Spring training site
Viera, Fla.
2007 record
73-89, fourth place, 16 games behind Phillies
New faces
3B Aaron Boone (free agent, Marlins); RHP Tyler Clippard (trade, Yankees); C Paul Lo Duca (free agent, Mets); OF Elijah Dukes (trade, Rays); C Johnny Estrada (free agent, Brewers); 2B-OF Willie Harris (free agent, Braves); LHP Ray King (free agent, Brewers); OF Rob Mackowiak (free agent, Padres); OF Lastings Milledge (trade, Mets); IF Pete Orr (free agent, Braves); LHP Odalis Perez (free agent, Royals)
Biggest offseason acquisition
Milledge and Dukes are young outfield talents with great minor-league resumes, getting a chance in a new setting. Milledge was considered one of the Mets' top prospects and hit seven homers in limited duty with New York last season. He and Dukes both strike out a lot, however – cutting that down will be important to their development.
Gone but not forgotten
Ryan Church drove in 70 runs and got on base for the Nats in 2007, but if Milledge and Dukes come through, he won't be missed much. Washington could regret trading right-handed reliever Jonathan Albaladejo down the line – he'll be in the Yankees' bullpen this season.
Projected lineup
- SS Cristian Guzman
- CF Lastings Milledge
- 3B Ryan Zimmerman
- 1B Nick Johnson
- RF Austin Kearns
- LF Elijah Dukes
- C Paul Lo Duca
- 2B Ronnie Belliard
- Pitcher
Projected starting rotation
- LHP Odalis Perez
- RHP Tim Redding
- LHP Matt Chico
- RHP Jason Bergmann
- RHP Shawn Hill
Projected bullpen
- RHP Chad Cordero (closer)
- RHP Jon Rauch
- RHP Luis Ayala
- RHP Saul Rivera
- LHP Ray King
- RHP Jesus Colome
- RHP Joel Hanrahan
Biggest strength
If they stay healthy – and that's been a big if for many in this lineup – the Nationals could score the most runs in their short history. Oft-injured Nick Johnson has apparently won the battle for first base over Dmitri Young and could finally resume what looked like a promising career. Milledge, Zimmerman and Dukes could be tough outs if they live up to their potential.
Glaring weakness
Without John Patterson (who was released in spring training because he'd lost velocity coming off injury), an already suspect starting rotation became that much more raw. The starting spot in the opener of Nationals Park will be a journeyman that the Nats signed to a minor-league deal in Perez, who hasn't had a winning season since 2004 and went 8-11 with a 5.57 ERA in Kansas City in 2007.
