First baseman Ryan Zimmerman stood in the back corner of the Nationals clubhouse, an honored place he has occupied for the past decade.
Another season was coming to a disappointing conclusion, but this one felt much different. After two straight division titles, the Nationals began this season as a World Series favorite under a rookie manager with a world-champion pedigree.
But the Nationals were eliminated from postseason contention Saturday, and not even a .500 season is guaranteed with a roster that includes a potential rookie of the year and Cy Young Award candidate.