Ranking the 5 Biggest Issues for the Nationals Heading into the Postseason

With 77 wins and the second-best record in the majors, the Washington Nationals really don't have much to complain about up to this point in the 2012 season.

The pitching has been spectacular, the offense has come on of late and the genius that is Davey Johnson has shown the world the true identity of the Nationals.

The Nationals franchise has not finished a season over .500 since before the team moved back to Washington prior to the 2005 season. Needless to say, they also haven't participated in the postseason.

Should they keep up their current pace, the Nationals will be playing in October. They also have a good chance at making a deep run.

Even with all of their strengths, there are still areas that should be addressed before the postseason begins.

5. Inexperience

While inexperience isn't something that the Nationals can improve upon heading into the postseason, it is something that could hurt the team in the postseason.

Stars Bryce Harper, Stephen Starsburg, Ian Desmond, Ryan Zimmerman, Gio Gonzalez and Jordan Zimmermann have never had a taste of the postseason, so it will be interesting to see how they handle the pressure.

Inexperience doesn't always have a negative effect on postseason teams. The 2002 Anaheim Angels and the 2003 Florida Marlins are two teams that come to mind in terms of playoff inexperience. Obviously, both teams fared pretty well in October.

Jayson Werth and Adam LaRoche each have experience in the playoffs with the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves, respectively, so they'll help to ease the younger players into their first do-or-die situation.

The thought of playing in the postseason could even spark the Nationals to a level of play that they have yet to achieve. However unlikely, it could potentially happen.

The team's inexperience will definitely be talked about as the playoffs draw closer.

4. Jayson Werth's Lack of Power

Jayson Werth has performed well this season, albeit in limited action.

Through 51 games, Werth is hitting .301 with three home runs and 21 RBI. The only problem is that he has yet to hit a home run since coming off of the disabled list on August 2.

The Nationals aren't exactly graced with a large number of power hitters, so getting Werth back to normal by the postseason should be a top priority.

Power can change the complexity of a game quickly in the postseason, and the ability to provide instant offense for your club is something that is largely undervalued in October. With both Harper and LaRoche slumping, Werth will have to be the guy to carry the load for now.

At the very least, Werth will have to increase his run production. Even though he has been hitting atop the Nationals' lineup for the past few weeks, he can still drive in his fair share of runs.

Getting on base is great, but it's no good if you can't plate runners. Werth will have to be relied on to do both.

3. Bryce Harper's Slump

While Bryce Harper isn't the key to the Nationals lineup, he is an important piece that needs to get going come playoff time.

On the season, he is hitting just .250 with 14 home runs and 40 RBI. In the second half, he's hitting a putrid .195 with four home runs and 12 RBI.

Getting Harper going has the potential to be the difference between a first-round exit and a trip to the World Series.

His power can be an important asset to the team in October, so getting him going should be hitting coach Rick Eckstein's very top priority.

Even if his power doesn't return this season, getting Harper back on track with the stick is crucial. He has not performed at the level many expected of him this season, but he can easily but all those negative comments to rest with a strong postseason.

2. Resolving Any Tensions Between Davey Johnson and Upper Management

Davey Johnson and general manager Mike Rizzo recently got into a little tiff regarding the state of the team and while no further comments have been made on the subject, it's something that could potentially be harmful to the team.

Disagreements between the manager and the front office could indirectly effect the team's play on the field. With the potential for sides to be taken, it could really divide a clubhouse.

Before the postseason begins, the Nationals organization needs to be sure that they are on the same page—on all levels.

Just look at how well the team performed prior to the incident. In the days directly following, they have gone just 1-5. While it may not be fair to put all the blame on the disagreement, I'm sure it has something to do with the team's level of play.

1. Stephen Strasburg's Absence

Did you honestly expect anything else at the No. 1 spot of this ranking?

Stephen Strasburg, while he hasn't even been the best pitcher on his team this season, is one of the most important pieces of this pitching staff.

Lining up three dominant starters in Gio Gonzalez, Strasburg and Jordan Zimmermann in the first three games of a playoff series bodes very well for the Nationals. Lining up Gonzalez and Zimmermann with Edwin Jackson as the third pitcher greatly decreases their chances of success.

During the regular season, Strasburg will likely be replaced by John Lannan. If Lannan performs well, he could earn himself a spot in the postseason bullpen.

Needless to say, replacing Strasburg with a relatively unimportant bullpen piece is not exactly conducive to winning.

The Nationals could still advance through the playoffs without their young right-hander, but it's obvious how much their chances would improve if he were along for the ride.