Window closing for nationals?

MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers at Washington Nationals

Opening day for Major League Baseball is this weekend and in the DC area we're asking the same question we ask every time around this year. Is this the year? Is this the year the Nationals actually make it to the World Series? Or even win it? Zachary D. Rymer of bleacher report thinks so, he picked the Nationals to win the World Series this year. The Nationals have been picked as one of Major League Baseball's best teams year after year however and have failed to even make a World Series, let alone win one. It's put up or shut up time when it comes to baseball in the nation's capital.

MLB: Spring Training-Boston Red Sox at Washington Nationals

Coming out of spring training the Washington Nationals most recognizable face and name, Bryce Harper, is red hot. I'm talking Ghost Rider flaming skull hot. Batting over .300 with 8HR's and 14RBI's in 53AB's.(as of the time this was published). Harper looked ready for opening day weeks ago.

MLB: Spring Training-Washington Nationals at St. Louis Cardinals

Cy Young award winning pitcher Max Scherz on the other hand has battled a finger injury, that will prevent him from being the opening day starter for the third straight year. Fear not, Stephen Strasburg will throw the first pitch of the 2017 season. Strasburg will be leading of one of, if not, the best rotations in all of baseball. Taner Roak, Gio Gonzalez and young Joe Ross are all more than serviceable starters.

MLB: Spring Training-St. Louis Cardinals at Washington Nationals

Last off-season's star pick up Daniel Murphy, who played in the WBC this spring causing him to miss some at-bats is back with the team. Don't let the lack of playing time worry you, here's a quote by Murphy from the Washington post; “I went like two or three spring trainings with the Mets where I had like 15 [at-bats]” Murphy told Chelsea Janes who covers the Nationals for the Washington post. Much like big game Bryce, Ryan Zimmerman has had a hot spring training. Posting a .308 batting average with 2HR's and 5RBI's in 52AB's this spring and looks health. Jason Werth and rising star Trea Turner will also big a part of things if Washington is to make it to the promise land.

This off-season's big pick up was catcher Matt Wieters. Wieters comes right down 495, from Baltimore to join the Nationals. He doesn't have to make as big of a splash as Daniel Murphy did last year. If he can be solid on defense and consistent on offense he'll be worth every penny of his 2year contact. Also can't forget about Adam Eaton, the new center fielder. His impact at lead off must be felt right away. The Nationals need consistent base runners for Rendon and Harper to bring home.

MLB: Spring Training-Minnesota Twins at Washington Nationals

With a top-notch pitching staff and an improved line-up the Washington Nationals are certainly in a win now mode. Chatter of superstar Bryce Harper being done in DC when his contact is up is growing louder and louder. Both Jayson Werth and Ryan Zimmerman are growing older and older. The time is now for the Nationals to bring a championship to DC. Being picked as the best team in baseball is no longer good enough. It's time to become champions.