My Team - Nationals versus Pittsburgh

Probable starters -

Monday: Haren vs Morton
Tuesday: Jordan vs Cole
Wednesday: Strasburg vs Liriano
Thursday: Gonzalez vs Burnett

(Starting pitchers subject to change)

All we need is Steve Perry singing about "the boulevard of broken dreams". I haven't given up on the 2013 season for my Washington Nationals, but it's getting late. Stuff like "small sample size" don't matter any more. It's pretty clear the team is scuffling, and there's no quick fix to regain the promise from the off-season.

Getting swept at home by the Dodgers over the weekend didn't mathematically shut the door on the season, but Nats' fans have to make an effort to see positives. Starting pitching is still pretty good. Desmond and Rendon are highlights offensively and defensively.

Starting Monday night, here comes Pittsburgh. The Pirates are two games behind St. Louis in the NL Central. In July, the Buccos are 6-9 so far. Sunday, they broke a three-game losing streak with a one-run win at Cincinnati.

Most fans know about McCutchen in CF. He's their best all-around player, and a joy to watch. Guys like Garrett Jones (1B/OF), Pedro Alvarez (3B) and Starling Marte (LF) are dangerous hitters as well. Keep McCutchen off the bases and Alvarez in the park, and maybe the Nationals can win this series.

For pitching, Morton is an ex-Brave who's battled injuries lately. He's a big dude, and works hard to keep the ball down. Cole is their phenom, another big, hard-throwing guy who has pitched well despite having los this last three decisions. Liriano is the former Twin, once considered the next Johan Santana (when Santana was healthy and dominant). Liriano doesn't have the hard stuff as earlier in his career, but his slider can be difficult when it's right. Burnett is the cagey veteran who can still get the ball to the plate in the low-mid-90s. He's pitched better this year than his 4-7 W-L record would indicate.

Defensively, Pittsburgh is middle-of-the-pack in the NL. Alvarez leads the team with 16 errors, mostly on errant/rushed throws. McCutchen has a good arm and great range in CF. Jordy Mercer (filling in at 2B for Pittsburgh native Neil Walker) is steady going to his left and on the double play pivot. Jones isn't a great RF, but catches what he can get to. Marte in LF is a budding star, and has a good arm.

Realistically, the way Washington is hitting, losing three of four in this home series is possible. As a die-hard fan, I look at every series from here on out as the point where the turnaround starts. Washington's winning three of four now would suddenly make the season look a bit brighter. When does the breakout begin?