Matt Stairs and his place on the National’s 25-man roster is an often discussed topic for many fans, as the majority of his value comes from things we cannot tangibly see, specifically his presence in the clubhouse. Clearly he must be a terrific man and wonderful mentor, as there is not one other 43-year old pinch hitter currently in the major leagues and his current battling line of .095/.296/.095 is not impressing anyone. He provides little defensive value, as he has played fewer than 125 innings in the field each of the last three seasons, and has only played 8 innings thus far this year. While he does have a unique talent as a pinch hitter, even the best pinch hitters bat about .240 and only once per game.
When Rick Ankiel returns from the disabled list in the next 7-10 days, the Nationals are going to have to make a roster decision, likely between sending IF Brian Bixler back to AAA Syracuse or releasing Matt Stairs, as I believe OF Roger Bernadina has forced his way onto the roster. It is my strong opinion the Nationals need to keep Bernadina in center field for the next 60-90 games and let him determine if he is the future in center field, a part of the future off the bench, or someone not in the National’s plans. With Roger in center field most days, this will leave Mike Morse, Laynce Nix, and Rick Ankiel fighting for at-bats in left field and around the diamond.
So the question is whether or not Matt Stairs provides enough value in his extremely limited role on the field combined with his intangibles off the field rather than another player, either Brian Bixler or someone in AAA Syracuse, that would be a better use of the roster spot? With the youth on the roster this season, I am convinced Jim Riggleman appreciates having the veteran presence of Matt Stairs in the locker room. I also think with the many close games the Nationals should expect the rest of this year, his pinch hitting skills should prove to be a nice asset over time. I agree with the organization, his value in the clubhouse and pinch hitting is more valuable than the other options the Nationals currently have for that spot. Players occupying the last bench spot on a National League team often are specialists (i.e. someone with speed, a strong defender, a platoon hitter, etc.) though I do wish a rebuilding club like the Nationals would have a youngster with potential to occupy that roster spot rather than a 43-year old pinch hitter/clubhouse leader.
When Ryan Zimmerman is ready to return in a few weeks, Stairs is likely to encounter a roster squeeze that could see him on the outside looking in. That said, next week when Rick Ankiel is ready to return, expect the Nationals front office to make the right choice, and send Bixler back to AAA Syracuse and keep Matt Stairs.
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