This was very easy.

Not only is Mike Modano the most incredible Dallas Star of all time, but he is also one of the best American-born players in the history of the sport. 

Catching is physically demanding, and Wilson Ramos's Washington experience was a true test of endurance. Acquired from the Minnesota Twins in a trade for Matt Capps in 2010, this Venezuelan catcher—nicknamed "The Buffalo" for his strong, muscular build—had some of the best raw power among catchers. However, during his seven years with the Nationals, his potential was often hindered by serious injuries, including knee injuries, hamstring tears, and hand fractures, which led to him being platooned and sidelined during key periods. But when he was healthy, Ramos was the undisputed physical anchor behind the plate for a perennial contender, culminating in one of the most spectacular individual walk-year performances in recent memory.

Before his significant breakout, Ramos showed flashes of strength, though inconsistently. In his first full season with Washington in 2011, he hit 15 home runs and added 16 more in only 78 games in 2013, demonstrating his potential for great offensive output when healthy. Defensively, he built an excellent connection with the Nationals' top pitchers, leveraging his sizable frame to block pitches and using a powerful arm to prevent opponents from scoring.

In 2016, everything finally aligned for Ramos. With a rebuilt lower half and a highly disciplined approach, he delivered an outstanding offensive performance, devastating National League pitchers. He became a key middle-of-the-lineup force for Washington, achieving a career-high .307 batting average and posting personal bests with 148 hits, 22 home runs, and 80 RBIs. He led all National League catchers in nearly every major offensive category. His exceptional season earned him his first All-Star selection, a Silver Slugger Award, and a seventeenth-place finish in NL MVP voting.

Tragically, the injury bug delivered another harsh blow. Just days before the 2016 postseason started, Ramos tore his ACL while jumping for a throw at the plate, ending his hopes for the season in pain and forcing him to watch Washington's playoff run from the dugout.

With free agency looming and Ramos facing another long rehab, the Nationals reluctantly let the veteran backstop walk that winter. While the injury prevented him from receiving the massive contract he had rightfully earned on the field, his legacy as one of the premier offensive catchers in franchise history was already secure.

With the Nationals, Ramos tabulated 558 hits, 82 doubles, 83 home runs, and 321 RBIs. While generating a strong .268/.313/.430 slash line.

While star players and award-winning closers often make headlines, the true backbone of championships and competitive eras is built by versatile pitchers who fill every role on the staff. For eight seasons, spanning two separate periods with the Montreal Expos, left-hander Dan Schatzeder proved to be the ultimate utility pitcher. Whether stepping in to start unexpectedly, covering multiple innings out of the bullpen, or facing a tough left-handed hitter in a critical late-game situation, "Schatz" consistently responded with a dependable, hard-working style that exceeded what his basic stats might suggest.

His first stint with the Expos in the late 1970s showcased remarkable versatility. Drafted in the third round of 1976, the young southpaw rapidly advanced to the majors, taking on a vital swingman role. His standout achievement from this period was during the impressive 1979 season, where Schatzeder completely shut down National League hitters. He split his time between starting and relieving, finishing with a 10–5 record and a stellar 2.83 ERA over 162 innings. His effectiveness greatly contributed to a 95-win Montreal team that pushed the eventual champion "We Are Family" Pirates to their limits.

Despite his value, the Expos traded Schatzeder to Detroit after the 1979 season. After brief stints in Detroit and San Francisco, he returned "home" to Montreal in 1982 to begin his second, highly productive five-year residency. During this second chapter, Schatzeder transitioned more permanently into a high-volume reliever and spot starter. He routinely absorbed heavy innings loads and proved far more valuable than his surface wins and losses suggested, consistently posting solid ERA+ marks that kept the Expos competitive in a tough NL East.

What truly set Schatzeder apart in Quebec was his exceptional skill with a bat. Before the widespread use of designated hitters, he was recognized as one of the best hitting pitchers in baseball. As a real offensive threat, Schatzeder posted an impressive .260 batting average in Montreal and was often used as a pinch-hitter in crucial moments. His competence at the plate provided his managers with significant tactical options late in games, offering an extra layer of value that typical pitching statistics may miss.

The Expos traded veteran lefty Schatzeder to Philadelphia in 1986, and he won a World Series with Minnesota in 1987. As an Expo, he appeared in 213 games (79 starts), with a 37–31 record, 3.52 ERA, and 1.29 WHIP. Over 692.2 innings, he struck out 401 batters.

This transaction stands out as one of the most notable footnotes in franchise history. In August 1990, the Montreal Expos traded pitcher Zane Smith to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Moises Alou, who was initially listed as the "Player to be Named Later." At that moment, Alou was a promising but inexperienced prospect, having only played two major league games. By the time he left Montreal six years later, he had become widely known and had secured his role as the focal point of an exceptional, world-class outfield, guided directly by his father, legendary manager Felipe Alou.

Alou’s rise in Montreal showcased exceptional bat speed and physical resilience. After recovering from a severe ankle injury in 1993 that ended his season, he returned in 1994 to deliver a standout performance. He dominated National League pitching, hitting .339 with 31 doubles, 22 home runs, and 78 RBIs in just 107 games. His outstanding offense earned him his first All-Star appearance, a Silver Slugger Award, and a third-place finish in NL MVP voting, helping the Expos maintain baseball’s best record before the strike brought play to a halt.

Far from a single-summer peak, Alou remained a premier, high-leverage force in the middle of the order. He backed up his breakout campaign by hitting .273 with 21 home runs in 1996, helping guide a transitioning Expos roster to a highly competitive 88-win season. He possessed a beautifully balanced right-handed swing and a rare knack for delivering in critical situations, routinely punishing pitchers who dared to challenge him with runners on base.

However, as was common during this period of Montreal baseball, the financial constraints of a small-market team ended his tenure early. Knowing they couldn't compete with the high offers from free agency, the team saw their star outfielder leave after the 1996 season. Alou then signed with the Florida Marlins, contributing immediately to their 1997 World Series victory, and went on to have an outstanding 17-year career in Major League Baseball.

Alou played 594 games with the Expos, amassing 598 hits, 122 doubles, 84 home runs, and 335 RBIs. He stole 51 bases and posted a .292/.354/483 slash line with a 124 OPS.