The Nationals entered the break fixated on the pennant race, spurred by a torrid first half. They celebrated magical victories, touted strong pitching performances and embraced their new city.
Visions of a playoff berth in their first season in Washington seemed possible.
It seems so long ago now.
A year later, the Nationals entered the break in a much different state. They at least have an owner, but they also have a record 14-games under .500 compared to being 13 over at this time last season.
It’s not a year that makes a difference, it’s a broken pitching staff and no offense.
But, unlike last year, reaching .500 at this point would constitute a major victory.
“Getting back to .500 is doable,” said an optimistic Royce Clayton. “I hope we keep this team together and some positive things can come out of it. Anything can happen.”
That will be determined over the next three months. For now, it’s time to look back at the first half:
» Most Valuable Player: Alfonso Soriano. His offense ignites the attack and his power numbers are excellent. More importantly, he could fetch several strong prospects in a trade. One way or another, he’ll play a key part in the Nats’ future.
» Most Important Player: Ryan Zimmerman. With Soriano possibly getting traded and others struggling, the Nats need a young face of the franchise. That’s Zimmerman, who could end up as the NL Rookie of the Year. Enjoy him for the next 15 years. Or more.
» Most Disappointing: Pitcher John Patterson. Expected to be the ace, he’s instead reverted to pre-2005 form in which injuries derail him. Is there any reason to believe this will ever change? Jose Guillen and Livan Hernandez deserve special mention here. Come to think of it, so does Brian Schneider’s bat.
» Best Development: The ownership situation. Now the Nats can actually build a franchise.
» Worst Development: The constant injuries to Hernandez and Guillen. If traded, they won’t fetch nearly what they could have if healthy. They’re highly unproductive. Dwindling crowds also deserve mention.
» Best win: The June 18th win over the Yankees on Zimmerman’s walk-off homer.
» Worst loss: Blowing a three-run ninth-inning lead to San Diego Sunday. Nothing like a devastating loss entering a four-day break.
» Second-half prediction: Soriano is traded; the pitchers continue to stumble because of injuries and the second-half is a repeat of last year’s collapse. During this time, the marketing slogan is changed to: Hey, aren’t the Redskins practicing?
