National Record

Outfielder Bryce Harper, the #1 overall pick of the 2010 First-Year Player Draft, will make his Nationals debut Monday February 28th in Washington’s first Grapefruit league game. While not in the starting lineup, manager Jim Riggleman will insert him into either corner outfield position sometime in the contest. The famed Sports Illustrated cover boy has put up amazing statistics on every level offensively but is known for his amazing power.

NATIONALS STARTING LINE-UP:

Nyjer Morgan-CF

Ian Desmond-SS

Roger Bernadina-LF

Michael Morse-RF

Matt Stairs-DH

Wilson Ramos-C

Kevin Barker-1B

Danny Espinosa-2B

Jerry Hairston Jr.-3B

OTHER NOTES: RH RP Henry Rodriquez has visa problems and will not report until Tuesday(March 1st). Riggleman reports he is in good shape and has maintained a throwing program in Venezuela. Acquired in the Josh Willingham trade with the Oakland A’s, he is competing with fellow RHs Drew Storen, Tyler Clippard and LH Sean Burnett for the closer job…. RH Cla Meredith had an MRI on elbow and should have the results Monday(February 28th). The righty had bone chips removed from the elbow this past offseason and has also battled minor back issues…. RH Chad Gaudin will draw the start in Monday’s game. The veteran is battling with 5 others for the fifth sot in the rotation … RH Chien-Ming Wang(Shoulder surgery) threw batting practice Wednesday(February 23rd) and did  not have an issues. The veteran won 38 games combined in 2006-07 for the New York Yankees but has missed over a year with the injury. Desmond, who doubled on Wang’s first pitch, liked what he saw. “He looked good. He probably got 10 groundballs. He was throwing the sinker and a couple of curveballs. He was pretty good.”

22 year old RHP Stepen Strasburg took the game by storm in 2010 only to see his season cut short by a serious elbow injury that required season ending Tommy John surgery. Today(Thursday, February 17, 2011) he played catch from 45 feet, an important step in his road to recovery. The phenom threw 2 sessions and has been able to throw on flat ground since Late January, he started soft-toss February 10th. The club has been cautious with their prized arm, the #1 overall pick in the 2009 draft. Strasburg was 5-3 with a 2.91 ERA while striking out 12.2  batters per 9 innings, a number that would have led MLB had he met the innings pitched requirement. He also struck out 14 in his major league debut while setting a major league record with 32 Ks in his first 3 starts.

Other News: Veteran RH Livan Hernandez(10-12,3.66 in 33 starts in 2010) has been named opening day starter for the Nationals March 31st vs the Atlanta Braves… RH Chien-Ming Wang threw a bullpen session Thursday and reported no pain or set backs with his right shoulder. He has set a goal of late April,early May as his season debut

Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo continued to add depth and versatility to the roster, signing OF Laynce Nix and RH RP Cla Meredith to minor league deals last week. Nix joins veteran signings INF-OF  Jerry Hairston Jr, INF Alex Cora and OF Rick Ankiel(Missed most of 2010 with a hamstring injury) hoping to bolster the clubs bench and in game flexibility. Meredith, with his unusual delivery, should help a talented young core of relievers also strengthened by the club inking veterans Todd Coffey and Henry Rodriquez this offseason.  These moves combined with the signings of big ticket items 1B Adam Laroche and RF Jayson Werth  plus the young talent assembled  make the 2011 Washington Nationals one of the more improved clubs in all of major league baseball.

Nationals super prospect OF Bryce Harper is rated #3 over all by MLB.com and MLB Network scout Jonathan Mayo in his latest rankings currently posted on mlb.com. Labeled “Baseball’s Chosen One” by a Sports Illustrated cover story in June 2009, the #1 overall pick will start his first season of pro ball in 2011 after an incredible record setting career in both high school and junior college ball. Known for his prodigious power, Harper hit 31 homers with a .443 batting average, .526 on base while slugging an amazing .987 in 66 games. The former high school catcher  also stole 20 bases in 24 attempts and won USA Baseball’s Golden Spikes award as the nation’s top amateur player. Harper played RF, CF and third base in JUCO but the 18 year old will  start in right in the minors. A strong spring training will put him at Low class A to open the 2011 season.

Harpers scouting grades(20-80 scale):

Batting: 60

Power: 80

Speed: 55

Defense: 60

Arm: 80 

The Nationals acquired LHP Tom Gorzelanny from the Chicago Cubs for 3 minor leaguers on January 19th. The 28 year old was 7-9 with a 4.09 ERA in 29 games(23 starts) last season and his best season was 2007 when he posted a 14-10, 3.88 stat line while playing for a bad Pittsburgh Pirates team. This move adds to the depth of solid veteran arms in competition for rotation spots in 2011. I covered the Pirates when Gorzelanny was on the staff and while he is not Sandy Koufax, he will keep you in games and compete. Another solid move in a long list of them by Washington GM Mike Rizzo.  The club also signed RH RP Todd Coffey and INF Alex Cora(minor league dealer) to contract recently.