4. Washington Nationals
-Season story lines: By the Nationals’ standards, the depth is unprecedented — and has come into play. Chien-ming Wang had bumped John Lannan from the starting rotation until he strained a hamstring. Now Lannan is back. Closer Drew Storen was shut down with elbow inflammation. But the Nationals signed Brad Lidge (222 saves the last eight seasons) in the offseason. Lidge and Henry Rodriguez are early-season options to close. With Mike Morse and Adam Laroche nursing shoulder and foot injuries, Mark Derosa’s versatility could prove invaluable.
-Season stat: 36. Wins on the road in 2011. Washington was fine at home (45-36) but struggled away from Nationals Park. Even the New York Mets (43) and last-place Miami Marlins (41) won more games on the road.
-Sco-ts’ take: They did the right thing with outfield prospect Bryce Harper, who will start at Class AAA. He struggled when he was moved up to Class AA. If he’s as good as advertised, he’ll force his way back before the end of the year. . . . Center field is a real weakness, one of the things that keeps them from being a legitimate contender. . . . I love to watch Tyler Clippard. He should get in trouble throwing high, but he doesn’t. He’s fearless. . . . Their pitching additions will help, and Stephen Strasburg is close to where he was when he came up. . . . Outfielder Jayson Werth looks like he’s stepped up his play.