This was a shocker. Despite the terrible start for the Nationals and the 6 blown saves from its bullpen, the next casuality in the clean up effort was demoting Joel Hanrahan from the closer job. The first move was sending Lastings Milledge to the minors and then benching Dukes for staying long at a charity event.

Manny Acta is really being stupid and reacting to the media and the fans rather then helping his young players become better players. If every team was managed like the Nationals, Hanley Ramirez would be benched, Matt Holiday would be sent to the minors, and Jimmy Rollins would be put on waivers.

All of pitchers, closers, and hitters have had a slow start. Maybe it was the WBC, or maybe it is what it is, a slow start. Whatever the case, Hanrahan is a talented young pitcher with closer mentality and closer stuff. Instead of letting him work through his problems and learn, Acta wants to hand the job over to Kip Wells, Julian Tavarez, and others. Is that the same Julian Tavarez from the Red Sox!

If you own Hanrahan, hold him. Acta is trying to make a point with his team, by demoting people to motivate them. I don't like the strategy, but do not doubt that after a week or so Hanrahan will be closing.

I would not touch Wells or Julian Tavarez. They may get a save or two, but the risk outweights the reward.