Nationals Grades

With a 59-103 record, things were ugly again for the Nationals this year. But within baseball’s worst record, there were bright spots — and areas in which a large share of the blame wound up. Here is the report card for the Nationals’ roster, coaching staff and front office for their performance in 2009:

CATCHERS

JOSH BARD C He enjoyed a strong first half and gets credit for playing much of the season with a painful groin injury, but his performance dipped in the second half.

JESUS FLORES Inc. After a strong start, he lost the rest of the season because of injuries and won’t be ready until mid-March after a torn labrum. Now the team needs to find out if he’s the long-term answer.

WIL NIEVES C- He had more trouble blocking balls in the dirt with a young pitching staff, but he again was stronger behind the plate than expected (.259, one HR, 26 RBI).

INFIELDERS

RONNIE BELLIARD C- When Jim Riggleman took over, Belliard improved his performance enough to net a couple of prospects in an August trade to the Dodgers.

IAN DESMOND B+ In the month he was in the majors, Desmond looked like a fixture with the bat. He needs to refine his mechanics, but he might be the shortstop of the future.

ADAM DUNN A- He made major improvements at first base, though he ended the season in a long slump at the plate. But he was worth the money with 38 homers and 105 RBI.

ALBERTO GONZALEZ C His production dipped in the second half. Although he’s capable of a strong showing now and then and has a solid glove, he’s clearly not a long-term answer.

CRISTIAN GUZMAN C He regressed at the plate and in the field — and seemed to balk at the idea of moving to second base or out of the No. 2 hole. He’s set to earn $8 million next season.

MIKE MORSE C+ He showed a small power surge at the end of the season. But basically, he’s a utility player who’s best at the corners. Not much room for him there.

RYAN ZIMMERMAN A He hit 33 homers, improved his OBP to .364, played Gold Glove defense at third and grew into his role as a team leader — everything the Nationals could have asked.

OUTFIELDERS

ELIJAH DUKES C+ He came back from Class AAA Syracuse with a strong second half and showed more off-field maturity. If he learns to hit a curveball, he might be the answer in right field.

Story Continues →