While the big boys continue their postseason party, general manager Mike Rizzo and the Nationals interview front office and managerial candidates and plot next year’s roster. Cheers & Jeers previously looked at Rizzo’s options to upgrade the pitching staff. Next, we check in on the infield, where at least the corners are set.
Ryan Zimmerman, 25, signed his contract extension in April and made it seem like a bargain by September. He’s the best defensive third baseman in the sport and hit a career-high 33 homers with 106 RBI. On the other side, Adam Dunn did what he does — 38 homers and 105 RBI while getting on base all the time. He is a bad defensive first baseman. That’s better than being an atrocious left fielder. Dunn’s trade value is limited so he will be at first again next season.
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Now, it gets interesting. Do the Nats move Cristian Guzman to second base and start prospect Ian Desmond at shortstop? The 24-year-old had a nice September. We all know that guarantees nothing. It would be a roll of the dice to hand a rookie that spot — even if Desmond has a good spring training. Washington could also sign a free-agent bargain at second base, keep Guzman where he is and use Desmond as a super-sub swinging between the two positions. That’s an easy 400 at-bats and if he takes someone’s job, even better. Remember, Guzman is entering the last year of his contract — $8 million per season — and is a prime trade target.
