Nats Six First Round Picks

This morning, the Washington Nationals official P.R. Twitter account published a photo of the Nats six first round draft picks they've selected since coming to D.C. (minus, of course, the unsigned Aaron Crow).

Take a look (courtesy Nats P.R.):



From left: Chris Marrero, Ryan Zimmerman, Bryce Harper, Drew Storen, Stephen Strasburg, Ross Detwiler.

I think it's pretty interesting just by their body language they reveal a lot about their personality. (Warning: amateur psychologist at work).

Let's start with Chris Marerro.  The least accomplished of the group is at the far left, almost leaning away and back from the rest as if to say "I don't really belong in this picture."

Ryan Zimmerman, the Face of the Franchise, is next.  Has a very relaxed posture, as he's clearly comfortable with where he is.  But his shoulders are slumped a bit, so maybe he's signalling he doesn't want to carry any burden.

Third from left is Bryce Harper.  Wide stance, shoulders broad, maybe puffing out his chest a little.  Just from this photo you can feel his confidence.

To Harper's right is Drew Storen.  His left foot is in front of his right, cocking his right hip, as if he's posing for a fashion shoot.  We know Drew is something of a clothes-horse, and his pose suggests he's in control of his situation.

Next one is in Stephen Strasburg, and he's what drew me to this assignment.  Take another look at him in this photo; it's fascinating.  First, you see the red socks, the only one of the crew to go with the leggings.  Shows he's a traditionalist.  From there though, it's all negative.  Knees bent, shoulders sagging, head down. 

He looks like he'd rather be anywhere than where he is.  He's the only one of the group not arching his back.  Just a complete display of bad vibes.

On the right right is Ross Detwiler.  He towers over everyone, even Strasburg.  His high waist and long legs make him look more like a basketball player than a pitcher.  It's easy to see from this photo why the Nationals invested in him in the first place, and why he'll continue to get chances to prove himself.

Of course, all this is just in fun.  But it's amazing what can be gleaned from just a simple amateur photo taken of athletes that aren't aware their photo is being taken at that very moment.

***Obviously, they are lined up to get a posed picture taken.  But this cellphone picture was taken from behind and before they were having the porfessional photo taken.  Sorry for any confusion.