Who’s On First?

The Post and Times gang up to answer that question: Nick “The Sick” Johnson. While not the Nationals best player, he is probably the one with the largest offensive upside, especially if he can stay healthy and come close to the numbers he put up in the minor leagues.

But, as LaVar Burton used to say, you don't have to take my word for it.

"Nick Johnson has always had potential," General Manager Jim Bowden said. "He hasn't done it for a full season. He's got to explode if we're going to win."

Or

"Nick is the key to our offense as far as I am concerned," hitting coach Tom McCraw said. "If we want to be a good offensive ballclub, he is the key to that, if he is healthy and can perform the way we think he can perform. He has a lot to offer."

Using my patented CRAP projection system, I’d put him down for .275/.390/470. Bet on 20 home runs, close to 30 doubles and a boatload of walks. Ideally, I’d bat him second, to take advantage of his on-base skills, but the chances of that happening on this team are slim.

All that is, of course, assuming he stays healthy. Why not? He’s overdue!