The Nationals made a risky gambit when they traded four prospects to Oakland last week for one player — left-handed pitcher Gio Gonzalez. But the organization believes it has enough depth in the minor league system to shake off dealing three players Baseball America ranked among its top 10 Nats prospects. The top two remain the same: Outfielder Bryce Harper, the 19-year-old phenom who had a fine first pro season, and 2011 first-rounder Anthony Rendon, widely considered the best hitter available. Those two alone give Washington a formidable group of position players. But No. 3 Brad Peacock and No. 4 A.J. Cole are Athletics now.
Who are the top pitchers behind them? Alex Meyer, another first-round pick in 2011, is a 6-foot-9 right-hander with a power arm. He was ranked No. 6, but can he remain a starter? Matt Purke, a third-rounder from Texas Christian, slipped in the draft thanks to lingering shoulder soreness and high bonus demands. Purke struggled in the Arizona Fall League. But if healthy after an offseason of rest, the No. 7 prospect has ace potential. Sammy Solis, a 2010 second-round pick, has a lower ceiling but is still a good bet to reach the majors as a back-end starter. Unfortunately, a sore elbow has everyone concerned. Could be minor soreness or it could ruin his 2012 season. Losing Solis would tax the organization’s pitching depth.
Outfielders Brian Goodwin, another 2011 draftee, and Destin Hood, a 2008 pick who has made steady progress in the low minors, flash promise. So does center fielder Michael Taylor, a converted infielder who took to the position at low-A Hagerstown last year. All three, however, are likely two years away.
