District On Deck
FanSided

Washington Nationals: Five 2016 First Half Surprises

By Ricky Keeler

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
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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Washington Nationals
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

Home/Nationals News