Future #7: The Washington Nationals

Why they're ranked 7th
This one will be the biggest shocker on the list. They have some pretty good talent in their system right now, and when was the last time a team had the top two most hyped prospects (Strasburg and Bryce)? Their pitching is underrated, but they really do have some great pieces there. The offense is going to be really good in a season or two when everybody gets up. The Nats have deep pockets, but there biggest problem is going to be attracting free agents to their team, and that's why they're slotted in at 7th.

TEAM: Washington Nationals

LEAGUE: National League
DIVISION: East

Top Pitching Prospect: Stephen Strasburg

Top Hitting Prospect: Bryce Harper

Marquee Player: Bryce Harper

Future Lineup

Position: Name, Bats- Best tools

1. Eury Perez: Rightfield, RH- Defense/Speed

2. Derek Norris: 1^st Base, RH- Patience/ Power

3. Bryce Harper: Centerfield, LH- 5-tools

4. Ryan Zimmerman: 3^rd Base, RH- Power/Patience/Contact/Defense

5. Danny Espinosa: 2^nd Base, S- 5-tools

6. Jayson Werth: Leftfield, RH- 5-tools

7. Wilson Ramos: Catcher, RH- Power/Defense

8. Ian Desmond: Shortstop, RH- Speed

Future Rotation

Name, Throws

1. Stephen Strasburg, RHP

Phenom #1...

2. Jordan Zimmerman, RHP

3. Sammy Solid, LHP

4. A.J. Cole, RHP

5. Cole Kimball, RHP

Closer: Drew Storen

Overall Evaluation

Areas of Improvement:

The Washington Nationals have tried their best to be big players in free agency, and Cliff Lee, Adam Dunn, and Mark Teixeira have denied them. They need to work on some kind of marketing in order to attract players to the team. The offense is going to be set, but the back end of the rotation could use some help.

Outfield:

... meet phenom #2

If Bryce Harper sticks at center this is the Nats number one strength. Harper and Werth are 5-tool players who play good defense and can hit for big power. Eury Perez is a speed threat, who plays strong defense, and will make for a great leadoff man.

Infield:

Ryan Zimmerman is the cornerstone of the Nationals and is the best third baseman in the NL. Espinosa worked to put his name on the map last season and he has great tools. I’m most excited about Derek Norris; his .414 career OBP in the minors is ridiculous.

Rotation:

Stephen Strasburg had a great cup of coffee last season, and National fans should consider themselves lucky he’s getting TJ surgery out of the way early on. Amidst the Strasburg hype people have forgotten about Jordan Zimmerman. He has great control, big strikeout peripherals, and he too has gotten TJ out of the way.

Intangibles:

They now have the best pitching and hitting prospects in the game. Their other farm depth is ridiculous and they have some real good players in the system. The lineup can develop into a Billy Beane dream (lots of power and patience), while the rotation will be filled with Ks.

Even though they’ve been denied the services of several marquee free agents, the Nationals can be glad that they have some deep pockets. Ryan Zimmerman is locked up, and with their flexible payroll the Nationals can continue to lock up their young players.

The bullpen is still developing, but that doesn't mean they should be overlooked. Drew Storen has some real good stuff and will protect the 9^th inning for a long time. Tyler Clippard, the once future closer before Storen, is also there and will provide late inning support.

The Nationals were middle of the pack in defense last season, but they have six guys in their lineup who have solid gloves. A fundamental and sound defense will help build confidence for the young pitchers as they continue to develop. Also, it just goes to show how athletic this team is.