins. No major offseason losses to free agency. Pre-ranked as the best team in baseball. What more do General Manager Mike Rizzo and the NL East Champs need to do?
Despite reports of the Nationals planning to “blow the roof off this place” at the Winter Meetings, DC’s club has been relatively quiet this offseason, with their biggest move of this winter being a trade involving a bench player and a future infielder. With teams like the Padres and Dodgers making huge splashes in free agency and the trade market, many Nats fans are left wondering why the Nationals aren’t diving all in on 2015.
The answer is simple: there aren’t any pressing needs to be addressed. Sure, penciling in Danny Espinosa at second base on Opening Day isn’t optimal, especially with former second baseman Asdrubal Cabrera reportedly signing with Tampa Bay. But Washington fans can rest easy as long as Rizzo is at the helm. As the owner of a strong history of good trades and free agency signings, a little faith in the Nats president of baseball operations is well deserved. I wouldn’t bet on Espinosa being handed the keys to the starting job, and neither should the rest of NatsTown.
As Spring Training is still three months away, Rizzo and company still have plenty of time to whip something up, and knowing the Nats GM, fans have no need to worry.
Here’s a quick preview of how the Nationals’ roster stands right now.
Lineup:
- CF – Denard Span (L)
- 3B – Anthony Rendon (R)
- LF – Jayson Werth (R)
- RF – Bryce Harper (L)
- 1B – Ryan Zimmerman (R)
- SS – Ian Desmond (R)
- C – Wilson Ramos (R)
- 2B – Danny Espinosa (S)
- Pitcher
Rotation:
- Jordan Zimmermann (RHP)
- Stephen Strasburg (RHP)
- Doug Fister (RHP)
- Gio Gonzalez (LHP)
- Tanner Roark (RHP)
Bullpen:
- Drew Storen (RHP)
- Tyler Clippard (RHP)
- Craig Stammen (RHP)
- Matt Thorton (LHP)
- Aaron Barrett (RHP)
- Jerry Blevins (LHP)
- Xavier Cedeno (LHP)
Bench:
- Kevin Frandsen (R)
- Jose Lobaton (S)
- Michael Taylor (R)
- Nate McLouth (L)
- Tyler Moore (R)
Coaches:
- Manager – Matt Williams
- Bench Coach – Randy Knorr
- Hitting Coach – Rick Schu
- Pitching Coach – Steve McCatty
- First Base Coach – Tony Tarasco
- Third Base Coach – Bob Henley
- Bullpen Coach – Matt LeCroy
- Defensive Coordinator & Advance Coach – Mark Weidemaier
Inside The Locker Room 