District 34 podcast: Looking back and ahead at All-Star break

We're back! After a short absence, Byron Kerr and I are back for another episode of the District 34 podcast!

The Nationals ended the first half of the season hot, winning 11 of 15 games before the break, including six of seven against the division rival Mets. The Nats have given themselves a comfortable six-game lead in the National League East over the Mets and Marlins, but they still have a long way to go in the second-half stretch.

Before the break, we heard some comments from manager Dusty Baker about his first months at the helm in D.C. Baker had some interesting thoughts on the fans at Nats Park, saying the team feeds off their energy and even wish they were sometimes more boisterous. Byron and I discuss the state of the Nationals fan base and how they can prove to be a supporting factor in the chase for the division crown.

Tonight, Bryce Harper, Daniel Murphy, Wilson Ramos and Max Scherzer will represent the Nats in the All-Star Game, with Stephen Strasburg being selected as well but choosing to sit out. Is Strasburg smart to continue resting and not pitch in the All-Star Game in his hometown? Plus, Harper has expressed his feelings about not participating in the Home Run Derby, but will we see him partake when the event comes to Nats Park in 2018? And of course, we talk about how special it is for Ramos to make his first All-Star Game after overcoming many obstacles.

And finally, the Nats open the second half of the season with 17 out of their first 23 games against opponents above .500. What can we expect from them as they take on some of the best teams in baseball and another West Coast road trip?

Sorry to keep you waiting, but we hope you enjoy this new episode of District 34!