New To The Nats (2013)
Although much of the team is as it was in 2012 there are some new additions. One of those is a new president joining Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and T. Roosevelt in the on and off field antics. Welcome to William Howard Taft.
Taft was an obvious selection to be added to the mix of "running presidents." It was Taft who was the first U.S. President to throw out the ceremonial "first pitch" at National Park (later to become Griffith Stadium) in 1910. When it was announced that Taft was the choice many wondered how he would be dressed in a manner that he could run and compete with the others. After all, Taft was, among other things, known for his size. When he left the White House he reportedly weighed almost 340 pounds at 5' 11" in height. That may say something for the White House chef back a century ago. Nevertheless, he managed for himself a diet of sorts that reduced his weight to 270 pounds within two years of leaving the White House. Still, a tall order to fashion a costume to reflect the true Taft. As you can see he was "slimmed down" a bit more from his presidential years and sufficiently so that he has been able to keep up with the others in the warning track run but after three home games he remains winless in the presidential races.
On the field there are several additions. One who is hoped to become a fixture in the future is Denard Span. Picked-up from Minnesota last Fall, Span is the hoped for center fielder the Nats have been pursuing for years. It's unlikely he'll have another year like he had in Minnesota in 2009, but if he comes close it will be a plus. He enjoys good range in the field, speed, and a steady bat at the plate. Management had eyed Span for some time and now all are hopeful that he will not only provide needed defense in center but will also successfully fill the lead off spot in the lineup for years to come.
A closer is always needed. It is a demanding position and requires a temperament that few pitchers enjoy. Arguably the Nats have three capable closers with Drew Storen and Tyler Clippard from last year but now, acquired from the New York Yankees in the off season, they also have Rafael Soriano. Soriano was a great boost to the Yankees after the loss of Mariano Rivera last year to injury but with Rivera's return, Soriano became expendable. In five games now he has 2 saves and 1 blown save. Fingers are crossed!
We'll talk about others later.
On the field there are several additions. One who is hoped to become a fixture in the future is Denard Span. Picked-up from Minnesota last Fall, Span is the hoped for center fielder the Nats have been pursuing for years. It's unlikely he'll have another year like he had in Minnesota in 2009, but if he comes close it will be a plus. He enjoys good range in the field, speed, and a steady bat at the plate. Management had eyed Span for some time and now all are hopeful that he will not only provide needed defense in center but will also successfully fill the lead off spot in the lineup for years to come.
A closer is always needed. It is a demanding position and requires a temperament that few pitchers enjoy. Arguably the Nats have three capable closers with Drew Storen and Tyler Clippard from last year but now, acquired from the New York Yankees in the off season, they also have Rafael Soriano. Soriano was a great boost to the Yankees after the loss of Mariano Rivera last year to injury but with Rivera's return, Soriano became expendable. In five games now he has 2 saves and 1 blown save. Fingers are crossed!
We'll talk about others later.
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