With spring training approaching, it’s time to look at three young Nationals who have a chance to establish themselves as part of the team’s future — or put themselves in trouble with the new Mike Rizzo regime.
Ian Desmond » A prospect who literally has been around since the beginning. Touted when the team moved from Montreal in 2005, Desmond finally began meeting expectations late last summer. He could start in Triple-A. But if he has a good spring the Nats will get him at-bats in the big leagues at shortstop, second base and even in the outfield.
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Ross Detwiler » Left-handed pitcher was picked No. 6 overall in 2007. He’s had command issues in the past. Is he capable of reaching his ceiling as a No. 2 or No. 3 starter? Or does Detwiler’s control keep him at the back end of a good rotation? He earned some big-league experience last season and looked good in September. The Nats would be greatly encouraged if Detwiler could grab an open starting job.
Justin Maxwell » A tantalizing package, but injuries have all but robbed Maxwell of prospect status at 26. He made some adjustments to his swing at the end of last season that made his awful big-league stint in May — at the plate anyway — a distant memory. Can he fight off the competition for a fourth outfield spot or even win a job outright?
