Nationals Farm Authority

The Washington Nationals have made tremendous strides in rebuilding their farm system from the damage caused during MLB’s stewardship.

The 2005 draft saw the addition of 3B Ryan Zimmerman and LHSP John Lannan, both of whom are contributors for the Nationals 2008 season. Additionally, OF Justin Maxwell had a cup of coffee with the Nats at the end of the 2007 season.

The 2006 season saw the Nationals focus on high ceiling high school prospects which has infused the lower levels of the minor leagues with 1B Chris Marrero, RHSP Colton Willems, LHSP Glenn Gibson (who was subsequently dealt for OF Elijah Dukes who is the Nats #4 OF when he returns from the DL), IF Stephen King, and OF Stephen Englund.

Last year saw the Nats focus on pitching with arguably the strongest draft in MLB which netted them LHSPs Ross Detwiler, Josh Smoker, & Jack McGeary along with RHSP Jordan Zimmermann. Additionally, the Nats grabbed a trio of high school bats with 3B Steve Souza, 2B Jake Smolinski, and RF Michael Burgess.

These strong drafts helped add depth to the Nationals at the corner infield/outfield and starting pitching. A team can never have too much depth in its organization as it develops personnel who can replace injured players at the major league level or be dealt to fill in weak spots. The areas where the Nats need the most depth are catching and middle infield. Let me be clear, the Nats should take the best player available when their selections come up in the 2008 draft. But if the debate is close and the players rate out comparably to the organization, the positional depth is a consideration the Nationals should not ignore.

Over the next couple of months, I am going to highlight, position by position, players the Nat might consider with their allotment of draft picks. As a reminder, the Nats picks are as follows:

• 1st round: #9
• 2nd round: #56
• 3rd round: #87
• 4th round & out: #121 +30 (i.e. 151, 181, etc)

The number of total picks in each round is as follows:

• 1st round: 1-30
• Supplemental 1st: 31-46
• 2nd round: 47-78 (two extra picks due to unsigned 2007 2nd rounders)
• 3rd round: 79-108
• Supplemental 3rd: 109-112
• 4th round: 113-142
• 5th round and on: +30 to each end

That being said, with the assist from PGCrosschecker, here are some of the top catching prospects available in the upcoming MLB First Year Player Draft:

1. Kyle Skipworth - Skipworth is an 18-year old left-handed hitting high schooler from California. He is the top catching prospect in this year’s draft. Not only does he possess above average defense but Skipworth also has the chance to develop into that very rare commodity, a catcher who can hit for both power and average. Skipworth has committed to Arizona State but given his proposed draft status seems very likely to sign. The standard caveats exist for any high schooler, a lot of things can change as they mature but he is a likely top 10 selection and very well may be available for the Nats with the #9 pick. 
2. Buster Posey - Skipworth is top high school catcher in the draft. Posey is his counterpart from the college ranks. The 21-year old right-handed hitting catcher is currently hitting 483/586/864 with the Florida State Seminoles. He is clearly farther along developmentally and is a likely top 15 selection. This is where a team gambles on the high schooler with more volatility (higher ceiling but more risk of not developing) versus a collegian with less future improvement, but more certainty in what he is going to be. It really is a matter of organizational philosophy because I think they value out that close.
3. Petey Paramore - The 21-year old switch-hitting catcher is currently hitting 328/482/464 for the Arizona State Sun Devils. Paramore’s calling card is his defense. He is one of the top defensive catchers in this years draft. On offense, he does not appear to project out for much power but has an above average eye at the plate. Paramore projects out as a second rounder and could very well be available when the Nats pick at #56.
4. Adrian Nieto - Another switch-hitter, scouts view the 18-year old Nieto as the second best prep catcher in the 2008 draft. As the scouting report mentions, his arm and power are considered above average. He is a work in progress along the lines of 2007 selection Derek Norris. He’s committed to the University of South Florida and seems a likely late second round selection. With the 2nd rounder (#56), it would likely be too early and he might not be there for the Nats in the 3rd round at #87
5. Tyler Chatwood -The 17-year old Chatwood is an intriguing prospect. He could be drafted as a RHP (most likely), OF, or CA (least likely). He currently throws in the mid-90s and controls a couple of pitches. That arm could also project out well as a corner outfielder or catcher. He’s committed to UCLA, so that might bear watching in contract negotiations. He’s a guy who could go anywhere from the supplemental first round to the late second round depending upon what he is drafted as (might go higher as a pitcher). As a catcher, he is more of a late 2nd rounder like Nieto.
6. Antonio Jimenez (no link) - A 17-year old right-handed hitter. Not much I can find on him. This is a recommendation from PG Crosschecker. From what I can dig up (thank you Google), he has a nice balance of defense and offense. They have him in the 70-75 range which would make him a value pick in the 3rd round.
7. Jason Castro -The 20-year old left-handed hitting catcher is currently batting 347/398/590 for Stanford. Scouting reports show his defense as a work in progress. His power right now is average but projects out well. He looks like a catcher who might be available with the #87 pick as a slight overdraft, but would be a great value in any round thereafter.
8. Preston Clark -The 22-year old right-handed hitting Clark is currently batting 261-396/514 for the Texas Longhorns. Clark’s calling card is his defense. He is the top defensive catcher entering the 2008 draft. His bat is still a work in progress. Clark looks like a late third rounder.
9. Tim Federowicz - The 20-year old right-handed hitting Federowicz is currently batting 300/380/431 for the University of North Carolina.  He’s a solid both on offense and defense. Teams could also draft him as a potential RHRP. He seems to slot into the late 3rd round/supplemental 3rd round.
10. Jordan Swagerty - The last one on this list is the switch-hitting high schooler from Texas. Like Federowicz, he profiles as both a RHP and a catcher. He is all about projectability at this point. Also like Federowicz, he’s also a late 3rd round/supplemental 3rd round.