Nationals Rehab Assignments- Michael Morse and Rick Ankiel

   If you ask anyone in the Nationals organization how important Michael Morse is in the Nationals current plans, they'll tell you. HES VERY IMPORTANT! Morse was acquired by the Nats in a trade with Seattle in June 2009 and his stats from 2009 and 2010 weren't terrific.

   However, that all changed in 2011 when Morse smashed 31 HRs, 95 RBI and a batting average of .303. Suddenly the Nationals found a big power bat in their lineup. Then he got injuried during Spring Training and didn't play. This years Nationals NEED that power because this is the first time the Nationals are actually contenders. With Morse currently "injured" it really created a whole in the Nats lineup. The Nationals had Mark DeRosa start in LF in today's opener and Morse started in LF in Double A Harrisbug.

  Rick Ankiel has a long history in baseball. He was originally a pitcher and made his debut in 1999 and pitched until 2001 and then randomly again in 2004. Ankiel lost his ability to throw strikes as a pitcher and converted to the outfield. The Cardinals had him as an outfielder for 2 years before he went to Kansas City for 6 months and then traded to Atlanta. Anyway, The Nats signed him in 201, hoping for him to turn into a great Center Fielder. Well, they were wrong. Ankiel got injured and 2011 wasn't a great season at all.

  So why does he factor into 2012? Well for one Ankiel is a great sport and a great clubhouse present. Two, he is willing to accept his role as a "poorer" Center Fielder. The problem is he's not great from an offensive standpoint. His defense is AVERAGE to ABOVE AVERAGE but not fantastic. The Nationals don't have a center fielder so Ankiel would fit in a platoon role with Roger "The Shark" Bernadina, who is equally as bad. With Ankiel injured in Spring Training as well, the Nats outfield looks pathetic. Until Bryce Harper comes up (which I'm guessing he'll be up on June 2nd) the Nats are going to settle for below average center fielders.

 So, how did Morse do in his first rehab game? Not terrific. He went 0-3 with 2 strikeouts.

 Did Rick Ankiel do any better? Not really. Ankiel went 0-2 with a walk and 2 strikeouts

  Now, these stats don't mean much but still they aren't impressive. The good news is Morse will be ready to come off the DL on Tuesday (April 10) in time for the Nats game against the Mets and Ankiel will be ready on April 13, in time for the Reds. Both these guys, especially Morse, are BIG for the Nationals. Having them in a game could be the difference between playing October baseball (the playoffs) or sitting at home, waiting for next year.