Yes, on this date one year ago, the Nats squeaked out a 3-2 home victory over the Phils, then had to wait around to see if the Braves could outlast the Marlins in extra innings. Finally, Layne Adams socked a walk off home run, and the fans who had stuck around at Nats Park went wild. The club would go on to record 97 wins and build a final margin of 20.0 games over second place Miami.

Those were the good old days. The days of Dusty. The days before Dave Martinez.

This year's team has had no spirit or steam at any point in March or thereafter. While barley treading water, ee have now been beaten out by two second-class teams. The rule of fish-or-cut-bait would demand that Dave Martinez be fired, but it won't happen. Instead, Bryce will leave this year and be replaced by Victor Robles. Rendon will leave next year and be replaced by Adrian Sanchez. Difo will try to play 2B full-time while Carter Kieboom trains for the position in the minors. We still need a front-line catcher or two, and three more starting pitchers. The outlook here is not good. Not good at all.

Should have kept Dusty. Should have found a way to keep Jayson around. At least they put him in the Ring of Honor the other day. Could be a while now before we can challenge in the NL East again.

Baseball was fun in this town for a lot of years. Always got screwed somehow in the playoffs, but it was still good times. Not sure when those might roll again.