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2008 For all of the talk that the Rule 5 draft isn't yielding the same sort of goodies that it used to, there are lovely counter-examples like Flores. The Nats should be able to look forward to reaping the benefits of his fluidity as a receiver and his potent throwing arm for years to come. He already pulls the ball with some power, so he should be a good match for the new park's slightly shallower power alleys. If he isn't sharing the playing time behind the plate with Paul Lo Duca, a return to the minors for a couple of months of full-time play would probably help him start hitting right-handers with more authority. It's within his power to push the veteran to the bench before the end of the season and get named to an All-Star team within the next four. 2007 The Mets ended the season with few position-playing prospects, but after the 2006 Rule 5 draft, they had one less. The Nationals grabbed Flores, who tied for the Florida State League lead in home runs last year. The most likely outcomes are that Flores gets returned to the Mets or the Nats keep him but stunt his development; his offensive game is not polished enough for the majors.
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