The Washington Nationals have something cooking with a few key free agent signings and absolute luck of grabbing two of the best number one picks in the last decade. Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmerman, Ryan Zimmerman, and Bryce Harper are just a couple of names that belong on the long list of future stars that the Nationals were fortunate enough to take in past drafts. Add to that list the team’s closer, Drew Storen, and Anthony Rendon, who were both first rounders also and you are looking are some serious pieces in place.

Starting shortstop Ian Desmond and second basemen Danny Espinosa were also high drafts that showed flashes of being a tandem like Robby Alomar and Cal Ripken Jr., as long as Desmond can cut down on his error total. They have also brought in some key free agents over last two years that will be playing a huge role in getting the Nats into the playoffs. Gio Gonzalez and Edwin Jackson give the rotation the depth it has always been missing and the signing of Jayson Werth to that monster deal last year still could pay off if he bounces back to his old self. Continue reading →