Eight More Must Go
Was there ever really any doubt when Spring Training began who would make up the Nationals 25-man roster on Opening Day? Barring injuries and the outside chance Washington would acquire a second left handed pitcher for the bullpen, there really hasn't been any question. In fact, there aren't position battles or even a fight for a spot in the rotation. The acquisition of free agent closer Rafael Soriano even put to rest any discussion surrounding Tyler Clippard or Drew Storen as the club's closer, after the melt down in the NLDS against St.Louis.
With Opening Day less that two weeks away, there is plenty of time to breakdown the 25-man roster, so let's get a jump on who will be sent down, or farmed out to get to that point.
THE EIGHT
Chris Young P
Christian Garcia P
Cole Kimball P
Fernando Abad P
Jeremy Acardo P
Carlos Maldonado C
Carlos Rivero INF
Micah Owings OF
Although "the eight" are the last players to be "let go", they aren't necessarily the first to get the call when Manager Dave Johnson makes a move. Players like Jhonatan Solano, Chris Marrero, Zach Walters and Corey Brown, already residing at Triple-A Syracuse are likely the first position players to get "called up" due to injury or slump at the major league level. Pitching may be a different story as Young, Kimball and Garcia may be first in line if a starter is needed, while Abad and Bill Bray are left handed relievers available should an additional southpaw be needed for the bullpen.
