The Nationals Mystery

This team simply boggles the mind. The Nats are in the top four in the National League in all offensive categories: home runs, batting average, on base percentage and runs per game (at an outstanding 6.5 runs a game), yet they can't seem to win on a regular basis.

The starting rotation has problems, Daniel Cabrera (why he hasn't been sent to the minors is beyond me) and John Lannan have struggled in particular. However, rookies Shairon Martis and Jordan Zimmerman, as well as Scot Olsen have been putting up quality starts and keeping the Nats in the game in to the sixth and seventh innings.

Then there is the bullpen. It's a disaster. Take today's game. It's the seventh inning, there are no outs, runners on first and third, and the Nats have been through four pitchers already because not a one of the relievers can throw a Goddamned strike. When they do throw a strike, it's a pitch right over the plate that quickly ends up in the outfield.

**Case in point: The Nats just finished a painful 7th inning in which they used five, count 'em FIVE, relief pitchers and gave up three runs to take a 6-4 lead**

The Nats have two first round picks in the up coming draft (thanks to last season's 102 losses). They're bound to take Stephen Strasbourg, a young kid who's been pitching lights out ball in the minors. Hopefully, they'll be able to find someone, ANYONE, to help this staff. There is also the possibility of getting some trades done as the Nats have an abundance of quality outfielders.

Anyway, at least with the way the Nats are hitting, they're never out of a game and the Phillies' bullpen has about as many problems as the Nats. Here's hoping.