Comments on: TPA Nationals Top 10

By: Two more months

Two more months — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 13:20:27 +0000

Balester has been in the minors for several years now. Will we see him in the bigs this year, next year, or never?

By: Brian Oliver

Brian Oliver — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 14:05:05 +0000

I think this is the season he makes his debut. I’d expect him to be a mid-season call up (for an injured SP) with a strong likelihood of a September return.

Keep in mind, he was drafted as a high schooler so it’s not too far past expectations. Last year’s college draft eligibles would have included Balester as a junior.

By: Steve

Steve — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:01:31 +0000

Where do you think Smoker, McGeary and Smolinski will be next year? Thanks.

By: Brian Oliver

Brian Oliver — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:13:45 +0000

Steve - Vermont seems most likely for all three

By: Brian Oliver

Brian Oliver — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:16:59 +0000

My best guesses for the top 10:

Columbus: Balester (though the Nats might want to put him with Detwiler and the other top pitching prospects in Harrisburg)
Harrisburg: Marrero, Detwiler, Maxwell
Potomac: Zimmermann
Hagerstown: Willems, possibly Burgess (though Vermont seems more likely)
Vermont: Smoker, McGeary, Smolinski

By: Shawn

Shawn — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 16:02:48 +0000

I would think that Burgess starts in Hagerstown,considering his GCL performance and the success that the Nationals had in starting Marrero in Hagerstown last season instead keeping him in extended spring training and waiting for NY-Penn play to start…

By: Jeff

Jeff — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 15:48:05 +0000

Michael Burgess should be a lock for Hagerstown...

Marrero and Detwiler should be locks for Harrisburg...