Nationals Bring in Span, Still have Decisions to Make

The Nationals made their first big move in the offseason, addressing their need for a leadoff hitter.

The team announced Thursday that they had traded pitching prospect Alex Meyer to Minnesota in exchange for center fielder Denard Span.  With a .284 batting average and a .357 on-base percentage, Span looks to be the leadoff hitter the Nationals sorely needed.

Not only did the Nationals add a key piece to their lineup, they also gained some flexibility regarding Adam LaRoche and Michael Morse.  Heading into the offseason, it seemed unlikely the Nationals would keep both.  Now it's all but certain.

LaRoche is coming off arguably the best season of his career, with 33 home runs and 100 RBIs.  He won both a Golden Glove and a Silver Slugger and was undoubtedly the team MVP in 2012.

The problem is that he is a free agent.  While he has expressed interest in returning to Washington, he also has reportedly asked for a three-year deal.  At 33 years old, the Nationals are reluctant to lock him up for so long at what will undoubtedly be a hefty price tag.

Morse, on the other hand, is still under contract and younger at 30.  Injuries, however, are a major concern as they have hindered the power-hitter for much of his career.

If the Nationals don’t re-sign LaRoche, Morse would move to first base, but the Nationals would be taking a huge risk with Morse’s durability.  They would also be losing LaRoche for nothing.  Trading Morse will at least get them something in return.

The Nationals put together a winning roster in 2012 and I would be reluctant to let the biggest reason for that, the team MVP, walk away for nothing.  Yes, you take the risk of his numbers declining because of his age, but no more of a risk than you take with Morse's health.

The Nationals also find themselves in need of a starting pitcher this offseason.  The biggest name available is of course Zack Grienke, but I would be shocked if the Nationals had any serious interest in him.

Grienke would reportedly cost around $100 million.  With Stephen Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez already in the rotation, Grienke would be third at the very least, maybe even fourth behind Jordan Zimmermann.  Don’t hold your breath for this blockbuster signing in DC.

In addition to a starter, the Nationals will also look for a left-handed reliever.  With the decision to non-tender Tom Gorzelanny, the Nationals have no left-handed relievers on the roster.  They could re-sign Sean Burnett or Michael Gonzalez, but I would not be surprised to see them bring in a new name as well.

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