Guess who’s back… back again… We are LIVE for Day 3 of the MLB Draft, which frankly is for the diehards, so if you are joining me today, thank you!  I will be Live Blogging all day today through Round 40, primarily focusing on the Nationals picks.

If you have comments, questions, jokes, beer recommendations, or virtually anything else, leave them in the Comments Section below, or send me an email NationalsGM@Gmail.com or via Twitter @NatsGMdotcom.  With that, lets get it on!

1:03pm -> Cleveland starts the day with an excellent pick, taking pitcher Adam Plutko from UCLA… Very surprised this sturdy right-hander was still available on Day 3.  He may return to school for his senior year and look to improve his draft stock, but I think Cleveland made a shrewd pick if they can sign Plutko.

1:13pm -> Local product Alec Grosser, RHP from TC Williams high school, was just selected by the Atlanta at pick #343. Not sure he signs, but good prospect and excellent value in Round 11.  Congrats to Alec on being drafted!

Washington Nationals Round 11 Pick 346 -> John Simms RHP Rice University

Thick physical right-handed pitcher, I expected the experienced Simms to go off the board yesterday, probably in the 6-8 round range.  I watched Simms in the Cape a few years ago, some effort in his delivery but could be a 2-pitch reliever in the future.  He might be tough to sign away from Rice, but good pick on Day 3.

1:22pm -> No one loves the MLB Draft more than I do, but I definitely prefer today’s pace of picks to yesterdays… That said Jonathan Mayo and Jim Callis killed it in their coverage on Friday!

Washington Nationals Round 12 Pick 376 -> Andrew Cooper RHP Siera JC

Shortish but thick framed junior college pitcher, Cooper was a 2013 All-American according to their website.  From Canada and only a sophomore, Cooper should be a fresh arm and I am guessing the area scout sees some upside.  I would expect he would sign quickly with the Nationals.

Washington Nationals Round 13 Pick 406 -> John Costa RHP Palm Beach St. College

3 selections today and three college right-handed pitchers, Costa has a fairly durable 6-2 200lb frame and as a sophomore, should sign relatively quickly with the Nationals.  Tough to find much information about Costa on his team website… Anyone have any thoughts about Costa?

1:48pm -> Nice to see the Orioles take Mike Yazstremski, the outfielder from Vanderbilt… Yes he is the grandson of HOFer Carl, but Mike has a solid LH swing and could find a way to the majors as a 5th OF someday.  Think he is a junior so he will likely return to Vanderbilt as a senior, but quality selection in Round 14 for the Orioles. (EDIT – Yaz is a senior, great senior sign for the Orioles and nice value pick!)

Washington Nationals Round 14 Pick 436 -> David Masters SS Central Arizona College

A lean athletic middle of the diamond player, Masters was drafted out of high school but decided to attend Arkansas as a freshman.  He transferred to Central Arizona and has the reputation as an outstanding defensive player who is questionable, at best, with the bat.  He is committed to Missouri State, so he might be tougher to sign than most 14th round picks, but his potential value on defense makes this an interesting pick, especially if they can get him in the organization.

Washington Nationals Round 15 Pick 466 -> William Ballou OF Marshall University

Senior outfielder from Northern Virginia, Ballou was a 1st team All-Conference this season batting .328/.438/.433 with 13 stolen bases.  As a senior, he should sign quickly and fill an outfield need for the Nats in the lower minors.  An aside, seems to go by the name Isaac on the Marshall website…

Washington Nationals Round 16 Pick 496 -> William Allen CF Western Oklahoma St.

Raw athlete with some defensive ability and bat speed, Allen is an intriguing selection this late in Round 16, as it is tough to find this type of quality athlete with some clue at the plate this late in the draft.  Not sure he signs, but I hope the Nats can get his signature, as he is interesting center field prospect.

Washington Nationals Round 17 Pick 526 -> Geoffrey Perrott Catcher Rice University

Second selection today by the Nationals from Rice University, and taking 11th round pick Simms battery-mate in Geoff Perrott, the first catcher the Nationals have selected thus far in 2013.  A senior with the reputation as a good defensive player, Perrott should sign relatively quickly and be a stabilizing force for the numerous pitchers the Nats have selected so far.

Washington Nationals Round 18 Pick 556 -> Cory Bafidis LHP Texas Wesleyan University

Fairly thin-framed left-handed pitcher, Bafidis is a junior who has been drafted previously and was fairly successful this season at Texas Wesleyan, pitching to a 3.41 ERA in 66.1 innings (according to his team website).  The Nationals selected Bafidis in the 35th round last year, and he was a notable prospect out of high school a few years ago – perhaps the Nats sign him and he blossoms in professional baseball.  Intriguing pick in Round 18, and surprising I have heard of the player at this point in the draft.

Washington Nationals Round 19 Pick 586 -> Niko Spezial LHP Wake Forest University

Spezial is senior left-handed pitcher from Wake Forest with a big 6-3 200lbs. frame we expect from Nationals draft picks.  Spezial is a pure relief pitcher, throwing only 28.2 innings this season in 23 appearances, and produced a 2.83 ERA with 22 strikeouts against 13 walks in 2013.  Expect him to sign quickly and stay in the bullpen in the pros, with a chance he develops into a lefty specialist in time.

Washington Nationals Round 20 Pick 616 -> Brenton Allen LF UCLA

Brenton Allen is a college junior from UCLA with a sweet left-handed swing and plenty of tools.  Drafted in the 9th round by the Phillies three years ago, Allen has not built much on his tools in recent years, batting only .247 this season.  There were rumors he might sign if he was drafted early enough, so hopefully the Nationals can make the numbers work and get another talented athlete into the organization.  Solid pick in Round 20-

Washington Nationals Round 21 Pick 646 -> Justin Thomas LHP Southern Arkansas University

Another senior left-handed pitcher, Thomas has a good pitcher’s frame at 6-2 190lbs. and posted a 2.70 ERA this season in 34.2 innings pitched.  Thomas should sign in the next few days and be developed as a left-handed reliever in the pros.

3:13pm -> Top prospect Ryan Boldt just went to the Red Sox in Round 22… Extremely doubtful he signs this late in the draft, but worth a shot.  Good pick if they sign him.

3:16pm -> My dog @NemoTheBeagle is legitimately MAD that we are inside today and I am not taking her for a long walk.  She doesn’t understand draft day(s) I suppose…

Washington Nationals Round 22 Pick 676 -> Cody Dent SS University of Florida

A gritty college senior, and the son of former major leaguer Bucky Dent, Cody is a polished left-handed hitter who has played multiple positions for the Gators in recent years.  I am not sure he quite makes the major leagues, but his baseball IQ and versatility make him a solid pick for Round 22.

Washington Nationals Round 23 Pick 706 -> Garrett Gordon OF Wabash Valley College

Gordon is a sophomore outfielder from Wabash Valley College in Illinois, where he batted .315 with 4 home runs and 21 stolen bases in 2013.  According to the internet, Gordon spent some time as a pitcher in high school, so I guess he has a strong arm and some speed.  Having a difficult time finding more information about Gordon, but sounds interesting for Round 23 if they can bring him into the fold.

Washington Nationals Round 24 Pick 736 -> Matthew Derosier RHP Southwestern College

Struggling to find much information about DeRosier… Seems like he pitched 45 innings this season and struck out 41 hitters with a 4.20 ERA.  Also found he is a 6-2 200lbs freshman on their website.  An area scout must have liked something about him, if anyone has any information, please pass it on.

3:52pm -> Sounds like they are taking a break after round 25… Nice!

Washington Nationals Round 25 Pick 766 -> Travis Ott LHP Shippensburg Area HS
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Interesting choice for the Nationals to take their first high school player of Day 3 here in Round 25 with Travis Ott… Tough to find much about Ott, but I am glad to see the Nats farming the area and keeping any potential talent for themselves.  Will be interesting to see if he signs or attends college.

Washington Nationals Round 26 Pick 796 -> Garrett Hampson SS Reno HS Nevada

Looking on the internet but I am not finding much information about Hampson… Happy to see the Nationals drafting some high school kids, but curious if they have any chance of signing them so late in the draft.  Anyone have any info on Hampson?  (Edit – Looks like he is committed to Long Beach St. which would make it highly unlikely Hampson is signing with the Nats.  Worth a shot I suppose in Round 26.)

Washington Nationals Round 27 Pick 826 -> Bryce Harman RF L.C. Bird HS VA

Three straight high school athletes for the Nationals and this young man is HUGE at 6-6 205lbs with a big left-handed arm.  He is better known as a prospect as a pitcher, with a 90mph fastball but the Nationals specifically listed him in right field.  An East Carolina commit, it will be difficult to get him to sign and he is expected to attend school.  Quite a toolsy talent this late in the draft.

Washington Nationals Round 28 Pick 856 -> Joseph Webb LHP Menlo College California

A senior collegiate left-handed pitcher, Webb is a monster listed at 6-5 230lbs.  Webb posted a 2.74 ERA in 72.1 innings pitched, with 59 strikeouts against 33 walks this season.  He should sign quickly as a senior and perhaps one day he reaches the majors as a left-handed reliever.  Good size on a lefty for Round 28-

Washington Nationals Round 29 Pick 886 -> Michael Sylvestri RHP Florida Atlantic University

Sylvestri is a polished but smallish right-handed pitcher from Florida Atlantic, posting a 3.86 ERA in 44.1 innings this spring, with 39 strikeouts.  Yet another player who should sign quickly and pitch in the lower minors this summer.

Washington Nationals Round 30 Pick 916 -> Ryan Ullmann RHP Concordia University

Tell me if you’ve heard this before today… A monster kid who is a senior!  Ullman is listed at 6-6 230lbs. and posted a 1.52 ERA with 62 strikeouts in 77 innings this season.  The Nationals are going to have a bullpen you don’t want to mess with in the low minors this summer, most of them are built like linebackers.

Washington Nationals Round 31 Pick 946 -> Willie Medina SS High Point University

Another senior, Medina is a switch-hitter that batted .272 with 51 runs scored for High Point this season.  Medina is a good athlete and should stay in the infield in the minor leagues.

Washington Nationals Round 32 Pick 976 -> Patrick Boling LHP University of Georgia

A redshirt-junior, Boling is a thick 6-2 210lbs left-handed pitcher who provided Georgia with a 4.17 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 82 innings this season, making appearances as both a starter and a reliever.  Boling does have another year of eligibility it appears, but he is still fairly likely to want to begin his professional career.  I hope the Nationals get Boling to sign, as he could be a decent lefty reliever down the road if shifted to the bullpen.  Nice pick in Round 32 for the Nats!

Washington Nationals Round 33 Pick 1,006 -> Andrew Dunlap RHP No School

Interesting pick with Dunlap here in Round 33… Apparently he was supposed to graduate high school in 2012, but delayed it in hopes of finding a college scholarship, but was ruled ineligible to play high school baseball this spring.  That said, he has a huge fastball in a thick 5-11 215lbs frame.  No clue if the Nats will be able to sign him, as he is committed to Rice University next fall, but he would be a nice get if they sign him.  Somewhat unusual story, but an intriguing prospect.

Washington Nationals Round 34 Pick 1,036 -> Jake Walsh LHP University of Missouri

An intriguing selection here as the Nationals take a senior left-handed pitcher with some projection remaining in his 6-3 190lbs. frame.  Walsh pitched out of the bullpen for Missouri this season, making 30 appearances and throwing 34.1 innings, striking out 31 against 16 walks.  Maybe Walsh develops into a LOOGY in the future, nice value at pick #1,036.

6:15pm -> Just broke down and opened my first beer of the day, a Magic Hat #9.  A true veteran of the craft beers, do not sleep on the 9, it is steady and a solid “60”….

Washington Nationals Round 35 Pick 1,066 -> Lukas Schiraldi RHP Navarro College

Son of former Boston Red Sox pitcher Calvin Schiraldi, Lukas is a huge, hard-throwing Texas pitcher with a fastball in the 90s.  He was considered signable if drafted early, but considering the University of Texas commitment and the late round selection, it is likely he goes to Austin in the fall.  Maybe if the dollars work out the Nationals sign him near the signing deadline – either way, interesting name and another good pick by the Nationals in the 30s.

Washington Nationals Round 36 Pick 1,096 -> Reid Humphreys SS Northwest Rankin HS Mississippi

A versatile all-around talent, Humphreys is a two-sport athlete who also is an excellent football player.  Linked to Mississippi State, it is highly doubtful Humphreys starts his professional career.  More likely, this is an interesting name to remember for a couple years from now.

Washington Nationals Round 37 Pick 1,126 -> Karsten Whitson RHP University of Florida

BOOM, I called it!!!  Of course I was off by 30+ rounds, but it makes so much sense knowing the Nationals history of gambling on injured pitchers in the draft that they select Whitson.  Karsten was the 9th overall selection in the 2010 draft, but spurned the Padres to attend the University of Florida.

Ever since that decision, Whitson has struggled in Gainesville, culminating in missing this entire season due to an injury to his pitching shoulder.  Highly doubtful the Nationals can get him to agree this late in the draft and with their limited bonus pool, but a great pick in the 37th round by the Nats.

Washington Nationals Round 38 Pick 1,156 -> Caleb Hamilton SS Woodinville HS Washington

Hamilton played both shortstop and pitcher in high school and is firmly committed to the University of Washington, making it unlikely he signs with the Nationals.

Washington Nationals Round 39 Pick 1,186 -> Robbie Tenerowicz 2B Campolindo HS California

Big, physical middle infielder who will likely shift to a corner position as he fills out, Tenerowicz is committed to the University of California-Berkeley next fall.  This is a good hitting prospect who could be a top-5 to 10 round pick with a few years of collegiate development, but is most likely not signing with the Nats.

7:16pm -> Last Round everybody!  Have enjoyed every minute of these last three days, but I am ready for the draft to end… I think I am going to have this MLB official who has announced the picks’ voice in my head the rest of the weekend.   Still hoping Jordan Hagel from Maryland gets selected, maybe he gets popped here in the last round.

Washington Nationals Round 40 Pick 1,216 -> Shaun Anderson RHP American Heritage HS Florida

And the winner of the 2013 MLB Draft “Mr. Irrelevant” award, Anderson is an interesting high school pitcher from Florida with a big 6-4 235lbs. frame.  A University of Florida commit as a two way player, it is extremely unlikely the Nationals can sign Anderson away from Gainesville, but an interesting pick nonetheless in Round 40.

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With that, the 2013 MLB Draft is complete… 40 Rounds and 1,216 picks later we have finished the journey.  Thanks to everyone who has joined me the past three days, I have been overwhelmed by the number of new readers, emails, and tweets I have received.  Please continue to spread the word, and I will be back in the next few days to summarize and analyze the Nationals draft.  For now…. a Tip of the Fedora for reading and Cheers!

We are back! After just a few short hours to recover from the late night last evening, we are back in the NatsGM Headquarters, with a large coffee in hand and ready to go through Day 2 of the 2013 MLB Draft.

I want to thank everyone so much for joining me last night, in Part 1 of our Live Blog.  The traffic yesterday was the largest in the history of NatsGM, and my technology sensei warned me we almost crashed the server – To which I answered “We’re crashing it today!”.  All bad jokes aside, thanks for joining me yesterday and please continue to spread the word.

Stick with us this rainy Friday afternoon as I take you through Rounds 3-10 of the 2013 MLB Draft.  Please leave your comments and questions in the comments section below, or as always on email NationalsGM@Gmail.com or via Twitter @NatsGMdotcom.  Without further ado, let’s get this started!

1:02pm -> Not saying it is the wrong decision, but is anyone else surprised the Nationals have already postponed tonight’s game?

1:08pm -> Nice pick by the Astros to begin the day, selecting UNC Friday night starter LHP Kent Emanuel… Strike thrower with deception, should find a major league job in the future.  High floor and good value in Round 3.

1:16pm -> Jon Denney, a possible 1st round selection, goes to the Red Sox at the beginning of Round 3.  If they can sign him, this is terrific value on Day 2 of the draft.  Good risk verses reward pick by Boston.

1:26pm -> Another solid pick by the Pirates to take the athletic JaCoby Jones, who played at second base in college but was drafted as a centerfielder.  He has real talent but needs a lot of polish.  Great value in Round 3.

1:37pm -> Not draft related but I just saw on Twitter that the Nationals have claimed LHP Tyler Robertson from Minnesota.  Interesting arm, has done well against LHPs in the past, and his Dad works in the Nats front office.  Intriguing and possibly shrewd pick-up for the Nationals.

Washington Nationals Round 3 Pick #105 -> Drew Ward 3B Oklahoma HS

Young kid who reclassified himself from a 2014 draft pick to a 2013 pick, Ward has huge power and is an intriguing player in Round 3.  This does not seem like a typical Mike Rizzo selection, but I like to see them drafting some high school players to add to the lower minor leagues.  He should sign quickly if he was willing to graduate a year early.

2:03pm -> Kansas City made a nice selection in Zane Evans, a closer/relief pitcher from Georgia Tech.  I watched him last year and thought he had a chance as a catcher, good pick with a chance to convert to the mound if his bat cannot handle professional pitching.  Nice value in Round 4 and surprised he went after teammate Daniel Palka.

2:13pm -> And the first of the 3 elite high school talents from the DMV area goes to Arizona in Round 4 in Matthew MacPherson from Riverdale Baptist.  A lightning fast left-handed hitter who could stay in center field if he can improve his throwing arm.  Good pick and should sign after being drafted in the top-5 rounds.  Congrats to Matthew and the Riverdale Baptist program!

2:28pm -> Oakland just made an interesting selection in Round 4, taking University of San Diego pitcher Dylan Covey… He was a 1st round pick a few years ago but was found to have diabetes, which was the reason he did not sign professionally out of high school.  He stumbled in college but there is real talent here – Nice sleeper pick!

Washington Nationals Round 4 Pick #136 -> Nic Pivetta New Mexico JC

A Canadian pitcher with a huge pitcher’s frame and even bigger fastball, Pivetta has a promising junior college arm that does not have much wear on a lightly used arm.  His fastball and curve combination portends a career as a reliever, but the Nats will let him develop as a starter and see if he can develop a good changeup.  Interesting pick with some upside here at the end of Round 4.

2:40pm -> Cubs make an interesting selection at the beginning of Round 5 taking Texas Tech pitcher Trey Masek.  He has some effort in the delivery and a fringy changeup, but he could be a good reliever in a couple years.  Live arm, and a good choice in this round.

2:49pm -> Mets make a solid pick of Kansas State outfielder Jared King… A physical athlete with some speed and some pop, I thought he would be a good option for the Nationals in Round 3 or 4.  He’s probably a 4th outfielder in the majors, but this is a solid pick and should carve out a big league career – Good value at #146.

3:13pm -> Oakland is having a great draft, taking one of my personal favorites in Mississippi RHP Bobby Wahl… His stuff dropped off this season after showing much better in the Cape two summers ago, and last season collegiately.  Excellent value in Round 5.

3:14pm -> Dan Slania, closer for Notre Dame the past few seasons, was just selected by San Francisco at pick #162… Nice power fastball and has a chance to be an excellent 8th inning stopper type reliever.  Good pick Giants!

Washington Nationals Round 5 Pick #166 -> Austin Voth RHP University of Washington

Interesting collegiate pitcher who finished 2nd in the Pac-10 in strikeouts behind Mark Appel, Voth has a good fastball around 90-92mph, and the ability to miss bats.  Good, solid value pick here at the end of Round 5 to get a polished college pitcher from a good conference.

3:36pm -> Curious of everyone’s thoughts on the Nats picks thus far… I am a little perplexed, as the theme seems to be no theme.  2 big raw southwestern arms, a polished college arm from Washington, and a young raw third baseman.  I like the ceiling of these guys, but was expecting more polished college pitchers like Voth.  Your thoughts?

3:48pm -> St. Louis just took local product and University of Maryland LHP Jimmy Reed – Reed is a college senior who should sign quickly and has a change carve out a career as a lefty reliever with a fastball, curveball, and slider.  If Reed improves his curveball, he could be particularly tough against lefties.  Very good kid who deserves a chance, and I think he reaches the majors one day.

Washington Nationals Round 6 Pick #196 -> Cody Gunter 3B/RHP Grayson CC Texas

Big arm that was drafted last year by Miami, most scouts like Gunter better as a pitcher but the Nationals specifically mentioned him as a third baseman.  Intriguing talent who should sign relatively easily but there is a decent chance they shift him to the mound in a year or two.  Decent value late in the 6th round.  The area scouts in the Southwest for the Nationals are having a great first two days.

Washington Nationals Round 7 Pick #226 -> James Yezzo 1B University of Delaware

Great pick Nats, especially to get a relatively local kid in the minor leagues.  Not a very big kid, and likely limited to first base, but Yezzo has a short, left-handed swing and can definitely put the bat on the ball.  If he had played at a bigger baseball school, he would have been drafted 2-3 rounds earlier.  Really like this kid, and he has a chance to hit his way to the majors.

5:11pm -> Been a little while since the Nationals took a high school player… And they have taken a few relatively easy to sign players the past few picks, maybe they pop local product Errol Robinson or another high school athlete in the next few picks.

5:31pm -> Nice pick by the Yankees to pick Georgia Tech OF Brandon Thomas late in Round 8… Good athlete, switch-hitter and a decent defender in center field.  Great senior sign and value pick.

Washington Nationals Round 8 Pick #256 -> David Napoli LHP Tulane University

Small left-handed pitcher, Napoli is a senior from Tulane with three pitches but does not have the size one would expect from a Mike Rizzo pick.  Expect this senior to sign quickly and cheaply, and will likely move to the bullpen as he rises through the minors.  I am hoping the Nats take a high school player or two before the end of today, as they should have some bonus dollars to “play with”.

5:48pm -> Mets make a nice pick in Round 9, taking Patrick Biondi from Michigan, the reigning batting average champion from the Cape league last summer.  Nice left-handed bat who can play center and left field, very fast guy with some tools.  Not much power, but he could be a good 4th outfielder one day.  Has a good chance to reach the majors, which is excellent this late in the draft.

5:53pm -> 2nd University of Delaware Blue Hen off the board, as the Pirates select RHP Chad Kuhl #269 overall.  UD’s program has steadily been improving in recent years, and scouts are starting to notice.  Congrats on two top-10 picks from the up-and-coming local program!

Washington Nationals Round 9 Pick #286 -> Jake Joyce RHP Virginia Tech

Another college senior who has more potential than you might expect from a pitcher this late.  He should sign quickly and one should expect he shifts to the bullpen as a fastball/curveball reliever.  Interesting senior pitcher at this point in the draft, has a chance to reach the majors some day.

6:18pm -> Any chance for a high school athlete here in Round 10, or maybe UCLA starter Adam Plutko… Please!

6:24pm -> Saw on Twitter Amanda Comak is reporting the Nationals have signed 2nd round pick Jake Johansen, selected late last night.  Depending on the terms of the deal, this could have an effect on this last pick tonight, but more importantly, the early picks tomorrow if Johansen signed for less than slot value.

As important as this information could be for tomorrow, props to the Nationals for getting this raw pitcher into the fold quickly, which should only help expedite his development.  Well-done, and a very good sign for the organization.

Washington Nationals Round 10 Pick #316 -> Brennan Middleton INF Tulane University

Probably my favorite person in this year’s draft, I was fortunate enough to sit with Brennan for a Bethesda Big Train game last summer and he was one of the nicest people I have ever met.  He knew a ton about the game, and we talked baseball for most of the night.

Middleton has a solid arm, a little speed, and the ability to put the barrel on the ball from his compact right-handed swing.  Not too much pop here, so here is more of a utility guy down the road, but I could not be happier that the Nats took him.

Congrats to Sal Colangelo and the Bethesda Big Train for graduating another high pick in the 2013 draft!

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With that pick Day 2 of the 2013 MLB Draft is officially in the books.  The Nationals, as they tend to do, focused on pitching, taking four pitchers, one possible conversation candidate, one high school hitter, and two college bats in their 8 picks today.

I will be back tomorrow at 1pm to Live Blog Rounds 11-40 of the MLB Draft, please join me with your comments, questions, or jokes that I am still talking about prospects in Round 38.  Thanks for reading, and please continue to spread the word about NatsGM.

After waiting more than four hours on Thursday evening to finally be on the clock, when pick #68 finally arrived, the Washington Nationals selected Dallas Baptist University right-handed pitcher Jake Johansen.  The Nationals forfeited their 1^st Round pick last offseason as compensation for signing reliever Rafael Soriano, making Johansen Washington’s first and only pick on Day 1 of the 2013 MLB Draft. 

Owning an ideal, massive and still-projectable pitcher’s frame at 6-6 235lbs, Johansen has the body of a durable, workhorse starting pitcher.  That said, Johansen is best known as having one of the most powerful fastballs in this year’s draft class, regularly sitting 93-96mph touching 99mph, and has shown the ability to hold his velocity deep into his appearances.  In addition, Johansen features an upper-80s slider that resembles a cutter with its movement, an inconsistent but intriguing curveball, and a woefully underdeveloped changeup.   

A 22-year-old redshirt-junior, Johansen has been drafted twice before in his career, first by the Mets in the 45^th round in 2009 out of high school, and in the 27^th round by the Pirates last year as a draft-eligible sophomore.  His numbers this season at Dallas Baptist were not particularly impressive, as Johansen threw 88.1 innings over his 15 starts (5.87 innings per appearance), and posted a 5.40 ERA with 109 hits and 26 walks allowed against 75 strikeouts.  The one number that does positively stand out is the 26 walks, a paltry total for such a hard-throwing but unrefined pitcher, which leads me to believe he has some command of the strike zone. 

The Nationals will develop Johansen as a starter, with the thought that with some minor adjustments he can improve his breaking pitches and pitching plenty of minor league innings will develop his changeup and polish his overall game.  Johansen’s secondary offerings severely lag behind his massive fastball, but as a still-raw but coachable athlete with a 95+mph fastball and the ability to throw strikes, he is a pitching coach’s dream.

Although he is technically a college pitcher, if the Nationals truly intend to develop Johansen as a starter, he will need significant development time in the minors and his path might be more typical of a high school pitching prospect.  If he remains a starter and if his secondary pitches show dramatic improvement (both Big Ifs) Johansen has an eventual ceiling of a good #3 starting pitcher with a plus fastball, above-average slider, and average changeup. 

More likely, he will revert to the bullpen sometime in 2-3 years and reach the major leagues as a quality two-pitch impact reliever.  Unfortunately, because Johansen is still so raw and dependent on his incredible arm strength, there is also an excellent chance he flames out at Double-A and never reaches the major leagues.

A fascinating pick by General Manager Mike Rizzo due to the extreme risk verses reward involving his future, expect Johansen to sign relatively quickly and be sent to short-season Auburn to limit and monitor his workload the rest of this summer.  While I appreciate the Nationals taking a chance on potential, considering college pitchers Bobby Wahl and Alex Balog and high school catcher Jonathan Denney were still available, I must admit I question this pick and personally would have selected another player.

NatsGM Grade ->       C