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The Washington Nationals surprised many in 2012 when they moved into first place in the NL East in early May and stayed there the rest of the season.

In 2013, it will be surprising if they don’t spend most of the season atop the NL East.

Coming off a banner year in which they finished with the best record in the major leagues, the Nationals are a virtual lock to improve in 2013, barring catastrophic injuries.

There will be a few key statistical marks in Washington (individually and as a team) that fans and front office members alike will look for this season. All of which will attribute to the Washington Nationals' prolonged success.

The following list gives an in-depth look at a handful of them.