Ever since moving to the nation's capital in 2005, the Washington Nationals have not had a lot to become excited about. But there are some folks who think that the Nationals are finally primed to become a heavy contender in the National League East after ending up third in its division with an 80-81 mark. Washington is expecting their best pitcher, Stephen Strasburg, to be able to pitch for them for an entire season. Except for that, they went and dealt for Gio Gonzalez to give them another young and strong thrower in the head of their rotation. Here is the projected starting pitchers and bullpen situation for Washington in 2012. Check out our Washington Nationals predictions to see how we think the lineup will fare.
Projected Starters
Stephen Strasburg (RHP) - Strasburg suffered an injury to his elbow that limited him to 5 games at the end of the season. He went 1-1 in the stretch, but had a 1.50 ERA and 0.71 WHIP. What was impressive was he had only 2 walks in those five starts. When healthy, Strasburg has the talent and the drive to be one of the greatest starters the NL has to give.
Gio Gonzalez (LHP) - Washington traded away 4 players so as to land Gonzalez, and he was worthwhile as long as he pitches like he has in his last 2 seasons in Oakland. The 26-year-old went 16-12 with a 3.12 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 32 starts last year, following up his robust 2010 season where he went 15-9 with a 3.23 ERA and 1.31 WHIP. He is still relatively young and his best years are still in front of him.
Jordan Zimmerman (RHP) - Don't discount Zimmerman just yet, even with the addition of Gonzalez and the return of Strasburg, Zimmerman still has what is required to produce at a high level. The 23-year-old righty produced solid numbers of 3.18 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 26 starts, notwithstanding returning from Tommy John surgery.
John Lannan (LHP) - After a below average 2010, Lannan rebounded back to perform in debatably his best year to date, when he notched a career-best 3.70 ERA and a career-best with 10 victories.
Chien-Ming Wang (RHP) - After signing with Washington prior to the 2010 season, Wang eventually made his Nationals debut last season. He went 4-3 with a 4.04 ERA and 1.28 WHIP in 11 games. Provided that he's healthy, he's got the potential to win 10+ games and really make the Nationals ' staff one of the best the National League has to offer.
Projected Closer
Drew Storen (RHP) - Storen actually surprised a lot of people when he saved 43 games in his first season as the Nationals ' closer. The expectancies for him going forward are off-the-charts as the 24-year-old also posted a 2.75 ERA and 1.02 WHIP with 74 strikeouts in just over 75 innings of work.
Projected Starters
Stephen Strasburg (RHP) - Strasburg suffered an injury to his elbow that limited him to 5 games at the end of the season. He went 1-1 in the stretch, but had a 1.50 ERA and 0.71 WHIP. What was impressive was he had only 2 walks in those five starts. When healthy, Strasburg has the talent and the drive to be one of the greatest starters the NL has to give.
Gio Gonzalez (LHP) - Washington traded away 4 players so as to land Gonzalez, and he was worthwhile as long as he pitches like he has in his last 2 seasons in Oakland. The 26-year-old went 16-12 with a 3.12 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 32 starts last year, following up his robust 2010 season where he went 15-9 with a 3.23 ERA and 1.31 WHIP. He is still relatively young and his best years are still in front of him.
Jordan Zimmerman (RHP) - Don't discount Zimmerman just yet, even with the addition of Gonzalez and the return of Strasburg, Zimmerman still has what is required to produce at a high level. The 23-year-old righty produced solid numbers of 3.18 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 26 starts, notwithstanding returning from Tommy John surgery.
John Lannan (LHP) - After a below average 2010, Lannan rebounded back to perform in debatably his best year to date, when he notched a career-best 3.70 ERA and a career-best with 10 victories.
Chien-Ming Wang (RHP) - After signing with Washington prior to the 2010 season, Wang eventually made his Nationals debut last season. He went 4-3 with a 4.04 ERA and 1.28 WHIP in 11 games. Provided that he's healthy, he's got the potential to win 10+ games and really make the Nationals ' staff one of the best the National League has to offer.
Projected Closer
Drew Storen (RHP) - Storen actually surprised a lot of people when he saved 43 games in his first season as the Nationals ' closer. The expectancies for him going forward are off-the-charts as the 24-year-old also posted a 2.75 ERA and 1.02 WHIP with 74 strikeouts in just over 75 innings of work.
About the Author:
Be certain to visit us for help thrashing the baseball odds this season with expert free MLB picks from the top handicappers in the bizz.
No comments:
Post a Comment