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January 22, 2013
Minor League Update
Potential Impact Rookies (NL EAST)
by Jason Martinez
When we talk about "impact" rookies, it's important to note that several rookies will be getting the call to the majors and failing to help their team in any way shape or form. Coming up with a few big hits or making a couple of quality starts, however, could make a big difference at the end of a 162-game season. Beginning in the NL East, I'll be taking a look at each team and picking out some rookies who I think will make an impact on their team's success in 2013.
- Evan Gattis, OF: Barring a trade or a return of free agent Michael Bourn, the 26 year-old Gattis is expected to compete for the left field job this spring. His right-handed power (34 HR in 467 at-bats between Hi-A, Double-A, and the Venezuela Winter League in 2012) is intriguing but he's less than a full season removed from being moved to the outfield from the catcher position. A few months in Triple-A will allow him to work on his defense and allow the Braves to assess whether it's at least good enough to get his bat in the lineup. His bat should help whenever he does arrive, even if it's just as a pinch-hitter.
- Julio Teheran, RHP: After Teheran's dominating finish to the Dominican Winter League (0 ER, 2 H, 4
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Inside The Park: The M... (01/21)
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This certainly shows the strength of the Nats' major league club, as well as the weakness of their minor league system. It seems a stretch (no pun intended) to expect Garcia to become a starter again, and to survive it. DC really needs to convince Javier Vazquez to join their ranks in AAA as insurance.
It sure does. They had two rookies play significant roles off their bench in 2012, which is rare. Barring injury or injuries, I don't see that happening again in 2013 and they don't really have anyone in AAA ready to do that again. Maybe Zach Walters? This team is stacked, though.
I don't think Vazquez is interested in filling an "insurance" role in AAA. He can start on most teams in the majors right now. Worth taking a look at Garcia as a starter, but I do ultimately see him in the bullpen.