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Choices, choices: Who's right for the Nationals?
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As the winter has dragged on, it started to feel more and more likely the Nationals would end up without signing or acquiring a first baseman, a true center fielder or a shortstop, the team's three biggest needs. The Teixeira Sweepstakes fizzled, then the team took a hard-line stance against a Teixeira consolation and a veteran shortstop. It was beginning to look like Josh Willingham would be the only notable offseason addition to one of the majors' worst offenses.
And then, hope. Suddenly flush with first base/DH prospects, the Yankees were willing to talk about trading Nick Swisher and Xavier Nady, and the Nats were more than happy to listen. Now, as Adam Dunn and Orlando Hudson remain unsigned, the Nats may very well have their pick between the Yankees' sluggers and the free agents. Bot which pair is a better fit for the Nats?
Swisher and Nady: Swisher is the piece the Nats really need, and Nady would just be another nice addition. Swisher's ability to play first base and all three outfield spots, as well as his switch-hitting, make him eminently desirable. Plug him in at first base and the cleanup spot, and the Nats' lineup has a little heat, even if Swisher was god-awful in 2008 (I have to think a move to the National League would bump his numbers back to normal). Nady is a solid hitter and fielder, but again, he'd be just a bonus for a team already flooded with corner outfielders.
The biggest problem may be what the Nationals would have to give up to the Yankees. Not that Lastings Milledge, the Yanks' likely target, is untradeable, but he is the only viable center fielder on the roster. If Swisher was slotted at first base, suddenly centerfield is in the hands of Elijah Dukes/Nady/Willingham/Willie Harris/Wily Mo Pena. That's a scary thought. Move Swisher to CF and Nady or Willingham will have to man first base, something neither one has been adept at over the years.
(I'm assuming the Nats would release, trade or option Nick Johnson should Swisher and Nady come aboard. I think it's a fair assumption.)
In addition, Swisher has three years and just $21 million on his contract, while Nady has just one year at $4 million left.
Dunn and Hudson: Certainly bringing in hitters of Dunn and Hudson's quality would be a boost, but at what price? Neither has budged from their somewhat ridiculous contract demands of over $10 million a year for four or more years. Would you rather have Swisher and Nady for $9 million in 2009, or Dunn and Hudson for $20+ million through 2012? Dunn's power and Hudson's batting average are great selling points, but at that price they negatives (lots of strikeouts and poor defense from Dunn, low OBP and power from Hudson) may be too numerous.
Nothing is imminent, and it's possible the Nats are talking with the Yanks simply as a way to drive down Dunn and Hudson's price tags. If they can get the two free agents for $8-9 million a year each, it will be a success for Jim Bowden and Co.
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