The Nationals promoted 2006 6th round draft Zechry Zinicola from Potomac to Harrisburg (RP Dan Kolb was demoted). The 21-year old Zinicola was drafted out of Arizona State in this year’s draft.
From the Senators press release:
Zinicola has been busy since the draft. He started with the Nationals single-A team in Vermont where he did not allow a run in eight games. He worked a total of nine innings and allowed six hits to go with his four saves. He was sent to Potomac where he relived in nine games. He ended his stay in Potomac with a 3-0 record and a 1.89 ERA with 3 saves. In 13.2 innings, he allowed 11 hits, 3 runs, 3 walks and had 3 strikeouts.
Scouting reports on Zinicola:
- Perfect Game USA: Zech Zinicola could move quickly as a power reliever, and could be setting up games for Chad Cordero in the not-so-distant future.
- Baseball America: Zinicola is both a free spirit and a bulldog, particularly out of the bullpen, where he’s shown closer moxie and led the Sun Devils in saves the last two seasons. Some scouts believe he’s eccentric, while others see an immature player who won’t play by the rules. He missed one weekend this spring with an academic suspension … His stuff plays well in a relief role, as he’s pumped his low 90s fastball as high as 95 mph while showing an average changeup with split-finger action. His slider remains inconsistent, and to be a big league closer Zinicola will have to hit his spots more consistently.
- Brewerfan.net: Bigger, physically mature frame with nice power potential & a strong arm.
Zinicola is quickly making a name for himself within the organization. It would not be unexpected to see him compete for a spot in the bullpen early in 2007.
