Are the Nationals really that bad?

[BDBohnzie]

Originally Posted by jsarno

I can't really argue with that...you are certainly right about the Nats needing a power hitter. My point was lack of discipline which Dunn doesn't help. Also that pitching is a priority, not hitting, but I guess you have to start somewhere huh? It's not like they have the money to really spend when they ranked 13th out of 16 NL teams for attendance at barely over 2.3 mil. So I get your point.
Just an FYI, and I know he was just a "rental", but Soriano hit 46 homers for you in 2006. I'm surprised that was forgotten given that he joined the 40/40 club that year. (4th player ever I believe...Canseco, Bonds, A-Rod, Soriano)

On a side note, how much more losing do you think Acta can endure and still remain with the team?

Dunn has 808 career walks in 8 seasons, so while he's not the model of discipline, I wouldn't say he has a lack of discipline either. We're not talking Rob Deer...

The Nats have several young arms on the farm that they are waiting to bring up, which is why I think they went after hitting as opposed to pitching. They have 2 or 3 guys at AAA that are almost ready to rock and roll.

As far as Soriano goes, I didn't mention him because I don't consider him a true cleanup hitter. He has too much speed and would be more important in other spots in the lineup. In fact, he spent most of that 2006 season hitting first or third for the Nats.

I think Acta has a long leash until the Front Office starts spending more money. I think Kasten realizes that it's going to take some time. But once he thinks all the pieces are in place, that leash will shorten considerably.