National Record

The Washington Nationals had a highly successful 2011 campaign finishing 80-81 while playing in the strong National League East. They have some excellent young players in their everyday lineup and a very underrated pitching staff as well as two of the premier young talents to enter the game in over 20 years in RHSP Stephen Strasburg and OF Bryce Harper(Possible 2012 mid season call up). The future- and PRESENT- look very bright for this club and with a strong offseason,this team could contend for a wildcard spot in 2012. Lets look at the key issues for the Nationals entering 2012.

MANAGER:  The Nationals loved what long time veteran manager Davey Johnson brought to the team and hope to have him in the dugout in 2012. The man has a way with both veterans and young players and really had in impact on this club. He did a great job with the pitching staff and the young infield tandem of SS Ian Desmond and 2B Danny Espinosa really improved under his watch. Retaining Johnson has to be a top priority as 2011 comes to a close. 

POSITION PLAYERS: The team is set in the infield with 3B Ryan Zimmerman and 1B Adam Laroche(Progressing well after shoulder surgery) joining Espinosa and Desmond. Wilson Ramos has the catching position secure for years to come. Michael Morse, who played more 1B than he was scheduled to in 2011 after the team lost Laroche for the year, will play a corner outfield spot in 2012. Jayson Werth is a good rightfielder but could move to center if the team cannot trade or sign a true centerfielder. Ideally, the team would add a leadoff man in center to allow Werth to stay in his natural rightfield position and also give the team the option to move Desmond in the batting order. Tampa Bay Rays CF B.J Upton and Minnesota Twins CF Denard Spann are names you hear linked to the Nationals often in trade talks. 2011 Nationals OF Rick Ankiel is a free agent and a good 4th OF on a team with his elite power and throwing skills.

PITCHING: This a team strength led by Jordan Zimmerman and Strasburg as well as young veteran LH John Lannan in the rotation while closer Drew Storen and set up man Tyler Clippard have the late innings locked up.  The Nationals also late season contributors like Tommy Milone, Brad Peacock and Ross Detwiler ready to compete for full time jobs in the rotation. Veteran RHSP Chien-Ming Wang(4-3,4.04 in 11 starts) is a good bet to resign with the club as is situational lefty Tom Gorzelanny(2-0,2.42 in 22.1 innings out of the pen).  The Nationals will be after one veteran starting pitcher with Texas Rangers LHSP C.J. Wilson and Chicago White Sox LHSP Mark Buehrle the leading candidates.  

EARNED RUN AVERAGE

• Jordan Zimmermann
• Starting Pitcher
• #27

3.18

BA	M. Morse	.303
HR	M. Morse	31
RBI	M. Morse	95
R	M. Morse	73
OPS	M. Morse	.910
W	J. Lannan	10
SO	J. Zimmermann	124
SV	D. Storen	43
WHIP	J. Zimmermann	1.15

Here is how the 2011 Washington Nationals rank among the 30 teams in the major leagues in 4 categories for both pitching and hitting. 2011 season finale blog later this week. 

BATTING: 

Runs(24)

Batting average(27)

On Base(25)

Slugging percentage(22)

PITCHING: 

ERA(7)

Quality starts(24)

WHIP(12)

Batting average against(15)