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Collaborating With the Enemy: Q&A About the Nationals

By Alan Carpenter

Oct 3, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) is hit with a pitch during the sixth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Washington Nationals won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) is hit with a pitch during the sixth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Washington Nationals won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 3, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) is hit with a pitch during the sixth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Washington Nationals won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) is hit with a pitch during the sixth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Washington Nationals won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

TT:  Is there any reason any team should ever pitch to Bryce Harper? The related question would be ‘how much does Werth or Zimmerman have left in the tank?’

DoD:  The health question will be the key to the Nats’ 2016 season. As for Ryan Zimmerman, he just started playing in spring games recently because the team wants to make sure his foot is okay after last season. Zimmerman had a strong (.277, 7 HR, 28 RBI’s) in 94 at-bats. The problem for the Nats last season in terms of inconsistency on offense was that there was never consistent production behind Harper. If Zimmerman can stay healthy, he should have a productive year.

For Werth, the concern with him is that he is getting older and he had numerous injuries last season (offseason shoulder surgery and a wrist injury during the year). I don’t expect Werth to play in as many games, but even in games he doesn’t play, his power off the bench will help the Nats. Plus, it will allow playing time for Michael Taylor, which helps the Nats’ new aggressive base running plan because of his speed and he has good power.

Last year, I did wonder why teams pitched to Harper as much as they did, but one of the reasons for his success last season was his ability to take pitches and work the count in his favor. With him being more selective, Harper was able to get better pitches to hit, which led to the 42 home runs he hit.

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