Quick Look
There's nowhere to go but up for the Nationals. Their major league club finished worst in the majors last season (the second year in a row), their farm system is lagging, and attendance is down even at a new stadium. Washington has a mediocre farm system--most of its depth comes in the form of future middle relievers or #5 starters. The franchise has a lot pinned on its top couple prospects, who have star potential.
Top Prospects
Stephen Strasburg, rhp
Age: 21 Level: none-MLB
Strasburg went #1 in last year's draft and has been covered and scrutinized excessively; he's perhaps the most hyped prospect ever. Strasburg simply has an outstanding arm, as his fastball sits around 94-98 mph. The 6-4, 220-pounder has been clocked at triple digits, and Strasburg also throws a hellacious breaking ball with late bite. Those two pitches allowed him to rack up 195 Ks in 109 IP (an incomprehensible 47.6%) during his junior season at San Diego State. He complements that duo with a newly-developed 90 mph changeup, which has sink and could be a plus pitch. Strasburg has above-average command, especially considering his high-octane stuff. Considered a liability coming out of high school, Strasburg's makeup and work ethic are now regarded as pluses. The main concern is his delivery and arm action, which some pitching evaluators believe will lead to a breakdown, or at least an injury-riddled career a la Mark Prior. He showed he's not invincible (as well as how dominating he can be) in the Arizona Fall League. Strasburg won't need much time at all in the minors.
Derek Norris, c
Age: 21 Level: Low A-High A
Norris had an excellent season with the bat in 2009, hitting .286/.413/.513 with a 16.7 BB% in Low A. The 6-0, 210-pounder pounded 23 homers. Norris is not a good bet to be an above-average contact hitter, however, as he strikes out and hits fly balls frequently. His defense is a work in progress. He has a solid arm, but played third base in high school and needs more refinement behind the plate. Norris would develop into a power-hitting, walk-taking catcher with steady defense in the Nats' optimal world. He'll move up to High A for the 2010 season.
Drew Storen, rhp
Age: 22 Level: Double-A-MLB
He fit perfectly for the Nationals as a cost-effective option for the 10th pick in last year's draft, but Storen has legitimate upside. The Stanford product features a 91-93 mph fastball that touches the mid-90s, as well as a late-breaking, power slider. He has fine control, but does surrender a fair amount of home runs. Lefties also handle Storen better than samesiders. His aggressive mentality suits him well in the back of the bullpen. A classic college reliever on the fast track, the 6-2 Storen should be ready pretty much whenever Washington needs him this season. Long-term, he could be a set-up man or possibly a closer.
Ian Desmond, ss
Age: 24 Level: MLB
Desmond, a 2004 3rd-rounder, developed at a maddeningly slow pace, spending parts of three seasons in the Carolina League and finally reaching the majors in '09. Desmond has the tools to be an everyday shortstop. A slick fielder, the 6-2, 210-pounder has range and a strong arm (though he can be inconsistent). His bat speed gives him a chance to be above-average offensively as well. Desmond doesn't have great control of the strike zone, but he has improved drastically in that regard (36-71 BB-K in 2009). The owner of a .259/.326/.388 career MiLB line, Desmond seemed to find his stroke last year and posted a .400+ wOBA between Double-A and Triple-A. He has solid pop. He's bound to regress, but I think I'm finally convinced he will be a big league regular. His consistency could improve, but Desmond is essentially ready for a full-time MLB gig.
Danny Espinosa, ss
Age: 22 Level: High A-Double-A
Espinosa creates a divide among prospectors. Some see the former Long Beach State Dirtbag as a gamer with plus defense and solid hitting potential from both sides of the plate. He hit .264/.375/.460 with 18 home runs and a 12.8 BB% in High A in 2009. Others question Espinosa's bat, however. He is an unorthodox player and whiffed at a 22.4% rate last season. His tools aren't overwhelming, but Espinosa's defense is above-average and he could be a solid regular. I'm interested to see how he fares in Double-A.
Chris Marrero, 1B
Age: 21 Level: Double-A-Triple-A
A first-rounder in 2006, Marrero has one thing going for him: power. His step-in-the-bucket, clean-and-jerk approach doesn't lead to a high contact rate or a great amount of walks. He has worked to improve, but Marrero still has holes in his righthanded swing and will never have much athleticism. The 6-3, 220-pounder plays at the bottom of the defensive spectrum, so he needs big-time production to be provide any value. Marrero hit a solid .287/.360/.454 in High A last year and has legitimate major league power, but Double-A might test his limits next year.
Jeff Kobernus, 2B
Age: 21 Level: Short-Season-High A
Kobernus played the hot corner his first two seasons at Cal, but he had enough speed and athleticism to transition to second base in his draft year. The Nationals grabbed him in the 2nd round. Kobernus has a knack for making contact and could prove to be a strong line-drive hitter. He has modest power. The 6-2, 210-pounder also has the tools to stick at second. Kobernus has yet to show he can draw walks on a consistent basis. He's a good college draftee, but I'm willing to wait before fully buying into him.
The Nationals have some more decent prospects, but to be honest they aren't interesting enough for me to want to write about them. Check out Baseball America and Minor League Ball for more.
Others: RHPs A.J. Morris, Luis Atilano, and Brad Meyers; OFs Destin Hood, J.R. Higley, and Michael Burgess; LHP Aaron Thompson
Impact Talent: A-
Farm System Depth: C-
2010 Breakout Prospect
Eury Perez, of
Age: 19 Level: Rookie-Low A
Perez's stateside debut last year was terrific. The teenager from the Dominican Republic compiled a .381/.443/.503 line with just 20 Ks. Reports on his defense are positive as well, making experience one of the only things holding him back. Perez will require several more years in the minors, as he has yet to face much advanced pitching. His walk rate in a small sample (205 PAs) was 7.3%. All things considered, he's a Washington prospect worth getting excited about. Perez could reach Low A Hagerstown next year, and he's a bright spot for the Nats.
That wraps up my look at each team's minor league system. Check out how I stack up the teams against one another, and watch for college coverage in coming days!
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