2006 Washington Nationals
The 2006 Washington Nationals are the worst of the best. Even that may be giving them too much credit. The second-year Nats finished 71-91, earning them a spot in our tournament, but as the number eight seed.
Despite their poor record, this team is not devoid of star power. Alfonso Soriano only played one year for the Nationals, but he made it a career-best year.
With a Curly W on his cap, he made the All-Star team, won a Silver Slugger award for outfielders, and finished 6th in the N.L. MVP voting.
He hit 46 home runs, 4th most in MLB, and stole 41 bases, ranking 10th in MLB, to become the fourth player in MLB history to join the 40/40 club.
After Soriano got the Nats out to a lead, Chad Cordero locked games down. Coming off of a historic 2005 season, Cordero still posted solid numbers.
Cordero posted a 3.19 ERA in 73.1 IP with 69 strikeouts, and 29 saves.
To win the tournament, the 2006 Nats will need to pull off historic upset after historic upset. Soriano will get his hits, but he will need others to drive in runs. Cordero may need to open games to keep the opposing offenses at bay.