MLB: The Washington Nationals' Rotation Throws the Hardest in MLB History

Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos has called for over 400 fastballs already this season, and for good reason—the team's staff throws exceptionally hard.

Actually, they are the hardest-throwing rotation in recorded history.

Through Wednesday's game, the Nationals rotation averages 93.6 mph on their fastballs (via FanGraphs.com), the fastest average velocity ever since we began tracking speed back in 2002.

Maybe this is why the Nationals sent down John Lannan (joking) in favor of Ross Detwiler, as manager Davey Johnson's rotation is now comprised entirely of flamethrowers—Lannan averaged just 89.8 mph on his fastball in 2011.

Stephen Strasburg throws the hardest of them all. He averages 95.3 mph on his fastballs, well above the league-average fastball of 90.9 mph (only starting pitchers).

Not even Detwiler, they're softest-tossing starter (91.4), throws slower than the league average.

Edwin Jackson (93.7), Jordan Zimmerman (93.3) and Gio Gonzalez (93.1) make up the rest of the rotation.

Of course, a rotation of hard-throwers doesn't always get it done. Early in this season, though, the Nationals are enjoying the successes of their starting rotation.

After Wednesday's 3-2 win against Houston, the staff's ERA dropped to 1.65—the best in the majors.

The 2010 Rays were the previous standard for hard-throwing starting pitchers. Their rotation averaged 92.8 mph on fastballs.

Ironically, seven American League teams separate the Nationals from the second hardest-throwing National League rotation. 

The San Diego Padres average a mediocre 91.5 mph—well, mediocre compared to the firepower of the Nationals.

The ability to make batters swing and miss this season has been a huge part of their early success, as the limited amount of baserunners has helped them to limit runs scored.

It's likely that they'll be able to keep the velocity up as the weather is continuing to get warmer, but it remains to be seen whether or not they'll be able to continue limiting the damage.