Willie Harris Is the Washington Nationals' MVP

It’s hard to imagine a team with a current record of 41 wins and 70 losses having a Most Valuable Player, but the Washington Nationals do have one in Willie Harris.

Even though the team has recently gone into full-blown rebuilding mode by releasing multiple starters and trades, there is one player that should make Nationals fans feel good about the 2008 season.

I have come up with six solid arguments as to why Willie Harris has been so important for the Nationals this year.

6. Power

Willie Harris is tied for second on the team with eight home runs this season. He is also second on the team in slugging percentage (200 at-bat minimum) at .431.

After Willie Harris’ second home run this season, he was quoted as saying that he only normally hits two long balls each season, so don't expect any more.

With only 38 total strikeouts for the season, Harris also has the fewest strikeouts of any National with at least 150 at-bats. His power surge has definitely not reformed his natural game.

5. Versatility

Harris can play, and has played, nearly any infield or outfield position. He has primarily played left field and second base for the Nats this season. With the plethora of injuries the Nationals have experienced this season, the value of a player that can fill multiple holes is very high.

4. Speed

Willie also has seven stolen bases on the year, which is good enough for third on the team. More importantly, his speed has allowed him to fill holes at the top of the lineup for the Nationals recently. 

Washington likes to have speed in the first and second position of the lineup. With the miseries of Felipe Lopez and injuries to Elijah Dukes and Cristian Guzman, Harris has filled in nicely at either the leadoff or second position in the batting order.

3. Defense

Not only can Harris play a multitude of positions, he also plays them extremely well.  He has the knack for making spectacular plays and has the knack for making big defensive plays in key situations.

Most baseball fans have probably not had the chance to see much of the Nationals this season, but I have attended a few games and seen what Harris can do in the field.

2. Health

Willie Harris has not been on the disabled list all season. This is quite a spectacular feat for a Nationals player this season. 

For further Nationals’ injury information, refer to my previous article. Or if you only want the summary—82 percent, financially, of the Nationals roster has been on the disabled list this season.

Harris has been one of the only players available to play on a daily basis, and that fact alone is what allowed him to continue playing and ultimately achieve reason No. 1.

1. Improvement

On June 21, through the first 59 games of the season, Willie Harris was batting .151.  Without the numerous injuries, Harris would have undoubtedly been sent to the minors.

However, since that time, Harris has batted .308 (including yesterday’s 0-4). 

While the rest of his teammates have gone into a seemingly endless downward spiral, Harris has never given up. He has slowly and steadily worked his batting average back to respectability at .243.

This may still sound very low for a batting average, but not for the Nationals. If you don’t believe me, scroll through some of the batting averages.

Clearly, Willie Harris will receive no consideration for league MVP. And he shouldn’t.  But on a team that needs any glimmer of hope it can get, the Nationals can look to Harris for inspiration and leadership on their quest to climb out of MLB's cellar.