The Nats can only pray that the weather on Opening Day is as nice as the weather in Washington today – 74 and sunny. It has been a strange winter in Washington for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the Nats lack of activity. But still they are picked to win the National League East. In my opinion the following questions will decide their fate in the East and beyond.
1) Who is the real Bryce Harper? He needs to be a .285 hitter with .350 OBP, hit 30 home runs and drive in 95. If he’s not the Nats will never go far.
2) Who is the real Stephen Strasburg? He needs to win 15 games and be healthy down the stretch and in the playoffs.
3) How good is Trea Turner? If he hits .300, steals 30 bases, scores 100 runs and hits 15 home runs he can be an average defensive shortstop and no one cares. If not he needs to be an above average shortstop. If he does both he could be MVP.
4) How good a hitter is Daniel Murphy? Was last year an abiration or is he really that good. He needs to be close.
5) Is Adam Eaton closer to Pete Rose or Ben Revere? We need him to be a scrappy, get on base, batting lead off or second hitter who has a little pop and brings an attitude. If he does he’s worth the steep price we paid.
6) Will the bullpen come together or fall apart? Lots of arms, lots of concerns. Someone needs to pitch the 7th, someone needs to pitch the 8th and someone needs to close. Second biggest concern on the team.
7) Will the catchers hit above .225 or hit 10 home runs? Biggest concern on the team.
8) Will Ryan Zimmerman or Jayson Werth hit .275 or hit 20 home runs or drive in 75 runs. One of them needs to.
9). Will Anthony Rendon get his stroke back for the whole year? He needs to hit .275 with 25 home runs and drive in 85 runs.
10) Will the bench be a strength again this year? I hope so.
Go Nats!
