Zimmermann, Possible NL ROY

With Jordan Zimmermann winning the Nationals 5th starter spot this spring the hype surrounding him continues to grow. MLB ranks Zimmermann 3rd (out of 5 players) for early consideration for NL Rookie of the Year.

Here is what they had to say:
“When word came out before Spring Training opened that Zimmermann was going to get a long look for a rotation spot, ROY prognosticators everywhere took note. Then the 2007 second-rounder, the one with just more than one full season of pro ball under his belt, promptly went out and won the No. 5 starter spot in Washington's rotation. The 22-year-old will be the last starter in name only. By season's end, it shouldn't surprise anyone if he's the most effective one on the staff. By the way, No. 4 starter Shairon Maris is an interesting dark horse to consider as well.”

So far this spring Zimmermann has more than proved he is ready for the big league. He currently leads all Nationals pitchers with 20 strike outs (to only 2 walks). In 5 appearances he has a 3.14 ERA, only allowed 5 runs score in 14.1 IP.

Entering the 09 Season, Zimmermann ranks as the Nationals best prospect according to Baseball America, Baseball Prospectus and John Sickels.

For the Senators 2008, Zimmermann was 7-2 in 20 games with 103 strikeouts and a 3.21 ERA. He held the Eastern Leagues best hitters to a combined .226 average against. He won the 2008 Washington Nationals’ Minor League pitcher of the year award.