Except in the Nationals case. They can’t get much worse in D.C.

With a dismal 59-103 effort in 2009, the Washington Nationals shared the infamy of the Pirates as laughing stock of the league. However, there is reason to consider that their worst days may be behind them.

Yes, all hope lies in No. 1 overall pick Stephen Strasburg in the distant—and arguably immediate—future of the organization, yet there is much more outside of Strasburg that points towards the possible success of the Nationals in 2010.

The middle of the order for D.C. falls short of nothing, as they are likely to combine for 100 bombs this season. Dunn alone is a lock for 40 homers and 100 RBI, and Zimmerman is only going to continue to build off his breakout campaign in which he hit 33 long balls while posting a .292 average. Couple that heart of the order with speedster Nyjer Morgan—who has quickly become one of the premier leadoff hitters in the game—and you’re looking at a very dynamic 1 through 5.

Furthermore, the Nats made several key additions this offseason through the acquisitions of second basemen Adam Kennedy, closer Matt Capps, and catcher Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez. All will be an intricate part of the drive towards victory for Washington, but one stands out as the most vital asset to the team and that’s Rodriguez. He will be essential to the development and success of a young and inexperienced pitching staff—with the exception of veteran ace Jason Marquis.

I’m not saying the Nationals are going to come out, shock the world, and win the East—sorry Washington fans, not in a million years. What I am saying though is to expect a much-improved team, and a team that is going to make significant strides towards future accomplishment. A .500 season is not out of the question and one could very well see the team pull themselves out of the humiliation that is last place, and 34 games out.

Key losses- Javier Vasquez, Kelly Johnson, Rafael Soriano, Mike Gonzalez, Garrett Anderson, Adam LaRoche

Key additions- Billy Wagner, Melky Cabrera, Troy Glaus, Takashi Saito

Off-season grade- B

Justification- I feel they upgraded the bullpen with the addition of Wagner and Saito. The Vasquez deal seems like a salary dump, but they got a nice defensive center fielder out of it in Melky Cabrera. They lost some good players, but they were able to replace them with equal or better players.

Philadelphia Phillies

Key losses- Cliff Lee, Scott Eyre, Pedro Martinez, Pedro Feliz, Brett Myers

Key additions- Roy Halladay, Placido Polanco

Off-season grade- A

Justification- They acquired the best pitcher in the game and they were able to sign him to a reasonable extension for a pitcher they were most likely going to lose after this season. Placido Polanco should be an upgrade over Pedro Feliz. They have positioned themselves to make another run in 2010.

New York Mets

Key losses- J.J. Putz, Carlos Delgado,

Key additions- Jason Bay, Kelvim Escobar, Gary Matthews Jr.

Off-season grade- C

Justification- Jason Bay gives them the power bat the Mets need even though they probably overpaid for him. I also have concerns about his defense.  Putting a staff around Johan Santana has been a problem and Omar Minaya has failed to address it. Even though the Angels are paying most of the salary, I fail to see the value Matthews brings to the team.

Florida Marlins

Key losses- Matt Lindstrom

Key additions- Dan Uggla (re-signed), Josh Johnson(re-signed)

Off-season grade- B

Justification- I know it seems odd to give a team a “B” for their off-season when they didn’t sign any free agents, but I think them re-signing Johnson and Uggla are great moves. It can be a sign that maybe the Marlins will start keeping some of their young guys and it’s a good PR move.

Washington Nationals

Key losses- None

Key additions- Ivan Rodriguez, Jason Marquis, Matt Capps, Scott Olsen

Off-season grade- C

Justification- Nothing spectacular, but solid moves nonetheless. Ivan Rodriguez should provide some leadership for this young team. He’s not quite the player he used to be, but he may be able to get some people into the ballpark. Jason Marquis can be a mentor for their young staff. He also eats a lot of innings, which should lower the pitch count for their younger pitchers.

Do I really need to say why?

2) Drew Storen-RP

Outstanding young reliever. Closer of the future? I think so

3) Danny Espinosa- SS

I think he could be a pretty decent offensive shortstop. He’s got some decent power, hits to all field, seems to just know how to play at a high level. Above Average glove defensively, and I think he’s gonna get better.

4) Derek Norris-C

Great plate patience. Has a ton of power. Could be a Bengie Molina type catcher.

5) Michael Burgess-OF

I think he’s gonna hit for more power than advertised. Good Arm, good defensive ability. Needs to cut down on the strikeouts.

6) Bradley Meyers-SP

I actually like him more than most do. He throws a ton of strikes and can locate well. Could be the perfect compliment to several hard throwers in the rotation.

7) Jeff Kobernus-2B

Solid player. Might not be the superstar on the roster, but he’ll do the little things well. Exactly what you need from the position.

8) Chris Marrero-1B

I don’t like him as much as some scouts do. I think he’ll be an average major leaguer to potentially being above average and that’s about it. I don’t see the ceiling others do.

9) Ian Desmond-SS

Much Better 2009 than 2008. Still has a ton of room to grow and develop.

10) Juan Jaime-SP/RP

My sleeper of the team. Hard throwing righty that needs to develop his offspeed stuff to be effective. Young and powerful, and I think he could be pretty good in a few years.

The Key to this kid IMO is to not put the pressures of the success of  the Washington Nationals next year on his shoulders. He has the real chance to be the face of the franchise for the next 15 years and throwing him into the fire might not be the greatest of ideas by new GM Mike Rizzo. What do I mean by that? Simple- don’t annoint him the number 1 coming out of spring training. Let him get used to the idea of pitching in the big leagues without alot of pressure. He’s going to have the career of a superstar if the Nationals play their cards right so there’s no reason to rush him. Let him get used to the daily routines, the ball parks, the fans, and the hitters before giving him the ball as the stopper every 5th day. I don’t think the Nationals are going to be contending for a World Series next year so why rush the process?  It takes time for young pitchers to be an ace so again- why rush it?

If they anoint him the ace, and he struggles coming out of the gate, they could easily lose this kid mentally and that would be a terrible shame for baseball fans everywhere not to mention the heartbreak Washington fans would ensue. Many hard throwers have flamed out due to injury, mental blocks, or a strange loss of control over the years due to some of these problems and Strasburg is not immune to that potentially happening. It’s important to take this kid aside come spring training and say “Look. We think the world of you, we’re not going to hold you back in the minors, but we’re going to limit your innings a bit this year, and your not going to be the savior this year. We’re going to put you in the 4th or 5th spot in the rotation and put you in the position to succeed while learning how to pitch to Major League hitters. We want to baby you a bit and come 2011, your the man here.”

If Washington has the patience and is able to do that, while keeping him healthy- look out. Washington might have a Tim Lincecum clone on their hands and if Washington continues to draft and develop well- It’s not out of the realm of possibility come 2013 Washington is battling for the division title.