Nats send three to All-Star Game, draft some hot prospects
The Washington Nationals hit the All-Star break a game below .500, thanks to a typically shaky bullpen at home against the New York Yankees. Three late-inning comebacks by New York gave them a sweep of the series, but that disappointment doesn’t change the fact that Washington’s first-half record is far better than most “experts” predicted in March.
James Wood, CJ Abrams and Foster Griffin represented the Nationals in the All-Star game. Griffin distinguished himself, striking out two in a three-up, three-down inning, but Abrams struck out twice in two at-bats, and Wood fanned in his lone plate appearance. Washington resumes its season Friday in West Sacramento, the temporary home of the Athletics.
New kids in town
Perhaps the more exciting recent news from the Nationals is their draft class, headed by their top pick, Texas A&M second baseman Chris Hacopian. A transfer from Maryland, Hacopian shows hitting skills that might be major-league ready as soon as next season. Washington is loaded with middle infield prospects, though, so Hacopian’s future might be at third base.
Washington’s second pick, from Texas Christian University, was outfielder Chase Brunson. Brunson has impressive power and the defensive skills to play center. In the third round, the Nats picked a shortstop, Pennsylvania high schooler Luke Williams. Williams’ power-and-speed attributes should make him a top-50 prospect in due time.
The Nats chose a pitcher in the fourth round, a Texas high school right-hander named Cooper Harris. Harris throws a high-90s heater; he needs to develop some secondary pitches, but his potential is sky-high.
With their next six picks, Washington took a third-baseman (Miami’s Daniel Cuvet), three right-handed pitchers (Cooper Allen – UNC Wilmington, Gage Peterson – Appalachian State, and Max Hansmann – Evansville), a catcher (Cashel Dugger – UCLA) and an outfielder (Nick Williams – Michigan State). Long shots all, but if the Nats coaching staff can bring out their best, we’ll get to know some of these names better in the years ahead.
