Washington Nationals: Five 2016 First Half Surprises

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Jun 29, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker (12) congratulates Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) while removing him from the game against the New York Mets in the eighth inning at Nationals Park. The Nationals won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Today, we take a look at five Washington Nationals who were the biggest surprises during the first half

With the All-Star Break beginning today, it is a good time to evaluate how the Washington Nationals did in the first half of the season. While most expected the Nats to be a good team, it is somewhat of a surprise that they are 54-36 and that they are six games ahead of the Mets and Marlins in the NL East.

Yes, there are still 72 games to play in the second half, but it is a good time to look back at some of the players who have surpassed expectations and have made contributions to the Washington Nationals throughout the first half. Later this week, we will look at some of the disappointments.

For the first half, the Washington Nationals offense led the National League in home runs (124), have the lowest starter’s ERA (3.29, the second lowest bullpen ERA (3.11), and they have made the fewest errors (33). So, it is safe to say they have been strong at some of the key aspects of the game.

When you look at my list of surprises, one name you will not see on my list is Stephen Strasburg. Although Strasburg being undefeated and being an NL Cy Young candidate is a surprise in itself, the second half of last season showed us how dominant Strasburg can be when he’s healthy.

Without further ado, here are my five player surprises on the Washington Nationals for the first half of 2016. Plus, we want to hear from you. Share with us in the comment section your biggest surprises of the first half for the 2016 Washington Nationals:

Next: Jayson Werth

Jun 14, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Jayson Werth (28) hits an RBI sacrifice fly against the Chicago Cubs during the third inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Jayson Werth (.252, 10 home runs, 40 RBI’s)

Coming into the season, some argued whether or not Jayson Werth should be an everyday player. That argument has been put to rest as Werth has been a regular in Dusty Baker’s lineup throughout the season. He is one of five Washington Nationals to play in 80 or more games this season.

After a slow month of April (.211, four home runs, 13 RBI’s) and hitting only .212 out of the number six spot in the order, Baker switched Werth and Anthony Rendon’s spots in the order. Since moving to the two spot in the lineup, Werth has been a much different hitter and his patience at the plate has helped the hitters behind him (i.e Daniel Murphy and Bryce Harper).

The 37-year-old left fielder had a great month of June when he hit .321 with two home runs, 14 RBI’s, and a .438 on-base percentage. This included walk-off hits against the Philadelphia Phillies (June 12) and the Chicago Cubs (June 15).

While Werth has not had a great July so far in terms of batting average (.212), he has 12 walks, which is the most on the Washington Nationals. Plus, he has seen 234 pitches, which is the most of any player in baseball.

Werth may not be the player that he once was, but he has done a good job in being one of the players at the top of the order working the count and setting up run-scoring opportunities as evident by his on-base percentage (.406).

Next: Danny Espinosa

Jul 3, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop Danny Espinosa (8) hits an RBI single against the Cincinnati Reds during the fifth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Danny Espinosa (.239, 18 home runs, 49 RBI’s)

Throughout the early portion of the season, everyone was wondering when Trea Turner was going to get called up to play shortstop, which would mean Espinosa would lose his job. The Washington Nationals shortstop only had one home run and his .185 in April and his May batting average wasn’t much better (.209).

Then, in the month of June, Espinosa caught fire at the plate. He hit .309 with nine home runs, 21 RBI’s, and had a .418 on-base percentage. His 21 RBI’s were tied for tenth in the National League and tied for third in home runs. Now, he has 18 home runs and is second on the team in that category behind Bryce Harper (19).

By far, his best series of the season was against the Reds from June 30-July 3. In those four games, Espinosa had four home runs (two grand slams) and had 15 RBI’s. In fact, 16 of his 49 RBI’s this season have come against the Reds (six home runs)

Espinosa’s value has also been a plus on the defensive side. His five defensive runs saved are the sixth highest of any shortstop in the National League (according to Fangraphs). With Murphy not being the greatest fielding second baseman out there, Espinosa has provided good defensive stability at the shortstop position.

Baker stuck with Espinosa through the rough patches and that has paid off as Turner has been playing some outfield up at triple-A Syracuse. For now, it doesn’t look like Espinosa will be losing that starting shortstop spot anytime soon.

Next: Shawn Kelley

May 14, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Shawn Kelley (27) pitches against the Miami Marlins in the seventh inning at Nationals Park. The Nationals won 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Shawn Kelley (1-1, 2.76 ERA)

This offseason, Kelley was one of many new pieces that were added to the bullpen. In fact, it is a surprise in itself that the Washington Nationals have the second lowest ERA of any bullpen in the National League (3.11). One of the reasons behind that is Kelley, who was given a three-year deal. Currently, he has the most strikeouts of any Nats reliever (49).

When Jonathan Papelbon went on the disabled list in June because of the intercostal strain, Kelley was given the closer job by Baker and did a good job in that role as he converted four saves in five chances.

But, when you look at Kelley’s season, his main value to the Nats has been in the eighth inning, Kelley has a 0.73 ERA, which is the second lowest on the team (Sammy Solis – 0.71). He has 22 strikeouts to two walks in that inning and has held opponents to a .143 batting average.

Although Kelley’s season didn’t start well when he walked in a run in his Nats debut on Opening Day in Atlanta, he didn’t give up an earned run for the first month of the season. Lately, the only National League team that has had great success against Kelley is the New York Mets (four out of the ten earned runs).

While Felipe Rivero does have more strikeouts in the eighth (33), Kelley has provided a veteran presence and stability towards the end of games. I do think the Washington Nationals still need to add another bullpen arm, but for now, the Kelley signing looks like one of the best deals Mike Rizzo made over the winter.

Next: Wilson Ramos

Apr 11, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos (40) hits a rbi single in the eighth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park. Wilson went 4-4 during the game. Washington Nationals defeated Atlanta Braves 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Wilson Ramos (.330, 13 home runs, 48 RBI’s)

After a disappointing 2015 (.229, 15 home runs, 68 RBI’s), many people wondered which Ramos was going to show up while he was in a contract year. This season, he has gone to one of the best players on the team.

The 28-year-old hit over .300 in each of the first three months of the season and he is second on the team and third in the NL behind the Rockies’ D.J. LeMahieu (.334) and his teammate, Daniel Murphy. He had LASIK eye surgery during spring training, which has helped him see the ball much better at the plate.

Ramos’ best month of the season offensively came in June when he hit .364 with six home runs, 19 RBI’s, and had a .414 on-base percentage. Among National League catchers, Ramos has the highest batting average, the most home runs, and the most RBI’s.

On defense, Ramos has a range factor of 9.24, which is the third highest in the National League behind Carlos Ruiz (Phillies) and Yasmani Grandal (Dodgers). Plus, he has thrown out 34% of baserunners trying to steal on him this season.

At times, Ramos and Murphy had to be the ones the carried the offense when Harper was struggling. In fact, Baker has used Ramos in the cleanup spot a couple of times this season. It will be great to watch Ramos participate in his first All-Star Game tomorrow night at PETCO Park, even though he should be the starting catcher instead of Buster Posey.

Next: Daniel Murphy

May 24, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy (20) reacts after he hits a two-run home run during the fifth inning against the New York Mets at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Daniel Murphy (.348, 17 home runs, 66 RBI’s)

When the Washington Nationals signed Murphy to a three-year deal this winter, nobody expected him to be as dominant on offense as he was when he helped the Mets get to the World Series in October. However, Murphy has been just as dominant and been the MVP of the Nats, in my opinion.

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So far this season, Murphy leads the National League in hitting (.348), is second in RBI’s (64), and he has a .387 on-base percentage. Plus, he has helped the Nats win some important games against the Mets, something the team couldn’t do at the end of last season. Against the Mets, Murphy is hitting .423 with seven home runs and 21 RBI’s.

Murphy’s season got off to a fast start when he hit .370 in April and an insane .417 in May. He has been one of those players that Baker has used in multiple spots of the batting order. In May, he was put behind Harper to help Harper see some pitches to hit and now he is hitting third in the lineup, just to name two examples.

Even though Murphy isn’t known for being the best defender at second base, the now two-time All-Star has not cost the Nats games with his defense and he makes up for it with his great productivity at the plate. He missed out on starting the All-Star Game tomorrow night by 88 votes to Ben Zobrist (Cubs).

Next: Reaction: Murphy Showing No Signs Of Slowing Down

It is clear that Murphy has taken the changes he made with Mets hitting coach Kevin Long and ran with it. I live in New York and saw Murphy play a lot with the Mets. I never thought I would put Daniel Murphy and NL MVP candidate in the same sentence. This season, you could definitely make that case as we head into the second half.

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