The Nationals have decisions to make — big and small — over the next several weeks. Has interim manager done enough to earn a full season in that spot? How will general manager Mike Rizzo revamp the front office? But most important, who makes the starting rotation next year?
That adds a little juice to the final month of the season as veteran Livan Hernandez makes a push to return in 2010. Rizzo has said repeatedly his team needs a veteran starter. Too often this season the Nats’ inexperience in the rotation has cost them.
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Of course, the chances of Washington landing an elite free-agent pitcher are remote — even if the team was inclined to make a run at one of the few headed for the open market. So Hernandez — acquired last month mostly to eat innings and take pressure off a fraying group of youngsters — may have a plausible shot at returning to the District.
“I always wanted to come back and pitch in D.C.,” Hernandez said last week. “I love the city and playing there. I’ve been asking [my agent] every year to put me back there. I’d love to be back again [next year].”
Either way, it’s unlikely the rotation will be settled even during spring training. Other than 24-year-old John Lannan, there isn’t a single pitcher on the 40-man roster guaranteed a spot. Top draft pick Stephen Strasburg will pitch in the Arizona Fall League. But will the team go with him right away or give him at least a few starts in the minors? Promising rookie Jordan Zimmermann is likely out all of 2010 after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow last month. Rizzo also must decide whether to offer arbitration to injured left-hander Scott Olsen (shoulder surgery) or cut ties with the 25-year-old.
