Washington Nationals: 3 things fans should be thankful for
By Drew Douglas
Two straight division titles
In baseball, arguably the most parity-filled sport, divisional turnover is not uncommon. Being the best team in your division over 162 games every year is extremely difficult, and few teams can consistently win their division.
However, the Nats have now been crowned champions of the National League East two seasons in a row. After the trainwreck that was the 2015 season, the Nats have won 192 games over the last two seasons, good for a .593 winning percentage.
Despite the fact that the Nats were unable to advance past the National League Division Series either year, both seasons should be considered successes.
Max Scherzer won the Cy Young Award in both seasons, Daniel Murphy won the Silver Slugger Award in both seasons, Anthony Rendon won Comeback Player of the Year in 2016, and Ryan Zimmerman won Comeback Player of the Year in 2017, among other Nationals award-winners.
Part of this can be attributed to the weak division. The Mets have battled injuries, the Braves and Phillies are rebuilding, and the Marlins are one of the most mismanaged teams in the league.
However, winning 192 games and two division titles in two seasons is something to be proud of. Now, the Nats enter 2018 as the favorites to win the NL East, which would be their third consecutive division title.
The Nats have never advanced past the NLDS, which is extremely frustrating, but they have won two straight division titles. In today’s game, this is not something to be taken for granted, and Nats fans should be thankful for those division title plaques on the facing of the upper deck at Nationals Park.