Category Archives: Nationals

End of 2018 Looms Large for Nationals’ Joe Ross

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One of several reasons the 2018 Nationals have underachieved this season has been their lack of starting pitching depth. Washington suffered lengthy injuries to starters Stephen Strasburg and Jeremy Hellickson this season, and replacements Erick Fedde, Tommy Milone and Jefry Rodriguez could not adequately replace their performance.

However, one could argue the Nationals’ pitching depth began to feel strained in July 2017, when Joe Ross tore his ulnar collateral ligament and was forced to undergo Tommy John surgery. The Nationals have struggled to replace him and his injury has exposed a major organizational weakness, a lack of starting pitching prospects at the upper levels.

The 2018 season has primarily been about recovery and getting back on the mound for the 25-year-old Ross, as he made only six minor league rehab starts this summer before returning to the majors earlier in September. In his first major league start after surgery, Ross was immediately thrown into the fire, pitching against the Cubs, the team with the best record in the National League. Ross held his own against their dangerous lineup, allowing only two runs on four hits and two walks against no strikeouts over five innings.

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With only 10 games left in the season, this likely leaves two more starts for Ross in 2018, tonight against the scuffling Mets and either Wednesday at home against the Marlins or Friday on the road against the Rockies, to impress the Nationals brass and stake a claim for the 2019 rotation. These final two starts of 2018 for Ross will have a significant and direct impact on the Nationals’ plans this offseason.

If Ross continues to perform well and shows the rejuvenated fastball velocity he is accustomed to, general manager Mike Rizzo should tentatively slot him into the 2019 starting rotation. On the other hand, if he shows signs his first start was more adrenaline than a healthy arm, the Nats should prioritize acquiring two starting pitchers this winter to the detriment of another roster weakness like second base or additional bullpen depth. So while these last 10 games might feel slightly forgettable to the disappointed fans in NatsTown, these contests are critically important to the future of players like Ross and the 2019 Nationals.

*Originally published at MASNSports.com on 9/21/18*

Prospect Spotlight – Nick Raquet

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Nick Raquet       LHP        Potomac Nationals (High-A)

DOB: 12/12/1995      Height: 6’0”        Weight: 215       Bats: Right          Throws: Left

Nick Raquet was Washington’s 3rd round pick in 2017 after a fine career at William & Mary.  Listed at 6’0″ 215lbs, Raquet is stocky with a thick lower half and zero projection remaining.  The 22-year-old is a below-average athlete, but surprisingly repeats his mechanics and fields his position well.  Raquet is extremely intense on the mound, attacks opposing hitters and displays a high Pitching IQ.

He throws from a traditional three-quarters arm slot and utilizes a semi-windup into a drop-and-drive delivery.  Raquet has a noticeably long stride and gets excellent extension toward home plate.  There is plenty of movement in his delivery and he closes his body during his motion, helping hide the ball from the batter.  Raquet shows fringe-average command and control, consistently pounding the lower half of the zone but often failing to hit his targets on the corners.
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Raquet features a four-pitch repertoire of a fastball, cutter, changeup and a curveball.  The fastball sits 89-to-92mph, occasionally touching 93mph, with good sink down in the zone or late zip above the letters.  The cutter is his best off-speed pitch, sitting 81-to-84mph with good shape away from lefties.  At its best it has quick, late bite.  His changeup sits 80-to-84mph and is thrown with conviction and deceptive arm speed.  It can get firm but will occasionally show fading movement.  Finally his curveball sits in the mid-70s with long, loopy action.  He uses it presently as a “show-me” pitch and can throw it for strikes but the pitch projects as a future “40”.

Raquet is a promising prospect due to his impressive fastball velocity, hard-biting cutter and his bulldog-like mound presence.  His lack of a plus pitch, combined with both a below-average changeup & curveball limits his prospect ceiling, and should force a future shift to the bullpen.  However, he has the perfect demeanor for being a reliever and profiles well in that capacity.  Raquet has a ceiling as a 7th inning reliever, with the most likely outcome being a middle reliever or Quad-A relief pitcher.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krvX7zvH1iI&feature=youtu.be

Victor Robles Provides Glimpse Into The Future

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Yesterday, the Nationals interrupted a road trip to play contest at Nationals Park against the Cubs rescheduled due to rain. At this point in the season, neither team likely wanted to make the trip, but it was one of the most entertaining and well-played games of the season. Unfortunately the Nationals were unable to come away with the victory, but a silver lining in this difficult loss was the play of rookie Victor Robles.

Robles served as Washington’s leadoff hitter and starting center fielder yesterday, going 1-3 with a walk, a run scored, a run-scoring sacrifice fly and a stolen base. In addition, Robles made two Web Gem-worthy defensive plays in the outfield. This game should serve as a reminder of the type of dynamic player Robles is and the role he could play for the Nats in 2019.

The 2018 campaign has essentially been a lost season for Robles, who dislocated his elbow in gruesome fashion in a game during the first week of the year. This injury caused him to play in only 52 minor league games this season, batting .270/.371/.370 with two home runs and 19 stolen bases. However, if you can recall back to March when the cherry blossoms were blooming and the Capitals were limping into the playoffs, Robles was Washington’s top prospect, ahead of teenage wunderkind Juan Soto.

Offensively as a leadoff hitter, Robles has the unique ability to hit for a high batting average by making consistent hard contact, while also providing a legitimate home run threat. Furthermore, Robles has a patient approach at the plate and a keen batting eye, which helps him draw his share of walks. He also has a knack for getting hit by pitches, as he has been hit 97 times in his 397 minor league games. He understands that his role as a leadoff hitter is to get on-base, and once he does, Robles creates havoc on the base paths.
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Yesterday during the seventh inning with the Nationals down 3-2, Robles flashed his baseball smarts by cleverly taking advantage of a defensive shift by the Cubs to pull off a delayed steal second base. Robles wisely understood the situation and made an incredibly savvy play to get in scoring position. The next batter, Trea Turner, drove him home with a double to tie the game.

Defensively, Robles also made an impact Thursday, notching an outfield assist in the first inning by throwing out Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo at second base with an absolute laser throw. Later, in the fifth inning, Robles again robbed Rizzo, swiping an easy hit from him with a diving effort into the right-center gap. Robles is blessed with outstanding speed and a strong throwing arm, making him the prototypical center fielder and a player who also impacts the game defensively.

September baseball can be difficult to watch when your team is not chasing a playoff berth. Not to mention Mother Nature has done her best in recent weeks to stifle Nationals baseball. Nonetheless, standout performances from young players like Robles, who are building blocks to the organization, keep me watching each night and incredibly optimistic about the future of the Nationals.

*Originally Published at MASNSports.com on 9/14/18*

Prospect Spotlight – Tres Barrera

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Tres Barrera       Catcher                Potomac Nationals (Hi-A)

DOB: 9/15/1994    Height:  6’0”       Weight: 215       Bats: Right          Throws: Right

Tres Barrera was Washington’s 6th round selection in 2016 following a successful college career at the University of Texas.  Barrera is a stocky, well-built 6’0” 215lbs blessed with an ideal catcher’s body.  The nearly 24-year-old Barrera is a quality athlete for a catcher and not a clogger on the bases, showing “30” speed underway.  Barrera is a natural leader behind the plate blessed with an infectious energy and has the confidence of the pitching staff.

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At the plate Barrera shows fringy bat speed and struggles with whiffs, limiting his future potential as a hitter.  His sturdy lower-half and strong wrists allows him to generate above-average raw power during batting practice, especially pull-side, but plays closer to fringe-average in game action.  He shows a mature approach, along with an advanced knowledge of the strike zone, and is not afraid to hit with two strikes.  The upside is limited, but Barrera projects as a “35/40 Hit, 45 Power” hitter at the major league level.

Barrera is an intriguing prospect in the Nationals’ organization due to his defensive skills, impressive makeup and raw power.  He does not have a high ceiling, as he lacks a plus tool and there are questions if he can hit big league pitching.  His glove, however, should get him to the major leagues, and his baseball IQ coupled with his raw power give him a chance to stay.  Barrera has a ceiling as a quality major league backup, with his likely future role being a Triple-A catcher that receives a few cups of coffee in the majors.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HA90vAELfMk&feature=youtu.be