Hey, Denis,

First, at the risk of making predictions, I think the odds of the Nationals winning the World Series are very low. Every division leader in the AL is significantly better than Washington. (I'll give the Nats credit, they're playing quite well).

If you want to see a team with financial trouble, look at the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. They are a mess right now. The Reds are always having trouble. A few years ago, the Arizona Diamonbacks were rumored to be having payroll issues.

And while we're talking about Florida teams, there's a chance that the Marlins will move. They desperately need a dome stadium, yet the financing just isn't there. While it would mess up the divisions, don't be shocked if you hear the words "Las Vegas Marlins" in the next five years.

Steroid use has been rampant in other countries as well. It's not just a North American issue.

The Nats success can be attributed to:
- Decent ballplayers and a strong reliever
- New city, new park (for them), change of scenery....think about it, many of us "overachieve" when we start a new project, new employer, etc.
- Every team in the NL East has either underachived (Mets, Fish, Philies) or has suffered a ton of injuries (Braves). I think the Braves will win the division, but I do believe the

Nats won't sell for as high an amount as you might think.

But...I do sympathize.

Kevin