The Nationals have left their fans in quite a quandary this year. What criteria do you use to judge this team? One perspective says that this team has already exceeded expectations and found some quality pitchers in their system, so the season is a success. And yet, this team is currently the fourth worst team in baseball and has lost 10 of their last 14 games, and are in the midst of a 4-game losing streak. The fact that 21 of their final 30 games are against teams in the midst of serious playoff races can only make matters worse.

In many ways, the character of this team and first year manager Manny Acta will be determined in these last 30 games. If they manage to win at least 13 and tie last season’s record, many will consider this season this season a resounding success and Acta will probably earn some manager of the year votes. If they fall apart, fans will be left wondering how well “the plan” is working, and how close we really are to a fielding a competitive, or even respectable, team.

Cordero’s Future In Question?
After blowing a 4 run lead in the ninth on August 24th against Colorado, many fans are left wondering about Chad Cordero’s strength as a closer. He currently leads the majors with 8 blown saves, and his ERA has ballooned up to 3.39. Chris at Capitol Punishment has a good rundown of the numbers, and finds that The Chief is a perfectly average closer. Given Billy Beane’s insight into closers and the trade rumors that have surrounded The Chief for the last few years, one has to wonder about Chad’s future with the Nationals.