The Washington Nationals, despite a shaky start to the 2011 MLB season, have actually shown signs of vast improvement and promise.  For once, fans can expect a better season and can finally look forward to the return of Stephen Strasburg and the arrival of rookie sensation Bryce Harper.

The roster is now filled with seasoned veterans.  In addition to the signing of Jayson Werth to the largest contract in franchise history, the Nats added first baseman Adam LaRoche, infielders Jerry Hairston Jr. and Alex Cora, as well as 43-year-old outfielder Matt Stairs, who is now playing for his 13th different franchise.  With the help of future Hall of Fame catcher Ivan Rodriguez, these widely experienced veterans will be sure to guide the team’s young talent towards greater success for years to come.

The Nats are already showing signs of change, as they are putting forth a significant amount of effort every inning.  For example, they have already successfully scored runs on rare suicide squeeze plays (batter bunts, runner at third steals home) twice this season, which is impressive.

Not only have the new additions to the team improved the morale of the franchise, but the organization has taken an increasingly confident approach to how the team will fare this season.  First, the organization has dubbed the phrase “Expect It” as the slogan for the 2011 season, meaning that the fans should “expect” a new, improved and winning Nationals team.  Fans are also beginning to show more interest in the promising young franchise, as the television ratings for opening day reached a 2.71 rating in the D.C area.  That means about 65,000 households were tuned in to see the new and improved Nats, a 65 percent increase over last season’s opening day ratings.

Even though it may seem too early to tell how the Nats will fare this season, they will beat last season’s 69-93 record with ease.  It’s possible that the Nats will have yet another below .500 season, but they will win more games and the organization is taking the right steps in steering the franchise towards a winning path.