2.) A solid, dependable setup man
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Part of the problem with Matt Williams and the bullpen meltdown in September was the fact that he really had no solid options to turn to. Felipe Rivero and Matt Thornton were the only Nationals relief pitchers to finish the season with an ERA under 3.00. The Nationals are seemingly stuck with Jonathan Papelbon for another year. Drew Storen could not handle his demotion, and the Nationals should look to trade him. That does not really leave anyone to pitch the eighth inning, unless you love the idea of more Casey Janssen in clutch situations.
The Nationals should look up the road to Baltimore to fill their setup needs. Darren O’Day will be a free agent and is coming off the best season of his career. O’Day is a veteran sidewinder who actually has strikeout stuff, a rarity in his breed of pitcher. O’Day also showed an ability to close in September. Should O’Day and the Orioles fail to work out a deal, the Nationals should be ready and waiting to pounce and keep him in the Mid-Atlantic.
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