Franchot says the Nationals are World Series-bound

The Board of Public Works met for just 10 minutes Wednesday morning — several minutes of which were devoted to Comptroller Peter Franchot singing the praises of the Washington Nationals.

Franchot, who lives in Takoma Park, said he expects that Nationals to make the World Series this year. The team went 80-81 in 2011, finishing in third place, 21.5 games behind the National League East-leading Philadelphia Phillies.

But the Nationals’ record was their best since moving to the District in 2005, and pitching phenom Stephen Strasburg is expected to start Opening Day for the team after he missed most of last season to injury.

While Franchot has high hopes for the Nats, he offered a more tentative prediction of success for the Baltimore Orioles — and he wasn’t immediately certain Buck Showalter was still the team’s manager. The Orioles finished 69-93 in 2011, their 14th consecutive losing season.

The Nationals’ home opener is April 12, though the team plays its first game of the season April 5 in Chicago. Opening Day for the Orioles is April 6 at Camden Yards.