Davey Johnson optimistic for 2012 after Washington Nationals finish season on high – MLB News
The Washington Nationals displayed their appetite for success in the depth of the season, coming back strongly to finish third in the National League East. Although they lost their sixth consecutive season, finishing below the .500 winning percentage, their
motivation heading into the offseason is at the highest level since the franchise moved to Washington seven years ago.
Manager Davey Johnson emphasised that the young blood in the roster has shown glimpses of genius and with more exposure, the team will have a chance to “contend” for the top notch in National League East division. He stated that the team now has enhanced
chemistry and with the younger players now established, there will be fewer questions to answer for the next season.
Stephen Strasburg impressed on his return to professional baseball and said, “We have the ability. Now we’ve just got to prove it to everybody. You still have to go out there and win some ballgames. We’re still improving. We’ve got to stay hungry. We haven’t
won anything, yet.”
Expressing his excitement on finishing the season on a high, general manager Mike Rizzo commented that the team has improved dramatically and has set high standards for the next season. Showing utmost respect for Johnson, Rizzo clarified that the manager
will be given an extended run to effectively manage and groom a young team. A full season as manager, he believed, will give a better indication of Johnson’s abilities to administer raw talent.
Nationals have a competitive pitching rotation and a strong line-up with the likes of Ian Desmond, Danny Espinosa and Wilson Ramos strengthening the defence. These three players have proven themselves to be versatile, showing elegance on the plate and brilliance
in the field. Jordan Zimmermann and Strasburg combine together to form a formidable pitching pair. One of Ross Detwiler, Tommy Milone or Brad Peacock will join the duo to complete an aggressive rotation, which can challenge even the best in the Majors.
The Nationals can go the extra mile to possibly sign one either Prince Fielder or Albert Pujols. Both sluggers are free agents, but the probability remains to be on the lower side, given the excessive spending their contracts require.
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