Wire Taps: Bryce Harper’s lower gear; Clayton Kershaw or Max Scherzer for ASG?; Cat Wieters

That was some torrential downpour. Luckily, the Nationals play again today!

What do you mean, “rain in the forecast again”?

Here are today’s (soggy) links.

Bryce Harper's new, lower gear
Harper has tinkered and played with his swing, and as an added benefit, can keep or shelve the leg-kick to add or subtract effort and violence from his swing, both of which can sometimes benefit in power.

Kershaw or Scherzer? Joe Maddon has to choose between two studs to start All-Star Game
If Clayton Kershaw is available, should Joe Maddon choose him over Max Scherzer?

Three-man backup committee for replacement of Trea Turner is working so far
Stephen Drew, Wilmer Difo, and Adrian Sanchez are all getting the job done (granted, not as well) in the absence of Trea Turner.

Prospect Briefing: Sheldon Neuse
Neuse, a third baseman picked by the Nats in the second round of last year's draft, has hit .279/.333/.457 with 9 home runs this season. Is he trade-bait worthy?

There was only one man willing to hold a cat in the Nats' pet photo calendar
Dogs, dogs, dogs, and CAT WIETERS.

Today’s Game: Braves vs Nationals — 7:05 PM
Probable Pitchers: Mike Foltynewicz vs Gio Gonzalez