Now that we have the Nationals top 20, here is an updated look at the sources of talent with the knowns in bold
College (9)
- Ross Detwiler
- Justin Maxwell
- Jordan Zimmermann
- Kory Casto
- Adam Carr
- John Lannan
Numbers 7 through 9: Brad Meyers, Adrian Alaniz, Marco Estrada, Cory VanAllen, and Mike Daniel seem the most likely candidates. If you were to ask me, I’d go with Daniel, Estrada and VanAllen.
Junior College (1)
The only one: I’m sticking with Hassan Pena here.
Tip of the cap to VladiHondo for a more complete list of JuCo guys (2004 - Marvin Lowrance, Leonard Davis, Trahan, & Matt Perks [leaving Brian Peacock off of the list since he’d count under draft-and-follow]; Nobody of note in 2005, 2006 - Sean Rooney & Pena; and, 2007 - Chris Blackwood & Anthony Benner)
High School (12)
- Chris Marrero
- Collin Balester
- Michael Burgess
- Jack McGeary
- Josh Smoker
- Colton Willems
- Stephen King
- Ian Desmond
- Jake Smolinski
Numbers 10 through 12: Stephen Englund, Steve Souza, and Derek Norris. Perhaps PJ Dean? I’d lean towards the three bats
Draft/Follow (1)
- Brad Peacock
International (2)
- Esmailyn Gonzalez
Number 2 : Rog Bernadina is still my guess, but I could also see them tabbing one of the arms from the Nationals Dominican academy like Juan Jaime or Marcos Frias or Randy Almonte
Trade (4)
- Garrett Mock
- Tyler Clippard
- Shairon Martis
Number 4: Jhonny Nunez or Andrew LeFave. Flip a coin.
Rule 5 (1)
The only one: Matt Whitney is still my guess here. The only other choice is Garrett Guzman.
Ric | 24-Jan-08 at 2:24 pm | Permalink
I would think that Zinicola will be one of the college players. I’m guessing Zinicola, Meyers and one of Beno, Daniel, Alaniz or VanAllen. Agree with the rest of your speculation. Thanks
Hendo | 24-Jan-08 at 3:44 pm | Permalink
Why not Alaniz? (Are we afraid to rely on junk alone?)
Brian Oliver | 24-Jan-08 at 3:51 pm | Permalink
Alaniz’ age and stuff are a concern.
You’re right that there have been instances where fringy stuff was enough for a pitcher to develop.
But knowing how Baseball America thinks, they’d likely prefer a guy with at least one above average pitch.
I’ll grant you he’s going to make an appearance in my top 25 pitchers (hint hint … soon) but I can understand the concern with projecting him as a “top prospect”.
Andrew S | 24-Jan-08 at 7:23 pm | Permalink
Perks was released.
Ryan Sullivan | 24-Jan-08 at 9:37 pm | Permalink
My prospect book arrived today in the mail… sadly, this reminds me of the thrill of running downstairs on christmas morning-
Keep up the good work Brian, and you did a great job with your guesses
Chris | 25-Jan-08 at 9:07 am | Permalink
What do you think of Blackwood as the JUCO? BA loves tools and athletes
VladiHondo | 25-Jan-08 at 11:56 pm | Permalink
One International is low, but wow,. the top teams have like 11!!!!
We still have ALOT of work to do, but it does take a while longer for the Int’l to appear on the radar screen, usually once they hit stateside, post DSL or VSL.