Call to the pen
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Philadelphia Phillies vs. Washington Nationals for 2020

By Tal Venada

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 19: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after being called out at second base against the Washington Nationals during the sixth inning in game two of a double header at Nationals Park on June 19, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 19: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after being called out at second base against the Washington Nationals during the sixth inning in game two of a double header at Nationals Park on June 19, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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After five consecutive solid years, Harris was one of the Nationals’ offseason acquisitions. Photo by P. Smith/Getty Images. /

Nationals:   

While the Phillies faithful bemoan their hot-corner situation with Scott Kingery or Jean Segura, the Nationals did not replace the bat or glove of Anthony Rendon. Realistically, the defending champs will rely on Asdrubal Cabrera or another infielder on the 25-man roster. Don’t expect a miracle!

The Nats inked Starlin Castro for $12 million total for two seasons as one possible replacement after averaging .270 with 22 homers and 86 RBIs. Yes, he can also handle short and the keystone besides third base, but he probably won’t bat cleanup either.

Nationals added hitting:

  • Castro, almost 30: 162 Gms., 676 PA, a .270 Avg., a .300 OBP, 22 HR, 86 RBI, a .736 OPS and a 1.3 fWAR.

Nationals hitting deducted:

  • Rendon, 29.5: 146 Gms., 646 PA, a .319 Avg., a .412 OBP, 34 HR, 126 RBI, a 1.010 OPS and a 7.0 fWAR.

Nationals hitting:

  • Cabrera, 34: 131 Gms., 514 PA, a .260 Avg., a .342 OBP, 18 HR, 91 RBI, a .783 OPS and a 1.9 fWAR.
    Nationals: 38 Gms., 124 AB, a .323 Avg., a .404 OBP, 6 HR, 40 RBI and a .969 OPS.

Cabrera, a July pickup, is the likely hot-corner option, and he re-upped for $2.5 million. In ’19, he hit .260 with 18 home runs and 91 RBIs, but he and Castro won’t be playing as many games in ’20. And although Cabrera is working to procure another contract, it’s doubtful he’ll perform at his stretch-drive level for an entire 162.

Like 2019, Washington will compensate with pitching to win with less offense, but one aging setup man and three trade-deadline holdovers probably won’t be enough. Moreover, Harris is unlikely to have another career year with a 1.50 ERA because he recorded a 3.49 ERA (2018) and a 2.98 ERA (2017).

Nationals added pitching:

  • Harris, 35.5: 68 Gms., 60 Inn., a 1.50 ERA, 4 Saves, 26 Holds, a 1.1 fWAR and a 0.93 WHIP.

Nationals pitching: 

Hudson, 32.5:

  • Total: 69 Gms. (1 opener), 73 Inn., a 2.47 ERA, 8 Saves, 11 Holds, a 0.9 fWAR and a 1.14 WHIP.
    Nationals: 24 Gms., 25 Inn., a 1.44 ERA, 6 Saves, 3 Holds and a 0.88 WHIP.

Strickland, 31.5:

  • Total: 28 Gms., 24 1/3 Inn., a 5.55 ERA, 2 Saves, 10 Holds, a -0.4 fWAR and a 1.23 WHIP.
    Nationals: 24 Gms., 21 Inn., a 5.14 ERA, 10 Holds and a 1.33 WHIP.

*Elias, 31.5:

  • Total:  48 Gms., 50 Inn., a 3.96 ERA, 14 Saves, 2 Holds, 3 BS, a -0.1 fWAR and a 1.28 WHIP.
    Nationals: 4 Gms., 3 Inn., a 9.00 ERA, 1 Hold and a 2.00 WHIP.
    * Southpaw.

Through July, the Nationals closed with Doolittle –their only effective bullpen weapon– and they occasionally extended their formidable starters into that problematic eighth inning. Eventually, Doolittle went on the IL (injured list) due to a heavy workload.

Daniel Hudson unexpectedly surprised the Nats by handling the eighth and ninth innings with Doolittle on the IL. However, they hesitantly guaranteed a two-summer deal for the right-hander, so repeated success is questionable. But an ineffective Strickland and an injured Elias will also return after their July swaps.

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