The question hovered over their team, creeping oh-so-close after a disastrous start. The Nats ignored the query shadowing them— will they be one of the worst teams ever? — and have now pawned it off on others. The debate, for now, has left town.
That’s what a 12-5 stretch can do. They’re now 2 1/2 games out of last place and three teams have a worse record.
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It’s a start.
Of course, it’s only May 29, the Nats (21-30) have a brittle pitching staff and an overworked bullpen. So it’s uncertain if this success can last.
On the other hand, players such as Ryan Zimmerman and Austin Kearns haven’t hit as they have in the past. And Nick Johnson should be ready to rejoin the team sometime next month.
Here are some reasons for the improved play:
» Dmitri Young. Johnson’s defense might be missed, but it’s hard to imagine him hitting better than Young. In the last 11 games, Young has 17 hits in 31 at-bats, raising his average from .234 to .298. During this stretch, he’s driven in nine runs, scored seven and has seven multi-hit games. If nothing else, he’s given the Nats valuable trade bait in July.
» Felipe Lopez. The Nats’ leadoff hitter had slumped to a .233 average as of May 13, with only nine hits in his previous 54 at-bats. But he’s batting .327 in his last 12 games (16-for-49). He scored five runs in the seven-game road trip.
» Bullpen depth. For a stretch, Jon Rauch was “The Man” in Washington’s bullpen, filling in as closer for Chad Cordero. Now, back as the setup man, Rauch is slumping. But that hasn’t hurt the Nats thanks to Jesus Colome. The 30-year-old right-hander went nine appearances, covering 10 2/3 innings, without allowing a run.
In April, Colome walked 14 batters, and allowed 14 hits, in 18 1/3 innings; in May, he’s walked three batters, and allowed 12 hits, in 14 1/3 innings.
» Surprising starters. Supposed top-line starters John Patterson, Shawn Hill and Jason Bergmann have combined for two starts during this hot stretch — and none since May 14. Yet the Nats’ starters have flourished. Matt Chico has a 3.81 ERA in his last five outings, four of which Washington has won. Mike Bascik has a 1.98 ERA in his two starts. Micah Bowie has a 4.34 ERA in his two starts, both Nats victories. And Jason Simontacchi has a 3.19 ERA in his last 11 1/3 innings. The point is this: they’re keeping Washington in the game.
Notes
» Washington opens a nine-game homestand tonight, with games against Los Angeles, San Diego and Pittsburgh.
» In the Nats’ first 34 games, they allowed four runs or less 16 times. They went 7-9 in those games. However, in the past 17 games, Washington has allowed four runs or less 12 times and posted an 11-1 record.