The Washington Nationals strength last season was in the ‘pen. There is no reason to suspect that will change. The Nats will return essentially the same bullpen and though not given much respect by various sources that ‘rank’ bullpens (Beyond the Boxscore, ESPN,) so take it for what it is worth.
Despite numerous trade rumors, speculation, discussion, blah, blah, blah, the Nationals return in 2008 with the Chief, Chad Cordero as closer. The 2003 first round draft choice again put up some great numbers in 2007 going 3-3 with 37 saves. The Chief finished with an ERA of 3.37. The Nationals still had to put up with more walks (29) than they wanted. Cordero also still provides more fire works in the 9th inning, with walks, hits and runners in scoring position troubles, but overall, Cordero is extremely effective. He can also go on one nasty mean streak where he just completely dominates. In essence, the bullpen is as good as it is, dominates as much as it does, because Cordero is the closer. In his young three year career with the Nationals, the Chief is 20-14 with 128 saves, 287 strikeouts in 316 innings, and a career ERA of 2.79. That’s effectiveness.
Jon Rauch will return as Cordero’s primary setup man. Rauch put together his most impressive seasons with the Nationals last year. Unfortunately, not a testament to starting pitching, Rauch led the Nationals pitcher with 8 wins. He finished 8-4 with 4 saves and an ERA of 3.61. Rauch also finished third on the Nationals in strikeouts with 71. Rauch led the National League in 88 appearances. He will return in the same setup role. But also look for Rauch to step in to closing situations when Cordero needs a break or hits a troublesome stride. The security blanket Rauch provides is essential for Manny Act in dealing with a young starting rotation. Given the circumstances of how Rauch performed, what he provided tot he bullpen last season, and his overall effectiveness, we think Rauch was the best pitcher overall in DC last year.
Saul Rivera was a huge surprise for the Nats last season, in fact, Riviera never even made the Opening Day roster. Since then, he became on of the most effective middle relievers in the National League, eating games. He finished second in the national League, behind Rauch, in appearances, with 85. Rivera finished 4-6 with a 3.68 ERA. Rivera ate innings and games for the bullpen, leading all relievers on the team with 93 innings pitched. Want an even more impressive stat on Rivera? In 93 innings of relief, Rivera gave up just ONE home run. That’s it!
Luis Ayala seems to be fading in the hunt for the bullpen. Elbow reconstruction in 2006 and a grazed bicep from a guns shot pellet in the off-season, put Ayala in jeopardy, clearly because other options have stood up. Ayala was not able to throw in three consecutive games last season. His biggest obstacle is the bullpen pitched well without him. He will have all opportunities to nail down a bullpen spot in training camp but will face tough competition.
Chris Schroeder was another surprise last season that will likely have a guaranteed spot in the ‘Pen in 2008. Schroeder finished 2-3 with an ERA of 3.18. Schroeder’s success will earn him a spot. Jesus Colome had a sparkling beginning season last year before being nagged by injury. Colome finished 5-1 with 1 save and an ERA of 3.82.
That leaves a final spot open between youngster Ryan Wagner (0-2, 5.74 ERA in 15.2 innings), who’s was lost last season to a season ending elbow injury, and Ray King, who stands a good shot of being the lefty out of the pen. King was 1-1 with a 4.77 ERA. Former starter Mike Bascik will make a play for long relief and Joel Hanrahan would like to compete for at least a bullpen spot.
Projected Bullpen: Chad Cordero, Jon Rauch, Saul Rivera, Jesus Colome, Luis Ayala, Chris Schroeder, and Ryan Wagner.
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