World Series or Bust. Does DC have it in them?

      The talk in the MLB world about the Washington Nationals has been simple.  World Series or Bust.  For the first time in Washington Nationals history, they are considered a playoff team during spring training forget the world series.  They have a roster boasting 4 2012 all-stars, 1 2012 gold glove winner, 3 2012 silver sluggers, the NL Rookie of the Year, and the NL Manager of the year.  That list includes Gio Gonzalez, Stephen Strasburg twice, Ian Desmond twice, Bryce Harper twice, Adam LaRoche twice, and Davey Johnson.  A star-studded lineup s obviously in place for 2013 so this season the Nationals will most definitely win the World Series.  Right?
      
        The Nationals are ready for anything. They have a star-studded rotation and starting lineup adding Dan Haren to the starting rotation, a 12 game winner, and adding Denard Span to their lineup a .342 OBP compared to Michael Morse's .321 OBP whom they have lost from last year's lineup.  The Nats also added Rafael Soriano a 42 save closer to add to their bullpen.  So what can possibly go wrong?  They have experience after last year's heartbreaking first round exit to the St. Louis Cardinals, they have the stats, they have the chemistry, and they have the talent.  But is the city right?  This is an interesting way to look at this situation but you have to stop and think.  Every year when it is DC's year entering the playoffs, when was the last time it was DC's year exiting the playoffs?

          An interesting take on the Nationals can only be described as true.  The last time a DC hockey, basketball, football, or baseball, team won a championship was in 1992 when the Redskins took home the Lombardi Trophy.  Since then, DC sports haven't been too good but we have had our chances.  The Washington Capitals have been at the top of hockey (not including this year) in the past 5 years.  They have never even made it past the 1st round.  The Washington Redskins have never exactly been at the top of the league, but they have made the playoffs 5 times since the '92 season and they haven't gotten past the Divisional Round.  The Washington Wizards have made the playoffs 5 times since '92 and haven't made it past the conference semifinals.  In fact they are 6-15 in the first rounds since '92 and 0-4 in 2nd round games.  The Washington Nationals made it to the playoffs for the first time since moving baseball back to DC in 2005 and had a 1st round exit.  See what I mean?

          On paper, all signs point to World Series or bust for the Washington Nationals.  Looking at history however, is it fair to put so much pressure on a DC sports team?  I would love if this worked out in the Nationals' favor and in November we are celebrating a World Series for the Nats, but is it realistic?  I am not at all worried if the Nationals are ready to be World Champions.  I am questioning if DC is ready.