Early Returns in DC–Before the Polls Close

In 2009 the Nationals scored 4.4 runs per game and allowed 5.4.  Nationals GM Mike Rizzo has said his team will narrow that gap in 2010 and no where can the progress be seen more sharply than in the Washington bullpen that is emerging this off-season.

The Nationals were in on Aroldis Chapman until the finish and continue to add pieces to bolster their pitching.  The most recent new face is veteran reliever Tyler Walker who turned in a solid season in 2009, something few Nationals relievers could say.

How much can Washington relievers carve off those awful numbers from 2009?  Remember that their 2009 bullpen stalwarts were Joel Hanrahan–an amazing 7.71 ERA–and Saul Rivera–weighing in at 6.10.  Prediction: the Nationals bullpen in 2010 will carve more than a half run off their horrid 5.06 bullpen ERA and be in the top half of the league.

With Matt Capps, Brian Bruney, and the emergence of Tyler Clippard Washington has a solid foundation for a sharp turnaround.  Bill James and most others project Matt Capps to bounce back in 2010.  Whether he realizes that prediction or not, the Nationals supporting cast is soooo much better this season and there are options if he struggles early.

Currently Brian Bruney and Tyler Clippard will be the primary set ups for Capps.  Both throw hard, but it is Clippard’s second half in 2009 that stands out among all of the Nationals relievers.  Clippard had 67 strikeouts in 60 innings and threw to a 2.67 ERA.  His Elvis Costello impersonation was convincing enough and he gives Jim Riggleman a dependable option when real trouble arises late in games.

Bruney is another high upside young reliever.  He never realized his potential for the Yankees.  Projected as an eighth inning pitcher for Mariano Rivera, he struggled in that role with health and diet issues.  When he was good, he was very good, but consistency has alluded him.

After the trade Bruney said he wanted a shot at closing in DC.  Washington will give him a less pressure-filled arena to ply his craft.  However, nothing other than potential recommends him for the closer role to start in 2010.  He will have to prove himself first, and frankly, Clippard has as much claim on the job as Bruney.

Then there is Drew Storen the Nationals other 2009 1st round draft pick–not named Strasburg.  His numbers in three minor league stops in 2009 were impressive–1.95 ERA, 47 Ks, 8 walks in 37 innings.  Prediction: he will be an important part of the bullpen no later than mid season.

Sean Burnett was acquired in mid-season 2009 and he provides another experienced hand and depth as a left-handed option.  Colin Balester has been mentioned as possibly moving to the pen in 2010 where he could help the always inconsistent Sean Bergmann as a long man.  Balester is still only 24 and gaining experience and maturity from the pen could help.

The bottom line in DC will be a much improved bullpen.  It will have considerably more depth and experience, one where hard-throwers are more commonplace than in the era marked by closer Chad Cordero.  Will the Nationals add another arm to their rotation before the polls close?  I say they add an arm and a middle infielder before ground hog day.

The goal for now is to get a pitching staff with a team ERA in the low 4’s.  It’s a challenge admittedly, but they are well on their way.