If you haven't noticed: This team is for real!!

If you haven't noticed, maybe you're hiding under a rock.

Heading into the final 1/3 of the 2012 regular season, the Washington Nationals have the second best record in Major League baseball and currently are leading the NL East by four games over second place Atlanta creating a stir in the nation's capital.

A city that has always regarded the Redskins as their first love is finding a mistress in the Nationals.  After spending 33 years without a Major League team, the city found baseball once again when the Expos moved to town in 2005.

The excitement of acquiring a team slowly was silenced as the team struggled during its early existence which was to be expected since Montreal struggled more often than not.  Despite on the field struggles early, it appears that the development and plan of building from the ground up initiated by Stan Kasten is now showing dividends.

While acquiring standouts Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper in the first round of consecutive MLB drafts created a huge buzz, the team has also quietly worked to develop its players in the farm system. Ryan Zimmerman, Jordan Zimmerman, and Drew Storen are just a few names that have went through the Nats system and are making a splash for the team. Being able to develop players in the minors and combining with acquisitions of Adam LaRoche and Gio Gonzalez has helped the team combine young with old, experienced with not so much, all to come together for the "perfect storm" so to speak.



When the season started, the question was if the Nationals could compete this season or if they were still a year away.  Now it seems that we will not be relegated to waiting until next season as DC fans often find themselves having to do.

The winning has helped to garner a following of new fans to go along with the baseball purists and is helping to make Washington more of a baseball town.  Sure, it is unlikely that the team will ever take the lead away from the Skins but they certainly are giving fans in the area something to cheer for.

I, myself, have always been an avid fan of the Oakland A's but I can't help myself from falling in love with the Nats.  They are on a tear and adversity to this point of the season has not effected the teams overall performance.  Just when a tough loss or a mini losing streak appears to have taken the wind out of the sails, the team responds in a positive manner.

Led by Davey Johnson, Washington is instilled with a no nonsense, blue collar attitude and it is fun and exciting to watch as a baseball fan.  While there are still many games left to play, it appears that this team may be headed to an appearance in the postseason, a first since they have moved to Washington.



If that is the case, Washington fans may be overwhelmed come October when they will not only have football but also baseball to follow, something I'm sure most DC sports fans would relish!!