Denard Span / Alexi Cassilla / Alex Burnett to the Nationals for
Ranks are their rankings in the Nats system
Chris Marrero
Rank: 9
Status: Rehab Assignment
ETA: 2012
Position: 1B
Age: 23, DOB: 07/02/1988
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6' 3", Weight: 220
Drafted: 2006, 1st (15)
After five-plus seasons in the Minors, Marrero finally made his way to the big leagues, playing first for the Nats for much of the final month of the season. He's always had a decent bat with good power, though it hasn't always shown up consistently in games. Marrero has worked hard to become an adequate first baseman, and he might have received an opportunity to play there in Washington in 2012 if it weren't for a torn hamstring he suffered in winter ball. When Marrero gets back to full health, he'll probably have to head to Triple-A and wait for an opportunity. He began a rehab stint in early June. Other Lists: Top 10 1st Base Prospects (#6)
This next guy is gone for the year with TJ surgery but he should be able to go in 2013 early
Sammy Solis
Rank: 8
Potomac Nationals (A+)
ETA: 2014
Position: LHP
Age: 23, DOB: 08/10/1988
Bats: R, Throws: L
Height: 6' 5", Weight: 230
Drafted: 2010, 2nd (51)
When on the mound, Solis has looked like one of the best lefty prospects in the game. The big problem has been avoiding the injury bug. A groin issue kept him back in extended spring training to start his first full season. He debuted at the end of May and quickly moved from the South Atlantic to the Carolina League, where he was very effective as well. Solis has always had a plus changeup, a very good breaking ball and outstanding fastball command. He added some velocity to that heater giving him the chance to be even more dominant, but he got shut down again, in the 2011 Arizona Fall League, because of an elbow problem, and then learned in February that he'd need Tommy John surgery, which will cost him the entire 2012 season.
With Zimmerman and Rendon ahead of him I'd like to get this guy in our system he can mash
2012 Team G AB AVG R 2B 3B HR RBI BB K SB OBP SLG OPS
SAL HAG 60 204 .294 46 12 0 13 56 56 65 4 .442 .544 .986
Matthew Skole
Rank: 19
Hagerstown Suns (A)
ETA: 2015
Position: 3B
Age: 22, DOB: 07/30/1989
Bats: L, Throws: R
Height: 6' 4", Weight: 230
Drafted: 2011, 5th (157)
After three years of putting up solid offensive numbers, particularly in the power department at Georgia Tech, Skole looks like he should be able to bring more of the same to the Nationals system. He hit well during his pro debut, showing an ability to hit for average and get on base while banging out a whole lot of doubles. The power started coming more during the start of his full-season debut, though the jury is still out on his ability to stay at third. If he keeps hitting like he has in the early stages of his career, his bat should be enough to carry him to the big leagues.
Paul Demny
Rank: 17
Harrisburg Senators (AA)
ETA: 2014
Position: RHP
Age: 22, DOB: 08/03/1989
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6' 2", Weight: 200
Drafted: 2008, 6th (181)
A big, strong and durable right-hander, Demny finished off an up-and-down 2011 campaign with a very solid final month of the season, providing hope that something is clicking for the 2008 junior-college product. He has arm strength, with a fastball up to 94 mph, though his strikeout rate dropped this past season. He throws a slider and a changeup that are not as good as his fastball, and he’ll have to watch his command as he moves up. The 2012 season could be a big one for Demny.
