Looking for new motivation: Expectations of being terrible won't help team hoping to rise next year.

Byline: John Markon

Oct. 2--a closer look

Whatever the next step is, the Washington Nationals know they'll be expected to take it next season. Exceeding minimal expectations -- the key to this year's "successful" 73-89 record -- won't be enough.

The preseason over/under on the Nationals' 2007 win count in Las Vegas was 66, but players and management preferred to emphasize more dire forecasts that the team might lose 100, 105 or even 110 games.

"We were pegged as one of the worst teams in baseball history before we played a game," said pitcher Jason Bergmann. "It was something we used during the season for motivation. Next year, we'll have to find another way to get …