The Nationals' 2007 season was one typified by defeat and disappointment. Looking for their first NL East title since moving to Washington, the team sought to correct its pitching woes by inviting a whopping 36 pitchers to spring training. This was only the first hint of a lack of focus, and personnel problems plagued the team through the season. In the end, the Nats stumbled to yet another losing season, leaving fans to hope for a better 2008.
Out of the gate, things weren't looking good. On opening day, the team lost their starting center fielder as well as their shortstop to the DL for five weeks. The team lost eight of their first ten games before they were able to begin to rally, and by May 1st were looking at a .333 record. They dipped to 9-25 and lost three pitchers to the DL over a space of ten days. People began talking about the 1962 Mets and their 120-loss season.
The Nats were able to salvage things at least enough to keep them out of that particular record, however. By constantly rotating in that excess of pitching talent, they were able to keep afloat, getting back close to .500 before flagging. The injury to slugger Cristian Guzman stalled any hopes for a substantial comeback, however, and the team finished the season at a disappointing (but not catastrophic) 73-89. Amazingly, this still left the team above the Florida Marlins in the NL East.
