Nationals Opinions: Best Shortstops in Nats History
By Nick Engle
Sep 26, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop
Ian Desmond(20) throws to first base for the force out of Miami Marlins left fielder
Enrique Hernandez(12) during the second inning in game one of a baseball doubleheader at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The Washington Nationals start their 2015 campaign as the favorites to win the World Series. They sport the best rotation in the league, a deep and powerful lineup and a solid bullpen. This season could prove to be a memorable one in Nats’ history. This season, the Nationals also celebrate their 10th anniversary.
This club has come a long way from its fledgling roots through the Montreal Expos and its last place finish in 2005. A handful of number one draft picks, in the form of Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg, panned out in a big way. The Nationals built their farm system the right way and Mike Rizzo made Rizzo moves and now has his team in a position to win and win now.
Part of that success depends on steady play from a core group of position players. The Nationals have had their share of success developing their own from Rendon, to Stras, to Harper, but the shortstop position may be the greatest in-house accomplishment to date.
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Ian Desmond has been a rock at the position since 2010 and may be the best in the game, while his predecessor in the form of Cristian Guzman was an All-Star in his own right.
As the team at District on Deck looks back on the history of the Washington Nationals, I will attempt to rank the top shortstops from these past ten years. Please help us out in our rankings and if you think I got it wrong, please let’s get the conversation started by leaving a comment or hitting us up on social media!
Next: Honorable Mention