In addition to recommending that the Washington Nationals bring Ian Desmond back to play center field in the nation’s capital (so Trea Turner can play short, with shortstop Danny Espinosa getting traded or in a utility role in that scenario), and suggesting that the Nationals consider re-signing Mark Melancon after acquiring the soon-to-be free agent closer at this past August’s non-waiver deadline, veteran Washington Post columnist Thomas Boswell wrote on Tuesday that the Nats should anoint 23-year-old backstop Pedro Severino the No. 1 catcher in D.C.
“Tell 23-year-old Pedro Severino, who looked polished behind the plate and brought energy everywhere in September and October, that he is your starting catcher,” Boz wrote, “Period.