Washington Nationals News: Nats hope more homegrown talent emerges this spring
By Pablo Roa
Today’s District Daily features stories on the Washington Nationals’ homegrown talent and their needs on the international market.
Good evening DoD readers, and welcome to today’s District Daily. Get caught up on the latest Nats news and opinions with some great Washington Nationals articles from around the web below.
In today’s Daily, MLB.com’s Bill Ladson discusses the Nationals’ hopes for more homegrown talent to emerge this spring.
As Ladson notes, part of the reason the Nationals have emerged as perennial postseason contenders over the last few years is their ability to develop promising prospects into all stars. These players include Bryce Harper, Anthony Rendon, Stephen Strasburg and many more.
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Now, the Nationals are poised for the second big round of prospects to make it to the big leagues, and several of them could get one step closer to a permanent promotion during Spring Training. Names like Lucas Giolito and Trea Turner will be all over Nationals’ camp this spring, and strong performances from either could perhaps earn them a spot on the Opening Day roster.
Hopefully for the Nationals, prospects like Giolito and Turner will emerge this spring and start their major league careers in April. One way or another, the second round of prospects is coming fast — and it’ll likely be here at some point this season.
Also in today’s Daily, James Wagner of the Washington Post discusses how the Nationals are expected to be aggressive on the international market going forward.
Be sure to check out both articles below, they’re definitely worth a read. And as always, stay tuned to DoD for all your Washington Nationals needs.
Nats hope more homegrown talent emerges this spring
WASHINGTON — During the Mike Rizzo era, the Nationals have been known for giving homegrown talent a chance to shine in the big leagues. The list of that talent ranges from Bryce Harper to Stephen Strasburg.
Entering this season, Washington’s farm system remains strong. With that mind, here is a look at the Nationals’ prospects to watch during Spring Training.
RHP Lucas Giolito: Giolito is considered the Nationals’ top prospect, according to MLBPipeline.com. The right-hander will have a chance to show his stuff, as he participates in his first big league Spring Training. Last season, Giolito showed he was fully recovered from Tommy John surgery, going a combined 7-7 with a 3.15 ERA and 131 strikeouts in 117 innings — 10.1 K’s per nine innings — for Class A Advanced Potomac and Double-A Harrisburg. Read full article here.
Nationals expected to be aggressive in the international market
(James Wagner, Washington Post)
The Nationals have been thrifty and efficient in the international market for years, but the 2016-17 international signing period may be a change. The Nationals, according to people familiar with the situation, intend to be aggressive during the signing period that begins July 2. That could mean exceeding their spending allocations, which might be a first for the Nationals.
Because of ownership’s reluctance to spend internationally after the 2009 Smiley Gonzalez scandal and the team’s recent winning records, which determines bonus pools sizes, the Nationals have had relatively small spending allocations. Read full article here.