Are the 2012 Washington Nationals REALLY this good?

As the defending-champion Saint Louis Cardinals get set to open up a four game series against the Washington Nationals, the question everybody is really wanting to know is; are the National League East leaders' really this good?

Two words in my mind sum up the exact answer to that question; heck yes!

Despite the team being one of the youngest in the entire league, and not having much-to-any postseason experience under there belts, the Nationals are indeed a nitty unit that have just about as much potential as any other team in the majors.

As they enter tonight's series opener, Washington (78-51) currently holds a five game lead over the Atlanta Braves in the East division title race--and not only do they know how to win at home; they are importantly also one of the best teams in all of the Major League's on the road. They are currently twelve games over .500 in front of the home crowd (36-24), they are even better away from home, as they are fifteen games over the .500 mark (42-27).

Team manager Davey Johnson currently has the nattitude in order, as they are just a half game behind the Cincinnati Reds for the best record in all of baseball--which considering the fact that this franchise hasn't seen the postseason since they were the Montreal Expos' back in 1981, they are making everybody take notice--and sending a message that they will be around for a while.

As September is just days away, the Nationals are currently third overall in the league in runs scored/runs allowed differential as they are +96. The only two teams that are currently ahead of them in that category--last seasons' two World Series teams--the Cardinals (+113) and the Texas Rangers (+111).

On offense, they are led by guys such as Adam LaRoche, Ryan Zimmerman, Ian Desmond, and rookie sensation Bryce Harper (40). All three of LaRoche (78), Zimmerman (67) and Desmond (57) all have atleast 57 runs batted in--and also at least sixteen home runs.

Also, despite him missing a lot of time due to an ankle injury, Jayson Werth is also a major factor in this lineup when he is infact healthy. In just 51 games total in 2012, the Chatham, Illinois native is batting .301 at the plate with just three home runs and twenty-one RBIs. The rookie sensation that Harper has been, in 106 games played, he has hit fourteen home runs and an impressive 40 RBIs--including two home runs and three RBIs in last nights 8-to-4 victory over the Miami Marlins.

Aside from the offense, the pitching that this unit has is the main reason they are indeed title contenders in my opinion--without a single doubt in my mind. The pitching staff that the Nationals have has allowed the least amount of runs in the league as they have allowed 463--which is eleven less runs than the second-least of 474 from the Tampa Bay Rays.

In both a five game or seven game series in the post-season, there staff is built very nice--especially with the youth that they have. Stephen Strasburg is the ace and when he is on, there isn't many teams that can get inside his head. Him and Gio Gonzalez have combined for 31 wins on the season--and if healthy, form one of the best duo's in all of baseball.

Gonzalez has won sixteen games, Strasburg has won fifteen, and Jordan Zimmerman--who is possibly one of the best number three's in the majors, has won nine--but holds an ERA of 2.63. Edwin Jackson, who is a former Cardinal, also has been impressive this season--and has helped make this pitching rotation one of the deepest in the league.

In 60 total appearances so far this season, Nationals' closer Tyler Clippard has 28 saves in 32 opportunities and has an impressive total of just eighteen earned-runs allowed in 59 1/3 innings of relief. While he may not be the best, he's still a young kid with a high cieling--and when the kid is on and hitting his spots, not many players can hit him.

Also, an impressive stat that doesn't mean much come September and October--but does say something about the team--they own better than a .500 record over every division in baseball--which includes interleague play. They are 34-23 against there own division, 19-8 against the Central, 15-12 out West--and they finished 10-8 in interleague play.

While many people still have doubts about this team whether it be because of the youth, experience, lack of post-season or offense--the guys in that locker room all believe they can be just as good as anybody--and when it comes down to baseball in October--confidence is a huge part of it. As every baseball fan knows--especially us Cards' fans, just make it to the post-season and then anything and everything is possible. This season's Washington Nationals are legit.