In 2005, the Washington Nationals, formerly the Montreal Expos, surprised many by contending for the National League East title for much of the season. The team’s newfound home in D.C. was embraced by the community as they finished with a .500 record. Despite leading the division through July, they ended the year nine games behind the Atlanta Braves with an 81-81 record.
The 2005 offense was powered by Jose Guillen, who batted .283 with 24 home runs and 76 RBIs, and Nick Johnson, who hit .289 with 15 home runs and 74 RBIs. Brad Wilkerson, Preston Wilson, and Brian Schneider rounded out the lineup.
The pitching staff was anchored by Livan Hernandez (15-10, 3.98 ERA), Esteban Loaiza (12-10, 3.77 ERA), John Patterson (9-7, 3.13 ERA), Tony Armas (7-7, 4.97 ERA), and closer Chad Cordero, who had 47 saves with a 1.82 ERA. This improved their performance compared to their 67-96 record in 2004.
During the off-season, the Nationals lost Loaiza to the Oakland Athletics and traded Wilkerson for Alfonso Soriano. They also acquired Brian Lawrence and signed Ramon Ortiz to strengthen the rotation. Vinny Castilla was traded, creating an opening at third base. Veteran Mike Stanton was added to the bullpen.
For 2006, the loss of Loaiza will impact the starting rotation. The Nationals have yet to adequately replace his innings. While Lawrence and Ortiz were added, their reliability is questionable. Soriano is expected to boost the offense, joining José Vidro and Marlon Anderson in the lineup.
The Nationals’ bullpen, led by Chad Cordero and strengthened by the addition of Stanton, remains a team strength. Despite a potentially weak starting rotation, the team is expected to improve its run production in 2006.