District On Deck
FanSided

Washington Nationals: 5 To Watch Against Colorado

By Ron Juckett

Apr 23, 2017; New York City, NY, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) celebrates scoring with first baseman Ryan Zimmerman (11) on his two run home run during the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2017; New York City, NY, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) celebrates scoring with first baseman Ryan Zimmerman (11) on his two run home run during the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next

MARK REYNOLDS

When you think of Mark Reynolds, strikeouts come to mind. Sure, he can launch baseballs into orbit, but you need to make contact first. With the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2009, he whiffed 223 times. Only Tim Lincecum and Javier Vasquez threw more strikeouts in the NL that year while teammate Dan Haren punched out 223 hitters.

More from District on Deck

Times have changed.

Lincecum is no longer in Major League Baseball and Reynolds does not fan so much. Last year, he struck out a “moderate” 112 times in 441 at bats. Although the power numbers are down, 14 in 118 games in his first Colorado season, the batting average is up.

In 2010, he hit .198. Last year, .282. This year, .339. His focus on production instead of going for the downs every time is one key to the Rockies success.

The power is back, hitting five on the young season. Along with it, Reynolds has 16 RBI and five doubles. At 33, he is as close to the ideal hitter as he has ever been.

In 44 career games, Reynolds hits the Nationals well. His .280 average is not his best against another team, but it is close. With 10 home runs, he has whiffed 47 times. Again, good numbers over the years.

Next: Harper Earns Player of the Week Honors

Would you believe the San Diego Padres struck him out 124 times in 92 games? They have held him to a .219 average.

Home/Nationals News