4. Derek Norris, c, Hagerstown (Nationals).
BA South Atlantic league report out and just the obvious candidate is present. List and scouting reports are here. The chat is later today where we may find out some “honorable mentions.”
Its a testament to Norris’ season that he’s listed as the 4th best prospect in the whole of the South Atlantic league. His performance lists him ahead of such big time draft names as Tim Beckham (#1 overall in 2008), Tony Sanchez (4th overall in 2009) and Jared Mitchell (23rd overall in 2009). Here’s a good quote from the scouting report:
“Norris earned near-unanimous praise as the SAL’s best position player, and managers rated him as the league’s best batting prospect and best power prospect at midseason. His swing is similar to his 6-foot, 210-pound frame: strong and compact. He has natural pull-side power and drives the ball to all fields. He also shows good plate discipline, with league highs in walks (90) and on-base percentage (.413).”
Can’t wait to see what he can do at high-A or AA.
There were 4 phillies prospects in the top 20 (helping to explain why their affilliate from Lakewood won the post-season crown). Rays with 3, Indians, Red Sox, Pirates, White Sox and Yankees each had two prospects each on the list.
I have a hard time quibbling with the exclusion of any other Nats from this list. Tyler Moore and Steve Lombardozzi had good seasons but might be a bit old for low-A. Steve Souza (#3 pick in 2007) took a step back from his 2008 numbers at the same level. Marcos Frias, Juan Jaime and Patrick Lehman all look promising as starters moving forward. Other guys worthy of consideration got promoted in june and july (Terrence Engles, Drew Storen, Brad Peacock).
Let the debate begin.
#1 by peric - October 2nd, 2009 at 14:29
Drew Storen: No need for minor league accolades; NL All-Star next July. You heard it here first.
#2 by Sec 204 Row H Seat 7 - October 2nd, 2009 at 16:01
I agree peric. Drew Storen count. He probably could have pitched in DC if called upon. I personally have hopes for Lombardozzi to eventually settle the NATS 2nd base problem. I can never tell when someone’s “old” for the level that he is playing at. So, move him up and see what he can do.
#3 by Todd - October 2nd, 2009 at 16:24
Check out this baseball america blog posting: it has averages for all major stats plus ages (batters and pitchers) split out.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=6667
Low-A batters on average are 21.6yrs old, pitchers 21.7yrs old. So Moore is over the avg, Lombardozzi under. I might have been a tad critical in my comments there. Also, based on this Morris, Jaime and Lehman are “old” for the level (though two of those three are 2009 draft picks).
#4 by Berndaddy - October 2nd, 2009 at 16:41
Rhinehart taught me this year that being old for a level counts for something. Buyer beware, but with that being said I can’t wait to see Lombardozzi and Moore in Potomac. I’ll be hoping for good things…
#5 by Todd - October 2nd, 2009 at 17:37
5:30pm update: reading the chat from the author. Someone asked how these lists were made up and the author said (paraphrasing) that the rankings part success in the league but slightly more based on potential of the player. No other Nats prospects were listed (he gave out his #21-#30 prospects) but a question was asked and answered about his opinion of Norris’s future with the organization (he’ll be the Nats starting catcher and not Harper in 5 years). He thinks that Harper’s got enough arm strength and skills to play RF in pro ball.
#6 by Andrew Stebbins - October 2nd, 2009 at 21:29
Stephen King suspended 50 games (starting next season, of course) for use of Ritalinic Acid, a banned substance.
http://www.nationals.com
#7 by BinM - October 3rd, 2009 at 10:28
Andrew: It doesn’t affect him in the FIL?
#8 by Andrew Stebbins - October 3rd, 2009 at 12:33
Probably not, but the team can’t be too happy. Who knows what course of action they’ll take against him, if any.
#9 by BinM - October 3rd, 2009 at 14:45
@Andrew Stebbins: Have you (or anyone else) heard if King was previously diagnosed as ADHD; and if so, was Ritalin prescribed? Seems like either way, the kid is pretty much caught in the system.
#10 by Andrew Stebbins - October 3rd, 2009 at 15:42
I have no idea…I also don’t know, if it is the same substance, why it would be banned. Good question.
#11 by S. Smith - October 3rd, 2009 at 22:28
………………………..
would like to give him the benefit of the doubt… even thought i know him… what an IDIOT.
#12 by Jeff E. - October 4th, 2009 at 05:26
so, what is next in DEC???? sign a bunch of minor league free agents, draft some aa/a rule V guys…..draft heavy position players in top 25 picks?????
#13 by Todd - October 4th, 2009 at 10:07
The nats have had pretty good success signing minor league Free agents (Nieves, Orr, Padilla, Martin, Rivera and Segovia from the current active roster and names like Shell, Redding, Hanrahan in the past). So I definitely see some signings there to provide bullpen competition in spring training 2010.
There’s significant room for movement on the 40-man; at least 8 of our 40 man roster are FAs or could easily be moved off without being claimed (Livan, Villone, Kensing, Dmitry Young, Bard, Burke, Kearns and Padilla).
And the nats really don’t have to protect too many rule 5 eligible guys this time around. Of the newly exposed players in our farm system (mostly college guys drafted in 2006) only Erik Arneson really merits protection based on performances.