AP Photo
This is the time in Spring Training (ST) for reckless prognosticators (like me for example) to just throw caution to the wind and do the impossible: predict who (when I know it’s too early for a sane person to make any predictions:) will make the 25 man roster as position player subs. First, a little math: assuming the Nats carry 12 pitchers (5 starters and a 7-man bullpen) and 8 starters at the 8 positions in the field besides the pitcher, that leaves 5 bench-warmers.
So here we go:
1. Jose Lobaton, catcher. This is a given since the team made it clear when they traded for him that they expected Jose to be the backup to Ramos. Every team has to carry a backup catcher. The Nats will have plenty more of these at Syracuse and Harrisburg, should something happen to upset the plans. Note: Jose is not impressing anyone yet with his lack of hitting!
2. Jamey Carroll, infielder extraordinaire. He reminds me of myself, low on talent and size, but a 100% “gamer.” He does all the little things very well. Also, Matt Williams knows him well (from their days together with the Diamondbacks) and clearly likes him a lot, just look at the playing time he’s getting!
3. Jeff Kobernus, OF AND (!) INF. Like Jamey except he is even more versatile in that he can hold the fort in both the infield AND the outfield. He has been hitting consistently since day one of ST.
4. Zack Walters, infielder. He played well last September and has shown me he is ready for prime time this Spring. Note: there have been several other youngsters who have shown great talent this ST but Zach (like Ryan Zimmerman several years ago) is the most “ready” of them all, with an OBP (on-base-percentage) well north of .500 at this point!
5. Nate McLouth, outfielder. Nate had a helluva comeback year with the Orioles last year. He can hit, play OF and run the bases much better than average. He would possibly be the best 4th outfielder in baseball.
Who does this leave on the outside looking in? Tyler Moore and The Danny. The Nats have been very patiently giving both many chances to make the team, but I say time has run out for both. Neither one is looking good with the bat.
Pete's Curveball 
Lobaton – if he can hit .240, we’re good. Disagree on the state of our minor league catchers. Solano and Leon aren’t there, and probably will never be.
I like Walters, could be another Desi in the making, but where does he get significant playing time, especially if Espinosa makes the team (I know, you hate Espinosa…)?
McClouth – good addition, a very solid backup outfielder.
(Listening to the broadcast of Nats/Tigers from Florida and TyMo just hit a long line drive home run. I expect to see him gone at somepoint after having a good spring and raking in Syracuse.)