VIERA, Fla. -- When they acquired outfielder Josh Willingham from the Marlins on Nov. 11, 2008, the Nationals were happy to get a guy who could no longer do damage against them.

During his five years in the big leagues, Willingham hit .328 with 13 home runs and 33 RBIs against Washington. The big question is, will he be an offensive force with the Nats?

Washington has a crowded outfield and Willingham -- who arrived in a trade that sent second baseman Emilio Bonifacio, right-hander P.J. Dean and infielder Jake Smolinski to Florida -- may be the odd man out. If the regular season started today, Adam Dunn would be in left field, Lastings Milledge in center and Elijah Dukes in right. Let's not forget that Willie Harris and Austin Kearns are also fighting for playing time in the outfield.

"If you look at our outfield, you have me, Dunn, Milledge, Dukes and Kearns. Those are five guys who haven't sat on the bench during their careers," Willingham said. "Somebody is going to be sitting on the bench. It's going to happen unless [the Nationals] make a move. I never sat on the bench ever [for a full season]."

Willingham can play first base and behind the plate, but those positions belong to Nick Johnson and Jesus Flores, respectively. The only way Willingham would get to play every day for the Nationals is if Dukes or Johnson are traded. Willingham, himself, could be dealt before Opening Day.

Willingham acknowledged that he has talked to manager Manny Acta about his situation, but declined to reveal what was said between the two.

"It's going to work itself out," Willingham said. "I don't think they brought me over here to be the 25th man, but, then again, who knows what is going to happen? So if I told you that I worry about that, I really would be lying. Whatever is going to happen is going to happen. If Manny feels that I'm his left fielder, I'll be in left field. If I'm not, then I won't be."

Acta and assistant general manager Mike Rizzo have nothing but positive things to say about Willingham, and it appears that they want him to be part of the team. Acta feels there are enough at-bats for the former Marlins left fielder.

"He is as good as advertised as a person," Acta said. "As a player, he takes his job so seriously. He doesn't need to show what he can do. I've seen him 18 times [a year] for the last four or five years. He is a high-character guy. People were not lying when they were telling me that."

Rizzo said he sees Willingham as an everyday outfielder with power. But Rizzo didn't rule out making a trade. He did not mention Willingham as being trade bait.

"He grinds out at-bats and is great in the clubhouse," Rizzo said. "My view of Josh Willingham hasn't changed one bit."

Willingham has experience being the out man out, but he always found a way to get into the starting lineup. When he was in Florida's Minor League system, he was blocked by Miguel Cabrera at third base and Adrian Gonzalez at first base. That's when the Marlins decided to make Willingham a catcher by the 2003 season. But by the time he reached the Major Leagues in 2006, Miguel Olivo was the everyday catcher. It forced Willingham to go back to the outfield, where he has been ever since.

"You learn about perseverance, taking one step at a time," Willingham said. "I was one of those guys that played about every level in the Minor League. I proved myself in every level. You learn how to deal with tough situations day by day -- just trying to go along and get your work in and be the best player that you can be. That was always my goal, whether I got to Double-A or played 20 years in the big leagues."