Record: 2-8
Hitting
| AB | R | H | XBH | RBI | BB | SO | SB/SBA | AVG | OBP | SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 352 | 43 | 81 | 21 | 42 | 26 | 82 | 14/15 | 0.230 | 0.289 | 0.332 |
Pitching
| IP | SV | HLD | ERA | WHIP | BB/9 | K/9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 91.00 | 1 | 3 | 3.76 | 1.41 | 3.5 | 7.3 |
Prospects of note
- OF Roger Bernadina
- 1B Josh Whitesell
- OF Frank Diaz
- CA Devin Ivany
- RHSP Collin Balester
- LHSP Mike Hinckley
- RHRP Zech Zinicola
- RHRP Brett Campbell
As illustrated by the list above, the Senators have eight players who could be considered prospects. There are also a couple of other fringe prospects like SS Seth Bynum and RHSP Beltran Perez. But for the most part, Harrisburg can run out four everyday starters and a handful of pitchers who offer the greatest opportunity to continue to develop into major leaguers. Balester and Zinicola likely offer the highest ceilings as major league regulars, while the other six seem to project best as platoon starters or bench players for the hitters; and, spot starters, or middle relievers pitching. In other words, there is still room to improve at the Double-A level.
Much like the Columbus Clippers, the bats have just not produced for the Senators over the first two weeks of the 2007 season. Of the twelve teams in the Double-A Eastern League (EL), Harrisburg rank 9th offensively at 230/289/332. They do rank atop the EL with 14 stolen bases (only caught once) and are tied for the league lead with 6 HRs and are third with 21 extra base hits (out of 81 total). The only true standouts offensively have been Whitesell (333/394/600) leading the team in HRs and total bases, and Bernadina (283/298/348) leading the team with 5 stolen bases in as many attempts. But both performances also need to be tempered with the fact they’ve struck out a combined 24 times in 76 total AB while walking only 4 times. Disappointing so far in Harrisburg are Ivany (182/250/227), Diaz (211/318/316) and Tony Blanco (200/282/343).
Starting pitching has been solid enough compiling a 2-4 record with a 3.21 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 3.1BB/9, and 7.7K/9 in 56IP. Minor league veteran TJ Nall has been the strongest (though his performance versus Reading today will change that) with a 2.25ERA, 1.17WHIP, 2.3BB/9 and 9.0K/9. While Balester has surrendered an alarming 14 hits in only 10 innings pitched, he has minimized the walks (only 2) and the subsequent damage in runs scored, only 4. He has posted solid strikeout numbers with 10 in as many innings pitched. As lucky as Balester has been pitching around his hits, Hinckley has been unlucky with a very nice 12 strikeouts in 10 innings but surrendering 12 hits and 7 runs.
On the other hand, the two prospects in the Senators bullpen have struggled in their 2007 debuts. Zinicola and Campbell have allowed 10 hits, 8 walks, and 11 runs in only 8.33 innings pitched (6 total appearances). Of concern is 2006 Nationals Minor League Pitcher of the Year, Zinicola, who has allowed 2, 2, and 4 runs in his only three appearances. It’s too early to sound any sort of alarm, but it is a clear indicator that the 2006 6th rounder is not necessarily ready to step into the big league bullpen.
Early season struggles like these are not unusual for a team with a healthy farm system. The struggles for the Senators should not surprise. The bottom line is, and I’ll continue to write this, the Nationals rebuilding effort is by no means a quick fix. They are attempting to repopulate a prospect pool that, due to neglect, had reached a critically low level. The steps they have taken over the past year plus are promising, but as the performances in Triple and Double A illustrate (5-16 overall), those players are not ready to contribute at these higher levels. And, until they are, their margin for error is much smaller.
dd | 18-Apr-07 at 2:49 pm | Permalink
Only my opinions:
Apart from Ballester and Zinicola (jury still ou on him) all the other players seem like fringe prospects.
Bernadina can’t hit and has not in his minor league career (several A seasons), 4-5th outfielder at best. same goes for Diaz, who has been inconsistent in his minor league career.
Whitesell has power but is weak defensively and has been around in AA before. Ivany and Hinckley show signs and are hard workers but “slipping”.
Great job on the minor league reporting! If you don’t have a reporting gig, you should!
pahou | 18-Apr-07 at 3:22 pm | Permalink
hey DD im not sure who you are but to say Josh Whitesell is weak defensivly, must mean that you have never seen him play
yes Josh has been in AA, last year but he is blocked from AAA by Larry Broadway who the way hes playing we look for him, to be benched soon then here in Harrisburg we will lose our good first baseman I agree about Ivany, Soumi is the much better catcher. With the exception of Zinicola, which suprises most of us, our pitching staff has done an excellent job. The problem has been the offense.
pahou | 18-Apr-07 at 3:25 pm | Permalink
Sorry, one more point in this organization the road to the majors goes through Harrisburg and not through their AAA team wherever it might play that year
Brian J Oliver | 18-Apr-07 at 3:43 pm | Permalink
I’d agree with your sentiment pahou with one caveat. The road to the majors for prospects goes through Harrisburg. At present, Columbus is being used as a taxi squad for the big league roster. Occasionally guys like Casto or Broadway or Fruto will play there but my guess is that will be the exception vice the rule
Will | 18-Apr-07 at 3:50 pm | Permalink
Good analysis of the Senators first two weeks. I agree with pretty much everything you wrote.
I would also like to add that Whitesell has always had a problem with striking out. He has hit the ball pretty good in the first home stand. Also looks like he has lost 20+ pounds. Defensively he has played pretty well this season. Last season, in a close game he would always get pulled for better defensive first baseman Rich Lane.
Bernadina at times seems very good and other times he seems to play below his potential. To me it seems like at times he is only playing at half speed. Last night he made a very nice diving catch (ESPN highlight type of play) but last Friday I saw him pull up on a similar hit ball that he probably could have caught. He has great speed when he wants to use it.
Hinckley looked good in his first home start on 4/13. He started to lose a little on his pitches in the 5th inning. After a few starts I wouldn’t be surprised if he starts lasting longer and pitching better. I would like to see him have a good season.
I think Zinicola will be fine. He is a closer, typically they only last one inning. Saturday night he had a 1, 2, 3 inning and went out for another inning and got rocked. Coach admitted to the Patriot-News that he left him in to long. He has blown 2 saves and has looked bad other than the 1, 2, 3 inning. I saw him pitch last year and he was very dominating. I expect that as the weather heats up he will return to the form that made him the 2006 Nationals Minor League Pitcher of the Year.
Will | 18-Apr-07 at 4:01 pm | Permalink
pahou, I have watched Ivany catch several times this season and he has done well. I expect his bat to get a little better then it is right now. I only watched Soumi catch once this season and it wasn’t pretty. He had way to many passed balls (at least 4). 1 scored a runner and another almost scored a run (runner was thrown at coming home).
pahou | 18-Apr-07 at 4:21 pm | Permalink
hey will i think that you have your catchers backwards, time will tell. That was a nice catch roger made. Im hoping that as the weather gets warmer so will the team. Last night was frigid, there were more players there than there were fans. Except for Friday nights game against Erie, the Senators have been frightful offensivly. Runner on third, one out and the Senators couldnt even score the tying run last night. Josh might look lighter but dont you think he looks like he has bulked up some, and i never understood why Rich Lane was put in for Josh last year.
dd | 18-Apr-07 at 4:24 pm | Permalink
Hi Pahou,
You are correct in assuming that I have never seen Whitesell play. He has been a solid contributor in the NCAA and pro career and I do not mean to belittle his skills as a minor leaguer.
My comments are based on several scouting reports on Josh, going back to the Expos’ years. The reviews were not all “negative” on Whiteseel. They basically called him a streaky hitter with good power and an average glove, mostly limited to first base defensively. Good minor league player but a stretch for a starting job in the majors. He has struck out 394 times in 1338 AB, which backs up his “streaky hitter” label. As a 23 yr old, he had a breakout year with the 2005 Potomac club as he clubbed 18 HR, 66 RBI with a .293 BA.
He is one of the few power guys in the Nats system (above A ball) and will continue to contribute. Just not sure we will see him in Washington.
Did not want to come down on Whitesell, who is a much better player than I ever was!
Will | 18-Apr-07 at 4:33 pm | Permalink
Time will tell with the catchers. Maybe Soumi had a bad game (Saturday, 4/14). I went to MiLB to double check and it was Soumi catching last Saturday. There were so many passed balls that I thought Manriquez was catching.
Last night was really cold. I left after the 1st inning; after I almost got hit by Roger’s broken bat and then a foul ball. There was more players and staff then fans.
Josh is lighter and has bulked up some. Rich was brought in because his glove was better.
pahou | 18-Apr-07 at 4:35 pm | Permalink
I’m just a little touchy about our Senators. Josh is only one of twelve players that look quite confused at the plate 80% of the time. but when they put it together they are a real joy to watch.
pahou | 18-Apr-07 at 4:42 pm | Permalink
I stayed through the whole thing. I am tired of carrieying blankets already. Manriquez now there was a name i was surprised when he was taken in the rule 5 draft. Or was he a six year free agent. Catching has been a sore spot ever since Hoops played in Harrisburg. We have had some tough ones and some fun ones to watch but not really any good ones lately
Remember when they tried to make Josh Mckinley a catcher, and he hit the pitchers mound on several throws to second?Ahhhh got to love those Senators though.
dd | 18-Apr-07 at 5:19 pm | Permalink
Is there a position McKinley didn’t try?
Did you attend games when Tim Laker was the carcher? Heard he was pretty good defensively.
pahou | 18-Apr-07 at 5:29 pm | Permalink
unfortunetly that was before my time i moved here in 1997. I love my wifes stories about the senators she goes back to the game against the vermont reds in 1987
dd | 18-Apr-07 at 5:36 pm | Permalink
I have attended several minor league games when the Nats were the Spos, mostly in the NY Penn league. Saw lots of future major leaguers and thoroughly enjojed the atmosphere at the minor league level.
Unfortunately, there are no more minor league teams in my area now.
Continue to enjoy the games and the “exuberance” of the up and comers”!
Will | 18-Apr-07 at 6:34 pm | Permalink
dd - I attended games when Laker was a Senator. He was good. Another really good catcher back then was Robby Natal (went on to play a little for the Marlins). Natal was a really nice guy too.
dd | 18-Apr-07 at 9:14 pm | Permalink
Het Will,
The Senator years in that era were pretty good.
I believe Rondell White and Mike Lansing played at that time (with Laker).
Other well thought of prospects like Tyrone Woods, Derrick White, Chris Martin, Tyrone Horne, Tavo Alvarez, Reid Cornelius,… also played then. Interesting to note that apart from White and Lansing, the other “good” prospects did not pan out.
Will | 19-Apr-07 at 9:17 am | Permalink
DD - Those where some good years. Don’t forget about Cliff Floyd, Joey Eischen, Kirk Reuter, Gabe White, Glenn Murray, Ugueth Urbina. That 1993 team was loaded. With the exception of Murray all of the players I listed played for a long time in the MLB.
Will | 19-Apr-07 at 9:22 am | Permalink
Forgot to add that I was friends with Chris Martin. He was a very nice guy with good talent but had to many errors and had a difficult time at the plate.
The first time I saw Ian Desmond I thought of him as a bulked up Chris Martin. They could have been twins. Unfortunately for Desmond he is kind of playing like Martin right now. I hope Ian is able to put together a good year and make it back to AA.
Eric H. | 21-Apr-07 at 2:49 pm | Permalink
Ballister had another good outing the other day….. I suspect that he will move to AAA by July. Ballister I pretty much know what he’s got and what he can do if he’s on…. Zinicola will probably remain here through the season at this point unless he starts to dominate over the summer. I scan the remainder of the roster and the one intriguing person is Hinckley. The numbers are impressive. OK yea got it. What would be really interesting to know is whether or not his stuff has returned to where it was a few years ago or whether we’re seeing a mirage. What’s the fastball clocking these days? How is his command? How does his arm feel? A lefthander with command and stuff can go far and if Hinkley were to rise from the ashes it would be a bonus to the entire system… like finding a prospect LH starter from nowhere. Any ideas?