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Washington Nationals 

Odalis Perez – Well, when Perez is dubbed your opening day starter, it could possibly be a prelude to what will happen over the course of your 162-game schedule.  Yes, Perez was recently named the opening starter for the Nationals in somewhat shocking fashion.  Considering the still just 29-year-old lefty pitched to a 5.57 ERA last season and 6.20 number in 2006, it’s hard to find the silver lining.  If those numbers are startling, his 64/50 SO/BB ratio is harrowing in 137 frames last year.  Perhaps he could find some magic in the Nationals old vast venue of RFK, but their new digs can’t help but be more hitter friendly.  Perez has added a sinker and cutter in the last few editions, but let’s be honest a minor miracle is needed.  How’s this for alternatives, manager Manny Acta gave him the opening day nod because he won more games last year than any of his options.     

Jason Bergmann – Bergmann grew on me last season very quickly as I was able to churn a profit backing the right-hander.  He allowed three or fewer runs in 15 of his 21 starts, which was good for a 4.45 ERA.  Keep in mind this extreme flyball pitcher benefited pitching in cavernous RFK last season for the Nats.  Note the 26-year-old dealt a 3.54 ERA at home against a 5.31 road number.  Of course again, the Nats will be playing in a less-friendly home park this season.  Bergmann features good stuff, with a 92-94 MPH fastball, curve, power slider and change.  In addition, he’s much tougher on the right-handed bat allowing a .200 batting average and just four home runs.  However, left-handers hit .263 and clubbed 14 home runs in a few less at bats.  Bergmann is still one to ‘buy’ if the price is right.  He did experience some elbow trouble last year, which is worth keeping an eye on.   

Tim Redding – Redding was once a hot prospect with the Houston Astros who never materialized.  However, he perhaps revitalized his career with the Nationals in midsummer last year.  In 15 starts for the Nats, Redding recorded a 3.64 ERA, but his peripheral numbers can be questioned.  He fanned just 47 batters in 84 innings, while walking 38.  In addition, he showed more flyball tendencies than in the past, and when parlayed with his low strikeout rate, red flags wave.  If the Nationals can garner league averages out of Redding for 20 or more starts, it’s a winning situation for the organization, and Redding himself.   

Matt Chico – Chico gained ‘SportsCenter’ fame last year for actually throwing a ball in the stands on a regulation pitch.  Yes, Chico struggles with his command, and in a big way.  Consistency, maturity and mechanics have all held the 24-year-old back.  However, there’s still hope for the left-hander who deals an 88-91 MPH heater, with a curve and plus change-up.  He’s extremely streaky, while often toying with his mechanics.  Surprise, surprise, as Chico has returned to his high school windup this spring in hoping to add movement to his fastball, more deception with a higher leg kick.  Let’s hope command is in that package as well, to avoid any more lowlight performances on ESPN.  Bet him as a ‘hot’ or ‘cold’ pitcher, as I expect his streakiness to continue.   

Shawn Hill – The Nationals have pegged Hill as their number one starter, but he’ll start the campaign on the disabled list as the Nats start with a four-man rotation.  Hill sparkled at times in 2007, while dealing a 3.42 ERA in just less than 100 innings.  He’s a groundball hurler, who doesn’t hurt himself with the walk.  Health is the issue for the 26-year-old who missed the bulk of last season with a forearm/elbow issue.  Note he missed the entire 2005 season with elbow surgery.  He’s still experiencing discomfort in his pitching arm this spring, but it’s soreness Hill says he can pitch with, but again he’ll start the season on the disabled list.  We’ll see, the Nats desperately need him.