Nationals – Whos on first?

The Washington Nationals have a nice first baseman contest going on during training camp with Nick Johnson and Dmitri Young. Both players are very capable of starting, but yet neither can play a different position. Nick Johnson is incapable of playing anything other then first base, spring training games will be his first since September 2006, when he broke his femur. While Dmitri Young, does have some experience in the outfield but at this point in his career he really isn’t an option.

It could be a sticky situation as both players are very accustomed to starting roles. Manager Manny Acta seemed very doubtful when asked if there was a scenario that both players could be kept with one only getting 2-300 at bats. “They’ll be a professional and do what they have to do, but I don’t think [either would be] open to that kind of thing,” Acta said. “It’s pretty tough for both guys, because to me, they’re both everyday guys. Still, we’re not going to just give one guy away or get rid of a guy if we have to.

This situation just screams trade out, IF Nick Johnson is healthy and able to perform at a starters level again. What they could get for either wouldn’t be much but any trade would be better then having controversy in the clubhouse. Something we could definitely see Dmitri Young doing if he’s not the starter.

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Tags: MLB, Washington Nationals