The Washington Nationals are half way done with one of their goals for 2012; winning the National League East Division.
As of right now, they are four games up on the second place Atlanta Braves and 4.5 ahead of the third place New York Mets.
Nationals insider Mark Zuckerman believes the team does not have to trade any of their talent since their needs will be filled by players currently on their DL.
Though currently, their pitching is their biggest strength, they do need help closing, an area which Drew Storen can help out in.
So far in 2012, Storen has yet to throw a pitch. During spring training he experienced elbow issues, but found out the problem could be fixed through rehab and not surgery.
He has made three appearances in the minors for the Nationals and is expected to set up Tyler Clippard in his first appearances.
The other missing part that could help Washington win is their expensive outfielder Jayson Werth.
The Nationals are expected to get him back at the end of July. Werth injured his wrist in early May and has not stepped onto the field since.
The Nationals' pitching has taken them this far into the season, but as the season winds down and innings pile up, chances are that they might not be as consistent down the streatch.
Talks about sitting Stephen Strasburg after reaching 160 innings have been circulating since mid-May.
With Werth in the lineup, he can provide a spark despite struggling last year.
As the deadline approaches we will ahve to see if the Nationals indeed will stay quiet as other teams like the Braves and Mets look to improve.
