Nationals Farm Authority

The Nationals completed their trade for Jose Vidro yesterday, acquiring OF Chris Snelling and RHP Emiliano Fruto from the Seattle Mariners. To make room on the 40-man roster for both players, the Nationals outrighted CA Brandon Harper to Columbus. With the acquisition of CA Jesus Flores in thr Rule 5 draft, Harper’s role as backup to Brian Schneider did not necessitate three catchers on the 40-man roster.

Additionally, the Nationals have signed (or are soon to sign) five players to minor league contracts with likely spring training invitations. The five players are:

1. LHRP Ray King - The soon-to-be 33-year old King has pitched for 5 teams in his eight year major league career. He’s been a situational LHP and a workhorse out of the pen. He’ll likely compete with Micah Bowie for the spot as lead LHRP. Federal Baseball has a solid analysis of King (surprisingly, without a hint of condescension).
2. RHP Jason Simontacchi - A 33-year old former SP for the Cardinals, Simontacchi has not pitched in the major leagues since 2004 after labrum surgery on his right shoulder. Simontacchi had a minor league contract with the Cubs voided in March of 2006. If he sticks, he’s probably bound for Columbus.
3. LHSP Luis Martinez - Martinez will be 27 in January 2007. He began his career playing for the Milwaukee Brewers, and has also pitched with the St. Louis Cardinals and Colorado Rockies AAA teams. He’s spent the past two seasons pitching for the Chunichi Dragons in Japan. In 2006, he was 6-8 in 21 starts (107.33 IP) with a 4.19ERA, 1.45WHIP, 6.3K/9, and 3.4BB/9. He’ll be among the scrum for the Nationals 2007 rotation, but like Simontacchi, he’s likely Columbus bound if he sticks. According to BBA, his best pitch is a changeup, and he also throws an average fastball and mediocre curveball
4. IF D’Angelo Jimenez - The 29-year old (on Friday) Jimenez has bounced around five major league teams (including Jim Bowden’s Cincinnati Reds) after starting as a top prospect for the New York Yankees in the late 90s (among a group that included current Nats 1B Nick Johnson). Here is Stats, Inc scouting report for Jimenez … “All of his power/average comes from the left side. The disparity has caused some consideration for him to give up switch-hitting. He sometimes will think longball too much early in the count and often overswings, which is a big reason for a too-high strikeout total. However, Jimenez has extra-base pop to all fields and can pull a fastball low in the strike zone for power. In addition to adding muscle, Jimenez’ knowledge of the strike zone also has improved.” And on the basepaths/defense … “With above-average speed and quick acceleration, Jimenez has become a genuine basestealing threat. He at times can be overly aggressive and will make some mistakes on the bases. He came a long way defensively last year at second base, showing good range and a much-improved ability to turn the double play. He has a strong, accurate arm and good hands.” He’ll likely compete with Jose Macias, Josh Wilson, and Bernie Castro for the utility MI role on the Nationals.
5. OF Abraham Nunez - No, not this one. This one is a former OF prospect who has bounced around the minors with one full major league season (2004 with Kansas City and Florida). Mike Rizzo may have some knowledge of him as he played for the Diamondbacks until 1999. He’s a switch hitter who shows almost all of his power from the right side. He projects as a RF with a powerful (yet at times erratic) arm. With the glut of OFs already on the 40-man roster, Nunez faces long odds to make the team.