With the 2011 MLB Draft upon us, the Washington Nationals are currently slated for the 6th pick in the draft and the 23rd pick. They were able to get an extra pick with Adam Dunn being a Type-A free agent which will fill a significant need for the team. Mike Rizzo has discussed in brief his plans for the draft but his selections have been kept under wraps as of late. Here is a look at the potential prospects that DC’s ball club could land.
Pitching has been a common occurrence for the Nats in previous drafts and that shouldn’t change with the 6th pick either. With the front end of the draft being loaded with high potential pitching prospects there is good reason as to why they should look into drafting a No. 2 Pitcher behind Strasburg or even develop him into a No.1 in the rotation.
Through many mock drafts and expert analysis, the Nationals are expected to take 18 year old RHP Archie Bradley out of Broken Arrow HS, Oklahoma. Bradley’s arsenal includes a running 2-seam that has consistently sat at 93-95 and a 4-seam fastball that has the potential to hit up to 98 MPH. In regards to mixing speeds, Bradley has stated he’s been tinkering with grips for a non-traditional change-up coming in at 81-82 MPH. Rounding out his array of pitches is a knuckle-curve which scouts have said is one of the dirtier pitches they’ve seen in recent years due to his fierce spike on his curve ball.
Another potential pick could be UCLA RHP Trevor Bauer. Many associate UCLA with the likely 1st overall pick and former Yankee selection Gerritt Cole but Bauer has consistently shown he has the tools to become a big league pitcher. Bauer, who has posted a 21-6 record with 257 K’s in his freshman and sophomore seasons with the Bruins also brings in 5 complete games and a .236 batting average for the opposition. His 2011 campaign finished with a nation leading 189 strikeouts and an absurd 1.27 ERA .
Bauer’s repertoire consists of a topped out 97 MPH fastball but sits at the 93-94 MPH range. He also utilizes a 12-6 curveball that generates a lot of strikeouts but isn’t afraid to use his other tools. Finalizing his arsenal is a slider, splitter, and change-up that he will use when needed in situations.
The 23rd pick provides plenty of flexibility in this position as the Nats can looks towards a pitcher yet again or plan for a power hitter to fill a hole in the lineup. One prospect on the radar, who if he falls in their lap would be a steal, is Joshua Bell. Hailing from Jesuit College Prep in Texas, this switch hitting center fielder who will most likely end up a corner outfielder due to his “lack” of speed and arm strength but he is positive that he’ll be able to cover ground. He also has tremendous bat speed and has that “see the ball, hit the ball” approach at both sides of the plate. In his senior year at Jesuit, Josh Bell hit .548 with 13 home runs with an OBP of .676 and totaled 34 RBI’s. Bell is currently committed to the University of Texas but if he doesn’t sign, expect this pickup to be worthy.
Back on the pitching prowess could come in the form of Daniel Norris from Science Hill HS in Tennessee. Tagged as the top prep school left-hander, Norris could provide as a solid lefty the Nats have needed for some time. A respectable fastball coming in at 92 MPH comfortably from the left side will prove to be a solid pitch as he develops the rest of his arsenal in the farm system. Tossing a sharp curve can become his out pitch if he can develop his ability to turn it into a swing and miss pitch or land it for strikes. A circle change-up can be developed into a significant pitch which he hasn’t needed in his prep school starts. There is currently an offer from Clemson for Norris to pitch there but if he wants to turn pro, expect the Nationals to pounce.
The 2011 MLB First Player Draft begins on June 6th running through June 8th in Secaucus, NJ (my birth town BTW). Be sure to follow all the picks to see who will be the next prospect taking their talents to the Nation’s Capital (not South Beach).