After proudly watching the Nationals clinch their 2nd division title in 3 seasons on Atlanta’s home field last Tuesday, and shaking off the subsequent hangover, my thoughts immediately turned to the construction of the team’s roster for the 5-game series in the NLDS.
The Nationals have a deep 40-man roster and are currently fortunate to have most of their players healthy, making it slightly more difficult than normal to project their 25-man playoff roster. Certainly 21-22 spots are more than accounted for, but the last spot on the bench and a few spaces in the bullpen will be up for grabs in the final days of the season. This is my prediction for the Nationals NLDS playoff roster when announced next week.
The Lineup
#1 Denard Span CF
#2 Anthony Rendon 3B
#3 Jayson Werth RF
#4 Adam LaRoche 1B
#5 Ian Desmond SS
#6 Bryce Harper LF
#7 Wilson Ramos Catcher
#8 Asdrubal Cabrera 2B
While Matt Williams could tinker with this by substituting Jose Lobaton for Ramos behind the plate and or returning Ryan Zimmerman to the lineup, this group has ignited the Nationals impressive second half and should comprise the Game 1 starters.
Bench
#9 Jose Lobaton
#10 Ryan Zimmerman
#11 Danny Espinosa
#12 Kevin Frandsen
#13 Nate Schierholtz
The probable five spots on the Nationals playoff bench is not particularly straightforward and easy to project, though it is extremely likely Lobaton is the backup catcher, and Espinosa and Frandsen serve as the reserve infielders and pinch hitters. In addition, assuming Ryan Zimmerman continues to return from injury, he will be a valuable weapon for Matt Williams to deploy off the bench during the playoffs.
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Starting Rotation
#14 Stephen Strasburg SP #1
#15 Jordan Zimmermann SP #2
#16 Doug Fister SP #3
#17 Gio Gonzalez SP #4
I have an extremely difficult time keeping breakout sensation Tanner Roark out of the rotation, as his performance since arriving in Washington more than warrants a playoff start. However, I expect Washington to use Strasburg and Zimmermann in Games 1 and 2, in some order, allowing them to return on regular rest for a possible Game 5 at home. Thus, these decisions would slot Fister and Gio to pitch on the road in Games 3 and 4, with Roark in reserve in case either struggles early.
Bullpen
#18 Drew Storen Closer
#19 Tyler Clippard RH S/U
#20 Rafael Soriano RH S/U
#21 Aaron Barrett RH S/U
#22 Craig Stammen RH M/R
#23 Tanner Roark RH M/R
#24 Matt Thornton LH
#25 Ross Detwiler LH
Five of the likely eight bullpen spots look solidified, with Clippard and Storen expected to pitch the 8th and 9th innings, Stammen and the team’s 5th starter (Roark) pitching in middle relief, and Thornton the primary left-handed reliever. I fully expect the Nationals to have Barrett on the roster due to his plus slider and strikeout ability, and although he has struggled recently, Soriano should find his way onto the roster as the last right-hander in middle relief over Ryan Mattheus or Blake Treinen.
Finally, the most difficult position to project for the Nationals pitching staff is the final lefty in the bullpen, a contest between Jerry Blevins, Ross Detwiler, and darkhorse Xavier Cedeno. While Cedeno has strong numbers against lefties, his lack of experience makes him easy to dismiss, making it a likely choice between Blevins and Detwiler. Blevins has struggled much of this season, but has quality numbers against left-handed batters and could be an asset as a pure lefty specialist. On the other hand Detwiler struggled early this season as he transitioned to his role as a reliever, but has shut down lefties this season and has better velocity than Blevins, giving the bullpen another dimension. Both pitchers have their strengths, but I expect Detwiler to eventually receive the 8th and final spot in the bullpen.
The Nationals have an impressive, deep, and healthy roster entering the 2014 playoffs, and should be the co-favorite, along with the Dodgers, to represent the National League in the World Series. In constructing this playoff roster, the Nationals will have an impressive and versatile lineup capable of outscoring other teams, combined with a potentially shutdown starting rotation and a deep, capable bullpen. Certainly anything can happen in a short 5 or 7 game series, but the Nationals (and their fans) should not wish to trade places with any other NL playoff team. Get your popcorn ready, this could be a fun fall for baseball fans in the Washington DC metropolitan area.