Columbus’ bullpen faltered late, blowing a solid outing by 27-year old LHP Mike O’Connor in a 4-3, 10-inning loss in Louisville (box/gamer). O’Connor allowed only one run on four hits and four walks over 5IP with three strikeouts. 27-year old RHP Levale Speigner pitched two scoreless innings of relief, striking out two. 27-year old 3B Greg Porter was 4/5 with a double, home run & two RBI; 24-year old CF Roger Bernadina was 2/5 with a run & stolen base; and 29-year old RF Jorge Padilla was 2/4. A rehabbing Aaron Boone was 0/2 as the starting 1B.
Record: Columbus 62-60, 3rd place IL West (12GB)
Tonight: RHP Tyler Clippard (6-9, 4.42) at Indianapolis LHP Corey Hamman (2-3, 5.66), 7:00PM
Harrisburg did not play on Monday.
Record: Harrisburg 66-56, 3rd place EL South (5.5GB)
Tonight: RHP Jordan Zimmermann (6-2, 3.29) & LHP Justin Jones (2-3, 5.34) at New Hampshire RHPs Mike MacDonald (0-2, 4.50) & Jean Machi (1-5, 5.57), 6:05PM
Potomac got another solid start from 23-year old RHP Luis Atilano and newcomers Stephen King and Michael Burgess chipped in on offense as the P-Nats defeated Fredrick 6-1 (box/gamer). Atilano went five innings, allowing only one run on five hits and one walk while striking out five. As he recovers from Tommy John surgery, Atilano is limited to five innings of work. And, since July 11, that is exactly what he has given the P-Nats. Over seven starts (35IP), he is 5-1 with a 1.54 ERA and 0.83 WHIP with 23 strikeouts. 24-year old RHP Clint Everts struck out six over three innings of shutout relief. And 21-year old RHP Martin Beno struck out the side in the ninth. The 19-year old Burgess homered in his P-Nats debut and the 20-year old King had an RBI double. 25-year old LF Boomer Whiting was 2/2 with a walk and hit-by-pitch, scoring twice. 25-year old 1B Darryl Lawhorn was 2/4 with a pair of doubles.
Record: Potomac 28-22, 1st place Carolina North (4 games ahead)
Tonight: RHP Erik Arnesen (2-1, 2.75) versus Frederick RHP Tim Bascom (3-5, 6.59), 7:05PM
Hagerstown lost hteir sixth straight game and eighth in their last nine, falling 9-6 in Rome (box/gamer). 22-year old RHP Terrence Engles allowed eight runs (six earned) on nine hits and one walk over 4IP to take the loss. 22-year old 2B Valerio Heredia was 3/4 with two doubles, his 19th stolen base, and two runs scored; 22-year old SS Jose Lozada was 1/4 with a two-run home run; and 23-year old DH Garrett Bass was 2/5 with two RBI.
Record: Hagerstown 20-30, 5th place Sally North (14GB)
Tonight: RHP Colton Willems (5-9, 3.70) at Rome (pitcher TBD), 7:00PM
Vermont got strong pitching outings from 20-year old LHP Pat McCoy and 19-year old RHP P.J. Dean in a doubleheader split with Auburn, losing game one 3-1 (box) before winning game two 6-0 (box/gamer). McCoy allowed three runs (one earned) on six hits and one walk over 5IP with six strikeouts in the first game. 22-year old RHP Johan Figuereo pitched two scoreless innings of relief, striking out three. The Monsters managed only two hits on offense, a solo home run by 19-year old CA Derek Norris and a single by 21-year old 1B Tyler Moore. In the second game, Dean held the Doubledays scoreless over six innings, giving up only five hits and striking out ten. 23-year old RHP Carlos Peralta pitched the final inning, striking out two. 21-year old CF Michael Guerrero was 1/2 with a two run home run; Moore was 1/2 with a double, run & RBI; 20-year old RF Stephen Englund was 12/ with a double & run scored; 19-year old 2B Jake Smolinski was 1/3 with a stolen base and two runs scored; and 23-year old LF Jake Dugger was 1/3 with a walk, run & two stolen bases.
Record: Vermont 22-29, tied for 3rd place NYP Stedler (4GB)
Tonight: RHP Patrick Arnold (0-3, 7.71) versus Aberdeen (pitcher TBD), 7:05PM
The GCL Nationals game with the GCL Mets was suspended in the bottom of the second inning with the GCL Nats leading 3-1. The game will be resumed the next time the two teams play on 7/16.
Record: GCL Nationals 23-18, 2nd place GCL East (2GB)
Today: LHP Bobby Hansen (1-2, 4.60) at GCL Marlins, 12:00PM
The DSL Nationals1 managed only three hits but defeated the DSL Nationals2 3-1 (box). 22-year old RHP Juan Martinez started for the Nats1, allowing a run on four hits and four walks over 4 2/3IP with seven strikeouts. 20-year old RHP Julio Perez picked up the win with three shutout innings of relief, allowing one hit and striking out five. And, 19-year old RHP Wilson Eusebio picked up his third save with 1 1/3 scoreless innings, striking out one. 19-year old RHP Luis Jimenez started for the Nats2, allowing one unearned run on one hit and three walks over 5 1/3IP while striking out seven. 21-year old RHP Javier Berroa took the loss allowing two runs on three hits and one walk over 2 2/3IP, though he did strike out five. 19-year old CA Ricardo Martinez was 1/4 with a triple & two RBI; 19-year old RF Angelberth Montilla was 1/4 with a run scored; 19-year old LF Weesley Hernandez was 2/4 with a double; and 18-year old RF Joseph Cabreja was 1/4 with a double.
Record: GCL Nationals1 48-13, 1st place DSL S.D. West (21 games ahead); DSL Nationals2 23-38, 4th place DSL S.D. West (25GB)
Today: RHP Armado De Los Santos (4-2, 3.21) versus DSL Tigers; RHP Victor Mota (0-1, 3.78) versus DSL Padres; both games at 10:30AM
#1 by Ronny - August 12th, 2008 at 07:57
Brian- What is PJ Dean ceiling because the guy has been dominating ever since we drafted him, can he be a future ACE and what is his best pitch? Oh!! And what is his fastball clocked at?
#2 by dd - August 12th, 2008 at 08:04
Is O’Connor still in the Nats plan? Inconsistency and injuries at the major league level have hurt his cause, but with all the call ups by the big club, O’Connor has been totally forgotten. He has an astounding 2.02 ERA in over 90 innings with Columbus and is clearly the best performing starting pitcher with AAA Clipers. It is surprising that the underperforming club will is not giving him another “look see”.
#3 by Dick - August 12th, 2008 at 08:22
Ronny: Let’s see what Brian’s thoughts are but PJ Dean was a 7th round pick last year out of high school. His ceiling could be very high indeed.
It is nice to get high school pitchers in the rounds like the 7th. Top 5 round high school pitchers don’t usually warrant the pick, in my opinion. For instance, Colton Willems looks like a nice prospect and has been right on target since we drafted him in the first round. Joba Chamberlain, on the other hand, was picked roughly 10 picks later!
#4 by Garett Trump - August 12th, 2008 at 08:38
Does anybody have any ideas when Hicks, Espinosa, and Nieto will be making their debuts and for which affliate. I would assume both Hicks and Nieto will start in the gulf coast league, but I think Espinosa will start at ahigher level considering he is a college player.
#5 by Brian Oliver - August 12th, 2008 at 08:39
Dean has a 88-92 mph FB and an above average CB. Scouting reports in 2007 said his command/mechanics needed work but he had a very projectable pitcher’s body. I’m not sure he projects as a #1 starter, but it appears he could very well be a find in the 7th round who turns into a solid middle of the rotation starting pitcher.
#6 by Brian Oliver - August 12th, 2008 at 08:40
Garett – It would surprise me to see all three start in the GCL. Espinosa could make a start or two there and then get assigned to Vermont while Hicks/Nieto finish the season in the GCL with perhaps a late season stop in Vermont (like Smoker/McGeary did in 2007)
#7 by SlowPitch63 - August 12th, 2008 at 08:46
Brian, The only competition you have is….yourself.
Thanks again for keeping us so well informed.
From time to time I quote you on Nationals Journal. If you’d rather I didn’t so could make the point yourself, just say so.
Let’s play two!
#8 by Chris - August 12th, 2008 at 08:47
I leave work early and miss all the good stuff.
Well done getting the picks signed and promoting king and burgess.
BBA’s gripe with Dean was his control and said he could be a mid rotation guy. Off to quite a good start.
#9 by Brian Oliver - August 12th, 2008 at 08:48
SP63 – Feel free to quote when you want
#10 by Louis J - August 12th, 2008 at 10:13
The Nationals scouting department has done a great job of locating prospects that have shown great potential but were not on many/any prospect lists prior to being drafted. I like what this group has done and that appears to be the direct result of Mike Rizzo’s work and guidance. With the potential of a very high draft position next year and the Nats willingness to go over “slot” to sign prospects, the farm system could be re-stocked after the 2009 draft
#11 by Garett Trump - August 12th, 2008 at 10:42
Thanks Brian
#12 by Nats fan in NJ - August 12th, 2008 at 10:47
Bernadina has completely won me over. Considering how poorly he bombed in his stint with the big club, I was concerned that his “promotion” to AAA could be a flop. But it seems that we read his line everyday as 1-3, 2-5. He has been very consistent since his move to Columbus.
Brian – Does he see time again in the bigs this year with September call-ups? Or is he a spring training “in the running for a #4 spot” player?
#13 by Brian Oliver - August 12th, 2008 at 10:49
NFiNJ – I’m almost certain he’ll be back up when rosters expand. And he could be a candidate for #4 or 5 OF in 2009
#14 by Ronny - August 12th, 2008 at 11:21
Brian- I don’t know if you can answer this ?, but who has the higher upside of these 2 SS Tim Beckham and Mychal Givens? I guess what i’m saying is if Mychal was in the 2008 draft and not 2009 draft would he had been drafted higher than Beckham. Since we most likely will have a top 3 pick next year he(Mychal) could likely be on the Nats radar.
#15 by John - August 12th, 2008 at 11:41
Ronny: I’ve done some research and the impression I get is Givens actually has more upside, but Beckham is more polished and more likely to reach his potential. There are scouts that actually like Givens better as a pitcher. Another thing to remember is they’re actually the same age, both 1990 bdays even though Givens is eligible this year. My opinion is Beckham would be picked higher.
As far as the Nats, I don’t think he’s in the top picks right now. My money would be on them taking one of the college pitchers(Strasburg, White, or Gibson), or USC SS Grant Green.
Green tore up the Cape League and has five tool ability. His coach raved about him in a Baseball America article. The Nats obviously love Cape players(Crow and Milone) and I’m sure they had an eye on him. I wouldn’t be shocked if he’s #2 on their list behind Strasburg.
Another name I’m watching is HS catcher Austin Maddox. He apparently has plus power, bat speed, and a rocket arm behind the plate. He also already has good recieving and blocking skills, which is rare for his age. Most HS catchers struggle with that. For example, Derek Norris has 12 passed balls for Vermont. You know the Nats love catchers. I don’t think they’d take him in the top 3 though.
Also, I think there’s a possibility that Pedro Alvarez ends up back in the draft. Boras will want a ton of money and Alvarez actually could benefit from going back and a wrist injury cost him this year. I’d still bet on Pitt signing him, but won’t be shocked if they don’t. he’d obviously be a strong consideration.
#16 by John - August 12th, 2008 at 11:47
OT: I read an article late last month that said Louis Coleman was 50/50 on whether to sign with the Nats. I couldn’t find the link, but will post if I do.
I think they’ll sign Crow and I’m still hoping they surprised us with Silverstein or Ramirez.
Marcus Jones didn’t seem to help himself by going to the Cape league. He didn’t hit well, although that is very much a pitcher’s league.
Yorman Rodriguez turns 16 on Friday. he’s a very prominent CF IFA. I’ve read that he’s tied to the Cardinals and Reds though both deny it.
I’m trying to keep an eye on him and the recent Cuban defectors. The more high end prospects the better:)
#17 by John - August 12th, 2008 at 11:49
Ok scratch Coleman. I found a much more recent article.
http://www.2theadvocate.com/sports/lsu/featured/26862869.html
#18 by Ronny - August 12th, 2008 at 11:50
Thanks John! It will be great having a top 3 pick next year, because we are certain to get a very good player either a pitcher or shortstop to add to our farm system.
#19 by Bob L. Head - August 12th, 2008 at 11:57
Ladson says Justin Maxwell is out for the year ….
#20 by Dick - August 12th, 2008 at 13:01
Bob: Maxwell is to Nick Johnson as Nick is to Cal Ripken. It is clear to me that we will never see him on the field, sort of like Escobar.
#21 by Other Marc with a C - August 12th, 2008 at 14:19
On the Coleman thing – why do you use a 14th round pick on the guy and not at least stay in touch? I am not saying a 14th is gold, but I am sure there are players drafted after that who signed that we would like to have. Even if his initial number was high, and clearly this would be an above slot deal, don’t you call him every couple of weeks to see where he is, how he is feeling, etc.?
#22 by SlowPitch63 - August 12th, 2008 at 15:47
Decision process: What I hope the Nats are doing: 1 – We recognize that due to our current status we must pay some amount over slot to catch up. 2 – We have invested a lot in our scouting department and must trust their judgement. 3 – We drafted the best player available, in many cases at a draft position lower than our evaluation. 4 – We will immediately pay the slot amount for our evaluation NOT merely where we drafted him. As an example if they thought Crow was #4 then we should gladly pay, after suitable negotiations, of course, because saving money is still good, #4 slot money. If that doesn’t work refer to #1 above and determine some amount of catch up money we wouold be willing to spend. Repeat as necessary. 5 – After going through the above take a fresh look at our Farm systems situation position by position to see if the player in question might be worth more to us than others (the market is imperfect after all) and offer that. As an example middle infielders for us.
If after all that there are still some unsigned players then so be it.
Anybody think that’s what we do?
Let’s play two!
#23 by ulrath - August 12th, 2008 at 21:03
Anyone know why Jordan Zimmerman left after 2?
#24 by Garett Trump - August 12th, 2008 at 21:07
i just about to ask the exact same question.
#25 by Andrew S. - August 12th, 2008 at 21:09
I know they are watching his innings but 2 seems very early. I’ll try to find out.
#26 by Andrew S. - August 12th, 2008 at 22:20
Something is goofy, http://senatorsbaseball.com/box/2008/08/12/haraax-nhmaax-2.html says it is Jones.
#27 by Dick - August 12th, 2008 at 22:21
Ladson has more Crow negotiations in public from JimBow.
#28 by LivinBaseball - August 12th, 2008 at 22:33
Jones is pitching the second game of a double-header. Zimmerman started the first game and hit three batters in the second inning. He has pitched a lot this year and is young, they don’t want to push him too far in his first professional season.
#29 by Andrew S. - August 12th, 2008 at 22:55
LivinBaseball – thanks! I will still try to find out more on Zimmermann. I know his innings are close but 2 is hardly anything.
#30 by Inside Source - August 13th, 2008 at 00:33
Blake Stouffer meeting up with Hagerstown on the road tomorrow
#31 by Hoagie - August 13th, 2008 at 01:04
From senatorsbaseball.com:
Zimmermann exited the game after two innings due to a high pitch count. In the bottom of the 3rd, Brian Dopirak hit a sacrifice fly to cut the margin to 4-2.
So nothing to worry about…except for the control issues.
#32 by Andrew S. - August 13th, 2008 at 01:20
Yep. Source, makes sense if Espinosa joins Vermont. Where did you hear that specific move?
#33 by Inside Source - August 13th, 2008 at 07:29
Right from Blake haha
#34 by Inside Source - August 13th, 2008 at 18:19
Espinosa is officially in Vermont. Showed up today