The Washington Senators came heartbreakingly close to a championship last season, falling just short in the World Series. If there were any doubts about their ability to stay at the top of the league, those were erased in the opening minutes of the 1995 draft. Armed with three consecutive picks, the Senators wasted no time adding right fielder Vladimir Guerrero, catcher Jason Kendall, and pitcher Liván Hernández—a trio that could ensure Washington remains a fixture in October.
“Your Bad for Vlad” Strategy Delivers
With the #3 pick, Washington secured 20-year-old Vladimir Guerrero, a rare offensive talent with a game-changing arm. Guerrero’s bat projects to slot in the heart of the Senators’ lineup from day one:
- Batting Ratings: Contact (16/18), Power (13/16), Avoid K’s (15/15).
- Outfield Arm: Graded at 15, already among the best in the league.
A team owner was overheard joking, “Your bad for Vlad strategy worked, JC ;)”—a tongue-in-cheek nod to their aggressive push to land the electrifying outfielder. With Guerrero’s arrival, Washington’s outfield transforms overnight into one of the league’s most dangerous units.
Kendall: The Heir Behind the Plate
At #4, the Senators addressed the catcher position by selecting 21-year-old Jason Kendall. After trading veteran Mike Stanley to Boston, Washington clearly prioritized finding a long-term solution at the position.
Kendall brings elite contact skills (15/17) and rare speed (Running: 9, Baserunning Instincts: 16) for a catcher. Defensively, his solid ability (Catcher Ability: 11, Arm: 11) will help steady a pitching staff that was already one of the league’s best.
When asked about the pick, Stanley, while posing for a statue soon to be erected in his honor in D.C., quipped: “If they wanted someone faster and younger, they’ve got him. Just make sure he can handle Pettitte’s curveball.”
Hernández Adds Depth to the Rotation
With the #5 selection, the Senators rounded out their draft coup with 20-year-old right-hander Liván Hernández. A poised starter with impressive movement (15/16) and a three-pitch arsenal, Hernández projects to be an innings-eater capable of slotting behind Andy Pettitte as a strong #2.
Pairing Hernández with Pettitte gives Washington a rotation duo that few lineups will relish facing.
The Verdict: October Awaits
The Senators were already built to win now. Adding Guerrero’s bat, Kendall’s steady presence behind the plate, and Hernández’s arm makes Washington not just a contender but the early favorite to return to the World Series.
Amusingly, Senators owner was overheard saying, “We’re still not competing,” even after landing this trio of premium talent. Whether it was a calculated attempt to deflect pressure or a tongue-in-cheek jab at the league, it’s hard to take the comment seriously.
If last season’s heartbreak left any hunger in D.C., this draft class just gave them the tools to finish the job.