Strasburg‘s injury will change the way the Nats approach the offseason and the 2011 rotation. Instead of having Strasburg leading the rotation, I believe this injury will result in the exploration of the FA market, the resigning of Livan Hernandez sooner than later, and the end of the “injury test cases” for Rizzo and Lerner.
Here’s what I’ve got for 2011 right now:
- Locks: Zimmermann, Marquis
- Considered: Maya, Lannan, Olsen, Detwiler, Wang
- FAs to be: Livan Hernandez
- DL for 2011: Strasburg
- Minors/relievers/Left out: Atilano, Martin, Chico, Mock, Martis, Thompson, Stammen
I think the rotation might be filled out exactly in the “considered” order, unless we resign Livan. Right now I give Lannan the slight edge over Olsen and Detwiler based on past performances and pay. I think Olsen is pitching his way off the team, and until Detwiler puts together 3 healthy starts he can’t be counted on. I’m curious to see what Maya does during his call up and I think he’s a lock for the rotation next year. Wang? If he doesn’t show some progress why would we pay his freight next year? IF we can get him in arbitration for a veteran minimum then he may be worth it. $2M? no way.
Atilano, Martin, Chico, Mock and Martis seem to be as close to your AAA rotation next year as can be. Martin and Chico might be done; too old, too little production at the major league level, and in the way of AA promotion candidates like Peacock, Milone and the guys we got in the Guzman trade (Roark and Tatusko).
So, what does a rotation of Zimmermann, Marquis, Livan, Maya and Lannan get you in 2011? 70 wins? more? less? Do we need to look into free agency?