Scouting director Dana Brown appeared visibly nervous, announcing the Nationals’ first two picks, repeating words as his voice quivered just a bit. Then he botched the order of the picks in the first round.
There’s a reason.
“We’re kind of excited because we’re fortunate to go after some high-ceiling players,” said Brown, in this position since 2002, “getting these high school kids is a thrill for us.”
Unlike previous years, Washington opted for long-term potential over short-term impact, going heavy on high school players in the first day of the major league amateur draft. It started with outfielder Chris Marrero with the 15th overall pick and continued for the first five picks. They did not select a college player until taking Baylor left-hander Cory VanAllen in the fifth round.
In the past four years, with the exception of Ryan Zimmerman last year, the Nationals had selected players who were considered signable. This year, they opted to take the best player approach, regardless of cost or risk, acting, General Manager Jim Bowden said, like a big market team.
“High school guys have tremendous ceilings,” Bowden said. “College players are close to where they’re gonna be; sometimes they get a little better. But high school players have a chance to get a lot better.”
The Nationals said they did not expect Marrero, bothered by a hamstring injury part of this season, to be available for them with the 15th overall pick. He finished with a .410 average with 11 homers and 33 RBI for Monsignor Pace in Miami.
Before the season, Baseball America considered him the top prospect among high school position players. The magazine also rated his arm as the second best among high school seniors. He played third base in high school.
Marrero has committed to Miami, but said, “My preference is to play pro ball right away and make the Major Leagues in two or three years.”
Washington selected right-handed pitcher Colton Willems from John Carroll Catholic High School in Fort Pierce, Fla., with the 22nd pick in the first round. In 51.1 innings this past season, Willems allowed 19 hits and held opponents to a .103 average. He went 7-1 with a 0.68 ERA.
The Nationals then selected four more high school players: pitcher Sean Black (Lenape High School in New Jersey) and outfielder Stephen Englund (Bellevue High School in Washington) in the second round; shortstop Stephen King (Winter Park High School in Florida) in the third round; and left-handed pitcher Glenn Gibson (Center Moriches High School in New York) in the fourth round.
AT A GLANCE
» Willems was named the MVP of the World Wood Bat Association’s 17-and-under National Championship this past fall. He has signed to play for the University of Florida, but said he wants to play professionally.
» Fourth round pick Glenn Gibson’s father, Paul, pitched for the Mets, Tigers and Yankees in a career that ranged from 1988-96.
» Third-round pick King also had a hamstring injury that hurt his stats — and his draft status. Each of the first five picks were projected as first-round picks before the season.
» Wilson graduate Emmanuel Burriss was drafted by San Francisco in the second round of Tuesday’s major league draft, the 33rd overall. Burriss played collegiately at Kent State, where he was named the Mid-American Conference Player of the Year this past season. He hit .360 with 42 stolen bases and 70 runs scored in 56 games.
