Rick Ankiel has begun his rehab assignment after spending some time on the 15-day disabled list. This news is quite significant to one person in particular: Roger Bernadina. In the 17 games since taking over CF for the injured Ankiel, Bernadina has hit .266 while obtaining a .329 OBP, in addition to stealing 4 bases.
Once Ankiel finishes his rehab assignment, Mike Rizzo and Jim Riggleman will be left to decide which player to keep on the team, and which to demote.
Bernadina's stats may seem unspectacular, and indeed they are somewhat average, but Bernadina has been able to provide some kind of stability at the leadoff position, which had been a very large problem for the Nationals before Ankiel's injury.
The Nats have the worst team BA in the NL and are near the bottom of the league in total runs scored as well. Just imagine if the team was still experimenting with players like Ian Desmond and Danny Espinosa at the leadoff spot. Yes, I know that it's hard to imagine, but the Nats' offensive numbers would be even worse. The only reason that Bernadina's value as a decent leadoff hitter isn't getting more attention is that the Nats have zero confidence at the plate, so even though he gets on base and is active on the basepaths, his efforts are often times fruitless.
About a week ago, some might have argued that Bernadina is a defensive downgrade from Ankiel. Obviously if you have watched any highlight shows at all in the past week, you know that Bernadina made what will probably end up being the catch of the year. What that catch made evident to me is that, though Ankiel is a very good outfielder, Bernadina's range is far greater. He can get to balls that Ankiel won't dream of catching.
The last reason that Bernadina should remain the starting CF for the Nationals? Just look at Ankiel's numbers this season: .221 AVG, .302 OBP, and 4 SB in 28 games. No one with a .302 OBP will be hitting leadoff. Enough said.
If Bernadina is better at offense, defense, and he has the capability of hitting leadoff, then, Mr. Rizzo, what reason is there to send him down?
