While the Nats' front office was a mess for the last few years, one thing that I think that they did right was to hire Manny Acta as their manager. I tend to believe he's gotten the absolute most out of his roster, and isn't afraid to try new strategies and personnel decisions if the research suggests it would be a wise move.

Anyhow, he said something to the team's official site on Sunday that runs counter to "old school" baseball mentality and rings true to me. Regarding the team's talent crunch in the outfield and first base, he said:

"We have a sense in the last few years that it's not the team with the highest payroll or the most superstars [that win a championship]," Acta said. "We have very good chemistry going on right now. We, at least, have the depth that gives me the opportunity to have a few unhappy but talented guys on the bench, which I will take any time over a few happy guys with no talent."