Harris named NL Player of the Week
For a guy who was supposed to be a role player, Willie Harris has done more for the Nationals this season than he ever imagined. Harris, due to injuries, has filled a void in Manny Acta's line-up and provided a much needed spark, to a listless offense.
During last week's 3-game series against the Braves, Harris hit .583 (7-12), with seven RBI to earn NL Player of the Week. He had a double, triple, home run, stole a base, scored five runs, a .688 on-base percentage and a 1.083 slugging percentage to garner the honor.
Harris raised his average from .221 to, it's current, season-high .248 during those three games. 5 of his seven RBI came in the Nationals 15-6 win, over the Braves, last Sunday. Harris is batting .366 with two doubles, two triples, four home runs, 13 RBI, 12 walks and three stolen bases in 23 games beginning June 22. He has posted a stellar.464 OBP, slugging .620 and OPS 1.084 in the same span.
Showing his versatility, Harris has started games at second base, leftt, center and right fields and appeared defensively at third base and shortstop in this season. Harris' six home runs this season are not only a career high, they are only one shy of his career total of 7.
By winning NL Player of the Week, Harris becomes the first National to earn the citation outright. Two other Nationals shared the award with other players: 1B Nick Johnson (June 6, 2005, shared with STL's Albert Pujols) and 3B Ryan Zimmerman (August 5, 2007, shared with ARI's Brandon Webb).
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