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Nationals: Nats Excel at All Three Facets of the Game in Win Over Mets

By Matt Weyrich

May 18, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon (6) and Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman (11) celebrate after defeating the New York Mets at Citi Field. The Nationals defeated the Mets 7-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 18, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon (6) and Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman (11) celebrate after defeating the New York Mets at Citi Field. The Nationals defeated the Mets 7-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 6, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop Danny Espinosa (8) throws to first base after Chicago Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler (24) was forced out at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop Danny Espinosa (8) throws to first base after Chicago Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler (24) was forced out at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /

Nats Have Put on a Show Defensively

Between the success of the pitching staff and underwhelming effort by the offense, appreciation of the Nationals’ stellar defense often gets lost in the mix. The team is tied for the fewest in the majors with only 15 errors so far this season. Their .990 fielding percentage is the best baseball has to offer, a big step forward from their 13th ranked .985 fielding percentage a year ago.

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The team leader in errors is Daniel Murphy, with four. To put that in perspective, Ian Desmond had eight in his first 12 games last season. Danny Espinosa settled down after a few early miscues and has proved his worth with stellar defensive efforts with the glove. Overall, the duo up the middle of Espinosa and Murphy has been able turn the double play effectively while providing sound defense that allows pitchers to get comfortable on the mound.

Redon has settled in to his natural position of third base after two years of bouncing around the infield. Ryan Zimmerman is now two years into his switch to first base from the hot corner, and he’s been perfect so far in 2016. It would be a surprise to no one if he were in consideration for a Gold Glove by the end of the year.

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Wilson Ramos is still throwing out runners above league average, and has apparently figured out how to catch the ball on relays from the outfield, an aspect of his game that the Buffalo has struggled with over the years. He has plenty of incentive to have a good showing this year, as he will enter free agency as top-ranked catcher thanks to Francisco Cervelli’s three-year extension with Pittsburgh.

Surprisingly, the Nats’ outfield has only put together four outfield assists, but a major lurking factor is baserunners’ fear of Harper and Taylor’s arms. Word has traveled about their abilities to gun down baserunners trying to get the extra base, causing most players to opt not to test them.

Next Up: The Nats wrap up their three-game set in New York with an exciting pitching matchup that has been anticipated for weeks. The unbeaten Stephen Strasburg (6-0, 2.95) will face a struggling Matt Harvey (3-5, 4.93) to see which team will take the first series between the two division rivals. First pitch is slated for 7:10 p.m. ET on MLB Network and MASN.

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