73-89. Anyone who would have predicted that record at the start of the season would have been seen as either an optimist, an idiot, or both. After starting the season 9-25, the prognosticators who saw 100 losses seemed generous, but somehow the Nationals managed to play .500 ball (64-64) for the rest of the season, finish out of last place in the NL East for the first time since 2003, and win 2 more games than last year. Yet the Nationals were last in the Major Leagues in runs scored this year, and did lose 16 more games than they won. So congratulations on lowering expectations enough that we can celebrate 73 wins, but this team still doesn’t look like a threat to contend for the post-season next season.

Where Are My Cheesesteaks?
The Nationals played their last 13 games against the Mets and Phillies, the two teams vying for the NL East. They went 5-1 against the Mets, and 2-5 against the Phillies all but ensuring the Phillies comeback and division crown. So Phillyist, where are our cheesesteaks? We practically gave you the division. I think you owe us something. How about this? If the Eagles continue their current level of play, we will call it even.

Photo by jjsoderberg