The Nationals left Spring Training amid a myriad of hope. This season started with the hope that the relatively young pitching staff can come together and sustain itself over the long course of the season. There's also the hope that the starting pitching won't rely heavily upon the questionable bullpen which was overworked much of last year due to starting pitching rarely working deep into games and the hope that the depth in the outfield would yield to more production in scoring. Even after three straight losses it's too early to judge this team and the season. There's still lots to be learned and lots of games yet to be played.
As often with any start to the season, every team and fan base feels excitement about the start of a new season. Every team starts with high hopes whatever the expectations may be whether it's the post season or the fight for a .500 record.
After being swept by the Marlins to start the season 0-3, the Nationals paint a scary picture about what type of season lay in store. Yet even in these losses there is a bright side to be recognized. The fielding in the outfield can improve slightly and the Nationals haven't had a complete power failure that plagued them much of the previous season.
Milledge may be struggling in CF and in his new lead off role, but changes can be made. The errors that occurred at the start of this season aren't any different than some of the errors last season, but practicing with new coach Grissom can help correct the issues in fielding.
Ideally Guzman would bat second in the order, but Milledge has struggled to start the season in the lead off role. Guzman found himself batting in the lead off role last season and didn't perform poorly. Look for a possible change in the line-up if this continues. Much of the top position in the order isn't just about getting a hit to start the inning but ensuring that there is a runner on base i.e. on base percentage, so Guzman could be a short term solution should Lastings continue to struggle.
All in all, the batting has improved and it's only the first swing through the pitching rotation without even playing a home game. Baseball is a marathon of 162 games. They've already demonstrated better hitting which was also something the Nationals lacked last season. The addition of Dunn should help the Nats draw closer to a 70 + win plateau.
There are still tix available so be sure to catch the home opener next Monday. If the pains of last season still resonate then keep watching the Nats. The Nationals now have an anchor in the middle of the line-up and some protection for Zimmerman in Adam Dunn. One of the best ticket representatives in the area works for the Nationals and would be happy to take your call regarding various season and partial plans - Alia Short at (202) 640-7652 so be sure to tell her The DC Sports Page sent you.
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