Washington Nationals: Brian Goodwin sounds unhappy with his unclear role

Some negativity has already spread into Washington Nationals camp. The source is of this bad attitude is outfielder Brian Goodwin.

The Washington Nationals are embarking on another year with high hopes. Built to win the World Series, the Nationals have a deep roster with very few holes. Unfortunately, this means some players will receive less playing time than they deserve.

According to a recent report, newcomer Matt Adams was accepting of the limited role with Washington. For the chance to win, Adams accepted his fate as a bench player.

Not all Nationals are as happy about this. Especially, outfielder Brian Goodwin has voiced his displeasure. A lack of a defined role with the club for 2018 is what has him appearing less than thrilled about the upcoming year.

As Pete Kerzel of MASNsports.com wrote in a recent piece, Goodwin boldly vented his frustrations.

"“I don’t think my role is defined, or ever has been since I’ve been in camp. I come into camp and I feel like I’m trying to earn a spot, trying to find somewhere – a home, where I can play every day, start 162 games and play every day for somebody whether it’s here or anywhere. But it all starts on the field, so I just come out and give it my all.”"

Right or not, Goodwin’s frustration seems to be getting the best of him. The fact that he’d mention 162 games is interesting. While he pieced together a surprisingly productive season last year when Michael Taylor went down for a part of the summer, he is by no means ready for an everyday role.

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Goodwin did make up for his missteps in the earlier quote, explaining that he’s not the only one who has been through this. As he will hopefully learn, taking a backseat to more established players is part of being on a championship caliber team.

Defining a role for Brian Goodwin

If the Washington Nationals won’t do it, maybe I can come up with a role for Brian Goodwin. Frustrated, he clearly deserves it.

This year, Goodwin is the 25th man on the roster. He’s the fifth outfielder behind the stars and utility man Howie Kendrick. Occasionally, when a fierce righty is on the mound, he should get the start over Michael Taylor.

Other than this simple task, Goodwin is the first-round draft pick who bloomed late in his professional career. Expecting to play more than that is outrageous. It’s not as if he lit the world on fire last year. A .251/.313/.498 slash line and 13 home runs over a short span were good, but not enough to replace anyone on this roster.

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When someone goes down with an injury, Goodwin will be there to repeat what he did in 2017. If he doesn’t know this is his role, Dave Martinez needs to sit down with this essential member of his locker room.