National Pastime

With the Washington Nationals opening their inaugural season in 2005, I will post regular updates about the team, including live blogging during some of the games. The first order of business, though, is to figure just who this team is.

Who’s in Charge?

Jim Bowden is the team’s general manager, although his contract only takes him through April. Hall of Famer Frank Robinson will manage the team – having been held over from the Expos where he served for two years.

Key Acquisitions:

During the off season, the Nats traded for Jose Guillen – previously a member of the Anaheim Angels, Oakland A’s, and Cincinnati Reds. Guillen gets a fresh start in DC after ending his time in So Cal on a bad note.

The Nats two biggest free agent signings came on the left side of the infield, with Vinny Castilla taking over at third base and Christian Guzman at short. Castilla has spent time with Atlanta and Colorado, enjoying a resurgence last season with the Rockies. Guzman spent his entire career with Minnesota. The Nats also picked up Esteban Loaiza from the Yankees. Loaiza was a surprise in 2003 with the Chicago White Sox, but faltered after a mid-season trade to the Bronx last year.

Hold Overs:

Jose Vidro and Nick Johnson will anchor the right side of the infield. Vidro is a former all-star caliber at second base who has spent his whole career with the Expos. Johnson was a highly regarded Yankees prospect who has battled injuries in his young career.

The outfield is a little unsettled, but it looks like Brad Wilkerson, probably the Nats best hitter, will play left and Guillen will be in right. Center field is an issue, as last year’s starter, Endy Chavez looks as if his place in the line up is in jeopardy. Ryan Church had a solid spring and Termel Sledge is looking to breakout with the big club.

The pitching staff will be anchored by 1997 World Series MVP (with the Florida Marlins) Livan Hernandez. Hernandez is an innings-eater – something especially important for a relatively inexperienced team. He’ll be joined in the rotation by Loaiza, Zach Day, Tony Armas, Tomo Ohka, and John Patterson. The closing duties appear to be Chad Cordero’s.

In my next post, I’ll examine player projections for the key players, and discuss the team’s outlook in the difficult and competitive National League East.