Ramos can see clearly now, is off to hot start at plate

The Nationals have had some good offense from guys like Bryce Harper, Daniel Murphy and Anthony Rendon to race out to a 7-1 record to begin 2016.

But catcher Wilson Ramos has really started to generate hits from the sixth spot in the lineup.

This is a good early sign for the Venezuelan backstop. Prior to last year's .229 average, Ramos had hit .272 and .267 in back-to-back seasons.

In Thursday's 6-2 win over the Braves, Ramos connected for his first homer of the season and later added a RBI double. He is currently batting .407 (11-for-27) with five RBIs.

Ramos and Murphy (12 hits) are the only Nationals so far to get to double figures in hits through eight games.

Much was made in spring training about Ramos undergoing LASIK eye surgery. That has certainly been important.

But recently, Ramos has worked with Nationals hitting coach Rick Schu on his approach, spending a ton of time in the batting cage. It is paying dividends.

"We've been doing a couple drills," Ramos said. "Concentrate on getting a good pitch to hit, especially with two outs, runners in scoring position. Trying to bring runners in.

"Concentrate on hitting the ball to the middle, getting a good pitch to hit. That helped me to help the team bring runners in. I'm very excited right now because I'm feeling great at the plate and I'm helping the team. That's my job and I'm happy to do it."

Ramos hit the home run in the fourth to give the Nationals a 5-1 lead. In the sixth with two out and Murphy on second, Ramos decided to stretch a long single into a double. Murphy scored to make it 6-1.

"At the last moment, when I was touching first base, I saw the outfielder in the gap and I said, 'I can take two, so do it..run and see if you're healthy,' " he said.

"Finally I take second base, and I feel great right now running, doing everything."

But back to his 20/20 eyesight. Ramos said the eye procedure has helped him see the ball batter.

"That helps me, everything's clear right now," Ramos said. "After the surgery, I can read the pitch better, I can see the ball better, recognize pitches really well. I'm excited for that. Last year (was) a bad year offensively, but this year, this season, I worked a lot trying being better this year and doing well. I wanna keep working and try to stay like that for the rest of the season."

Manager Dusty Baker said the LASIK procedure is key, but he notices other reasons why Ramos is locked in this first week and a half.

"His concentration level's high," Baker said. "His balance is good. And he wants it. I welcome that. I thought he was going to have a big year for us right before the season started. He had an outstanding spring. He came in great shape. And he's been working hard on blocking and throwing, what's necessary as a catcher."