Danny Espinosa Still Question Mark For Washington Nationals

If there is any member of the Washington Nationals projected 2013 starting lineup that is still a question mark it is second baseman Danny Espinosa. The feeling among Nationals brass is that Espinosa still has to prove that he is the long term answer to team with shortstop Ian Desmond.

Espinosa is the only member of Washington’s around the horn infield that has not won any awards or made the all-star team. Desmond and first baseman Adam LaRoche both won Silver Slugger Awards in 2012. LaRoche also won a Gold Glove. Desmond and third baseman Ryan Zimmerman have represented the Nationals in the midsummer classic. Though he has had a solid career, Espinosa has yet to have that breakout season.

2013 may not be a make or break year for Espinosa as he is signed through 2016. He is expected to be the starting second baseman throughout that time and could substitute at shortstop if anything happens to Desmond. Espinosa was drafted as a shortstop and replaced Desmond when the latter spent time on the disabled list with an oblique injury last season.

However, unlike Washington’s other every day starters, Espinosa actually has someone behind him that can play every day in Steve Lombardozzi, Jr. Lombardozzi is a jack of all trades, but his natural position is second. If Espinosa falters it would surprise no one to see manager Davey Johnson bench him for Lombardozzi. However, as much as Washington says they want more out of whoever plays second, the Nationals know that Espinosa gives them the best chance of winning right now.

Another reason why Washington may be patient with Espinosa is that he is only 25 years old and just reaching his prime athletically. The Nationals would be kicking themselves all of the way to Capitol Hill if they gave up on him and Espinosa became a star somewhere else.

What Washington is looking for from Espinosa is more pop at the plate. The Nationals are hoping to have a double play combination in which each man fields well and hits around .270 with 20 to 25 home runs. They are getting this production from Desmond, but Espinosa has yet to fulfill that promise. He has never been one to hit for average, but the Nationals will sacrifice this for a little more power.

One of the reasons for Espinosa’s lack of power last season was a left rotator cuff injury which hampered his swing. Literally swinging with one arm took the bat out of his hands and made Espinosa no threat to hit one out. After an off season of rest, Espinosa hopes that the shoulder is sound enough to carry him through the year. Washington hopes so too.

The Nationals will give Espinosa every chance to succeed and help the team in their quest for a world’s championship. However, Espinosa may have to convince them that he is their long term answer at second.