SUCCESS AT LAST
Washington and the Nationals are like two old lovers who lost track of each other until after the kids left.
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To say the Nats are anything but a success is silly. Three trips to the playoffs came on solid drafts, shrewd trades and the reality of needing to build a winner.
Sure, you can quibble about October’s, but the Nats have made the postseason the same number of times in five years they did in 71 before. Even if the Expos could play in the 1994 postseason, the Nats are more successful than those Montreal teams.
Nationals Park is unique, with great views and seats, something the old teams of the past never had. The talent is a mix of homegrown and free agents. The Lerner’s are not afraid to spend money.
Given the unheard of third chance to prove themselves a baseball market, Washington has done its part. Over two million file into the stadium annually. Television ratings—on the low end—are rising every year.
As the Nats finish their first generation in their new home, finally they are now Washington’s own. No longer the scorned team of 20 years ago, a new group of fans embrace the team and the sport.
Next: Reading Bryce Harper's Mind
When fans get upset about failure, you are doing something right. No question Washington and the Nats are.