How To Handle First Base When Zimmerman Returns
With Ryan Zimmerman out, Matt Adams has stepped up better than any Nats fan could have hoped. He is tied for sixth in the NL in home runs. They also have another first baseman named Mark Reynolds who has hit six home runs in only 36 at bats. That’s one HR every six at bats, which, if you don’t follow baseball, is certifiably insane.
Manager Dave Martinez can fit Reynolds’ bat in the line up by putting him in the outfield, but employing this strategy with Adams might not work as well due to his first baseman build (6’3″ and 245 lbs).
So we are left with the question of what to do when Ryan Zimmerman comes back. Since Zimmerman and Adams are both guys who have significant righty/lefty stat splits, you start Zimmerman vs a lefty and Adams vs a righty. Then you automatically have a slugging pinch hitter at the ready for every game.
Plus, you never know when you might have an outfield injury and Adams might be your best bet.
Nats fans everywhere have started to worry about questions such as this one, and what to do with Wilmer Difo upon the return of Daniel Murphy. Take a deep breath. Having too much depth is a pretty good problem to have. Plus, if the trade deadline rolls around and the Nationals still have so much position player depth that they don’t know what to do with, we could always pick up another pitcher for a playoff run.
For now, relax and enjoy the Adams/Reynolds show. Martinez won’t let production like that sit. As long as they hit, they’ll find at bats.
