I’d like to applaud the Nats for making a solid move unloading Castilla for Brian Lawrence of the Padres. Castilla, while a fan favorite has been on the decline. He’s a little old, and waiting in his wings the Nats have Ryan Zimmerman, their #1 pick in last year’s draft.
Zimmerman might be a little inexperienced and it could be a risky move to have such a young guy at third, but the Nats are going to give him a shot and see if he can prove he already belongs at the big league level.
The Nats also improve their staff with Brian Lawrence. He’s had some decent success in San Diego, but I see his numbers improving a fair bit in pitcher friendly RFK stadium. He’s better than his 7-15 record last season suggests. I predict probably a 12 win season for him next year with an ERA hovering between 4.00 and 4.20.
What’s next for the Nats this off season? Dump Guzman? Nats going to go after and sign Burnett?