The Washington Nationals get ready to defend their N.L. East tile as the 2013 season begins asnd they get set to face the Miami Marlins. They are a stronger pitching staff and added depth to their lineup. Is there any reason to believe they aren't fit for first in the N.L. East? Check out predictions for the Nationals season is set to start. 

The Nationals have to worry about the Atlanta Braves. They powered up with hitting adding bout B.J. and Justin Upton to their lineup. Freddie Freeman and Jason Heyward continue to come of age and prove they they are not flukes. As the Braves improved their hitting, the Nationals went after pitching this offseason. They still have Stephen Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez, who are solid aces. They added Dan Haren who wasn't offered a deal by the Los Angeles Angels. The Nationals then solidified their bullpen by signing free agent Rafael Soriano, who is a sure bet as a closer. 

They also added Denard Span for speed at the top of the lineup. He should complement Bryce Harper very well at the top of the lineup as they should be setting themselves up to get knocked in by either Ryan Zimmerman or Adam LaRoche, who was re-signed over the offseason. There is no more Michael Morse as he was traded back to Seattle as he was seen as an excess talent that would have to come off the bench to play for the Nationals. 

Now, the Nationals need Harper to replicate his 2012 season and improve. However, the Braves know what it is to have a highly touted youngster and watch him struggle in his second year. So, at least for the beginning of the year, Harper will be a question mark along with Zimmerman who's always injured and Jayson Werth who is aging and not the same player who once played for the Philadelphia Phillies. 

The Nationals are the favorite to win the N.L. East. They have the hitting and the power pitching to get the work done. They will have to keep the Braves at a adistance if they expect to secure the division.