Earlier today, Baseball America released their Top 10 Prospects for the Nationals. The list contains former, current, and future Senators. Notes below via BA’s scouting report on each prospect.
1. Anthony Rendon 3B
“tension-free swing allows him to stay back and then whip his bat through the zone, generating hard line drives from foul pole to foul pole…the Nationals have been impressed with his body control, hands, footwork and instincts”
2. Lucas Giolito RHP
“has an easy delivery, an advanced feel for pitching, a tenacious mound presence and a tireless work ethic”
3. Brian Goodwin OF
“his quick hands and feel for the strike zone give him a chance to be a tablesetter, and he generates enough leverage to add solid power”
4. Matt Skole 3B/1B
“improving ability to use all fields, good pitch recognition and patient approach suggest he can be an average hitter”
5. Nate Karns RHP
“throws a heavy fastball at 92-94 mph, topping out at 96…always has been able to get hitters to chase his downer curveball, a low-80s hammer with depth and finish, and he improved his ability to throw it for strikes last season”
6. Christian Garcia RHP
“stuff is electric…plus changeup has late sink, and he trusts it against both lefties and righties”
7. Eury Perez OF
“good feel for the barrel and makes consistent contact, though he still needs to become more patient in order to realize his potential as a tablesetter”
8. Sammy Solis LHP
“quality stuff when healthy, starting with a 90-94 mph fastball that peaks at 96 and has late, tailing life”
9. Matt Purke LHP
“has a slingy, low three-quarters delivery, and Washington has worked to raise his arm angle in order to prevent his pitches from flattening out”
10. Zach Walters SS
“stands out for his smooth, fluid swing from both sides of the plate, though he fared markedly better from the left side than the right in 2012”
The feature also disclosed their Best Tools of the organization
Best Hitter for Average: Anthony Rendon
Best Power Hitter: Matt Skole
Best Strike Zone Discipline: Anthony Rendon
Fastest Baserunner: Billy Burns
Best Athlete: Brian Goodwin
Best Fastball: Lucas Giolito
Best Curveball: Lucas Giolito
Best Slider: Aaron Barrett
Best Changeup: Christian Garcia
Best Control: Taylor Hill
Best Defensive Catcher: Sandy Leon
Best Defensive Infielder: Anthony Rendon
Best Infield Arm: Zach Walters
Best Defensive OF: Michael Taylor
Best Outfield Arm: Michael Taylor