MLB GM Project: Washington Nationals 2015-16

Ok, so things did not exactly go as planned for the Nationals under my reign as General Manager. My idea was to trade Jayson Werth, Danny Espinosa, and my entire bullpen and sign key free agents. My only problem: nobody wanted anyone I had offered. I did make a few trades, and was able to obtain Ian Kinsler in order to fill a vacancy in the middle infield. I also received Brian McCann and Joe Girardi from the Yankees, so I did not have to go out and sign a new manager in place of Matt Williams.

My starting rotation may have lost some of its edge, being that I lose Gio Gonzalez and Jordan Zimmermann, but it does still hold three aces and a solid number four man. The order of the rotation will likely be as follows:

1. Max Scherzer
2. Steven Strasburg
3. Scott Kazmir
4. Tanar Roark
5. Erik Davis.

If all goes well, this rotation could win about 52 games, and I would not be shocked if Scherzer were to win his second Cy Young Award in three years. Davis has potential to be a break out star, and if Roark can summon his inner 2014 self, he should have no problem facing some of the toughest lineups in the game (which in terms of this project is probably the St. Louis Cardinals).

Despite Papelbon still having a spot on my roster, I believe the bullpen is pretty strong for the Nationals. After all…how could it not be with Wade Davis as my closer and Greg Holland as my setup man?! I also have Dillon Gee and Jennry Mejia written in as non-roster invites, and Casey Janssen should hold strong in 2016. At the moment, this is how my bullpen is shaping up:

1. Casey Janssen
2. Aaron Barrett
3. David Carpenter
4. Jennry Mejia (NRI)
5. Dillon Gee (NRI)
6. Jonathan Papelbon
7. Greg Holland
8. Wade Davis

Ok, so there is not too much to brag about, but it should still hold up in 2016. As long as my starters can get through six innings with a lead in tact, the back end of the bullpen should be able to shut the opponent out. Hopefully, by mid-season, Papelbon will no longer be a part of the organization, but until then, he will have to be my seventh inning reliever.

Perhaps the highlight of this Nationals team is the lineup. Not much has changed, but the parts that have will certainly prove to be major upgrades as the season goes on. Defensively, the lineup looks like so:
(C) Brian McCann
(1B) Ryan Zimerman
(2B) Ian Kinsler
(3B) Anthony Rendon
(SS) Danny Espinosa
(LF) Jayson Werth
(CF) Bryce Harper
(RF) Torii Hunter

Pretty strong if I say so myself! With Hunter on my team, he should play a large roll in the clubhouse. He will provide some much needed good chemistry amongst the players: something that is the main reason for an organization winning ballgames. McCann will also play a large roll, because he is an experienced veteran who is respected in the world of baseball. The only weakness in the lineup seems to be the lack of a leadoff hitter, but if the 2014 Kansas City Royals have taught me anything, it is that the stereotypical leadoff man is not needed to win championships. Therefore, my projected lineup has been setup like so:

1. Danny Espinosa
2. Ian Kinsler
3. Bryce Harper
4. Jayson Werth
5. Ryan Zimerman
6. Anthony Rendon
7. Brian McCann
8. Torii Hunter
9. Pitcher

Finally, it is time to analyze my bench. Made up of future stars and experienced veterans, the bench of the Nationals should prove to be a threat when needed. As a group, the bench is set to make about $21,763,584 in 2016, and is made up of the following players:

1. Jimmy Rollins
2. Michael Taylor
3. Nate McLouth
4. Wilson Ramos
5. Matthew denDecker
6. David deJesus (NRI)

I am a believer in having a bench that can help on all calendars in any situation, which is why I love how this one turned out. Rollins can help in the middle in field, and he also brings experience to the club. Taylor and deDecker are both young, athletic outfielders who can also provide pop in a pinch hitting situation. McLouth and deJesus are veteran outfielders who also bring experience and consistency to the organization. Finally, Ramos can serve as a worthy backup catcher when McCann is unable to play being that he is going to be 32 at the beginning of the season.