Washington Nationals: 5 to watch in Miami

BRYCE HARPER

Bryce Harper is having the quietest 11-game hitting streak you can imagine.

Now 15-for-46 since the west coast road trip ended, his .326 average is impressive but not earthshattering. Ten of his hits are singles, mixed with three doubles and two homers. Although six RBI is nothing to sneeze at, there has not been a game you can point at as great. Consistent is another story.

Four games on this streak Harper did not whiff. He is swinging too as he drew six walks.

Although it may not be sexy, this is the Harper you want to see. Surprisingly, his on-base percentage has dropped from .427 to .422. Five times over this stretch, Washington scored three runs or less. They dropped every game.

Overall, his OPS of 1.028 adjusts to 164. Matched against Giancarlo Stanton in this titanic battle of right fielders, this looks like a showcase. Both will be in Miami on the same team for the All-Star Game.

On pace for a 40-home run and 100 RBI campaign, Harper must continue what he is doing. There are times when he chases bad pitches, but nowhere near as bad as last year.

His big Opening Day home run was part of a 3-for-10 series and set the table for his productive season.