This is what we’ve been waiting for! Who would’ve thought as recently as two weeks ago that the hapless Washington Nationals would be the hottest team in baseball? I say that with a blend of relief, pride and sorrow. It’s good to see that talent on the team is actually capable of playing in the majors leagues. That makes me want to proudly wear the Nats gear in the back of my closet. It also makes me sad that they couldn’t put it together and win just a measly two in a row a couple of times to save Manny Acta’s job. (I’m still rooting for Manny; he was a class act and will no doubt get another shot at a top job.)

Now the team is on a real tear, winning eight out of their last ten games as I write this. So, how is that when I see the highlights being replayed on ESPN our stadium looks more than half-empty? The park is incredibly easy to get to and navigate. There isn’t a bad seat in the house. So why no crowds now? Is it too early? Have they not won enough under Jim Riggleman (who seems to know what buttons to push on this pitching staff) to make more of us believers? Here’s hoping the trend they seem to be on becomes more permanent.

Clearly, a team that can’t win won’t put butts in the seats. I can think of two ways a bad team can do it, though. One, if the team is entertaining in another way – like a roster of players with engaging, outsized or plain zany personalities and styles – then maybe fans will come just for the show. If I know some watercooler material is probably going to happen, I’m coming to check it out!