Washington Nationals 2010 Preview, Predictions & Odds

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Washington Nationals 2009 MLB Record: 59-103
Washington Nationals 2009 MLB Home Record: 33-48
Washington Nationals 2009 MLB Away Record: 26-55

Washington Nationals 2010 Betting

Washington Nationals Odds to Win the National League: 100/1
Washington Nationals Odds to Win the World Series: 200/1

Washington Nationals 2010 Preview & Prediction

After back-to-back seasons with baseball’s worst record and a host of front office changes in 2009, the Nationals enter 2010 with a clearer sense of just how far away they are from contending. The pitching staff should be better with the addition of starter Jason Marquis and closer Matt Capps as well as rookies Stephen Strasburg and Drew Storen, and the offense will benefit from a full season with center fielder Nyjer Morgan. But there are still too many defensive holes and questions in the pitching staff to expect the Nats to scale the difficult NL East this season. Even a move out of last place could prove daunting.

The Nationals might have two or three pieces in place in their lineup and reliable starters in Lannan and Marquis. But not much else is set, and until their young pitchers emerge, don’t expect Washington to contend. In fact, a move out of last place would be a surprise. Despite an impatient fan base, the Nationals seem committed to maintaining a low payroll and building with home-grown players, although their farm system isn’t exactly delivering talent on a regular basis. No one expects them to be as bad as the last two 59-win teams. But even getting to 70 wins would be an accomplishment.

Washington Nationals Manager: Jim Riggleman (9 Seasons) Record: 465 – 621

Washington Nationals 2010 Projected Batting Order: CF Nyjer Morgan (L), 2B Cristian Guzman (S), 3B Ryan Zimmerman (R), 1B Adam Dunn (L), LF Josh Willingham (R), RF Elijah Dukes (R), SS Ian Desmond (R), C Ivan Rodriguez (R)

Washington Nationals 2010 Projected Rotation: LH John Lannan, RH Jason Marquis, LH Scott Olsen, RH Craig Stammen, LH Ross Detwiler

Washington Nationals 2010 Projected Closer: RH Matt Capps

2010 Washington Nationals Rotation:

John Lannan enjoyed another strong season despite a second consecutive season of paltry run support (3.63 runs every 27 outs). Lannan topped 200 innings, posted a 3.88 ERA and proved he could be counted on for a quality start almost every time out. Seeking a veteran to anchor the front of the rotation with Lannan, the Nationals gave former Rockies right hander Marquis a two-year, $15 million deal. He won’t transform the staff, but he’s a proven commodity in a rotation with few of them. Scott Olsen could rebound from labrum surgery, and Strasburg’s electric stuff should put him in the rotation by the summer at the latest. But both Olsen (health) and Strasburg (experience) carry major question marks. It remains to be seen whether Craig Stammen can be a right-handed version of the light-tossing Lannan, and the Nats will have to get contributions from a group of young pitchers that includes Shairon Martis, Collin Balester, Garrett Mock and Ross Detwiler.

2009-2010 Washington Nationals Bullpen:

All seven of the relievers who began last season with the team were traded, released or sent to the minors at some point, but Washington took significant steps to fortify the unit this year, signing former Pirates closer Matt Capps and acquiring Brian Bruney from the Yankees. Capps, who saved 66 games for the Pirates from 2007-09, will be the Nationals’ new closer, while Bruney gives them a power arm in the setup role. Storen, the Nationals’ second first rounder in 2009, progressed quickly through the minors last year and should get a shot to be a late-inning option. The Nationals liked what they saw from Tyler Clippard at the end of 2009, and Sean Burnett and Jason Berg~ann should also be in the mix.

2010 Washington Nationals Middle Infield:

On a team full of concerns, this is perhaps the biggest one. After signing a two-year, $16 million extension in the middle of the 2008 season, Cristian Guzman regressed defensively in 2009, causing the team to consider moving him to second base in 2010. He isn’t exactly the ideal offensive option anymore (on-base percentage of .306), and he was less than receptive to the move at the end of the 2009 season. The Nationals will give Ian Desmond a shot to earn the everyday shortstop job; they like his bat, which he showed off during a September callup, but he still makes too many throwing errors on routine plays. But other than moving Guzman back to shortstop or playing utility man Willie Harris more than they’d like, the Nationals don’t have many options.

2010 Washington Nationals Corners:

This is the most stable aspect of the ball club, with Adam Dunn’s bat winning out over his considerable defensive limitations at first base and Ryan Zimmerman coming off a breakout year at third base. Zimmerman, who was given a five-year, $45 million deal last April, cemented his status as the team’s franchise player by hitting .292 with 33 homers, 106 RBI’s and a .364 on-base percentage. He was named to his first All-Star team, won his first Gold Glove and emerged as one of the game’s best third basemen at the age of 25. Dunn, who signed a two-year, $20 million deal with the Nationals before last season, delivered exactly what was expected in his first year with the team; he hit 38 homers, drove in 105 runs and batted a career-high .267. He struggled in the outfield but was moved to first after Nick Johnson was traded and pleased the Nationals with his progress there. It remains to be seen if the Nationals will try to re-sign Dunn or move him to a contender at the trade deadline.

2010 Washington Nationals Outfield:

The Nationals’ outfield is as settled as it has been in several years. Morgan, who arrived in a June trade with the Pirates, was nothing short of a revelation in Washington. He hit .351 and stole 24 bases while providing impressive defense in 49 games before breaking his hand. He’ll be healthy for spring training, and if he’s anywhere near as good this season, the Nationals’ search for a center fielder and leadoff hitter is over. Josh Willingham generated strong trade interest after hitting 24 homers last season, but he will start in left field. The unknown is Elijah Dukes, who is the favorite to start in right after an inconsistent year that saw him alternate stretches of legit middle-of-the-order production with long slumps. Dukes was sent to the minors early in the season and played winter ball to get a better handle on curve balls. If he can be consistent, the Nationals’ outfield can generate plenty of runs.

2010 Washington Nationals Catching:

Had the Nationals been sure Jesus Flores was ready for the beginning of the season, they might have still sought out a veteran backup for the 25-yearold, who has yet to make it through a full big league season. But with the status of Flores’ shoulder uncertain, Washington signed Ivan Rodriguez to a two-year deal, and it appears the veteran will at least platoon with Flores this season. Rodriguez is far past his prime, and it’s questionable how much he’ll embrace the task of mentoring Flores and the young pitchers, but he gives them a steadier option than Josh Bard and Wil Nieves, who split time after Flores went down.

2010 Washington Nationals Bench:

The Nationals’ top reserve, Harris, has been pressed into full-time duty more than the team would like each of the past two years. He’s a capable option at most infield and outfield positions, and he hit a career-high 13 homers in 2008. Former Phillies utility man Eric Bruntlett signed with the Nationals in the off season, and like Harris, he can play almost every position. The Nationals saw Mike Morse’s potential in the last 10 games of the season, when he hit homers in three straight games. He and free agent Josh Whitesell could stick as backups at the corners. Justin Maxwell enters the season as the likely fourth outfielder after an impressive September. From there, the Nationals will likely take two players from a group that includes Nieves, infielder Alberto Gonzalez and outfielder Roger Bernadina.

Washington Nationals 2010 Season Predictions

We predict that the Washington Nationals will finish 5th in the NL East Division .

Washington Nationals 5-Year Win Trend

2009: 5th NL East 59
2008: 5th NL East 59
2007: 4th NL East 73
2006: 5th NL East 71
2005: 5th NL East 81

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