2009 "Prospects to Watch"

MLB.com and MiLB.com are starting to kick into high gear as pitchers and catchers start reporting to Spring Training today. MLB posted their list of “Prospects to Watch” in the National League and American League. The list comes complete with slideshows and write-ups on the players they feel could make an impact for each organization this year.

Another prospect list equals another Jordan Zimmermann sighting. The Nationals prospects included on MLB’s “Prospects to Watch” list are Jordan Zimmerman and Chris Marrero.

Harrisburg Senators fans were treated to a heavy dose of Zimmerman after his early season promotion on May 6, 2008 (photo above is from his Senators debut). He appeared in 20 games for the Senators, compiling a 7-2 record, with a 3.21 ERA, and 103 strikeouts (106 Innings pitched), while holding Eastern League hitters to a stingy .226 average. Zimmermann should start 2009 at Triple-A with the potential for a mid-to-late season call up to the Nationals.

Senators could see Chris Marrero to start the season but there is a chance he could repeat at Class-A Potomac as he is recovering from a season ending injury. Regardless, Senators fans should see Marrero at some point before mid-season.

Here is a sample of MLB’s article: “Prospects to Watch” National League and American League

Jordan Zimmermann: There is a good reason the Nationals are projecting him to be part of their rotation. Zimmermann, Washington's second-round selection in the 2007 First-Year Player Draft, went a combined 10-3 with a 2.89 ERA in 25 games for Double-A Harrisburg and Class A Potomac in 2008. He led the entire organization in ERA and strikeouts (134), and finished tied for first in wins.

The 22-year-old earned midseason Eastern League All-Star honors, his second All-Star selection in as many years as a professional. He went 7-2 with a 3.21 ERA in 20 starts for Harrisburg. Prior to his May 4 promotion to Double-A, Zimmermann dominated the Carolina League, going 3-1 with one save and a 1.65 ERA in five appearances with Potomac.

Chris Marrero: Washington wants him to report to Spring Training early after missing half of the '08 season because of a broken right fibula. The Nationals also want to see how Marrero handles Major League pitching and how he performs defensively at first base.
Defense has been Marrero's biggest bugaboo. He started out as a third baseman, but he's blocked there because of Ryan Zimmerman. Marrero then switched to left field, but he didn't have enough range for the spot, so he was moved to first base, where he's expected to be for years to come.