The Washington Nats finished the 2006 season with a record of 71-91 and last in the NL East. This is 10 games worse than last year. The Nats got off to a bad start this season and could never recover. Despite this, Nats fans have a lot to be optimistic about.
This season saw an absurd amount of injuries to the Nats' starting pitchers and their key relievers. Brian Lawrence, John Paterson, Ryan Drese, Zach Day, and Shawn Hill were starters who missed most of the season. The top right-handed set-up man from last season, Luis Ayala also missed most of the 2006 campaign and so did top lefty Joey Eischen.
The injuries could have a positive impact for years to come. It gave Jon Rausch (4-5, 3.35) a chance to fill in as the set-up guy and do a good job. Saul Rivera (3-0, 3.43) and Ryan Wagner (3-3, 4.70) both had key roles coming out of the bullpen due to the influx of injuries. Mike O'Conner (3-8, 4.80) was up in the majors too early, but perhaps the experience of starting this season may help the lefty for next season. Tony Armas (9-12, 5.03), Ramon Ortiz (11-16, 5.57), and Pedro Astacio (5-5, 5.93) held down the starting rotation. The Nats' pitching obviously struggled and was the worst in the league, even playing in gigantic RFK. Even with a healthy rotation next season, the Nats are going to have to sure up the pitching staff.
The Nats improved their offense this season from last. Alfonso "So So" Soriano (.277 46 hr 95 rbis, 41 sb) was easily the team's best player. He must be resigned during the offseason for the Nats to have any hope of contending next season. Ryan "Z" Zimmerman (.287, 20, 110, 11) played a great defensive 3rd base and was a huge asset in the lineup. He should be Rookie of the Year and will hopefully only get better. Nickie Johnson finally stayed healthy for most of the year and put up good numbers (.290, 23, 77, 10). Still, the team needs better production from the 1st base slot. Jose Vidro's numbers were low this season and the Nats may have to find a replacement, perhaps young Bernie Castro, who gives the Nats batting order a lot of speed.
Nook Logan (.300 in 90 at bats) may fill in as the Nats lead-off hitter and centerfielder if he has a good spring next year. Soriano, Logan, Castro and newly acquired shortstop Felipe Lopez (.274, 11, 52, 44) give the Nats a ton of speed on the bases. Austin Kerns (.264, 24, 86) was traded for with Lopez and is a good prospect. But, Kerns needs to raise that average, lower his team-leading strikeout total, and play a better rightfield. At catcher, Brian Schneider (.256, 4, 55) raised his average about 30 points over the last couple of months of the season and his a great defender.
Frank Robinson managed his last major league game in 2006. It's difficult to express how great it has been to have a legend manage the new Nats over the last two seasons. He brought an aura of professionalism to a team that needed it. I foresee the Nats being good for many years, beginning in a few, and Frank Robinson deserves a lot of that credit. Thanks Frank!
The new manager will have a strong and unique batting order, but a questionable defense and holes to fill on the pitching staff for 2007. The NL East is also a tough division. All in all, things are looking up for the Nats though.
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