Message #989486

[Squab]

4. Washington Nationals, 12-4 (58 RS, 45 RA) (Last week: 7)

Sometime soon, we'll do a deeper dive into the excellent rotation the Nationals have built, and what it means for the playoff chances of a franchise with only one postseason appearance in 43 seasons (zero in seven seasons in D.C.). For now, just consider the following:

• Since returning from TJ last September, Stephen Strasburg has struck out 49, walked 8, and allowed 2 extra-base over 49 innings.

• Of the top 15 pitchers in Major League Baseball ranked by xFIP this year, four start for the Nats.

• You can run this exercise with nearly every team (and we will, soon), but it warrants mentioning that the Nats have already lost two games that arguably turned on terrible umpiring: April 9 against the Mets on a blown call at second base, and the Laz Diaz Game of Death April 15 versus the Reds (hat-tip to @willbhenline).

All of which is to say, the Nationals are pretty damn good, and they've got a chance to win this thing. (Warning: This offer may not be valid if Ryan Zimmerman's shoulder injury proves worse than they're letting on.)