MIAMI — Mike Rizzo just revealed the six Nationals prospects who will participate in the Arizona Fall League. It's not quite as star-studded a list as last year's crop, which included Stephen Strasburg, Drew Storen, Chris Marrero and Danny Espinosa. But it's got some intriguing names nonetheless.
The full list headed to Arizona in October...
OF Michael Burgess
RHP Adam Carr
RHP Cole Kimball
INF Stephen Lombardozzi
C Derek Norris
LHP Sammy Solis
Obviously, Bryce Harper is not on this list. That doesn't, however, mean he won't end up playing in the AFL. Rizzo said there's still a chance the 17-year-old could be added to the roster, depending on how he plays in the Florida instructional league.
Harper a definite no-go then?
ReplyDeleteOnly care about Lombardozzi, Norris and Solis... but I hope Kimball, Carr and Burgess have nice showing as well!
ReplyDeletewhy not Harper? I know, I know....you don't wanna rush him.
ReplyDeleteShoot, put the kid in right field and lets see what he's got. He might burn it up. Then start him in Potomac next year and hope he makes a fast track to the bigs. I think this kid has "it"...if you know what I mean. Rizzo.....let the horse run....he's not a trotter!
Mark, thanks for the update re teh AFL. Question re Tyler Moore. He has had a monster year at Potomac but no promotion or AFL for him. Any thoughts re Moore's status with the Nats? Is he a legit "prospect"? The Nats apparently like the guy since they drafted him out of high school and again out of Miss. State.
ReplyDeleteYeah Moore....30 bombs and 40 something doubles. And Potomac is no band box, you gotta earm em there.
ReplyDeleteAnon at 11:53, tell me more about Lombardozzi. He is not on my radar.
ReplyDeleteI think it would have felt like a diss to our minor leaguers ti send Harper before he's played a day for us. But the idea that he will be in Potomac next spring makes me happy.
Sammy Solis is going straight from the draft and Florida Instructional League....My guess is that if Harper lights up the Florida Instructional League, he'll get an invite to Arizona.
ReplyDeleteThis Kimball guy has some pretty nasty stats. 25 years old. Looks like a converted starter into a closer. Started in A-ball this year, in Harrisburg now. Very good hit/strikeout ratio to innings pitched
ReplyDeleteA reminder, kids: Rizzo never explicitly said that Harper would play in the Arizona Fall League in 2010.
ReplyDeleteLombardozzi is one of the candidates for second-baseman of the future for the Nats. IIRC he is a great hitter but has struggled defensively.
ReplyDelete@ NatsJack in Florida
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with you on Harper, I think they want to see where the kid is at especially defenisvely in RF before the commit him to the AFL.
Pumped to see Burgess getting a chance to shine and looking forward to see what Lombo shows us as far as his future in the organization.
I am hoping Norris shows that he may be worthy of a position change to 1B or OF and does not get hurt again.
Yeah, wad bout' this Moore guy? 70+ extras isn't chopped liver!
ReplyDeleteRichard - teams are restricted in the number of players they can send who are playing below AA. The idea is that the league is a finishing ground for top prospects who are almost ready for the bigs, and not just another opportunity for players to pick up playing time. I'd guess that this is why Moore has been omitted.
ReplyDeleteRizzo (unlike JimBo) seems to like for players to spend whole seasons at a given level before promoting them. I'd guess that Moore is most likely to be promoted at the end of the season -- if he's not promoted then, then it might mean something.
Re: Lombardozzi
ReplyDeleteHe's a gold glove defender. Excellent numbers across the board, doesn't make errors, decent range. He's a fringy everyday player but will be a solid bench player at worst in the bigs.
Be interesting how Moore stacks up against Marrero. I have seen a lot of Marrero and think he can hit in the bigs right now. Seen a couple games of Moore. Chases breaking pitches in the dirt, but can crush the high fastball.
ReplyDelete@Big Cat - Marrero is a much more polished hitter, but Moore has much more raw power to all fields. Moore is a better fielder than Marrero, but is mediocre-to-below-average compared to his peers.
ReplyDeleteMoore is one to watch in '11 but patience and DC fans go together like good judgment and teenagers.
Cannot understand why Moore will not be going to Arizona. Can someone please explain how this works. He has the hottest bat in the league and why would they not want to let him keep that up?
ReplyDeleteGreat news for all these fellows... but we miss seeing them at the Fitz ! Best wishes and we'll be watching for you !
ReplyDeleteGreat job, Derek Norris!
ReplyDelete