4/18/14

John Sickles - Top Washington Nationals Prospects




1) Lucas Giolito, RHP, Grade A-: Has the stuff to be a number one starter but I want to see how he holds up to a full workload coming back from Tommy John and how his changeup develops before going with a straight A. Even with a few questions to answer, he ranks among the very elite and with a good season he could be the top pitching prospect in baseball six months from now. Let's give him some time first.

2) A.J. Cole, RHP, Grade B:
Borderline B+. Could wind up with B+ depending on how I want to slot him on the Top 50 pitching prospect list, so I should have a final grade here next week. Still some concerns about breaking ball consistency but he’s made a lot of progress over the last year and could develop into a number two starter.

3) Brian Goodwin, OF, Grade B:
Excellent tools but baseball skills remain erratic/inconsistent, particularly with his swing mechanics. If a time traveler told me Goodwin became an All-Star, I’d believe it. I’d also believe it if they told me he became a fifth outfielder.

4) Matt Skole, 1B-3B, Grade B-:
Power/patience hitter not likely to produce a high average in my opinion but should be productive in OBP and SLG. Needs to shake off rust after missing almost all of 2013 with wrist/elbow injuries suffered in a harsh collision.

5) Drew Ward, 3B, Grade B-:
Another high ceiling power/patience bat, third round pick last year out of rural Oklahoma, has the arm to remain at third base and his hitting skills have looked surprisingly polished so far given his background. 

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2014/4/16/5615262/washington-nationals-top-20-prospects-for-2014 

2 comments:

Mack Ade said...

Lucas' father is a big time Mets fan that used to read Mack's Mets daily...

You still out there, G?

Tom Brennan said...

I guess Jose Reyes would say the Mets did not show Mr. Giolito enough love. Or they were just happy with the big Lucas they already have. They should have selected Mr. Giolito.