| Rank | Hitters | Pitchers |
|---|---|---|
| 23 | Edgardo Baez | Federico Tanco |
| 24 | Garrett Bass | Jack Spradlin |
| 25 | Alejandro Hodge | Marcos Frias |
| Francisco Soriano | Juan Jamie | |
| Yeurys Tejeda |
Coming it at #23 is a holdover from the Montreal Expos, OF Edgardo Baez. Baez was a 4th round selection in the 2003 draft out of a high school in Puerto Rico. While Baez’ stock has slid some over the past couple of seasons, he’s still only 22 years old and has a strong enough defensive ability to remain on the radar. In 76 games for the P-Nats, he batted 278/366/437 with 10 home runs over 270AB. He has the arm to be an above average RF. His ceiling is a #4 or 5 outfielder and it will be his defense that determines how far he’ll go. He’ll likely begin the season in Harrisburg though regular playing time might be a challenge.
On the pitching side, is a product of the Nationals effort in the Dominican Republic, Federico Tanco. The 21-year old RHP showed dominance (12.7K/9) and control (1.3BB/9) over his 75 innings of work. He was a key cog in the starting rotation in the Dominican Summer League. He’ll need to take the next step this season in order to have the chance to be a viable contender for a major league role. Hagerstown would be the ideal starting point for him in 2008.
hoagie | 16-Jan-08 at 1:24 am | Permalink
Just curious…21 years old is awful old for the DSL, right?
One more month | 16-Jan-08 at 4:55 am | Permalink
I guess that is why he would have to jump to Hagerstown to show if he is for real.
e | 16-Jan-08 at 10:02 am | Permalink
Brian –
you really think Tanco would start in Hagerstown instead of Vermont? I just figured that Hagerstown would be stocked mostly with the guys from Vermont last season (Willems, Zimmermann, Alaniz, Kimball, Mandel) and that Vermont would give him a better shot of starting on a regular basis. I’m figuring that Vermont would have Smoker, McGeary, Pena, Atahualpa Severino and Patrick Arnold along with Tanco.
either way, isn’t it great to be discussing where some (hopefully) talented, young pitchers will be starting in each of the Nats minor teams?
VladiHondo | 18-Jan-08 at 10:46 am | Permalink
Hope Tanco can make the jump, his control numbers were amazing!! - only 13 BBs vs. 119 K’s in 88 IP (includes playoffs - where he didn’t do as well - 4.85 ERA).
He pitched in DSL in 2k6, did well, but much less control. Federico went 2-5, 2.59, 41.7 IP, 17 BBs, 38 Ks.
Tulsa Fan | 19-Jan-08 at 7:59 am | Permalink
Baez was putting together a nice, progressive season before he had to stop playing. It’s too bad it was cut short. I like the way he was able to be consistent with his offense last year. It should be interesting to see if he can build on that progress and maybe make some better contact in these higher levels. Bass was a nice later round pick and made a pretty good transition in his first year to a higher level of competition from his college. Another guy who was able to be pretty consistent in his production. 2 guys who aren’t sure bets but are fun to follow in the minors as sleepers and see if they can succeed at the higher levels.
jarred | 19-Jan-08 at 8:29 pm | Permalink
i just read that the cubs want a right handed hitting out fielder. i thought maney jimbo could trade Austin Kearns with money for felix Pie. we get want we want another young toosley out fielder for Kearns who will play center for them. then Pie in left Milliage in center and Pena in right then Dukes compets with Pie for the starting job in spring traning what do you think?
Louis J. | 19-Jan-08 at 10:22 pm | Permalink
jarred
When the Cubs are interested in trading Rick Hill (LH-SP) for Kearns, have them call 1-800-BOWDEN.