[Nick Soulis]

WASHINGTON NATIONALS

Ball Park: Nationals Park
Manager: Felipe Alou

Overall (4223-4864 W-L, 1901 - 1960) - 1 World Championship, 3 Pennants, and 4 Playoff Appearances

C	Gary Carter	Rick Ferrell
1B	Joe Judge	Andres Gallaraga
2B	Bucky Harris	Alfonso Soriano
3B	Tim Wallach	Eddie Yost
SS	Joe Cronin	Hubie Brooks
OF	Larry Walker	Heinie Manush
OF	Tim Raines	Maquis Grissom
OF	Rusty Staub	Moises Alou
DH	Sam Rice	Goose Goslin
SP	Walter Johnson
SP	Dennis Martinez
SP	Steve Rogers
SP	Bill Lee
CL	Jeff Reardon

Catchers - Gary Carter is as strong an all around catcher as you will find. Carter will be needed to lead a staff that maybe overwhelmed at times. Rick Ferrell is a great backup who wont demand starter time but is a capable option.

First Base - One of many old time Senator players, Joe Judge is a difrent type of first baseman. He doesnt have the amazing power but is a great average hitter and handles the bat and glove very well. Andres Gallaraga should be an outstanding bat off the bench and the "Cat" is a fan favorite.

Second Base - Bucky Harris is almost a second manager on the field and will be the vocal leader of this team. Many even wonder if manager Alou will go to Harris for advise. Alfonso Soriano is on the roster for his bat and could have a shot to DH from time to time.

Short Stop - The Hall of Fame is home for Joe Cronin who helps make up a very good defensive infield. Cronin of course is also a terror with the bat and has a chance to be one of the best short stops even in this league. Hubie Brooks will fill in when needed, he is a marginal roster player at best.

Third Base - A position battle here but Tim Wallach is the early favorite because he brings a great glove. Behind him are Eddie Yost and Ryan Zimmerman, either one of who should be able to fill in with similar results. Still this position isnt the strongest on the team.

Outfield - The leadoff spot is perfect for Tim Raines who will run and create havoc when he can. Raines should score a ton of runs this year. Larry Walker is a key left handed bat and a native from Canada with a great batting eye. Rusty Staub is the final piece of the puzzle in right field, Staub who is the "original Expo", will try and help the team forget Andre Dawson who is on the Cubs. Marquis Grissom is a great speed man on the bench while Moises Alou and Heinie Manuch will look for time where they can get them.

Designated Hitter - Sam Rice is one of the most overlooked hitters in the history of the game but that should change as he takes the middle of the order for this team. Rice is the complete hitter and will prove his worth no doubt.

Starting pitching - Walter Johnson is out to prove that he is the most dominant pitcher to ever throw and everyone cant wait to see him. Johnson has numerous records in the game and has a number of good release points. El Presedente , Dennis Martinez needs to be at his best as he brings his breaking stuff to the division. Bill Spaceman Lee and Steve Rogers are the two arms that may be in for some trouble for this group, but they are confident pitchers that could impress.

Closer - The job here is betweeen Jeff Reardon and John Wetteland. Both are proven arms and should create one of the better all around bullpens in the league.

Spring Training Battles
John Wetteland vs Jeff Reardon (Closer)
Tim Wallach vs Eddie Yost (3rd base)

Cooperstown Rating
Hitting - B-
Defense - A-
Starting pitching - C
Bullpen - A
Predicition: 80-82

A Quick Word With Felipe Aliou
"We need to play for one another and trust eachother. This division will be very difficult but I keep saying we can win it."