| Rank | Hitters | Pitchers |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | Josh Whitesell | Brad Peacock |
| 13 | Matt Whitney | Brad Meyers |
| 14 | Garrett Guzman | Jhonny Nunez |
| 15 | Roger Bernadina | Zech Zinicola |
| 16 | Kory Casto | Marco Estrada |
| 17 | Andrew Lefave | Adrian Alaniz |
| 18 | Leonard Davis | Cory VanAllen |
| 19 | Dani Arias | Martin Beno |
| 20 | Bill Rhinehart | Hassan Pena |
| 21 | Mark Gildea | Yader Peralta |
| 22 | Aaron Seuss | PJ Dean |
| 23 | Edgardo Baez | Federico Tanco |
| 24 | Garrett Bass | Jack Spradlin |
| 25 | Alejandro Hodge | Marcos Frias |
| Francisco Soriano | Juan Jaime | |
| Yeurys Tejeda |
Josh Whitesell was a 2003 6th round draft pick out of Loyola Marymount University. The 25-year old first baseman repeated Double-A Harrisburg where he significantly improved his plate discipline resulting in a 284/425/512 (after 263/353/432 in 2006). He mashes righthanded pitchers (307/457/558) and improved his defense enough to be rated by Double-A managers as the top defensive first baseman. He was added to the 40-man roster in the off-season but faces the challenge of Dmitri Young and Nick Johnson on the 25-man in front of him (as well as the chance that Matt Whitney sticks as a Rule 5). Columbus is his likely starting point in 2008.
Brad Peacock is the last draft-and-follow signing by the Nationals. After being drafted in the 41st round of the 2006 draft, the Nationals signed the righty in 2007 after a season at Palm Beach (FL) Community College. He has drawn comparisons physically to Tim Hudson (i.e. short and slight). He has a high-80s/low-90s fastball, an above average curveball and a developing changeup. He split his time in the GCL as a starter and reliever. His ceiling is a #3 starter and he is all about projectability at this point. The Nationals could challenge him with a start in Potomac in 2008 but Hagerstown might be more reasonable.
Chaz | 13-Feb-08 at 5:37 pm | Permalink
Were you surprised BA didn’t have Josh in the top 30?
Chaz | 13-Feb-08 at 5:39 pm | Permalink
Also, tell me why I should not fall in love with that .425 obp? Too old?
Brian Oliver | 13-Feb-08 at 6:03 pm | Permalink
Chaz - The age thing will be brought up, for certain. Along with the repeating of level. He’s an interesting guy but I’m not sure where his chance is aside from a trade of NJ and/or DY. As for BBA dropping him from the top 30, not a huge surprise because BBA tends to be enamored with th younger up-and-coming guys over the late developers
Chaz | 13-Feb-08 at 6:25 pm | Permalink
I guess I thought if they were including Whitney they should include Whitesell, but Whitesell doesn’t have the huge injury to justify the age.
On a side note, when you are done with the list could you mention where milledge and dukes would fit if they were still on the farm?
Brian Oliver | 13-Feb-08 at 6:58 pm | Permalink
Chaz - Will do
Scott | 13-Feb-08 at 9:30 pm | Permalink
Brian - Chaz asked about Milledge and Dukes. I would also be interested where Flores would be placed.