After back-to-back 100-loss seasons, the Nationals return to spring training with some new faces and renewed hope. Pitchers and catchers reported Friday morning, and Sunday is their first workout. Position players begin their season Wednesday. The first spring training games are a split-squad date March 4. The regular season begins at home April 5.
Here’s a look at some spring training storylines at each position group:
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Catchers
Not much question here. Jesus Flores isn’t ready yet after shoulder surgery in September. He has just begun a throwing program, and the Nats won’t rush him. So free agent signing Ivan Rodriguez is the starter with Wil Nieves the likely backup. Does I-Rod, a future Hall of Famer, have one last strong season in him at age 38?
Infielders
Few are as good defensively as third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, who also hit a career-high 33 homers. Adam Dunn gets a full spring training at first base — he looked adequate there late last season — and the Nats expect close to 40 homers again. Adam Kennedy plugs the gaping hole at second base. He won’t hit much but is usually a solid fielder. That means Cristian Guzman is back at shortstop after offseason discussions about a position switch. But is he recovered from shoulder surgery and foot problems? The answer to that question determines the status of prospect Ian Desmond, who could win a super-utility role. But Alberto Gonzalez and Eric Bruntlett are in the mix, too. Mike Morse — and his bat — will fight for a backup corner infield spot.
Outfielders
Two positions are good to go with Nyjer Morgan back in center field after missing the last month of the season with a broken hand and Josh Willingham still in left. Morgan is one of the game’s best defensive players. Can he continue to produce at the leadoff spot? Elijah Dukes, facing a critical season, needs a good spring to lock up right field. That leaves Willie Harris as the fourth outfielder, with Justin Maxwell, Roger Bernadina and non-roster invite Willy Taveras seeking the last slot.
Starting rotation
Maybe one day the Nats will enter a season with only a few questions about this group. Not this year. Top prospect Jordan Zimmermann (Tommy John surgery) is out until late summer, and Ross Detwiler (hip surgery) won’t return until May. Jason Marquis and John Lannan are locks. But when will Scott Olsen and Chien-Ming Wang have healthy shoulders — if at all? Craig Stammen also had elbow surgery in 2009, and J.D. Martin, Garrett Mock, Collin Balester and Shairon Martis all will get a shot. Remember Matt Chico? He’s recovered from elbow surgery early in 2008 and is a dark horse. And, of course, there is rookie phenom Stephen Strasburg, who will likely start in the minors the first two months.
Bullpen
Believe it or not, one of baseball’s worst bullpens in 2009 looks relatively stable at the back end. Matt Capps was signed as the closer. He has experience but needs to bounce back from a rough season. Tyler Clippard and Sean Burnett were both solid in 2009. Brian Bruney is a power pitcher acquired in a trade with the Yankees. Jason Bergmann will return in long relief with a good spring. But the Nats need to settle on a left-handed specialist and another middle reliever. They would prefer to keep top prospect Drew Storen in the minors.
