Since the Nats moved from Montreal you could say that they have been mediocre at best (81-81 being best record until this year). Then in back to back drafts they were lucky enough to land Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper, both being huge parts of their success this season. They traded for Gio Gonzalez in the off season, signed free agent Edwin Jackson and there was a buzz about this team. Not many thought they would be this good but playoffs was not out of the question. At times the Nats hitting has struggled, however when nobody in your starting rotation has an ERA above 4, you don't need to score a lot. Other than maybe the Reds no other team has played better and more consistent than the Nationals. The Nats caught fire early starting 14-4 and have never really looked back. It's unfortunate that for the majority of this season the "Strasburg Shutdown" has been the main topic of conversation when it comes to the Nats. I look at it this way, Strasburg pitches once every five days and even though he is a great pitcher, baseball is not a one man game and Strasburg is not the only reason the Nats are in first place. That being said if the Nats fall short in the post season the shutdown will be questioned for a long time. |
| One of my favorite Orioles Moments |
Now for the Orioles, just like everybody else I really don't know how they are playing as well as they are. In a game where stats are more important than any other sport, the stats tell you the Orioles should really be in last place. They have a negative run differential, which I hate talking about but its true, 16th in runs, 21st in batting average, and 18th in team ERA, and they are 19 over .500.....huh?? Now I know those numbers aren't great but the O's do have some impressive stats. They are 27-7 in one run games which is the best in MLB history, and they have won 13 straight extra inning games. Not to mention a bullpen that ranks top 3 in ERA in the American League. The best way to describe the Orioles in 2012 is the song Orioles Magic. "Every day there's a different star, that's the magic of Orioles baseball". Its true, just look at the recent 3 game series against Tampa. Game 1, JJ Hardy had 4 hits and 5 RBIs, Game 2 Nate McClouth game winning hit in the 9th, Game 3 Manny Machado game winning hit in the 14th. This truly is a team that believes it can win every single game and through 5 1/2 months who's to argue with them.
The best thing about these teams playing well is the fans coming back to the ballparks. Both for numerous reasons have struggled drawing fans over the past few seasons, with neither cracking the 2 million fan mark. The last time the Nats had over 2 million was 2008 (first year of Nats Park), for the O's 2007 was their last time over 2 million. In fact the O's and Nats have only drawn over 2 million in the same season twice, 2005 and 2006, well 2012 might be that year as well. As of now (Sept 14) the Nats have already hit the 2 million mark with 2,078,208. The Orioles have some work to do, right now its at 1,893,421 with 7 home games left. Is it doable, i think so as long as they average 15,200 fans a game they will hit 2 million, and with Boston coming to Baltimore and Brooks Robinson statue being handed out, it should happen. Bottom line its nice to see excitement for baseball in Maryland.
In a region that is mostly dominated by football with the Ravens and Redskins, baseball is making a strong push, of course this hinges on the O's and Nats playing well consistently and not being one year wonders. You know what would really help, a battle of the beltways World Series. What?? it could happen, and just remember when it does you heard it here first.
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