Baseball is Back

April triggers so many great things, school's coming to a close, winter is over, and most importantly baseball is back. This year great things are expected from the nation's capitol, as the Nationals are primed for a deep playoff run, and are the favorites to win the World Series. Last year ended poorly for the Nats after they blow a six run lead in game five of the Nation League division series, but it's a new year.

The team regrouped over the off season and has solid players at every spot on the field.
Catcher
The Nats have two very solid catchers in Kurt Suzuki and Wilson Ramos. Both catchers play excellent defense and control the pitching staff well. At the plate they aren't amazing, but are tough outs, and have long productive at bats.
First Base
Adam Laroche was resigned in the off season to a two year deal. The veteran first baseman is fantastic defensively and is coming off his best offensive season in a long time. Although I don't expect Laroche to duplicate his 2012 season, I think that he will be a good presence in the middle of the Nats order.
Second Base
Danny Espinosa is back again and looks to build on his 2012 season. The third year player is very good defensively and has his moments at the plate. He will have to cut down on his strikouts, but he has the power to be a force at the bottom of the lineup.
Third Base
Ryan Zimmerman the man who has been with this team forever mans the hot corner again. This year hopefully he can stay healthy and improve from his shortened season last year. Zimmerman like much of the Nats infield is fantastic defensively and can be a monster at the plate. If Zimmerman does what he's suppose to, he and the Nats will have a great season.
Shortstop
Ian Desmond is coming off of his best year ever. The young shortshop is an exciting player and is only going to get better. Although he can be shakey defensively at times, he also can be a vacuum at shortstop. At the plate Desmond will look to be just as productive as he was last year.
Left Field
The phemon, the great one, the best teenager to ever play the game besides Mel Ott, Bryce Harper will have a monster season this year. He is coming into his second year and is now playing left field. His talent is amazing, and his work ethic is unquestioned. He is must watch television and is coming off an unbelievable spring training. I am expecting amazing things from the 20 year old superstar.
Center Field
Denard Span is new to the Nats, but his impact will be felt quickly. He is a true leadoff hitter, which the team was lacking. Also he is a great center fielder and gets on base with ease. Although he might not hit .300, he will still find ways on base, and from there the big bats behind him will drive him in.
Right Field
Jayson Werth is starting his third season with the team. His horrible first season with the team has been forgotten and Werth has shown why he was worth of the money the Nats spent on him. He has a great arm in right field, and is a very patient batter at the plate, who has good power and contact.
Starting Pitching
The Nats probably have the best starting pitching staff in baseball. Stephen Strasburg has no innings limit, Gio Gonzalez, Jordan Zimmerman, and Ross Detwiller are back and are ready to dominate, and recently acquired Dan Haren looks to prove that he belongs on this staff.
Relief Pitching
Rafael Soriano was signed to strengthen the bullpen, which did lose some pitchers in the off season. Along with Tyler Clippard and Drew Storen Soriano creates dominating 7th, 8th, and 9th inning combination. The rest of the bullpen is also strong and looks to build on last year.
The Nats are the pick by many to win the World Series, and I think that they will. They have good hitting, strong defense, and unbelievable pitching. Lets go Nats!