The learning curve is revealed on a nightly basis. The Nationals’ Ryan Zimmerman will pull a savvy move, dropping down a bunt when the third baseman is playing too deep. He’ll drive a ball to the gap for an RBI double. And then he’ll strike out a couple times or go hitless for a game or two in a row.
But the young third baseman will also field a tough grounder, throwing on the run for a smooth, but difficult out.
It’s why the Nationals can’t wait for, oh, 2008 — or maybe even next year — when Zimmerman, 21, who also has four homers, is a finished product. He’s not close to that.
Just look at his stats: he’s batting .246, which is low. But his 17 RBI are third on the team and his six doubles rank second. Then again, his 30 strikeouts, in 118 at-bats, lead the Nationals.
“There’s a lot of stuff that I do that wouldn’t be seenin a lot of people’s careers because they’re learning in [Class] AA,” Zimmerman said, “but that’s just something I have to deal with.
“My average is not where I want it to be. Pitchers are working me a lot different than before. I’m not seeing as many fastballs. I have to adjust. I feel like I’m having good at-bats when runners are on base.”
But he also knows a major part of the reason he’s here now is his defense, which has been stellar.
“Whatever comes at the plate is a bonus,” he said.
Second baseman Jose Vidro said he’s already seen Zimmerman adjust his approach at the plate, last year during his September call-up and in spring training.
“He has what it takes,” Vidro said. “I saw it last year. Once he understands he’s the guy there, he’ll be fine. With guys like that, you just have to let him be, don’t try to put too many things in their head. You can’t push a guy along. He’ll be playing third base for a long time.”
Nats manager Frank Robinson said he can see Zimmerman’s understanding grow with each at-bat. He, and others, also praise his demeanor, a reason why they’re confident any struggles won’t cause a drop in confidence.
“We didn’t want him to put a lot of pressure on himself,” Robinson said. “We’ll benefit from this year, no matter what he does, in ’07, ’08, ’09 and down the road. You’re gonna see a very good young player here for a lot of years.”
Hot on the corner
» Washington selected Zimmerman with the fourth overall pick in the first round of the 2005 draft.
» Last September, Zimmerman batted .397 with six RBI in 20 games.
» Zimmerman has made only two errors in 89 chances this season — and made none in 32 chances at third last September.
