Washington Nationals...This year's Detroit Tigers?

Mediocrity. That's what we have been getting from the Washington Nationals this season. Unbridled, plain-as-day mediocrity. The kind that can kill your Natitude. So there's no chance for a rebound right? Are the Nationals destined for mediocrity and second place? Is there any hope?

Well, if memory serves me well, at this point last season the Detroit Tigers were pretty mediocre as well. We all know that they went on to the American League Pennant. Can the Nationals make a similar comeback?

As of now, exactly halfway through the regular season, the Nationals stand at 41-40, or one game over .500. After a win June 30 last year, the Tigers stood at 38-40. When they had completed 81 games, they stood at 39-42. So at this point, the Nationals have the better record. That's good.

However, when the Tigers were 39-40, the Chicago White Sox were only 3 games ahead of them for first place in the AL Central. This one advantage the Tigers had that the Nationals will not have: An easy division to play in. Right now, the Atlanta Braves are 6.5 games ahead of the Nationals, and are showing no signs of slowing up.

So, can the Nationals repeat the Tigers come-from-behind success story? The pieces are there. While the Nationals may not have Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder, they have Bryce Harper, and although it may not seem it, all of the rest of the line-up are viable threats to put up productive numbers.

While the Tigers have the best pitcher in the game in Justin Verlander, and back him up with Anibal Sanchez and Max Scherzer, the Nationals have three legitimate aces, who are capable of matching the performances of the Tigers top 3. The Nationals also have Ross Detwiler, who, when healthy, is a legitimate #2 being used in as a fourth starter.

So the final verdict is, while it will not be easy, there is still a chance that the Nationals take the division title most predicted them to run away with. A Wild-Card is a better possibility, with the Nationals being 4.5 games out of the second WC. For all the Nationals fans out there's sake, I hope it goes well.

~TBC