The Washington Nationals have struggled out of the gates in 2008, stumbling to a pitiful 8-16 record. One of the biggest reasons for the tough start is a shocking lack of power.
Through their first 24 games, the Nationals have belted just 14 homeruns, the seventh worst total in the entire Major Leagues. Compare that humble total to the other teams in the league, and it's no wonder why the Nats are trailing in the standings. The Philadelphia Philles lead the league with 39 homeruns. There are five teams with twice as many homeruns as the Nats, while 18 teams have already hit at least 20 dingers. The Oakland Athletics and Kansas City Royals are dead last in homers, connecting for 11 each.
Nick Johnson has been Washington's top power producer, cracking three homers and driving in a team-high 14 runs. Unfortunately, Johnson is hitting just .211, making his season a mixed bag to say the least. Ryan Zimmerman, Austin Kearns, and Christian Guzman are tied for second on the club with two homers apiece.
While Guzman has been a pleasant surprise, Zimmeran and Kearns have both been disappointments. The season started in grand style for Zimmerman, as the slugging third baseman launched a walk-off homerun to open the team's new home stadium, but it's been downhill ever since. He's hitting just .230 with 10 RBIs. Kearns is even worse, hitting a mere .202. If Johnson, Zimmerman, and Kearns don't start putting the bat on the ball, the Nationals will never be able to power their way up the standings.
