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Washington Nationals’ 5 Biggest Weaknesses Heading Into 2016 Spring Training

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The Washington Nationals head into 2016 trying to put the dismal 2015 season behind them. They want to get themselves back on top of the division. New manager Dusty Baker has to navigate these five weaknesses in order to get a chance to regain some glory.

5. Back End of Rotation

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The current fourth and fifth starters are set to be Tanner Roark and young Joe Ross. Roark has bounced from rotation to bullpen throughout his career and can't be truly counted on right now. Ross was great as a rookie last season but an up in workload could lead to some trouble. Even No. 3 Gio Gonzalez has some question marks. They will really miss Jordan Zimmermann.

The current fourth and fifth starters are set to be Tanner Roark and young Joe Ross. Roark has bounced from rotation to bullpen throughout his career and can't be truly counted on right now. Ross was great as a rookie last season but an up in workload could lead to some trouble. Even No. 3 Gio Gonzalez has some question marks. They will really miss Jordan Zimmermann.

4. Closer

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Papelbon was pretty darn good numbers wise last season, with a 2.13 ERA and 24 saves, but it's his attitude that puts him on this list. He had that notorious fight with Bryce Harper and he has always been a bit of a clubhouse cancer. He is also now 35 years old and could be due for a downward spiral at any moment. He just can't be counted on.

Papelbon was pretty darn good numbers wise last season, with a 2.13 ERA and 24 saves, but it's his attitude that puts him on this list. He had that notorious fight with Bryce Harper and he has always been a bit of a clubhouse cancer. He is also now 35 years old and could be due for a downward spiral at any moment. He just can't be counted on.

3. Setup Men

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Compounding any potential issues that could develop with Papelbon is the fact that the Nats just don't have anyone to count on as a sure thing setting him up. Shawn Kelley has a career 3.67 ERA but has never truly been a setup man much in his career. Teaming up with him is Trevor Gott, a 23-year-old with tremendous stuff but only 47 innings of experience in his career.

Compounding any potential issues that could develop with Papelbon is the fact that the Nats just don't have anyone to count on as a sure thing setting him up. Shawn Kelley has a career 3.67 ERA but has never truly been a setup man much in his career. Teaming up with him is Trevor Gott, a 23-year-old with tremendous stuff but only 47 innings of experience in his career.

2. Shortstop

Shortstop Getty Images
The departure of Ian Desmond has left a hole at short for the Nats. It's going to come down to Danny Espinosa or prospect Trea Turner. Espinosa has hit a putrid .230 in his career and is nothing more than a solid utility player at this point. Turner only has 40 career MLB at-bats. They may not miss Desmond's defense, but they will miss him on the offensive end for sure.

The departure of Ian Desmond has left a hole at short for the Nats. It's going to come down to Danny Espinosa or prospect Trea Turner. Espinosa has hit a putrid .230 in his career and is nothing more than a solid utility player at this point. Turner only has 40 career MLB at-bats. They may not miss Desmond's defense, but they will miss him on the offensive end for sure.

1. Ability To Stay Healthy

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The Nationals are littered with guys at key positions who just lack the ability to stay healthy right now. Jayson Werth, Ryan Zimmerman and Stephen Strasburg have just had a hard time staying on the field. It's what really derailed them last year, so to have chance this season, they need these key guys to be able to play their fair share of games.

The Nationals are littered with guys at key positions who just lack the ability to stay healthy right now. Jayson Werth, Ryan Zimmerman and Stephen Strasburg have just had a hard time staying on the field. It's what really derailed them last year, so to have chance this season, they need these key guys to be able to play their fair share of games.

Andrew Frosceno is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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