#30 - Washington Nationals - Team's Play Will Be a Capitol Crime

Yep, that’s Jim Bowden, pudgy wheeler-dealer extraordinaire. Somehow, he managed to keep his job despite the Nationals’ ownership change, and has officially replaced Don Rumsfeld as the Washingtonian who has kept his job the longest despite obvious incompetence.

Other than Bowden, there’s a lot new in DC this year – new owners, a new manager (someone woke Grandpa Frank up long enough to tell him he was no longer needed), and a revamped roster short on talent. Everything is gearing towards the opening of the new stadium in 2008, so not much money has been invested in the 2007 product. Let me rephrase that – I’ve seen yard sales where people spend more than the Nationals will on their 2007 club. Let’s face it – this is in essence an expansion team, and the results will reflect that. Here’s what you need to know about the Nats in ’07.

Biggest reason for hope – New park in ’08, a plan for the future with key core players signed long-term. What, you want hope for ’07? Hmm, how about 81 quality President’s Races?

Biggest potential nightmare for Nats fans- Their projected 2007 rotation won a total of 10 games last season. On the bright side, they have 36 pitchers in camp, so if one of them fails, there’ll be mass quantities of mediocrity waiting to take the mound.

Player to watch- Ryan Zimmerman. In his first full season, he hit 20 homers, knocked in 110 runs, and played Gold Glove-caliber defense. He’s the most exciting 22-year old to come along since Robert Zimmerman. If you don’t know who Robert Zimmerman is, well then it’s all over now, baby blue.

Player to look away from– Christian Guzman, perhaps DC’s biggest bust that’s not made of marble. His 2 years in Washington have been marked by one of the worst full offensive seasons in recent memory (.219 BA, .260 OBP, 39 runs, 31 RBI), and he missed all of 2006 with an injury. All for a cool $13 million. Even the Pentagon doesn’t spend that much on a dud. Honorable mentions to Tony Womack, Travis Lee, Tony Batista, and about 6-9 pitchers, depending on who makes the team. Yep, these are your 2007 Nationals!

Telling statistic – Did we mention the 10 total victories from their rotation last year?

Interesting fact signifying nothing – Nook Logan’s full name is Exavier Prente Logan. He was nicknamed “Nook” after a pacifier. Yeah, that’s a nickname I’d want to take into adulthood.

Projected record & finish- 56-106, 5th in NL East

Prediction that won’t come true but should – Jim Bowden brings his son to Take Your Kid to Work Day, then proceeds to trade him to the Mets for Omar Minaya’s son and a child to be named later.