After a week full of speculation, the Washington Nationals have finally announced that right-handed pitching prospect Taylor Jordan will be promoted from Double-A Harrisburg to serve as their starting pitcher Saturday against the New York Mets.  After Friday night’s comeback victory, the Nationals optioned first baseman Chris Marrero to Triple-A Syracuse to make room on the active roster for the 24-year-old starting pitcher.

Jordan, Washington’s 9^th round selection in the 2009 MLB Draft from Brevard Community College, moved relatively slowly through the lower minor leagues before an impressive season at Low-A Hagerstown in 2011, throwing 94.1 innings with a 2.48 ERA and 63 strikeouts before having to undergo Tommy John surgery that summer.  Jordan spent most of 2012 recovering from surgery, but did return later in the summer to pitch 54.1 innings mostly at Hagerstown with only mediocre results. 

However, in his second season apart from surgery, Jordan has blossomed into one of the Nationals top prospects, posting a 1.24 ERA in 36.1 innings at High-A Potomac this spring before forcing a promotion to Double-A.  Jordan has not slowed down since arriving in Harrisburg, providing the Senators with a 7-0 record with a 0.83 ERA and 43 strikeouts over 54 dominating innings, which when combined with Dan Haren’s injury, forced the Nationals to give him a promotion to the major leagues. 

Taylor Jordan attacks hitters with a solid three-pitch arsenal including a 90-95mph fastball with heavy sink and movement, a sharp, late-breaking slider that generates swings-and-misses, and an inconsistent but promising changeup.  In addition Jordan is blessed with an impressive, athletic pitcher’s build as he is listed at 6-3 190lbs. and his repeatable delivery allows him to control the strike zone well, as evidenced by his career 2.07 BB/9 ratio.  Because he does not have plus velocity or devastating off-speed pitches, scouts project Jordan as more of a #4 starter in the major leagues; that said, his solid arsenal, feel for pitching, and ability to limit walks give him a good chance to develop into a productive starting pitcher if he stays healthy.

In his first full season after Tommy John surgery, the Nationals are expected to cap Jordan’s innings this season as they have with their other young pitchers; Jordan pitched a total of 54.1 innings in 2012, which means he is likely to be shut down around 155-165 innings pitched this season. Currently standing at 90.1 innings pitched in 2013, Jordan probably has 9-12 additional starts before his season is over, which should take him through about Labor Day. 

Saturday’s start should be viewed as an audition, as the Nationals will need a 5^th starter two or three more times before Haren is able to return from the disabled list next month.  If he pitches poorly this could be a spot start and he could be back in Harrisburg next week.  Conversely, if Jordan’s success can continue and he pitches well, he could potentially find himself as part of the pitching staff until he reaches his innings shutdown.  While he may not have the ceiling of a Stephen Strasburg or Jordan Zimmermann, Jordan is a talented pitcher who should be part of the Nationals’ pitching staff in the future, and will be a much discussed name by other teams in trade talks as the trade deadline approaches.  Jordan is a testament to the excellent Nationals scouting and development staff as they have nurtured a 9^th round pick through arm surgery and into a legitimate major league pitcher. 

Now that the Major League Baseball draft is in the rearview mirror, general managers and front office executives will now shift their attention to the big league roster and the upcoming July 31^st trade deadline. 

The Nationals’ farm system has rebounded nicely in 2013, after a rather disappointing development year in general in 2012, and I expect GM Mike Rizzo to capitalize on this newfound prospect depth to bolster the roster this summer.  Most certainly the needs of the team could change in the upcoming weeks due to injuries, or poor performance, but these are a few players I expect the Nationals to consider trading for later this summer. 

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Mike Gonzalez LHRP Milwaukee Brewers

Signed midseason by the Nationals in 2012, Gonzalez provided excellent veteran leadership to the relatively youthful bullpen and held left-handed batters to a .179/.257/.269 average last year.  This season he has continued to pitch well in Milwaukee posting a 2.78 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 22.2 innings pitched.  Fernando Abad and Ian Krol have done a nice job of late as the Nats lefty relievers, but the team could look to add a veteran left-handed relief specialist for the playoff chase.  With the Brewers struggling and Gonzalez only signed through 2013, he should be readily available in trade talks next month.

Bud Norris RHSP Houston Astros

The Astros are still in the early stages of their long-term rebuilding project, and Houston has not so casually stated that everyone on the roster is available in trade for the right price.  Norris is not a #1 or #2 starter, but has good stuff and would upgrade the back-end of most teams starting rotation.  Under contract through 2015 and only 28-years-old, Norris should have plenty of suitors as one of the best starters available on the market. 

Ricky Nolasco RHSP Miami Marlins

Similarly to Norris and the Astros above, Miami is attempting to rebuild after going for broke and failing in 2012, and needs to turn assets at the major league level into resources in their farm system.  Nolasco is the Marlins highest paid player and a free agent at the end of the season, meaning he should be readily available to the highest bidder this summer.  Nolasco is having a strong 2013 season, providing Miami with a 3.80 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and 72 strikeouts in his 87.2 innings pitched.  If the Nationals are looking to upgrade from Dan Haren as their 5^th starter for the stretch run, Nolasco could fill the role well and should not seriously deplete the farm system. 

John Buck Catcher New York Mets

As Wilson Ramos has continued to struggle to stay healthy, Nationals catcher Kurt Suzuki has scuffled with the additional playing time, batting only .243/.274/.257 in May and a paltry .115/.148/.192 thus far in June.  Buck has played fairly well in 2013, batting .223/.281/.416 with 11 home runs, but considering the Mets poor record and he’s a free agent at the end of the season, the Mets may want to trade Buck to clear a path for prospect Travis d’Arnaud.  If Ramos cannot get himself healthy, Buck might be a nice platoon partner for Suzuki the rest of the season. 

David DeJesus OF Chicago Cubs

A left-handed hitter with some power and the ability to play all three outfield positions, DeJesus should be in high demand if the Cubs decide to clear a path for centerfield prospect Brett Jackson later this summer.  Considering the lousy season from Roger Bernadina and recent injuries to Bryce Harper and Jayson Werth, DeJesus could be an excellent, versatile player to add to the Nationals bench.  DeJesus has a $6.5 million dollar team option for 2014, with a $1.5 million dollar buyout, so the Cubs may be inclined to keep him next season.  However, for the right package, DeJesus would be a shrewd pickup for the Nationals or another team sometime in July.

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!