Are the Washington Nationals out of juice?
The Nats' magic number to clinch their third National League East title in five years is two, meaning it could happen against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sept. 23. But unlike the 2012 and 2014 postseason trips that began with excitement and ended quickly, there doesn't seem to be any mounting optimism that this is Washington's year to win a World Series.
Are Nats fans jaded?
Washington has led a weak division virtually the entire season, with right-hander Max Scherzer vying for the Cy Young Award and infielder Daniel Murphy a Most Valuable Player candidate. Utility man Trea Turner is having a phenomenal rookie year, while that cursed closer position has been temporarily resolved once more, this time by trading for right-hander Mark Melancon.
