When the Montreal Expos moved to Washington in 2005 to become the Nationals, the franchise needed to develop a new wave of local talent to build its identity. Ian Desmond emerged as a key figure in this effort. Drafted in the third round of 2004, the athletic shortstop advanced through the minor leagues during the franchise’s transition and made his debut in late 2009. Over the following six seasons, Desmond became the dynamic, power-hitting centerpiece of the Nationals’ middle infield, pushing the offensive limits for the position in Washington.

His ascent to prominence emerged as a true showcase of power and speed. After overcoming early defensive struggles, Desmond unlocked elite offensive performance in 2012. He dominated National League pitching by hitting a career-high .292, with 25 home runs and 21 stolen bases, earning his first All-Star selection and Silver Slugger Award. His dynamic middle-of-the-order play was a key factor in Washington's remarkable 98-win season, leading to the franchise's first National League East division title.

Instead of viewing that breakout summer as a standalone highlight, Desmond maintained an impressive offensive level, achieving three consecutive 20/20 seasons from 2012 to 2014. He earned three consecutive Silver Slugger Awards at shortstop—placing him among the franchise's elite—and continued to be a constant, high-impact threat on the bases. Even as his strikeout count increased and his walk rate stayed modest, his capacity to produce game-changing power from a key defensive position established him as one of the most formidable shortstops of his time.

His seven-season residency in Washington drew to a close after the 2015 campaign, when he declined a qualifying offer to enter the free-agent market. While he would go on to earn another All-Star nod in Texas and play several productive seasons in Colorado.

As a National, Desmond had 917 hits, 178 doubles, 110 home runs, and 432 RBIs. He also stole 122 bases and posted a .264/.312/.424 slash line.

Bryn Smith spent the majority of his career as a starting pitcher with the Montreal Expos. He would finish his career with Montreal with a 81-71 record and his best season saw him go 18 and 5 with a 1.052 WHIP in 1985.

In the late 1970s, the Montreal Expos boasted an outfield that was the envy of baseball—a young, dynamic trio of Andre Dawson, Warren Cromartie, and Ellis Valentine. Among them, Valentine possessed perhaps the most tantalizing ceiling. Selected in the second round of the 1972 draft out of Los Angeles, he developed into a physical marvel who paired a fluid, high-velocity swing with what was universally considered the most feared throwing arm in the game. From his post in right field, Valentine turned throwing out tagging runners into a spectator sport, routinely unleashing absolute frozen ropes that defied belief.

His peak years in Canada were a spectacular display of all-around baseball talent. He exploded onto the national radar in 1977, putting together an individual masterpiece at just 22 years old. Valentine hit a sparkling .293 with 25 home runs and 76 RBIs, earning his first career All-Star selection.

He continued his impressive performance in 1978, earning a Gold Glove Award for his defensive excellence. That year, he led the National League with 25 home runs. By 1978, after hitting another 21 home runs, he achieved three straight summers of over 20 homers, solidifying his reputation as a top middle-of-the-order hitter.

Yet, Valentine’s journey in Montreal was also defined by a sudden, devastating physical setback. In May 1980, he was struck in the face by a pitch from Roy Thomas, which shattered his cheekbone. The injury sidelined him for more than a month and, more critically, altered his aggression at the plate as he struggled to regain his previous comfort level against inside pitching.

In May 1981, amid reduced offensive output and increasing behind-the-scenes tensions, the front office leveraged his market value to trade him to the New York Mets for promising closer Jeff Reardon. Valentine displayed moments of his former brilliance in New York and Texas, yet he struggled to fully recover the steady excellence of his peak before injury.

In Montreal, Valentine played 663 games, with 676 hits, 121 doubles, 95 home runs, and 374 RBIs. He posted a .283/.342/462 line (121 OPS+) and recorded 59 outfield assists, showcasing his strong arm.

There are two undeniable facts about South America.  The first is that they love their soccer.  The second is that they are full of beautiful women.  The good doctor concludes that isn’t hard to find an athletic hottie from any of their nations, and here you go.  Colombian midfielder, Tatiana Ariza.