Baker likes work Murphy puts in on defense

Second baseman Daniel Murphy continues to hit for the Nationals, something he has been able to do in his two seasons with the team. He has not stopped hitting since the National League playoffs in 2015.

One of the red flags that some brought up in Murphy's move to D.C. was that his defense would be a question mark. But Murphy has made steady progress on defense. He works well in the infield with Trea Turner and Ryan Zimmerman.

Manager Dusty Baker spoke recently about Murphy's reputation when he arrived with the Nationals as a below-average defender.

"Well, I don't listen to jackets," Baker said. "Everybody has a negative about somebody to say. When a person comes over to me, I give him a chance to get rid of that jacket. Now it's up to them to delete it or enhance it. Most of the time it's by your actions and how you work."

Baker said he has seen Murphy work hours before games with his glove, taking grounders at second base and practicing turning double plays.

"Daniel Murphy has worked. I mean he has really, really worked," Baker said. "He's doing a great job. When he makes a great play, nobody says anything. But if he ever boots one, then everybody brings back the negative connotation again. I know it's human nature, but it's not fair for people to do that."

One reporter asked Baker if Murphy reminded him of Giants second baseman Jeff Kent, a player Baker managed in San Francisco.

"Both of them can hit," Baker said. "Jeff makes the steady plays and he has a great arm in order to turn the double play. He reminds me of Jeff Kent a lot. I think Jeff should be in the Hall. That is a great analogy."

Murphy is hitting .327 in 41 games and his OPS is .962. His season OPS last year with the Nationals was .985, when he finished second in the NL MVP voting.

Last season, his fielding percentage was .981. So far this season, it is .978. He turned 76 double plays last season and has already turned 31 this year.