Yes, the Nats have a long way to go towards respectability. However, at this point Free Agents would be a hindrance rather then a solution. Throwing money around would look good for the fans -- but I think smart decisions about who to sign and who not to -- while unpopular -- will provide a better solution long-term.
I keep bringing up this question, then who is going to play first base?
If we go with Johnson, a few things happen.
...Of course we know he ain't staying healthy so he'll go on to the DL.
a) Willingham moves over to first, he has only logged what 2 innings as a major leaguer at first base. Although, Casto/Belliard were never first basemen, so it wouldn't shock me that we would decide to play them there. Oh and then that means we need someone to play left. Oh great, let's give Kearns or WMP another shot as a starter. That should be fun.
b) We play Casto/Belliard there, seeing how Boone is gone. Can't wait to see the gameday threads about that.
c) We call up Bill Rhinehart, the same one who was on a tear earlier in the year, then got to AA where his numbers cooled down tremendously. He is a fine prospect, but it's evident he's probably not ready yet.
d) Da Meat Hook serves as our first baseman.
e) We get lucky as hell, we all win the lottery, marry the prom queen, find gold in our backyards ... Nick Johnson stays healthy and puts up for the most part un-NJ-like numbers like a .285 AVG, 30 HR, 110 RBI, .395 OBP, .480 SLG clip.
Don't call me a pessimist, on this subject I'm a realist. Those are our current options.
