For Difo, confidence and comfort were keys to breakthrough

For Wilmer Difo, a little confidence went a long way.

When shortstop Trea Turner broke his wrist last season, Difo stepped in to fill the void, starting 52 games in the speedster's stead and slashing .303/.359/.398 in those outings. It seemed that the more Difo played, the more comfortable he felt and the better he got.

"I felt super good," Difo said through translator Octavio Martinez at Nationals Winterfest. "I felt better when I started playing every day. I felt more comfortable, better, more confident in myself. And I think that's what I need, to play every day."

Time will tell if Difo, 25, finds a full-time position with the Nationals or settles in to the utility role he handled so capably last season. But the way he hit and fielded in 2017, Difo will make it difficult for the Nats to view him solely as a reserve.

No one has ever had issue with Difo's abilities with the bat - he was a career .273/.338/.389 hitter in eight minor league seasons, showing an enticing blend of speed and power at times - but his glovework at short opened some eyes. Difo used his fleet feet to scamper to grounders and showed off a strong and accurate arm.

"Well, I think the key was confidence," Difo said. "The confidence that came with playing every day. I loosened up and had more confidence. I play tremendous defense. I think that was the key. I kept working when I played every day and I think that was the key."

Difo has been playing shortstop for Aguilas in the Dominican winter league, and said he feels ready to step in at second base early next season if Daniel Murphy isn't fully recovered from microfracture surgery on his right knee.

"Short is my natural position, but I don't have a problem playing second base," Difo said. "I think I feel comfortable there at second base and secure."

Difo's versatility - he ended up playing second base, third base, shortstop and all three outfield positions last season - and enthusiasm made him a favorite of former manager Dusty Baker. Now, with Dave Martinez at the helm, Difo must gain the trust of a new skipper.

One of the best ways to do that is to be willing to improve in every way, something that Difo said is part of his makeup.

"Everything," Difo said when asked where he wants to get better. "I think baseball players don't have one specific thing we want to improve on. We're always working on defense, batting, on everything."

Difo's .271/.319/.370 line last season included career highs in hits (90), doubles (10), triples (four), homers (five), RBIs (21) and stolen bases (10). Difo wants to be a better hitter, but you won't find him hunkered down in the video room, poring over tapes of his at-bats, breaking down stances, mechanics and opposing pitchers.

"I'm a player that doesn't watch a lot video," he said. "I'm a player that, in the game, I see the ball and swing. I'm not a player that gets mentally programmed. Like he throws this and that. No, I barely watch video. But yes, they put it on and I look at movements and stuff like that. I think that helps a lot. But for me, I don't like to watch a lot of videos of pitchers."