2008 Washington Nationals Predictions & Season Preview

The Washington Nationals took a step forward last season by avoiding the NL East cellar. They are still far from postseason contenders, lacking depth in the starting rotation and lineup. If they reach their stated goal, a winning season, it would be a gigantic lead forward for this team in D.C. Below are Larry Cook's 2008 Washington Nationals predictions along with an overall season preview of what to expect.

Starting Rotation:

Washington didn't do much in the offseason to try and improve their starting rotation, a staff whose 5.11 ERA was the second worst in the National League. The Nationals stuck with their young, unproven arms. One of the pitchers in the projected rotation has sustained success for a full season in the majors. In fact, their returning starters combined for just 22 wins in 2007. Shawn Hill, the No. 1 starter, is coming off ulnar nerve decompression surgery in his pitching forearm. He and Jason Bergmann have shown potential in spurts. They lead the rotation into Washington's new ballpark, which won't be near as pitcher-friendly as RFK Stadium was. Pitching coach Randy St. Claire has been heralded for working wonders with last year's group, and he'll have to continue in order for the Nationals to reach their stated goal of a .500 record.

Bullpen:

The Nationals kept their best asset intact during the offseason, opting to keep closer Chad Cordero and setup man Jon Rausch at the back end of the bullpen which ranked fourth in the NL last season with a 3.81 ERA. Cordero did lose a little off his fastball last season, and led the majors with nine blown saves. However, he is still one of the most effective closers in the game when he combines his slider and fastball to perfection. Rauch's 8 wins led the team last season, which says a little something about their starting rotation. His fastball is powerful enough to earn hime the closer's role if Washington were to deal Cordero. The Bullpen lacks lefthanders, giving Acta little options in different situations as manage. The Nationas don'e have a lefty reliever on the 40-man roster, but veteran Ray King signed a minor league deal.

Line-Up:

SS Christian Guzman will bat leadoff for the Nationals this season after a decent .380 OBP in 46 games last season. CF Lastings Milledge comes over from the Mets as a bench player. He now takes over the starting job in the outfield and bats 2nd for the Nationals. He believes he can flourish in the full-time role this season. 3B Ryan Zimmerman is one of the youngest stars in this league that not many people know about. He is the lineup's main cog, but must avoid the slow start he got off to last season. 1B Dimitri Young revived his career in Washington last season. Don't expect another .320 average in the cleanup role this year, but his leadership compensates for the dropoff. LF Willy Mo Pena will hit 5th and like Milledge, he finally gets his chance at 500 at-bats. RF Austin Kearns mans the No. 6 spot with strong defense, but needs to improve at the plate to prove he belongs. 2B Ronnie Belliard needs an encore performance that would help this lineup avoid last year's struggles. C Paul Lo Duca bat could be a bonus in the No. 8 spot. But how can he respond from his admitted HGH use and a down year last season once he was off of it? The Nationals' bench looks to be one of the strongest in the NL East. 1B Nick Johnson must overtake a 2007 All-Star in Young to return to the starting lineup. IF Felipe Lopez must bounce back from last season, and his potential says he can. UT Rob Mackowiak is a much needed veteran that can fill in at first, third or any outfield spot. He brings over a World Series ring from a few years ago with the White Sox. OF Elijah Dukes needs to start realizing his potential and the Nationals will celebrate his acquisition for years. He needs to get his off-the-field problems in line, and a city like Washington D.C. could definitely help. IF Aaron Boone and back-up C Jesus Flores round out this nice bench.

Nationals 2008 Predictions:

Hitting coach Lenny Harriz' arrival last season coincided witht eh start of the 64-64 run the Nationals finished on to end the season. He helped the Nationals to a .264 average during this run as opposed to their putrid .227 average before hand. The line-up will definitely have to carry this unproven starting staff in 2008. Nationals' fans yearn for a contender, but they will have to settle for being happy with the new ball park they have been given this season. The Nationals have too many unproven prospects that have to step up in a hurry. Zimmerman will be a bright spot as one of the best third baseman in the NL. Washington will overtake Florida, but they will have to settle for this 4th place finish in the tough NL East division.

Larry Cook finished with the #5 World Ranking with his baseball picks in 2007 last year. Hard work with research, analysis and starting pitcher breakdowns gives Larry the edge over your sportsbook and bookies. You won't believe the kind of profits you can make by signing up for any of Larry's long-term packages. By doing so, you will get in on all of his winning MLB action this season. Larry will guide you to profits you have never seen before once he makes his move up to the #1 spot in 2008.

2008 Washington Nationals Odds:

Odds to win NL East: 40/1
Odds to win 2008 NL Pennant: 50/1
Odds to win 2008 World Series: 100/1