First, I must say that I am VERY proud of our Washington Nationals.  Yes, we are 4 games under .500; however, we have played 40 of our games on the Road, and only 28 at home (where we continue to play above .500).  We have also played our games against some very tough opponents, and the best pitchers in MLB.   We have played with major injury issues, and have still maintained a respectable record.  Now, we reach a critical point of the season. 

At the beginning of this present series against the Cardinals, we were scheduled to play 20 of the next 26 games at home, leading up to the All Star Week, against opponents that provide us an opportunity to win some games.  There will likely be 27 games played (21 at home), because that set of games also includes a home series against the Pirates, and we still need to make up a postponed home game against them.  We also are now playing with nearly a  full-deck, since Zimmerman has returned from the DL, and Gorzelanny returns probably this weekend.  It is very much possible that the Nats enter the AllStar break at, or even above .500.  The Nats, however, HAVE to play up to their potential, and continue playing as hard as they have this past week.  These games also include a major interleague portion of our schedule.  Interleague play destroyed the Nats last season; they only won 5 of the 18 games.  Better Interleague play last year would have given the Nationals a slightly better, and more respectable 2010 win total; they have to perform better this year against AL competition. 

All in all.....27 total games likely leading to the All-Star break, and we've already won the first two.  Can they go 15-10 the rest of the way, and be sitting above .500 during All-Star Week?  They are certainly capable!