When the Washington Senators assembled their 1996 roster, it was built with the intention of bludgeoning opponents into submission. Names like Albert Belle, Fred McGriff, and the prodigious talents of Alex Rodriguez and Vladimir Guerrero were supposed to form one of the most intimidating lineups in the United League. Instead, through the first week of the season, the Senators’ bats have looked more like a Triple-A outfit than a major-league juggernaut.
The numbers are glaring. Washington ranks 10th or worse in batting average (.205), slugging (.316), OPS (.602), and runs scored (12). They’ve managed just 35 hits in their first games — 10th in the league — and sit near the bottom in extra-base hits. The one offensive category they’ve excelled in is stolen bases (11, best in the UL), thanks largely to Alex Rodriguez (5) and Carl Everett (2). Walks (19, third-best) show there’s at least some patience, but without contact or power behind them, baserunners are stranded.
Underperforming Core
The player reports highlight why these struggles sting so much.
- Albert Belle remains one of the league’s most feared hitters. His .316 start suggests he’s doing his part, but he hasn’t yet driven in a run, a reflection of how little traffic is on base ahead of him.
- Alex Rodriguez, touted as a franchise cornerstone, is hitting .211 with no extra-base hits. His speed (five steals) has been the lone spark.
- Vladimir Guerrero, perhaps the biggest disappointment so far, is batting a paltry .050. A slow start can happen to anyone, but for a hitter of his talent, this is bordering on alarming.
- Fred McGriff, the veteran stabilizer, is batting .231 with two RBI — steady, but not the middle-of-the-order punch Washington envisioned.
- Carl Everett has been nearly invisible offensively, hitting .059, though his legs have chipped in two steals.
The Bright Spots
Not everything is bleak.
- Willie Greene has carried the offense, slugging four home runs with six RBI. Without him, Washington might not have a win on the board.
- Ray Durham has quietly hit .294 with speed (two steals), offering some consistency at the bottom of the order.
- Jason Kendall is holding steady behind the plate at .261, though he hasn’t yet shown his usual knack for on-base production.
- Jon Nunnally adds some pop (one home run), but his .118 average underscores the broader inconsistency.
Outlook
The Senators’ issues aren’t about lack of talent — they’re about timing and cohesion. Belle looks ready, Greene is red-hot, but the rest of the lineup has yet to find rhythm. Guerrero’s adjustment period and Rodriguez’s need to elevate beyond speed-only contributions will dictate whether Washington climbs out of the offensive basement.
It’s still early April, but the numbers are clear: a team designed to dominate at the plate has instead opened the season near the bottom of every meaningful offensive category. If the core bats don’t stabilize soon, the Senators risk wasting both their lineup’s reputation and their early-season window to seize momentum in the United League.