Sleepers: Washington Nationals
By Adam Forsyth
The Shallow
Lastings Milledge - Outfield (CF)
At only 23-years old, it seems like Milledge has been in the fantasy circles, as a sleeper, for years. However, entering his second full season as part of a budding Nationals team, Milledge has the opportunity to now place himself in the ranks of the upper class of complete outfielders.
The self-proclaimed “gangsta rapper” intends to build on a decent first full season, after spending portions of the previous two years in a platoon situation with the New York Mets. The time is now that Milledge can assert himself as both a valuable fantasy option, as well as part of a potentially dangerous (both on and off the field…sorry, had to say it) outfield, as he shares the real estate with the oft-troubled Elijah Dukes, and the current RAP sheet, black sheep, Josh Willingham.
Should Dukes be able to stay out of trouble long enough, and Josh Willingham recoup some of the skills that he put on display prior to the flop of a 2008 season, the Nationals have the makings of a potent outfield trio. Milledge should continue to rise, as his skill level is out of this world. Whether he works hard, and develops it into what it could be is another question. Milledge could be a 25-25 guy if he were able to put it all together, as he goes through more hot and cold spells than a Katy Perry song. He’ll have to improve on his .731 OPS; however, without striking out at an alarming pace, and the power to boot, this kid could turn into a solid contact hitter in the vast park of the nation’s capital.
Look for Lastings to have a coming out party, with numbers that are surely inflated from his 65-.268-14-61-24 line of 2008.
The Deep
Jordan Zimmerman - Starting Pitcher
Expected to be a future mid-to-back end of the rotation type, as he doesn’t have overwhelming stuff at this point, Zimmerman is working on his mechanics, and trying to improve his four-pitch repertoire, in hopes of becoming a dependable number one or two arm. The 22-year old Zimmerman (no relation to Nats’ 3B Ryan Zimmerman) has shown signs of development, and does have an above average fastball, which helps him in making a case for future consideration.
The Nationals have several question marks going into this season as far as quality arms go, and a starting five that is somewhat suspect. Who’s to say that Zim’ shouldn’t be given a legitimate shot at a spot? I mean, Collin Balester, Matt Chico and Shairon Martis? We could throw into the mix the fragility of Shawn Hill, and the off-the-wall antics of Scott Olsen, and this young right-hander continues to have things going in his favor for an appearance in the nations’ capital sooner rather than later.
However, with less than 30 IP above the Single-A level, it’s almost a certainty that Zimmerman will be held back for another year of seasoning and guidance in the minor leagues. Zim’ certainly isn’t making it easy, as Manny Acta has taken notice with the phenomenal spring that he has put together. All signs are pointing to another year of growth, but with the volatility previously mentioned in D.C., there could be two Zimmermans wearing Nats’ jerseys at some point of the ’09 season.
