2010 Preview: Washington Nationals

This is a preview of the 2010 season. We will look at the different divisions, teams, and players. This is also featured on Phillies Nation, as part of their 2010 preview.

In 2009, the Washington Nationals finished 59-103, last place in NL East.

There were not many positives for the Washington Nationals in 2009. Their below average offense and pitching resulted in the worst record in baseball.

Manny Acta managed 87 games before getting the boot. Jesus Flores, Christian Guzman and others suffered injuries. Adam Dunn looked lost in the outfield. The woes were endless. Heck, they couldn't even spell their name right.

The one bright spot for the Nationals was Ryan Zimmerman, who earned a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger in 2009. The 24-year old third baseman batted .292 with an .888 on-base plus slugging percentage.

Although it was very painful to watch the Nationals last season, there is reason to believe that the Nationals won't be as terrible as they were in the past.

It's so easy to write off the Nationals. They aren't going to contend this year, and perhaps not for a few more. However, the Nationals always seem to be that pesky team that doesn't quit and gives up a good fight -- at least it seems that way when the play the Phillies.

The Nationals are young, but they added a veteran presence. The Nationals signed Jason Marquis, Ivan Rodriguez, Chein-Ming Wang, and Adam Kennedy. While none of these moves are hugely significant, they could change the vibe of the clubhouse, which no longer include Lastings Milledge or Elijiah Dukes.

The new veterans could certainly help out some of the younger and talented players. Ian Desmond has a lot of potential, and earned the starting shortstop job this spring. In addition, the speedy centerfielder Nyjer Morgan is capable of stealing 50 bases, or more.

Although Stephen Strasburg did not break camp, there's a great chance that he could be in the Nationals' starting rotation by June. Strasburg impressed this spring, and many said that they've never seen the ball explode out of a pitcher's hand like Strasburg.

As of now, the Nationals' one-two punch is Jason Marquis and John Lannan, who has improved throughout his career.

While Strasburg is the organization's biggest pitching prospect, Drew Storen should not be overlooked. The reliever has closer potential and could be called up this season.

For now, the Nationals will go with Matt Capps as their closer, who will attempt to rebound from a poor season with the Pirates.

The Nationals aren't ready for contention this year, but may in about two or three years. And if they draft Bryce Harper in this year's draft --- look out!

Prediction: 73-89

Get Out the Brooms!

The Phillies extended their lead in the National League East to a full game. The Phillies completed a three game sweep against the Washington Nationals with their 8-4 win.

Kyle Kendrick earned his 9th win. He pitched 6.2 innings allowing just 2 earned runs on 7 hits. He walked just one, and hit two batters. He struck out 4.

The Phillies offense roughed up John Lannan in his 5.2 innings of work. He struck out 6, but gave up 8 runs, 6 of them earned. He didn't get the best defense behind him, as the Nationals made 3 errors. Though none of the errors were on him, first baseman Kory Castro looked lost at first as he couldn't come up with a few throws.

Jason Werth, and Jimmy Rollins each homered. Ryan Howard also added an RBI. Shane Victorino extended his hitting streak to 11 games. Everybody in the Phillies starting lineup, except Kendrick, each had at least one hit.

Before today's game started, we would have to flash back to last year. John Lannan hit Chase Utley with a pitch last year. Utley would suffer a broken hand. The next batter, Ryan Howard was hit by a pitch. While Utley's HBP didn't look intentional, Ryan Howard's did. That led to Lannan being ejected in his first major league start.

Almost exactly one year later, today, John Lannan hit Victorino. Kyle Kendrick hit batters Ryan Zimmerman and Ronnie Belliard. All looked unintentional as the pitchers were pitching inside.

Ryan Zimmerman looked as if he could of been in the same positition Utley was a year ago. He was hit in the hand, and jumped out of the batters box in discomfort. The camera showed his hand which looked swollen. After he scored a run, he was taken out of the game. X-Rays were negative.

Belliard wasn't too happy about getting hit by his pitch. That led to Jesus Colome intentionally hitting Chase Utley in the 7th inning. Utley knew it was on purpose, and just gave a little look to Colome as he walked down the line. Warnings were issued. Nothing happened after that, but it could be the start of some bad blood between the two teams.