After debating whether to brave the stifling July humidity, yesterday I decided to make the drive up to Municipal Stadium to watch the Hagerstown Suns, the Low-A minor league affiliate of the Washington Nationals play a getaway day game against the Rome Braves, Atlanta’s Low-A team.  Municipal Stadium is an older facility but it has wonderful charm and is an excellent place to watch a game, I highly recommend making the trip.   

Two of the more intriguing Suns’ prospects Narciso Mesa and Tony Renda were given the day off, much to my chagrin, but nevertheless there were plenty of talented players on the field.  Considering the early 10:30am starting time and it was a travel day for both teams, the quality of play on the field was surprisingly good and efficient.  These are a few of my scouting notes from Monday’s Sally League contest, a game Rome defeated Hagerstown 3-1.

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Ian Dickson        RHP Hagerstown Suns

The prospect the Nationals received in the Henry Rodriguez trade to Chicago earlier this season, Dickson served as Hagerstown’s starting pitcher Monday and pitched fairly well, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits with 1 walk and 3 strikeouts.  Dickson flashed an 86-89mph fastball which topped out at 92mph, a 78-81mph slider that showed potential, and the makings of a changeup.  The impressive things about Dickson are the sheer amount of movement he has on his pitches, and his relatively smooth, clean pitching delivery.

Unfortunately Dickson does not have much deception in his motion or life on his fastball, making it relatively easy for the opposition to square up on his pitches.  Unless he finds some additional fastball velocity and dramatically improves his off-speed pitches, Dickson is unlikely to ever reach the major league level.  That said he is much better than the cliché “A bag of balls”, and seems like a reasonable return for Henry Rodriguez, whom the Cubs designated for assignment this past weekend. 

Mauricio Cabrera            RHP Rome Braves

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Rome Braves RHP Mauricio Cabrera 7/15/13

I entered Municipal Stadium Monday morning excited to see some future Nationals and left three hours later giddy like a teenage boy with his first crush – that crush is Mauricio Cabrera.  Cabrera featured a 94-97mph fastball, touching 98mph four times, which happens to be the highest reading on my radar gun in 2013, and held his velocity through six innings.  He had trouble locating his fastball at times, often missing high in the zone but the sheer velocity overwhelmed the Suns hitters. 

That said Cabrera’s best pitch is his 80-83mph slider with sharp, late-breaking downward movement that he can locate in the strike zone or bury in the dirt to induce swings-and-misses.  Later in the game Cabrera threw a few pitches in the 88-91mph range that exhibited cutter action and others that exhibited downward movement like a split-finger; I assume this is his currently underdeveloped third offering.

Only 19-years-old, Cabrera has nice size with some projection remaining in his body, and looks the part of a talented, but unfinished Low-A prospect.  He still needs to refine his pitching delivery, and to discover and develop a third pitch if he wants to remain a starting pitcher, but the tools are loud and his potential is immense.  I like Cabrera more than the people of New Jersey inexplicably like Bruce Springsteen, and I am anxious to watch his career development.

Brandon Miller                                 OF Hagerstown Suns

One of my favorite “sleeper” prospects in the Nationals organization, Miller leads the Suns in home runs with 16 this season, more than tripling his closest teammate Wander Ramos’ 5 homers.  In addition, Miller has a monster throwing arm, which when combined with his noticeably leaner physique this summer make him an asset defensively in right field. 

Miller still struggles to make contact, as evidenced by his 0-4 with 3 strikeout performance Monday and his 121 strikeouts in 339 at-bats this season.  Currently 24-years-old, the strengths to his game are easily apparent and all that is holding him back from rising through the minors and possibly reaching the major leagues is drastically cutting down his strikeout ratio.  Unfortunately time is not on his side. 

Derek Self                            RHP Hagerstown Suns

Drafted in the 9^th round last summer, Self entered the game in the 9^th inning and caught my eye with a 90-92mph fastball that topped out at 93, and a slider with bite at 82-84mph.  Self has good size and some deception and effort in his delivery, although he noticeably slows his arm speed when throwing his breaking ball.  While his talent does not scream “top prospect”, his ability to throw strikes gives him a solid chance to rise through the minor leagues and perhaps eventually reach the majors. 

Carlos Franco                    3B Rome Braves

Finally Franco caught my attention for his defensive skills at third base, his dreamy projectable body, and fluid left-handed swing.  Sure, he struggled at the plate Monday, going 0-4 with 3 strikeouts but his raw tools and ability are readily apparent, and this is a name to remember for the future.

Although Mother Nature did her best to rain the game out, luckily the skies cleared and the Frederick Keys, the High-A franchise of the Baltimore Orioles, were able to host the Carolina Mudcats, the Cleveland Indians High-A affiliate, Friday evening.  With my radar gun and stopwatch in tow, I drove to Harry Grove stadium and enjoyed one of the most comfortable nights for baseball this summer. 

After taking my seat behind home plate, my first impression was I was surprised by the number of scouts in attendance, especially the number that had clothing or paraphernalia connected to American League teams.  It was apparent the trade deadline is rapidly approaching.  Second, while I eagerly anticipated watching phenom Francisco Lindor, I was surprised by some other quality prospects for both teams.  These are some of my scouting notes from the game, a 1-0 victory for the Frederick Keys. 

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Francisco Lindor SS Carolina Mudcats

Francisco Lindor 7/12/13

7-Word Scouting Report:    Above-Average 2-Way Major League Shortstop, Future All-Star

A switch-hitter with noticeable bat speed from either side of the plate, Lindor shows a short, compact swing and a mature approach at the plate.  Lindor is an excellent athlete, showing great speed as I timed him at 4.24 seconds in a jog from the right side to first base and a hustling 4.08 seconds from the left side of the plate later in the game.  His speed, in addition to his soft hands and strong throwing arm, should allow him to stay at shortstop defensively, and with some further repetition and experience, could eventually become a gold-glove caliber defender in the major leagues. 

The major question with Lindor is how much power will he hit for when he physically matures; some scouts project he will hit 15-20 home runs at his peak, while others (like myself) see him hitting closer to 5-10 home runs with plenty of doubles.  Only 19-years-old, with a few more seasons of refinement Lindor projects as a .280-.300 hitter annually with 15-20 stolen bases and above-average defense at shortstop in the big leagues.  These stats would make him one of the better middle infielders in baseball.  However, if his power develops and he also hits 15+ home runs a season, Lindor is a future all-star with the potential to be one of the better players in baseball.  To quote Eminem, “The hype is real, he is no joke”.    

Cody Anderson RHSP Carolina Mudcats

Cody Anderson Carolina Mudcats July 2013

7-Word Scouting Report:    Durable Workhorse, Big Fastball Needs Off-speed Refinement

The Mudcats’ starting pitcher, Anderson was extremely impressive in his seven innings pitched, scattering three hits and two walks against four strikeouts against the Keys’ lineup.  Anderson features a four pitch repertoire with a heavy 91-93mph fastball, touching 95mph, with some sink and arm-side movement, an inconsistent 80-83mph curveball, a 78-81mph changeup with some downward movement, and a late-breaking 85-86mph slider he flashed only later in the game.  Built like a linebacker at 6-4 220lbs. with some projection remaining in his lower body, Anderson physically looks the part of a starting pitcher.

On the other hand, if he wants to realize his potential ceiling as a #4 starting pitcher, in my opinion Anderson needs to scrap his curveball and gain confidence in his biting, potentially above-average slider.  Although he needs refinement and significant improvement to one of his breaking pitches and further polish to his delivery, Anderson has a major league arm and should be a popular name in trade discussions this month.

Christian Walker 1B Frederick Keys

7-Word Scouting Report:    Bat-First Right-Handed First Baseman, Potential Major Leaguer

I wrote about Walker in a previous article in late May, stating I was impressed by his mature approach at the plate and pretty right-handed swing, but expected him to be a liability defensively at first base.  Upon another view almost two months later, Walker has noticeably trimmed his physique, especially his midsection, which has made him more agile and given him more range at first base. If he continues to work on his body and skills at first base, I believe he can eventually become an average defender in the big leagues.

That said Walker’s major league future is tied to his right-handed bat, which has been impressive in 2013 as evidenced by his .311/.370/.477 batting line and 11 home runs across two levels.  Walker has made improvements over the course of this season, something he will need to continue to do as he faces the difficult challenge of reaching the majors as a pure first base prospect.  I am curious to watch his progress against more difficult pitching in Double-A and Triple-A, but I expect Walker to hit his way to the Baltimore in a few seasons.   

Michael Ohlman Catcher Frederick Keys

7-Word Scouting Report:    Intriguing Right-Handed Bat, Future Versatile Bench Player

A large man listed at 6-4 205lbs., Ohlman is a bat-first prospect who has broken out offensively in 2013,  hitting .328/.424/.587 with 10 home runs.  Normally the designated hitter, Ohlman, 22-years-old, was behind the plate Friday and the results were mixed, as he provides a solid target and seemed to have soft hands receiving the ball, but looked stiff in his actions and his catch and throw skills were well below-average.  Ohlman likely cannot handle the responsibility of being a starting catcher defensively in the majors, but his powerful right-handed bat and potential position flexibility gives him a chance to be a valuable asset off the bench in a few years. 

Miguel Chalas RHP Frederick Keys

7-Word Scouting Report:    Interesting Fastball Changeup Combination, Future Middle Reliever

Chalas entered the game in the 6^th inning in relief of Howard and impressed, featuring a lively 90-93mph fastball that topped out at 94mph, an 81-83mph changeup with split-finger type downward movement, and an inconsistent, fringy slider.  Only 21-years-old, Chalas has plenty of effort in his delivery, likely keeping him in relief in the future, but his above-average fastball and plus changeup gives him a chance to carve out a career in Baltimore as a middle reliever.

Recognizing the need to bolster their struggling bench, late Sunday night the Washington Nationals agreed to trade prospect Ivan Pineyro and a Player To Be Named Later to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for outfielder Scott Hairston and a Player To Be Named Later.  Hairston, 33-years-old, has failed to live up to his 2-year $5 million dollar contract he signed this past winter, but the Nationals hope a pennant race will allow him to flourish as a valuable backup and veteran presence in the clubhouse.

Hairston has struggled thus far in 2013, batting only .172/.232/.434 with 8 home runs in 99 at-bats.  However as recently as 2012, Hairston batted .264/.299/.504 with 20 home runs and 8 stolen bases in 377 at-bats.  In addition, Hairston is particularly adept at punishing left-handed pitching, batting .268/.318/.500 (.818 OPS) against them during his career. 

Over his 10 years in the major leagues, Hairston is a .244/.299/.448 hitter with 103 home runs in 829 games while playing for the Diamondbacks, Padres, Athletics, Mets, and Cubs.  Hairston was drafted by the Diamondbacks in the 3^rd round of the 2001 MLB Draft, at which time Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo was the director of scouting for Arizona.  At 33 Hairston is no longer a starting-caliber everyday player, but his right-handed power, aptitude toward hitting left-handed pitching, and ability to play all three outfield positions makes him an asset off the bench. 

Currently standing at 38-48, the Cubs primary motivation in this trade is clearing the salary of a slumping veteran player who still has $3.5+ million dollars remaining on his contract.  That said Chicago did well to acquire a 21-year-old right-handed pitching prospect Ivan Pineyro in return for Hairston.  Pineyro has a 6-3 record and a 3.24 ERA in 77.2 innings pitched, giving up 68 hits and 22 walks against 72 strikeouts across both levels of A-Ball this season and was recently named to the South Atlantic All-Star team.  Formerly one of my favorite sleeper prospects in the Nationals system, Pineyro has a loose arm and throws a low-90s fastball, a promising changeup, and a below-average curveball.

This trade is difficult to fully judge without knowing the Players To Be Named Later, and there are rumors of Chicago sending some cash to Washington to offset Hairston’s 2014 salary.  Nevertheless, both teams should be satisfied as this trade fills their needs: the Cubs clear plenty of salary and add an intriguing pitching prospect to their burgeoning farm system and the Nationals receive a versatile, veteran contributor signed through next season. 

Personally I wish the Nationals had traded another player, but general manager Mike Rizzo did well to improve the major league roster without parting with one of their top five to seven pitching prospects.  I will refrain from grading this trade until all the particulars are known, but the Nationals roster is stronger today than it was before.  Hairston should bolster the bench production the next two seasons and add a crucial element, punishing lefties, to the Nationals’ offense in their playoff chase.

Currently the Nationals possess a win-loss record of 43-42 and if the team hopes to catch the Atlanta Braves in the chase for the NL East division title, it is expected the team will try to improve itself at the rapidly approaching major league trade deadline on July 31^st.  Although the team seems to be getting many of their players back healthy, namely Bryce Harper and Wilson Ramos, the Nationals still have questions with their #5 starter and throughout their underperforming bench that general manager Mike Rizzo will attempt to resolve in the upcoming weeks.

Thursday I highlighted and discussed some of the top hitters teams will request in trade discussions with the Nationals – today in Part 2, I examine a few of the top Nationals pitchers teams will likely inquire about this month.

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5)            Matt Purke LHP High-A Potomac

A 3rd round pick (96^th overall) of the Nationals in the 2011 MLB Draft, Purke signed for a well over-slot bonus of $2.75 million after only two seasons at Texas Christian University.  Since signing with Washington, Purke has battled shoulder injuries to his pitching arm, allowing him to pitch only 15.1 innings last season and only 34 innings thus far in 2013.  That said Purke has performed well this season, posting a 2.48 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 29 innings pitched at Low-A Hagerstown before earning a recent promotion to High-A Potomac. 

When healthy, Purke flashes a low-to-mid 90s fastball with life, a devastating wipeout slider, and a decent but inconsistent changeup, along with command of the strike zone.  Although there are questions about his ability to stay off the disabled list in the future, his talent is readily apparent and I would expect opposing clubs to attempt to acquire Purke and gamble on his health going forward.

4)            A.J. Cole RHP High-A Potomac

Originally drafted by the Nationals in 2010, Cole was a key piece in the Gio Gonzalez acquisition from Oakland two years ago, and was also the key piece in return for Mike Morse last winter.  A tall, athletic pitcher with projection remaining, the 21-year-old Cole possesses a powerful mid-90s fastball, an inconsistent but promising curveball, and a feel for a changeup. 

This season at Potomac, Cole has posted a 4.10 ERA in 83.1 innings pitched, allowing 81 hits, 20 walks, and 11 home runs against 94 strikeouts.  While some scouts think he will eventually become a reliever due to his underdeveloped off-speed pitches, his supporters (myself included) see a pitcher with a monster fastball, the ability to miss bats, and if his curveball and changeup improve with refinement, Cole has the potential to be a #2 or #3 starting pitcher in a few years. 

3)            Nathan Karns RHP Double-A Harrisburg

Nathan Karns 1st MLB Pitch. 5/28/13

The number 5 prospect in the Nationals organization entering 2013 according to Baseball America, Karns has truly blossomed after overcoming some difficult shoulder injuries early in his career.  Drafted by the Nationals in the 12^th round in 2009, Karns did not take the mound until 2011, when he threw only 55.1 total innings.  However, once fully healthy, Karns broke out in 2012, posting a 2.17 ERA and 148 strikeouts in 116 innings pitched combined last season at Low-A Hagerstown and High-A Potomac.  Promoted to Double-A Harrisburg to begin this season, Karns continued to impress, posting a 3.69 ERA with 72 strikeouts in 61 innings.  In addition, due to injuries to the starting rotation, Karns made three starts in Washington, making a more favorable impression than his 7.50 ERA and five home runs allowed in his 12 innings pitched might otherwise suggest.

Karns features a heavy 91-93mph fastball that can occasionally reach higher velocities, an impressive downward curveball that generates strikeouts, and a developing but currently mediocre changeup.  His supporters see a still improving, potential #3 or #4 starting pitcher with an ability to miss bats.  His detractors view him as a 25-year-old pitcher lacking a major league quality changeup and label him a future reliever.  In either scenario, most agree that Karns will be a productive major league pitcher in some capacity in the seasons ahead as long as he remains healthy.  His impressive career minor league 10.81 K/9 ratio and the fact that he is nearly big league ready makes him one of the more intriguing assets the Nationals have available to trade.

2)            Robbie Ray LHP Double-A Harrisburg

A 12^th round selection in the 2010 MLB Draft who signed for a well above slot bonus of $799,000, Ray has broken out this season as his fastball velocity and the quality of his off-speed pitches has dramatically improved.  Ray started the year in High-A Potomac, where he provided the P-Nats with a 3.00 ERA and 100 strikeouts in 84 innings pitched before earning a promotion to Double-A Harrisburg earlier this week.  A 21-year-old left-handed starting pitcher with a fastball that can reach the mid-90s and an aptitude toward missing bats, Ray is easily one of the most coveted Nationals pitching prospects.

1)            Taylor Jordan RHP Washington Nationals

The Nationals 9^th round selection in the 2009 MLB Draft, Jordan overwhelmed minor league hitters this season, posting a 9-1 record with a 1.00 ERA and 72 strikeouts in 90.1 innings pitched in High-A Potomac and Double-A Harrisburg, prompting the Nationals to promote him to Washington.  Jordan has made two starts for the Nationals, looking fairly impressive with a 2.70 ERA and 11 hits and 2 walks allowed in 10 innings pitched.

Featuring a 90-95mph fastball with sink and movement inside to right-handed hitters, a sharp slider that generates swings-and-misses, and a promising changeup, Jordan has the makings of a productive #4 starting pitcher.  The favorite to win the Nationals Minor League Pitcher of the Year award, Jordan most likely will be the most popular Nationals prospect this month and will be mentioned in most every trade conversation with other clubs.