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February 27, 2008

Future Shock

Nationals Top 11 Prospects

by Kevin Goldstein

Five-Star Prospects
1. Chris Marrero, 1B
2. Ross Detwiler, LHP
Four-Star Prospects
3. Michael Burgess, OF
Three-Star Prospects
4. Josh Smoker, LHP
5. Justin Maxwell, OF
6. Jake McGeary, LHP
7. Collin Balester, RHP
Two-Star Prospects
8. Jordan Zimmerman, RHP
9. Jake Smolinski, OF
10. Colton Willems, RHP
11. Adam Carr, RHP

Just Missing: Esmailyn Gonzalez, SS; John Lannan, LHP; Shairon Martis, RHP

1. Chris Marrero, 1B
DOB: 7/2/87
Height/Weight: 6-3/210
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted: 1^st round, 2006, Monsignor Pace HS (FL)
2007 Stats: .293/.337/.545 at Low-A (57 G); .259/.338/.431 at High-A (68 G)

Year In Review: After dropping a bit in the 2006 draft due to a a below-expectations senior year, Marrero once again looked like one of the top hitters in his class during an excellent pro debut.
The Good: Offensively, Marrero does it all and makes it look easy. He has outstanding pitch recognition for such a young player, and a liquid-smooth swing than provides good contact and plus-plus power to all fields, along with the projection to hit .280-.300 annually with 30+ home runs. Team officials are quick to point to his outstanding work ethic, and scouts noted the continuous improvement he made throughout the year.
The Bad: Marrero is already out of defensive options less than two years after being drafted. A third baseman in high school, the Nationals tried to move him to a corner outfield slot in 2007, and while the effort was there, his below-average athleticism limited his range, and he was moved to first base in the offseason, which wastes his good arm somewhat. He's a slow runner, but not a complete base-clogger.
Fun Fact: While it's not an overly-friendly hitter's park, Marrero hit .398/.430/.778 in home games for Low-A Hagerstown, and just .193/.246/.325 in Sally League road games.
Perfect World Projection: An impact middle-of-the-order run producer.
Timetable: Marrero's progress in 2007 could result in a Double-A assignment to begin this season, lining him up for a shot at a big-league job the following year.

2. Ross Detwiler, LHP
DOB: 3/6/86
Height/Weight: 6-5/185
Bats/Throws: R/L
Drafted: 1^st round, 2007, Missouri State
2007 Stats: 2.25 ERA at Rookie-level (12-11-3-15); 4.22 ERA at High-A (21-27-9-13); 0.00 ERA at MLB (1-0-0-1)