On Sunday, with their 7-2 win over the Brewers, the Nats reached the All Star break and the season’s traditional halfway point. With the team on a not-quite-as-bad-as-expected 66-win pace, those of us who write about them are stuck somewhere between the building euphoria in Boston and the pitchfork and torches crowd in Cincinnati.

One of the beautiful things about baseball, though, is that the long season generates plenty of moments, both incredible and pathetic, even for teams playing way under the national radar. And what better device to relive them with than our favorite bit of sportswriting gimmickry, an unwarranted second installment of DCist’s Mid-Season Awards?

The Weebles Award: He lost three key players in the first month in Patterson, Guzman and Logan. He was staring a long season in a competitive NL East in the face. Many expected rookie manager Manny Acta to go on a tirade, especially after a loss to the Brewers made his brief career record an abysmal 9-25. After emerging from a calm clubhouse, here’s what he said that day:

You have to stay positive and keep talking to the guys. I don't know what people are looking for. Turning the tables around or turning the spread over and not allow the guys to eat will not help. It has nothing to do with what happens on the field.

Manny wobbles, but he won’t fall down. For that reason and others, consensus is building that this Acta guy can coach.

The Best Look: With apologies to the flowing braids of Belliard and Logan and Chad Cordero's "pudgy assassin" look, this award has got to go to MASN color man Don Sutton. His deft blend of humor and knowledge of the game has been a pleasant surprise, but who doesn't enjoy the occasional shots of the press box on MASN's broadcast, treating us to the fabulous hairdo that crosses a Bichon Frise with Little Richard?

Photo by Flickr user dcJohn.

The Charmin Award (for Squeezable Softness): The most hotly contested award on the team, with a race that featured lead changes throughout the first half. Shawn Hill, who’s balky elbow has once again stalled a promising season, merits mention. So does Nick Johnson, whose doctors had targeted a return for Spring Training this year before realizing his bones have the quick-healing powers of cookie dough. On any other team, John Patterson and his many arm complaints would have this award wrapped up, especially after he headed north in search of a mystery treatment from Canada.

Alas, this award seems to have been made for ailing shortstop Cristian Guzman. He missed all of ’06 rehabbing a shoulder injury, only to pull a hamstring in his first game back and miss another two months. After playing well in June, he ended another season early by tearing a thumb ligament. Please don’t squeeze the Guzman!

The Lazarus Award (Dead Career Awakened!): Without question, the winner here is Dmitri Young. His story this year boggles the mind.

The Chicken Little Award: Given to all those chirping in May and June about a “sophomore slump” for 3B Ryan Zimmerman. Sure, his batting average hasn’t been above .250 much, he’s not walking enough, and he’s committed too many errors. Let’s remind ourselves that he’s doing this with a giant target on his back as the Cornerstone Nat. This year there’s no Soriano to drive in or Johnson to protect him in the lineup. Still, the guy’s home run total is up, his strikeouts are down, and since Young has entrenched himself in the #4 spot, he has started to heat up (hitting .344 thus far in July).

Zim is good. When he gets some help in the lineup, he might be great.

Best Performance of the First Half: Even on our last-place club, there have been some great moments thus far. Zimmerman’s walk off grand slam against the Marlins. Jason Bergmann coming out of nowhere to chase a no hitter against the Braves for seven innings. Dmitri’s grand slam in front of 40,000 on the 4th of July. Patterson outdueling All Star Starter Jake Peavy in San Diego.

What's your favorite Nats moment from the first half? What's in store for the team for the rest of the season?