Stephen Lombardozzi is Nationals' Answer At Leadoff And Second Base

Stephen Lombardozzi Playing for (AA) Harrisburg

While there are many question marks that need addressing before an average Washington Nationals' team becomes a good one, most believe that their middle infield--Danny Espinosa and Ian Desmond--is rock solid and immovable. Whatever trades may come and go, they will be left untouched.

And Espinosa certainly isn't going anywhere. The 24-year-old rookie from Long Beach State is on pace to hit 30 home runs and drive in more than 100 runs. And he might already be the best fielding second baseman in the National League.

And though shortstop Ian Desmond has started slowly at the plate, his defense is now always solid and at times sparkling. Most believe he will be a career .275 hitter with some pop and a lot of steals.

They are a great double-play combination, both young with a high upside, and yet I highly doubt that either of them will be playing their positions for Washington next year.

The Nationals, you see, are in dire need of a leadoff hitter. They have tried Roger Bernadina, Rick Ankiel, Espinosa--even Jayson Werth--at the top of the lineup with no success. And while Desmond may be the long-term answer at short, others are far less certain.

Ian Desmond's Days May Be Numbered

But playing at Triple-A Syracuse right now is a player who could bring stability, both to the top of the lineup and the middle of the infield.

His name is Stephen Lombardozzi.

The 22-year-old second baseman and Maryland native was taken in the 19th round of the 2008 amateur draft, and the son of former major league infielder Steve Lombardozzi has rocketed through the farm system in short order.

In four years, he has made stops in the Florida Gulf Coast League, Class-A Hagerstown, Double-A Harrisburg and was recently promoted to Triple-A Syracuse. In 1500 at-bats, the right-hander has hit .300/.374/.414, averaging 26 doubles and 24 steals per season.

After batting .309 with the Double-A Senators this season, he has rocked the International League to the tune of .413/.421/.468 in 49 at-bats.

Defensively, he is every bit as good as Espinosa. His career .985 fielding mark is outstanding and about the same as Espinosa's.

He's ready for the major leagues now.

So, what to do?

Lombardozzi & Jason Marquis Would Make a Great Pkg.

If the Nationals keep their team intact--perhaps call up a player or two from the minors--the team has a real chance of winning 75-80 games, manna from Heaven for long suffering Nationals' fans.

However, if they sell of some short-term parts, players like Ivan Rodriguez, Joey Cora and/or Jerry Hairston, Jason Marquis, Livan Hernandez and perhaps Todd Coffey, they may only win 70-73 games in 2011 but could wind up with an additional two or three Wilson Ramos-types that they received in trades.

If any of these trades occur, I feel certain that Espinosa would move back to his natural position of shortstop and Lombardozzi would take over at second. Desmond could be used in a trade package to a contender along with, say, Marquis or Livan, the type of trade that would certainly bring someone like Ramos--perhaps more than one--in return.

If the Nationals' offense was even just average this year, the team would be in a true pennant chase for the first time in six seasons. But they have the pieces already in place to resuscitate the bats for 2012. Here is my projected lineup for next year with my projected offensive statistics:

1--Lombardozzi (2B) .275-4-40, 25 steals

2--Werth (RF) .280-22-75, 20 steals

3--Zimmermann (3B) .290-27-90

4--Morse (LF) .280-25-90

5--LaRoche (1B).270-20-70

6--Espinosa (SS) .250-25-80

7--Bernadina (CF) .265-10-50, 25 steals

8--Ramos (C) .250-15-55

This of course assumes the return of LaRoche, but he is such a good fielder (and good enough hitter) that he needs to return in 2012. I am also unsure about Bernadina/center field. There might be a change there.

The first three spots in the rotation are likely already set. Both Strasburg and Zimmermann are capable of winning 15 games with an ERA near 3.00. John Lannan continues to show he's capable of being a pitcher who can throw 200 innings with an ERA between 3.80 and 4.00.

Tom Milone Could Be A Solid Starter By 2012

The last two spots could be filled through trade, free agent signing, or the promotion of one of several promising minor leaguer's, someone like Tom Milone, Ross Detwiler, Brad Meyers or Brad Peacock.

The bullpen, through current roster players (majors and minors) is set.

The addition of two more quality players, a starter and a center fielder, and this is a 90-win team capable of at least contending in 2012.

And man, am I excited.the 2008 amateur draft,