Change of Heart

Sometimes you get to a point in life where you are just done. It can be from a relationship, a lifestyle, or a job. With Mike Cameron, it was the latter. He reached a point in his life where he just didn't feel it anymore, he didn't have the drive to compete anymore.

Yesterday, Mike Cameron decided to retire after 17 seasons of Major League Baseball, leaving the Nationals an outfielder short for the 2012 season.

The day started with pure, unadulterated joy as today was the day that Pitchers and Catchers were finally reporting to Viera after a not-so snowy winter. Things turned quickly as word broke around lunch that Cameron was not planning on making it down to Space Coast, despite pleading by GM Mike Rizzo.

So, now what is going to happen come April 6th at Wrigley and who will occupy the OF spots on the 25-man. Let's take a look at the options:

The Possible - Bryce Harper makes the club as the starting Right Fielder, Werth in Center

Pros - Bryce Harper is a once in a generation talent who would excite both die-hard and casual Nats fans into filling the park every single day of the season.
Cons - He is just 19 years-old and probably isn't ready for big league action.

The Probable - Rick Ankiel starts in CF vs RHP, Jayson Werth Starts in CF vs LHP while Mark DeRosa plays RF.

Pros - Keeps Harper in the Minors for some more seasoning, while Ankiel and Werth provide average to above-average defense in CF.
Cons - DeRosa will be 37 and hasn't played RF since 2009.

The Weird - Rick Ankiel and Jason Michaels platoon in CF.

Pros - Keeps Harper in the Minors for some more seasoning.
Cons - Really? Jason Michaels hasn't played CF since 2010 and has posted an average or below average UZR at the position every year of his career save for 2005 in Philadelphia.

There are just a couple of the many options that are out there. One thing is for sure, no one is as happy about this as Roger Bernadina.

What are your thoughts? Are you disappointed that Cameron won't be roaming CF on South Capitol Street? Happy?