In one of the most spectacular weather days I can ever remember, today the Nationals beat the Georgetown University Hoyas 3-0 in a well-played exhibition game. Matt Purke started the game for the Nationals and after quickly allowing sharply hit balls to the first two batters of the game, quickly settled down and was dominant for three innings. It looked to me as though Purke has quieted his throwing motion a bit since I scouted him last season at Texas Christian, and his velocity was reported to be 91-92mph today, improved from last seasons 88-89mph but down from the 94-95mph he reached in high school and as a freshman in college. In addition, Purke’s slider was close to unhittable, as it baffled the Hoya hitters, and Purke flashed his solid changeup a few times as well. While Purke is likely ticketed for High-A Potomac to begin the 2012 season, as long as his pitching shoulder remains healthy, he should be on the fast track to the major leagues, perhaps as soon as September 2013.
Rafael Martin entered after Purke in the 4th inning and threw two scoreless innings, completely dominating the young Georgetown lineup. I am not big on comparisons, as they usually do not do either player justice, but watching Martin today reminded me greatly of former Nationals relief pitcher, Luis Ayala, as both have very similar throwing motions, comparable body types, and both are fastball and slider pitchers. Martin appears to be on the outside looking in for a position in the bullpen to begin the year, but he looked like a major league quality relief pitcher, and along with Ryan Perry whom I discussed yesterday, should provide strong depth to the National’s bullpen this season.
Shifting gears to the position players, Andres Blanco impressed with his glove at shortstop today, making a gold glove caliber play in the first inning ranging 30+ feet to his left behind the second base bag to throw out a speedy runner at first base. Then in the 2nd inning, he made another well above-average play charging in and toward third base on a slow ground ball and got the runner by two steps at first. Yes, Blanco’s bat leaves something to be desired, but if the Nationals want to give Steve Lombardozzi a few hundred at-bats at Triple-A to begin the season, Blanco can certainly hold down the position as the utility infielder defensively.
Finally, Tyler Moore continued to impress me today with an impressive double to left field and his defensive skills around first base. While I have not watched the Nationals starters as of yet, Moore has been the most impressive Nationals player to me in these two days, and clearly I need to reevaluate my opinion of this prospect, as he is better than I have given him credit for in the past. If he keeps this up, do not be surprised to find him in Washington prior to the All-Star break.
Quick thoughts
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Michael Taylor is the most physically impressive athlete I have seen in quite some time: picture your ideal baseball player, multiply that by 5 and that is Michael Taylor. I spent a great deal of time watching him hit in the batting cages yesterday, and the ball simply explodes off his bat, making a completely different and more pronounced sound than those he was hitting with. True, he is more raw and toolsy than I typically prefer in a player, but with some polish and further development with his hit tool, he has the talent to be an above average major league center fielder. I can clearly see why the Nationals are so excited for this young man’s future.
Previewing Tomorrow
Tomorrow the Nationals travel to Kissimmee, FL to play the Houston Astros in the first “real” spring training game of 2012 beginning at 1pm, and coincidently, the Astros starting pitcher is Livan Hernandez. Many of the regulars are expected to travel across the state for the game, and Bryce Harper is scheduled to start in right field. The game is sold out, so it is going to take my best imitation of a credentialed writer to find a way into the stadium tomorrow. Wish me luck!
Today’s “Tip of the Fedora” goes to Adam Kilgore @AdamKilgoreWP, Amanda Comak @AComak, and Mark Zuckerman @MarkZuckerman for their tireless and excellent coverage of Nationals spring training. Each individually do a terrific job and every Nationals fan should follow them on Twitter and read their work – Nationals fans are lucky to have three dedicated beat writers in one town. Thanks to each of you!