Washington Nationals

Contributor: Eric Haskell, mvn.com/mlb-yankees

2007 Record: 73-89

2007 Summary: After losing several key free agents during the offseason, the Nationals 2007 season opened with the losses of even more players to injury, and a disapointing 9-25 start. The return of Cristian Guzman sparked a small rally, but after losing him for the season in late June, the Nationals were unable to sustain any momentum and closed the season with a losing record and a fourth place finish.
Dmitri Young was really the sole bright spot, hitting .339 at the all-star break, earning him a spot on the National League team. He finished the year with a .320 batting average and a .491 slugging to win the National League Comeback Player of the Year award.

2008 Key Additions: The Nationals primary free-agent pickup was catcher Paul Lo Duca. They also acquired two promising young outfielders, albeit ones with some character issues; Lastings Milledge and Elijah Dukes. Odalis Perez signed a minor-league contract with the team this spring, an opportunity that he turned into the role of opening day starter.

2008 Key Losses: Ryan Church and Brian Schneider were went to the Mets in the trade for Lastings Milledge. John Patterson was cut during spring training, due to an inability to stay healthy.

2008 Starting Lineup:
1. Cristian Guzman SS
2. Lastings Milledge CF
3. Ryan Zimmerman 3B
4. Nick Johnson 1B
5. Austin Kearns RF
6. Paul Lo Duca C
7. Elijah Dukes LF
8. Ronnie Belliard 2B

2008 Starting Rotation: Odalis Perez, Tim Redding, Jason Bergman, Matt Chico, John Lannan

2008 Closer: Chad Cordero

2008 MVP: Ryan Zimmerman had a good 2007 and appears to be on the verge of a breakout season. If he does, he can be a very good third baseman and lead this team out of the basement.

The Nationals will be successful if: The starting rotation holds up. The Nationals have a decent lineup, but five question marks in the starting rotation. If they can get solid performances from at least a couple starters, they could have a reasonable amount of success. On the offensive side, they are relying on Lastings Milledge and Elijah Dukes to be good team players and exhibit some of their immense talent. If Nick Johnson can finally stay healthy, he can be a very good first baseman and a strong bat in the middle of the lineup.

2008 Season Prediction: The young offense will be a pleasant surprise. They have several players primed for a breakout season; Milledge, Zimmerman, Dukes and Johnson. If these guys can perform to their capabilities, they should have a strong offense.

Unfortunately, its hard to see this starting rotation holding up. Expect the Nationals to mix and match, trying out some younger players from the minors, such as Tyler Clippard. They will good some good performances, but their inconsistency will hold them back.

Expect about 75 wins this season.

Standings Prediction:
1. New York Mets
2. Philadelphia Phillies
3. Atlanta Braves
4. Washington Nationals
5. Florida Marlins