MOD Nationals I

by NFA Brian on May 17, 2008 7:48 AM EDT Comment 9 comments

The Washington Nationals picks are as follows:

1st round: #9
2nd round: #55
3rd round: #87
4th round: #121
5th round and out: +30 (i.e. 151, 181, etc)

They didn't lose any picks by signing a free agent nor do they have any additional picks from losing any free agents.

With the ninth pick, obviously the Nationals should go with the best player available but based upon needs they should focus on:

Catcher: Aside from Jesus Flores, there is little depth in the organization. None of Luke Montz, Devin Ivany, Brian Peacock, Sean Rooney, Jhonathan Solano, Sean Rooney, Pat Nichols, or Derek Norris project out as anything more than a backup catcher.
Middle infielders, specifically shortstop: The Nationals have focused on pitchers and outfielders early in the past couple of drafts with the exception of Stephen King in the 3rd round of 2006. They could really use a premium guy at SS

The Nationals have made several picks among high school bats in the past two seasons. It might be time to consider balancing that out by focusing on college bats early in 2008.

At number nine, there is the chance to get a solid guy. And new ownership has demonstrated the willingness to go above slot if the situation calls for it (Jack McGeary signing as an example). If I'm the Nationals, I'm hoping that Gordon Beckham slides here. If not Beckham, then perhaps Kyle Skipworth. Given that both of those guys are likely off the board when they select, I'd target a college bat like Justin Smoak or Yonder Alonso and consider HS 1B Eric Hosmer.

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What about...

Christian Guzman at short? He has the best average on the team, with people over 50 AB’s.

by wrigleyrocker12 on May 17, 2008 9:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Free Agent

Guzman really isn’t a long term solution at SS for the Nationals. By the time they are in a position to contend, Guzman will be on the downside of his career.

But of a more immediate concern, he is a free agent at the end of this season.

In the farm system, there is really nobody waiting in the wings. The best option they have at this point is Ian Desmond whose development has stalled to a certain degree.

by NFA Brian on May 17, 2008 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gordan Beckham

Could be a good fit for you at 9.

by batonball on May 17, 2008 12:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Skip Lockwood

or Skip at 9.

by batonball on May 17, 2008 12:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

srry brian

my computers been down and ive had a lot of school work the last couple of days…. this is what im thinking

at #9 we should target: Gordon Beckham an advanced college bat at shortstop that would move fast also ss is an achillees heel for the nats so it’d work out perfectly and has the ceiling of an above average regular.

I think Kyle SKipworth a young backstop with that type of potenitial is one of the only things this sytem could really use. The nats have virtually no depth in the system at catcher and adding one as talented as Skippy would be just what the doctor ordered

I could also se the Nats going after Yonder Alonso or Brett Wallace due to the fact that both should move quickly and could quickly make a presence in the middle of their lineup and doesn’t nick johnson hit FA in 2 years?

I could also see them being tantalized with the potential of Aaron Hicks who could become legitimate .300 20 hr 40 sb player

in the later rounds i expect them to target some quick moving relievers like scott brittle in the 2-4 and brett hunter. Also could see them taking a g=bit of a gamble and drafting Brandon Crawford and moving him to 2b

by bartonboi on May 17, 2008 2:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs