Williams not concerned about second base vacancy right now

The subject of the Nationals' possible vacancy at second base has been a top offseason story for the club. Ryan Zimmerman's move from third base to first base answers one infield question. But when Anthony Rendon took over third base and Asdrubal Cabrera was not immediately re-signed to play second, the question of who would fill the opening gained some traction.

Then, from a purely power argument, Adam LaRoche signed with the Chicago White Sox and the question gained a new dimension: Where will the 20-plus homers and 80-plus RBIs come from in the lineup? The left-handed hitting veteran power bat always hovered around the middle of the order for the Nationals.

Do the Nationals believe that other players in the lineup will pick up the slack, with superior defensive players rather than key offensive contributors filling spots like second base and center field?

Manager Matt Williams, appearing at the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation fundraiser last week in D.C., did not seem that overly concerned about the vacancy at second base, and felt that the team will find a good player to fill that role.

"I would say, 'Are we looking for a second baseman? Yeah, kinda.' But we have guys that can play second base," Williams said. "What we really look for is how we can pick up for Adam (LaRoche). So Zim healthy all the year is going to really help. I think the stresses of playing third and playing left are going to be less when he goes to first. Any time you can be free and have your brain clear and be able to play, he's going to play really well over there. Offensively, he'll be good.

"I think it helps that (Bryce) Harper is going to be healthy. He missed two months last year. So that picks up for the loss of Adam, if you will. I think Wilson Ramos will have a much better year. He was beset with injuries from opening day and just never got it going.

"So all of those guys combined are going to help pick up that slack for Adam. And if we can add a second baseman along the way that can help us than that's even more (of a bonus).

"But I tell you, if in fact we don't and we're heading into the season with the guys we have currently, I think we'll be OK, as well. I think we will play well and we'll have a chance again."

Danny Espinosa is a viable option? Absolutely. The veteran has always been lights out defensively, and there has been some talk about him concentrating on hitting just from the right side. The Nats could also move Rendon back to second and find a third baseman. There's an outside shot that Cabrera could return.

The acquisition of a top infield prospect in the three-team trade this week also helps to fortify the talent base in the system. Players like that, plus Wilmer Difo and others, will be a part of the wave of future prospects to make it to South Capitol Street and play an infield spot.

But for Williams, there's no reason to panic or jump to conclusions. This team is already good, it just needs to add some pieces to make another run. And second base is one spot they will look to fill as spring training draws near.