2019 lineup as constructed today

[varoadking]

MAT should just take the $3.25MM and STFU...

I like the kid, but he's overpaid as it is based upon production...

[Bloo]

We have one guy whose name sounds like Bearclaw, and another guy whose name literally means bear is a hard throwing pitcher. Does that make them... Brother bears?

[sixthree175]

Eaton can't play CF.  He was well below average at it when he was 3 years younger than he is now, before an ACL tear and whatever crap he did to his ankle.   By some metrics, he was a worse CF at 26 than Harper was last year.  The eye test comported with that.  Or, another way to look at it: he was such a great CF in 2015 that the White Sox, after playing him for 145 games there and not particularly thinking of contending, signed a free agent CF that offseason and moved Eaton to right.

Hell, he was barely passable in the corners last year.  Four months of rest isn't magically going to make him a healthy 23-year-old.  At the very best, he's a 30-year-old version of a guy who was marginal in CF two leg surgeries and four years ago.  Yech.

You might be right about CF (not sure), but when healthy, this guy is VALUABLE.  I'll take a healthy, 30-year old Eaton anytime.  And I'm going to guess that he is healthy.

[Jeff in Gaithersburg]

I have to say, even without Harper, im looking forward to watching them every night come April.

Agreed - Rizzo has made splash moves in the offseason before, but this might be his best winter as Nats GM and I'm really looking forward to seeing this current team on the field, Bryce or no Bryce.

[bluestreak]

You might be right about CF (not sure), but when healthy, this guy is VALUABLE.  I'll take a healthy, 30-year old Eaton anytime.  And I'm going to guess that he is healthy.

I agree with you. Eaton was a 6 win player in RF. His defense dropped off significantly when he moved to center. I think he will be very productive in right. He is also a very good depth piece.

[ChiliPalmer14]

1. Turner
2. Eaton
3. Rendon
4. Soto
5. Zimm / Adams
6. Dozier
7. Gomes
8. Pitcher
9. Robles

(If Robles proves himself a stud, he goes all the way to 5th and everyone moves down)

Bench:
Adams / Zimm
Kendrick
Difo
Taylor
Suzuki

This and the pitching staff should be able to contend.  But with all of the outs on the base paths and other fundamental mishaps last year, I think the Nats have a poor manager and coaching staff that'll keep them from winning the division unless the other teams underperform, too. 

[rileyn]

This and the pitching staff should be able to contend.  But with all of the outs on the base paths and other fundamental mishaps last year, I think the Nats have a poor manager and coaching staff that'll keep them from winning the division unless the other teams underperform, too. 

Well apparently we are going to practice such things during spring training this year.  In fact, rumor has it that Zimmerman may actually join the team this year.  No more camels, pitching wedges, and other assorted nonsense to pass the time.

[CoryTheFormerExposFan]

No, Eaton is not gone -- MAT is gone. MAT can't hit and Eaton is under control for one additional year.  Harper or Eaton can play back-up center field.  Not ideal, but it's better than the alternative.
Note: Eaton should be back to normal speed now, so he can probably cover center field without too much heartburn.

If we sign Harper, you HAVE to trade Eaton.  Eaton is not a viable option in CF, and you aren't going to have a player making 8.4 million with trade value like him on the bench.  Under no scenario do you keep Eaton as a 4th OF.

[imref]

If we sign Harper, you HAVE to trade Eaton.  Eaton is not a viable option in CF, and you aren't going to have a player making 8.4 million with trade value like him on the bench.  Under no scenario do you keep Eaton as a 4th OF.

Well, one scenario is that Harper trips and breaks his leg on his way to the podium during the post-signing press conference.

[sixthree175]

If we sign Harper, you HAVE to trade Eaton.  Eaton is not a viable option in CF, and you aren't going to have a player making 8.4 million with trade value like him on the bench.  Under no scenario do you keep Eaton as a 4th OF.

OK, I've had it.  What makes more sense?
1. Eaton for 8.4mm AAV for three years (or whatever the exact amount is)
                  OR
2. Prema donna for $35mm AAV forever.

If we all come to our senses, wouldn't there be plenty left over for more proven arms in the bullpen?

[CoryTheFormerExposFan]

OK, I've had it.  What makes more sense?
1. Eaton for 8.4mm AAV for three years (or whatever the exact amount is)
                  OR
2. Prema donna for $35mm AAV forever.

If we all come to our senses, wouldn't there be plenty left over for more proven arms in the bullpen?

I said IF you sign Harper.  Did I say one way or another if they should?

[sixthree175]

I said IF you sign Harper.  Did I say one way or another if they should?

Understood.  My point is that if the final outcome is to get rid of Eaton, then we're starting down the wrong path.  What exactly do you all think we can get for Eaton?

[CoryTheFormerExposFan]

Understood.  My point is that if the final outcome is to get rid of Eaton, then we're starting down the wrong path.  What exactly do you all think we can get for Eaton?

I really like Eaton, and his contract is a good value.  His injury was a freak one, so I don't think he's more likely to be injured again than anybody else.  I know most on here aren't fans of Harper, but I want to see him brought back.  I don't care about the Lerners paying luxury tax, and I don't believe it's a choice between Harper and Rendon.  I think they can still extend Rendon.

If you bring Harper back, the only logical next step is to trade Eaton.  You have to cut that excess over the luxury cap salary somewhere, and 8.4 for what becomes your 4th OF is too much...and we could get something for Eaton of value.  What exactly I don't know.  Not the prospect haul we gave up for him, but teams will be willing to take a chance on him.  He's darn good when healthy.

[GburgNatsFan]

I think most of us are fans of Harper. We just think he could improve his base running and willingness to hit the cut if he thought a little less of himself.

And that $300M is too much money, and 10 years is too long.

I really like Eaton, and his contract is a good value.  His injury was a freak one, so I don't think he's more likely to be injured again than anybody else.  I know most on here aren't fans of Harper, but I want to see him brought back.  I don't care about the Lerners paying luxury tax, and I don't believe it's a choice between Harper and Rendon.  I think they can still extend Rendon.

If you bring Harper back, the only logical next step is to trade Eaton.  You have to cut that excess over the luxury cap salary somewhere, and 8.4 for what becomes your 4th OF is too much...and we could get something for Eaton of value.  What exactly I don't know.  Not the prospect haul we gave up for him, but teams will be willing to take a chance on him.  He's darn good when healthy.