Nationals Treasure: A Washington Nationals Dynasty

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Platform: Xbox360
Game Title: MLB 2k12
Rosters: Current
Sliders: Custom
Gameplay: Most, Not Preseason
Trading: Realistic

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Reserved: World Series Champions

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Reserved: Nationals' Hall of Fame

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Reserved: Nationals' Award Winners

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Reserved: Nationals' (Successful) Draft Picks

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Reserved: Nationals' Season-by-Season Records

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Nationals' Park
Washington D.C

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Opened to the public in 2008, Nationals' Park plays host to the Washington Nationals of the MLB. Duh. It's not called Nationals' Park because it hosts the Philadelphia Phillies. The George Washinton Colonials (that's a university, folks—see MrRudy's Football Dynasty mode for football) were the first team to play there, on March 22, 2008. The Nationals first used the stadium on March 30, 2008 for opening day of that season.
Nationals Park replaced defunct RFK ("Bobby" F. Kennedy) Stadium, where the Nationals had played from 2005 through 2007

The ballpark has 41,418 seats, and they want them filled up. No, really: now that the Nats are good they've increased their attendance substantially. This sportswriterperson can personally attest to the fact that one can see the field from anywhere in the stadium. No joke!

While not as hallowed as Wrigley Field (in Chicago, the one with the ivy you moron) or quirky as Fenway (Big Green Red Sox Boston you noob), Nationals park has its share of not-so-straight angles in the outfield. And its got a jolly big scoreboard so you can see who's batting, if you're blind.

The grass is the nice stripey kind and there's no lane of dirt to the pitcher's mound, a big plus. Also there's a big curly "W" behind home plate, why I can't imagine. Oh right, that's there logo. Nevermind.

Sorry about the "extra" "comments" in this "analytical" story. #YOLO

—Washington Post reporter Zach Joffferr covers the Nationals 10/5, as opposed to 24/7.

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A Nationals official described him as "like a teenager now."



Feel free to, and please do, post

[Nats_fan_Zach]

An Analysis of the Depth Chart of the Washington Nationals

Catcher: Wilson Ramos, the Nat's 6-foot Venezuelan catcher, is mostly defensive oriented, but he still has some pop in his bat, hitting .270 in his four years in the league. He was obtained in a deal with Minnesota, who drafted him, which gave the Twins Matt Capps. Although he tore his ACL at the end of last season, he expects to be ready for spring training. One of his most famous accomplishments was being kidnapped while visiting his home country. His major flaw is inconsistency at the plate, as well as injuries (which may be eliminated with this year's new rules!).
1st Base: Adam LaRoche, the Nat's hard hitting, ball bopping, silver slugger winning first baseman, is also the possessor of a gold glove, won in 2012. He is an eleven year veteran, sign by the Nats before the 2011 season. His career stats are .264/.337/.474 with 217 HRs, and last year he hit .237/.332/.403 and 20 HRs, a big decline from 2012 and his 33 HRs. His major flaw, like most power hitters, is strikeouts.
2nd Base: Anthony Rendon, the Nat's mid-season call-up sensation, is a master with the glove. He is most accustomed to the Shortstop and 3rd Base positions, but due to the Nat's infield depth, he is stationed at Second Base instead. He was drafted by the Nats 6th overall in the 2012 draft, and became their top prospect (once Harper was promoted). His major flaw is inconsistency at the plate.
Shortstop: Ian Desmond, a two time silver sluggin' all star shortstop, is a major cog in the machine that is the Nat's infield. He was their first draft pick as the Nationals (and not the Expos). He can hit for power (20 HRs in 2013) and for average (.280 in 2013). He has a solid glove and a strong arm. His major flaw is inconsistency at the plate (I think we're seeing a common theme here).
3rd Base: Ryan Zimmerman, the face of the franchise since its move to Washington, is a consistent batter and solid fielder. His rookie year was 2005, the first year in DC. He is a hometown boy, growing up in VA. He has won Silver sluggers and Gold gloves, and been to numerous all star games. His major flaw is his arm, witch has turned inconsistent due to leg injuries.
Left Fielder: Bryce Harper, the Nat's teenage sensation, can tear it up at the plate and well as having a rocket arm. He was the NL ROY in 2012, and for good reason. Last season he continued his tear, although slowed buy injuries. He's hit 42 HRs in his two seasons, and has a .272 AVG. One of his most famous defensive plays was one hopping home plate from the warning track to prevent a run. His major flaw is his immaturity. This includes not being able to drink locker room champagne, blowing kisses at pitchers, and last but not least running into walls (multiple times). Grow up.
Center Fielder: Denard Span, the Nat's speedy center fielder, is a prototypical lead-off guy. He boosts a .283 career average, as well a stealing 20 bases an smashing 11 triples (1st in the NL) last year. He was acquired before last season to play center field (so Harper didn't have to) and be a lead off guy (which the Nats never really had). He succeed at both of those jobs. His major flaw is power, hitting only four HRs last year.
Right Fielder: Jason Worth, a caveman, is one of the Nat's best batters. Last year, he boasted a .318 AVG with 25 HRs. These are both top 10 statistics in the NL. He was signed to a monster deal before the 2011 season to bring hope to the franchise (before they became good). His major flaw is inconsistency in the field, the reason for being stationed in right.

Tune in again next Sunday, when I'll be posting a look at the starting pitchers. Until then, Go Nats!