Washington National Outfield Decisions – Milledge

Even though the Nationals are filled with talented outfielders, Manager Manny Acta already made up his mind and appointed Lastings Milledge as the regular center fielder.

Last season was a good year for Milledge; playing everyday in the big league, hitting .268 along with 14 home runs and 61 RBIs.
“We have a center fielder. Lastings played the whole season there last year,” Acta said.

Acta and the rest of his coaching staff must now decide on who will be designated as left and right fielders: Adam Dunn, Elijah Dukes, Austin Kearns and Josh Willingham are potential candidates to play the said positions.

Adam Dunn earlier this week inked a two-year $20 million contract, will now be playing each and every day, although he could find himself playing first base. That is if Nick Johnson is not in good shape, or is traded elsewhere.

Constantly healing due to serious injuries, Dukes, Kearns and Willingham are expected to be in their best shape when exhibition season starts.
“We are going to have six weeks of Spring Training,” general manager Jim Bowden said.

“We are going to look at the health of all our players. I don’t think you can determine that in early March. I think it’s going to be late March before you can determine how healthy they are.

No. 2, you have to look at the performance of players beyond the health. Third is a trade option. Do we have an opportunity to make a deal and make our team better? Certainly, we have depth.”

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