| 06 July 2011
With the season quickly reaching the mid-way point, some Washington Nationals prospects may get a chance to prove themselves at the big league level, particularly if the Nats fall deep into the losing column. There are four prospects who I think are teetering on that level of becoming a big leaguer. Some of these prospects may not get the call until roster expansion in September, and some might have to wait another whole year.
Chris Marrero – 23-year-old First Baseman, 82 games in AAA Syracuse - .299, 9 HR’s, 44 RBI’s, 3 errors
The outlook: The Nationals first round pick from 2006 is arguably having his best overall season in the minors since entering the system as a 17-year-old. Marrero’s average is the highest it’s ever been and his power is gradually coming along. When Marrero made the switch from outfield to first base in 2008 with A Potomac, his glove was a serious issue, averaging nearly 20 errors a season, this season he has just three in 82 games. He finally seems comfortable. Clearly Mike Morse has the position in a headlock. How about a new pinch hitter?
Odds he’s called up this season: 75%. Matt Stairs is 43, has 0 homers and is hitting .148. It might be time to give up on this experiment.
Tom Milone – 24-year-old Starting Pitcher, 15 games, 96 innings pitched in AAA Syracuse - 6-5, 3.38 ERA, 101 K’s, 0.99 WHIP
The outlook: Back-to-back sub 3.00 ERA’s in both A Potomac and AA Harrisburg placed some lofty expectations on the left-handed Milone. His ERA hasn’t been as impressive in 2011 but one thing has markedly improved: his strikeouts. Milone is on pace to easily clip his career high of 155 set in 2010. He’s climbed quickly up the ranks for a 10th round pick in 2008. For a guy who was once labeled as another John Lannan, Milone has shocked many with his ability to strikeout batters at not just an adequate rate, but an excellent one.
Odds he’s called up this season: 50%. Let’s see how long this Ross Detwiler trial lasts. I’d rather see some fresh blood if Detwiler continues his 5th-6th-7th inning lapses. Milone could be that long reliever Davey Johnson has been clamoring for.
Brad Peacock – 23-year-old Starting Pitcher, 16 games, 98.2 innings pitched in AA Harrisburg - 10-2, 2.01 ERA, 129 K’s, 0.86 WHIP
The outlook: Peacock was not a well known name among the organization heading into 2011. The former 41st round pick in 2006 had never registered a winning record nor an ERA under 4.00 for an entire season. Adam Kilgore recently reported that Peacock made an adjustment on his delivery and, boy, is it paying off. Peacock has the best pitching numbers in the entire organization, by far. His four-seamer reportedly can reach 97 MPH and he’s using it to cruise through the lower levels o the minor leagues.
Odds he’s called up this season: 15%. I am puzzled why Peacock isn’t in AAA Syracuse yet. The Nats starters this year have been spectacular, but it’s hard to believe that will last. Peacock’s future is on the MLB roster. Davey may want him to test the waters in September.
Derek Norris – 22-year-old Catcher, 57 games in AA Harrisburg - .208, 12 HR’s, 28 RBI’s, 44 BB’s
The outlook: Coming into 2011, Norris was viewed by many as the second best prospect in the farm system. Just 37 hits in 57 games has stunted Norris’ growth in the minors though. Many expected him to already be at in Syracuse at AAA but it’s unlikely he will be promoted anytime soon.
The good news is that he has already matched his home run total from 2010. The bad news is that Nationals don’t need another hitter on the roster who couldn’t even sniff a .250 batting average.
Odds he’s called up this season: 5%. If some team suffers a blow at the catcher position and an offer for Pudge sweetens, then Norris’ chances will increase. But his batting average makes me nauseous. He did mash two home runs Tuesday night.
Kevin Jones is a contributing writer to The Nats Blog
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