One Done, Many More To Come!

The Washington Nationals finished their first season in the nation's capital with an 81-81 record. From Brad Wilkerson's leadoff hit against the Phillies back in April to Christian Guzman's strikeout against the Phillies in October, the Nats gave us a reason to follow baseball again. The team had a first half of 51-30, but faltered in the second part of the summer. But this special team gave us a special season. There were disappointments, there were triumphs, but always we were there supporting OUR team.

From the time in first place to Chad Cordero's amazing save streak to the streak, to all the one run wins and then all those one run losses to Mike Stanton's balk to the chase for the Wild Card, it was an exciting season. More importantly, we actually have hope for a winner next season! The pitching was great, particularly three starters, Livan Hernandez (15-10 3.98 ERA), Estaban Loaiza (12-10 3.77), and, of course, John Patterson (9-7 3.13). Ryan Drese and Tony Armas were solid, but were injured at the end of the year. That forced Frank Robinson to throw out on the mound anyone he could find. Eventually, the aged veteran, Hector Carrasco (5-4 2.04) answered the call, ending the season as the team's 4th starter. He had pitched great as the setup man for the Chief, Chad Cordero. Cordero (2-4 1.82) led the majors in saves with 47, though he is only 23 years old. Gary Majewski (4-4 2.93) and Luis Ayala (8-7 2.66) were key guys in the bullpen. The Nats' pitching staff were the catalysts for this year's success.

The Nats' bats were much maligned this season. They finished last in the National League in most offensive categories. Brad Wilkerson [B-Dub] (.248 11 homers 57 RBIs) often had trouble setting the table for the batters that followed him. He put up great numbers in Montreal and will hopefully adjust to RFK's large dimensions next season. He struckout 147 times, one fewer than Preston Wilson (.260 25 90), who was acquired from Colorado in July. That Nats need to put the ball in play much more often to be successful. Christian Guzman (.217 4 31) was another offensive disappointment. He had trouble switching leagues, but his glove was the backstop for a good defensive team. Brian Schneider (.268 10 44) should win a Gold Glove for his work behind the plate. Vinny Catilla (.253 12 66) played well at third, though made a few errors, but his bat was asleep the entire year.

Injuries destroyed the Nats' chances at the postseason. Nick Johnson (.289 15 74) was carrying the team before a heel injury sidelined him. When he came back, he wasn't the same player. Jose Vidro (.275 7 32) used to be one of the game's great hitters, but injuries have hampered his ability.

Jose Guillen (.283 24 76) was the team's heart and soul this season. He plays an awkward whirling right field, but once he gets to the ball, he's got a bazooka for an arm. Towards the end of the season, he couldn't muster the clutch hits that he garnered during the first half. Along with Guillen, Ryan Zimmerman (.397 in 58 at bats) may be a star for years to come. He was drafted in June and rose to the big leagues by September. Ryan Church (.287 9 42) was on his way to a possible Rookie of the Year award before succumbing to injury. The bench played hard too. Jamey Carroll and Marlon Byrd gave the club everything they had.

Washington D.C. has a team. And we have players to root for and players to jeer. It really was a great year. I can't wait for the next one!