June 20, 2013

Washington Nationals Minor League Update and Prospect Report for June 17

June 17, 2013 by Leave a Comment

SYRACUSE CHIEFS
AAA-INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE
Week: (1-4, 2 PPD) Season: (27-40, 6th in IL North, 12.5 GB)

Danny Espinosa, 2B: The Nats injured second baseman is on a rehab stint with the Chiefs. He’s gone 2-for-9 this week with no extra base hits, four Ks and two walks.

Tyler Moore, OF/1B: Since being sent down by the Nats, Moore has continued his season-long struggles. He went 3-for-19 this week but making his few hits count with a double, homer and seven RBIs. He has struck out five times and has not drawn a walk. Season: .158/.182/.368 with one home run and 7 RBIs.

Corey Brown, OF: The left-handed hitting outfielder went 2-for-18 this week with two doubles and three RBIs and a whopping six strikeouts against two walks. Season: .250/.319/.528 with 10 HRs and 28 RBIs.

Eury Perez, OF: Perez went 6-for-21 this week with two multi-hit games, a home run and two stolen bases. He struck out three times and walked once. Season: .315/.338/.438 with four homers, 12 RBIs and 11 SBs.

Zach Walters, SS: Walters was named International League Batter of the Week as he picked it up this week average-wise after a miserable two-month start to the season. He went 11-for-19 with three doubles, three homers and seven RBIs with one K and no BBs. Season: .233/.265/.482 with 14 HRs and 32 RBIs.

Erik Davis, RHP: In his first appearance since being sent down, Davis got hammered Sunday pitching in relief. He gave up four earned runs on one hit and three walks, giving up a grand slam in the top of the 10th inning in Syracuse’s 8-4 loss to Toledo. Season: 1-3, 7 SVs, 4.21 with 30 Ks and 11 BBs in 25 2/3 innings.

Christian Garcia, RHP: On rehab from the big club, Garcia has made two appearances but has been shut down again with soreness in his shoulder after being out all season with a partially torn tendon in his right forearm. In three innings, Garcia has allowed one earned run on two hits and two walks, striking out four.

Danny Rosenbaum, LHP: Rosenbaum was lit up in his one start this week against Toledo, though he didn’t factor in the decision. In four innings, he allowed four earned runs on nine hits and three walks, striking out two. Season: 5-3, 3.75 in 13 starts with 41 Ks and 33 BBs in 72.0 IP.

HARRISBURG SENATORS
AA-EASTERN LEAGUE
Week: (5-1), Season (37-32, T-1 in IL West)

Brian Goodwin, OF: Goodwin went 5-for-21 this week with a triple and three RBIs. He struck out seven times and walked once. Season: .240/.346/.374 with four homers, 16 RIs and 13 SBs (8 CS).

Destin Hood, OF: Hood had a five-game hitting streak this weeks, going 7-for-20 with two doubles and an RBI. He struck out twice and walked once. Season: .249/.292/.373 with four homers, 28 RBIs and 4 SBs.

Sandy Leon, C: Leon went 5-for-15 with two doubles and an RBI this week. The switch-hitting catcher struck out twice and walked three times. Season: .235/.338/.350.

Taylor Jordan, RHP: The 24-year-old tall righty continued his breakout season, throwing a complete-game shutout Wednesday over Richmond. He allowed five hits and a walk to go along with his 11 Ks. Season (AA & AAA): 7-1, 0.93 with 68 Ks and 12 BBs in 77 1/3 IP.

POTOMAC NATIONALS
HIGH-A CAROLINA LEAGUE
Week: (6-1), Season: (42-27, 1st in CL North)

Michael Taylor, OF: Taylor had a five-game hitting streak this week, going 6-for-22 with a homer and three RBIs. He had 9 Ks and a BB and stole four bases. Season: .255/.337/.408 with six homers and 41 RBIs.

Billy Burns, OF: The speedster went 7-for-222 with an RBI, nine runs scored and six stolen bases. Season: .299/.428/.358 with no homers, 15 RBIs, 49 runs and 36 SBs.

Randolph Oduber, OF: Oduber went 5-for-22 with a double, four RBIs and a steal. He struck out seven times and drew two walks. Season: .251/.317/.377 with three homers, 28 RBIs and seven SBs (6 CS).

A.J. Cole, RHP: Cole was dominant in his start this week against Frederick. He allowed no runs on four hits and two walks over seven innings, striking out 10 in the process to earn the win. Season: 4-2, 4.16 with 82 Ks and 18 BBs in 71 1/3 innings over 13 starts.

Robbie Ray, LHP: The lefty made two starts this week on diametrically opposite ends of the spectrum. Tuesday he won, allowing one earned run on just two hits, though he gave up four walks. He struck out seven over seven innings. Sunday he had a rough go of it against Frederick. He gave up six earned runs on six hits (including three homers) and two walks, striking out five. Season: 5-2, 2.22 with 88 Ks and 33 BBs in 69 innings over 13 starts.

Sammy Solis, LHP: The big lefty was put on the seven-day disabled list with ”general shoulder soreness”. Solis missed all of 2012 due to Tommy John surgery on his left elbow. Season: 0-0, 3.38 with nine Ks and five BBs in 16 innings over four starts.

HAGERSTOWN SUNS
LOW-A SOUTH ATLANTIC LEAGUE
Week: (5-3, 1 PPD), Season: (38-29, T-1 in SALLY North)

Tony Renda, 2B: Week: 7-for-29 with a double. 6 Ks and 4 BBs. Season: .291/.355/.415 with one homer, 27 RBIs and 13 SB (2 CS).

Brandon Miller, OF: Week: 8-for-29 with four doubles, one homer and eight RBIs. Season: .253/.310/.510 with 13 homers and 42 RBIs, 85 Ks and 17 BBs.

Matt Purke, LHP: Two starts this week for Purke as he continues to build up arm strength. Tuesday: 4 2/3 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 8 K, 2 HRs. Sunday: 4 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 2 K.

Robert Benincasa, RHP: 2 1/3 IP with a save in three games. Struck out five and no walks, hits or runs. Season: 0-1, 2.57 with 10 saves, 30 Ks and 5 BBs.

NATS TOP PROSPECTS FOR 2013

1. Anthony Rendon, 3B/2B – MLB

Rendon, 23, was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2011 draft and is a natural hitter with lightning quick wrists and developing doubles power to both gaps. He’s a potential Gold Glove caliber defensive player at third base and is learning to play second base at the Major League level to good reviews thus far.

2. Brian Goodwin, OF — AA

A 22-year-old center fielder, Goodwin was the 34th overall pick in the 2011 draft out of Miami Dade South CC. Possessing good power, speed and plate discipline, Goodwin is a capable defender in center and would be above average in left field if he ends up there. Went .280/.384/.469 between Hagerstown and Harrisburg in 2012.

3. A.J. Cole, RHP — HI-A

Returned to the Nats in the Michael Morse deal, Cole (6’4″, 180) is a 21-year-old right hander that profiles as a mid-rotation starter with the potential for All-Star stuff. He’s got a huge fastball (96-MPH) with good movement, a slurvy curveball that can be league average and good feel for his changeup at an early age.

4. Lucas Giolito, LHP — A, INJ

Giolito was seen as the top high school arm in his draft class and ended up with the Nats with the 16th overall pick in 2012 due to injury concerns as he missed his senior year of high school with a sprained UCL. The giant righty (6’6″, 230) made one two inning appearance last season for the Nats Gulf Coast team before being shut down and eventually had Tommy John surgery to repair his elbow in August. He boasts a plus fastball in the upper 90s, a power curve and a solid change-up.

5. Matt Skole, 3B/1B — AA, INJ

Skole was a 5th Round pick in 2011 and all he’s done since signing with the Nats out of Georgia Tech is mash the baseball. In 119 games between Hagerstown and Potomac last year the 6’4″, 220 left-handed batter hit 27 homers and drove in 104, hitting .291/.426/.559. Slated for Harrisburg this year, he injured his left elbow in a freak collision which required Tommy John surgery and is out for the season.

6. Nate Karns, RHP — AA

Another big (6’3″, 230) right handed starter, Karns has a nice fastball and good command over his other pitches, but none really profile as plus pitches at the big league level. He’s a shoulder injury survivor (torn labrum in 2011) so it’s easy to root for him, but the former 12th round pick probably has a ceiling at the back of a rotation or in the pen. But he’s got a big league arm.

7. Sammy Solis, LHP – HI-A

The massive (6’5, 230) 24-year old left-hander was the Nats 2nd round pick in the 2010 draft, with a projection for a quick path to the Majors out of U. of San Diego, but Tommy John surgery delayed his path after the 10 starts in 2011. Owns a 3.75 K/BB ratio in 23 minor league starts.

8. Matt Purke, LHP — LO-A

Purke, 22, was the Nats 3rd round pick in 2011 out of TCU, where is final season was limited by bursitis in his left shoulder, which resulted in his drop in the draft. National Freshman of the year, he was drafted and thought he had a deal with the Rangers but the deal was disallowed due to the Rangers ownership questions at the time. He’s possesses and above-average fastball and slider and has shown feel for the changeup.

9. Chris Marrero, 1B — MLB

It’s easy to forget Marrero is only 24. The often-injured right-handed first baseman is a natural hitter with gap power with impressive plate discipline. A capable defender at first base, he might not put up big home run totals in the Major Leagues, but his hit tool (.286/.353/.456 career MiLB) is real.

10. Eury Perez, OF — AAA

Signed as am undrafted free agent in 2007, Perez’ best tool is his off-the-chart speed. He’s stolen over 160 bases in three-plus seasons in the minors. He’s a smart runner and puts good use to his speed in center field, where he’s proven to be capable with the possibility of spectacular. Unlike many speedsters, though, Perez also has a plus arm. Perez is a slap-hitter at the plate and his career MiLB OBP is just a few ticks over his batting average, so plate discipline is an issue and question as he moves up the ladder.

11. Tony Renda, 2B — LO-A
12. Robbie Ray, LHP – HI-A
13. Zach Walters, SS — AAA
14. Destin Hood, OF — AA
15. Michael Taylor, OF — HI-A
16. Jeff Kobernus, OF/2B — MLB
17. Taylor Jordan, RHP – AA
18. Brandon Miller, OF — LO-A
19. Sandy Leon, C — AA
20. Erik Davis, RHP — AAA

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Washington Nationals Minor League Update for the Week of 4/28/13

April 29, 2013 by

Welcome back to District Sports Page’s weekly Minor League Update. Every Monday throughout the regular season we will continue to post up-to-date stats and brief scouting reports on the hottest and coldest prospects in the Nationals’ minor league system. We also will track the progress of top-rated players, and give injury and suspension updates.

With April coming to a close, the Nationals’ organization is looking pretty strong from top to bottom. The big club is off to a decent 13-12 start. But more importantly, they’re looking strong and equipped to perform at a high level for the duration of the season. Their key players are all healthy, and their crop of young stars continues to move forward at a healthy pace.

Bryce Harper not only appears to have avoided (knock on wood) a slumping sophomore season, but he looks to be putting it all together even earlier than anyone could have hoped. The same goes for their young rotation, which is firing on all cylinders. And while Ryan Zimmerman and Wilson Ramos are sitting on the DL with minor injuries, the Nats used their system to overcome their temporary absence quite effectively. Luckily though, both players are on their way back anyway.

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Washington Nationals Minor League Update for the Week of 4/14/13

April 17, 2013 by

With full-season teams now in to the second-week of their 2013 campaigns, clubs are starting to get a feel for their minor-league talent. Many re-buidling big league teams are preparing to call-up their top prospects in just a couple of more weeks, when arbitration rules will fall in their favor. Contending clubs like the Nationals are less inclined to make front-page moves so early in the season, but they too are keeping an eye on their young’ins. They’re trying to get a read on what these players are worth in preparation for a mid-season trade, and they’re definitely looking for someone who can contribute in the event they need to to patch a hole internally.

The Nationals, who are now 8-5 with their win over the Marlins on Monday night, are very comfortable with their Major League roster. Outside of a few bullpen/bench tweaks they might be preparing to make–like adding an effective left-handed relief pitcher for instance–they probably aren’t going to replace one of their veteran big leaguers with any of their prized prospects just yet. Of course, things will change quickly if one of their stars suffers a serious injury.

As Mike Rizzo proved last season with Bryce Harper, he isn’t afraid to call-up one of his young stars when the club needs a boost. There’s an outside shot that top prospects like Anthony Rendon and Brian Goodwin could be in the Majors by mid-summer, while other promising minor leaguers like Danny Rosenbaum, Christian Garcia, Eury Perez and Zach Walters could contribute earlier.

Two weeks in to the 2013 season, here are some of the notable performances from the Washington Nationals minor league system:

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NATS/CHIEFS: Syracuse Chiefs Opening Day Roster, April 4

April 4, 2013 by

Today, April 4 is the opening day for the Syracuse Chiefs, Washington Nationals Triple-A Affiliate.

Syracuse Chiefs Press Release HeaderCHIEFS ANNOUNCE PRELIMINARY 2013 OPENING DAY ROSTER
12 players from last year’s team to return

Syracuse, NY—The Syracuse Chiefs, Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, are pleased to announce their preliminary roster for the 2013 season. Syracuse, led by second-year manager Tony Beasley, will begin its season on Thursday, April 4, at 7:05 at Lehigh Valley, with its home opener on Friday, April 12 at 2:05 vs. the IronPigs.

Syracuse’s active Opening Day roster features 16 former major leaguers and seven players on the Nationals’ 40-man roster. The Chiefs also return 12 players from last year’s Syracuse squad and 15 former Chiefs in total.

The Chiefs’ opening day staff will consist of 13 pitchers, five of whom spent time in Syracuse last season. Yunesky Maya (11-10, 3.88 ERA in 28 starts with the Chiefs in 2012), Tanner Roark (6-17, 4.39 ERA in 26 starts) and Ryan Perry (1-1, 4.50 ERA in 11 relief appearances) are slated to hold three of the spots in Syracuse’s rotation. Maya returns for his fourth season with Syracuse, with Roark and Perry as second-year Chiefs.

The other two spots in Syracuse’s season-opening rotation will be held by right-hander Ross Ohlendorf and left-hander Danny Rosenbaum. Ohlendorf, a veteran of 108 major league games with the New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres, is in his first year with the Nationals’ organization. Rosenbaum, recently returned from Colorado after being selected in the 2012 Rule V draft, will begin his fifth professional season in the Nationals’ organization. He sported a 3.94 ERA for Double-A Harrisburg in 26 starts last season.

The bullpen will feature returning right-handers Erik Davis and Jeff Mandel, with Mandel also entering fourth Syracuse season and Davis his second. Right-hander Ryan Tatusko also rejoins the team for the second time after spending the entire 2012 season in Harrisburg, where he sported a 3.50 ERA.

Two other former Chiefs join the bullpen – left-hander J.C. Romero and right-hander Jeremy Accardo. Romero, a veteran of 680 major-league games, pitched in five games for the Chiefs in 2011. Accardo, who’s pitched 262 games in the majors, tossed five games for the Chiefs in 2008, the final year of Syracuse’s affiliation with the Toronto Blue Jays.

The remaining three spots in the bullpen are filled out by two former major leaguers – left-hander Fernando Abad (Houston) and right-hander Mike Crotta (Pittsburgh) – and left-hander Patrick McCoy, who finished 7-3 with a 3.70 ERA in 50 games for Double-A Harrisburg last season.

Offensively, both Chiefs catchers return from last year’s squad. Jhonatan Solano rejoins Syracuse for the fourth time after a season in which he made his major league debut (.312 batting average in 12 games with Washington), while veteran Carlos Maldonado also returns to Syracuse for the fourth time. The two have combined to play in 306 career games with Syracuse.

Syracuse’s infield is split between three returning Chiefs and three newcomers. First baseman Chris Marrero, shortstop Zach Walters, and third baseman Carlos Rivero – a postseason International League All-Star last season – will rejoin the Chiefs after spending time in Washington’s major league camp this spring. Infielder Jeff Kobernus, who led stole 42 bases for Double-A Harrisburg to lead the 2012 Eastern League, will join them for his Triple-A debut. Former major leaguers Mike Costanzo (Cincinnati) and Will Rhymes (Detroit, Tampa Bay) round out the six-man group.

In the outfield, postseason International League All-Star Corey Brown will return to Syracuse for the third time. Brown led all Chiefs players in 2012 with 25 home runs and also appeared in 19 major league games for Washington. He’ll be joined by 22-year-old Eury Perez, the youngest Chief on the Opening Day roster. Converted pitcher Micah Owings, who’s appeared in 174 major league games, and former Canadian Olympic outfielder Jimmy Van Ostrand will both join the Chiefs for the first time.

Tickets for all Syracuse Chiefs home games are on sale now and can be purchased online at SyracuseChiefs.com, by calling 315-474-7833, or in person at the Chiefs ticket office. Full- and partial-season ticket plans are also available through each of the same three methods.

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Washington Nationals make more cuts: Rendon, Perez, Skole & more

March 14, 2013 by

The Washington Nationals made another round of cuts Thursday morning before hosting the Houston Astros at Space Coast Stadium, bringing the spring roster down to 42.

The club optioned outfielder Eury Perez to AAA-Syracuse and right-handed pitcher Nathan Karns, catcher Sandy Leon and infielder Anthony Rendon to AA-Harrisburg. Additionally, the Nationals re-assigned left-handed pitcher Pat McCoy and infielders Will Rhymes and Matt Skole to minor league camp.

Rendon put together a very impressive big league camp. The 22-year-old third baseman went 12-for-32 (.375/.412/.875) with four home runs, four doubles and 11 RBIs while with the Nats this spring. He accumulated 28 total bases in 13 games.

Perez, 22, went 8-for-23 (.348/.375/.348) with four runs scored, two stolen bases and no extra-base hits.

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Washington Nationals Spring Training: Nats put prospects on display against Mets

February 25, 2013 by

The Washington Nationals had an evening game against a team they played a day ago with a two-hour road trip when seemingly half of their Major League roster was at the Daytona 500 on Sunday. So what do they do? They sent most of the team’s top prospects to face the New York Mets at Tradition Field in Port St. Lucie, FL.

The result? The Nats pounded out 17 hits and Gio Gonzalez and the kids beat the Mets 6-4 and got a chance to show off some of the more prized assets in the system.

a gio ST

Gonzalez warms up for his first spring start. (photo courtesy L. Albisu)

Gonzalez, making his first start of the spring, threw two solid innings, allowing no hits and one walk while striking out three.

The lineup was full of names familiar to Nats prospect hounds. Eury Perez led off and went 3-for-3 with three infield singles, two runs scored and a stolen base. He was replaced by Michael Taylor (1-for-2, run). Corey Brown went 1-for-2 with a run. Anthony Rendon went 1-for-2 and was robbed of a home run to straight-away center. Chris Marrero singled in three trips. Matt Skole doubled to right center and went 1-for-4. Destin Hood had an RBI double and Zach Walters played short and went 1-for-3. Even Jason Martinson made an appearance.

In fact, the only batters that were on the Nats’ big league roster last season that played were Tyler Moore (1-for-3, RBI), Steve Lombardozzi (2-for-3, run, two RBIs) and Brown.

On the mound, Nathan Karns put in two innings of good work, striking out three and allowing a single base runner on a single, reinforcing his position as the Nats Minor League Pitcher of the Year for 2012.

Ross Ohlendorf, one of the stable of MLB pitchers the Nats will stash in Syracuse in the event of injury, gave up one run on one hit and one walk, striking out three in three innings. Ryan Mattheus pitched a scoreless ninth to earn the spring training save.

The Nationals travel to Disney on Tuesday to face the Atlanta Braves for the first time this spring. Game time is 1:05 pm.

 

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Washington Nationals 2013 Season Preview: The Outfield

February 6, 2013 by

This week, District Sports Page will take a look at the players that should comprise the 2013 roster of the Washington Nationals. Following a record-setting season last year that saw the Nats finish first in the N.L. East and advance to the playoffs for the first time since the relocation, GM Mike Rizzo has tweaked the roster a bit and expectations have never been higher for the organization, which is expected to be a legitimate World Series contender this season.

On Monday we broke down Nationals’ starters and Tuesday we evaluated the bullpen. Today, we provide a glimpse at Davey Johnson’s outfield.

PROJECTED OPENING DAY OUTFIELD: LF – Bryce Harper, CF – Denard Span, RF – Jayson Werth; Bench: Roger Bernadina, Tyler Moore. First callups: Corey Brown, Eury Perez [Read more...]

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PHOTOS: 2012 Washington Nationals Rookies

September 10, 2012 by

Thankfully, Nats pitcher Gio Gonzalez tweeted photos of the Washington Nationals rookies! After Sunday’s game, the tradition continued of dressing up the rookies in costumes to leave Nationals Park and take the train up to New York (Nats face the Mets tomorrow through Wednesday).

Last year it was Smurfs.

Meet the Nats Super Seven “Olympians” that didn’t quite make the cut for London.

Left to Right: Tyler Moore, Corey Brown, Eury Perez, Sandy Leon, Christian Garcia, Steve Lombardozzi with Bryce Harper in front as the flag bearer. Good work by the veterans.

Washington Nationals Rookies 2012 in clubhouse before heading to NYC, 9/9/2012 (Photo tweeted by Gio Gonzalez)

Washington Nationals Rookies 2012 by train before heading to NYC, 9/9/2012 (Photo tweeted by Gio Gonzalez)

 

 

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PHOTOS: Washington Nationals 81st Win, September 2

September 3, 2012 by

The Washington Nationals won 4-3 on Sunday, September 2, 2012 and took three out of four from the reigning World Series Champions, St. Louis Cardinals. The win marked the team’s 81st win which ties the win record from the inaugural 2005 season. It also means that the Nats CANNOT have a losing 2012 season.

2012 has been a magical season so far and with 29 games remaining on the schedule, it looks like an exciting September and October are ahead for the Nationals.

You can read DSP’s game re-cap here. Stephen Strasburg pitched well and will have two more starts this season – one at home and one on the road in New York. In a nutshell, Danny Espinosa had a couple of gold glove plays, Kurt Suzuki was responsible for first two Nats runs, Bryce Harper made a great throw to Suzuki to get Allen Craig at the plate and September call-up from Harrisburg, Eury Perez, stole third base.

Here are a few photos of Sunday’s “Kids Run the Show” game with descriptions under pictures. Most were taken from sections 129 and 233. Enjoy and feel free to leave comments! Thanks.

Stephen Strasburg is all business before his start – St. Louis Cardinals v. Washington Nationals, 9/02/2012. (Cheryl Nichols/District Sports Page)

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NATS/SENATORS: Six Harrisburg Senators named to Western Division All-Star Team

July 2, 2012 by

Hector Nelo Named to Western Division All-Star Team

The Harrisburg Senators, in conjunction with the Eastern League and the Reading Phillies, are pleased to announce that Senators’ reliever Hector Nelo has been added to the Western Division All-Star Roster and will participate in the 2012 Baseballtown All-Star Classic on July 11 in Reading. Previously, the Harrisburg Senators had five players named to the Western Division All-Star Team in the 2012 Baseballtown All-Star Classic on July 11 at First Energy Stadium in Reading. The Harrisburg Senators representatives for the game are Pitchers Danny Rosenbaum and Kevin Pucetas were selected along with infielder Jeff Kobernus and outfielders Eury Perez and Chris Rahl.

Hector Nelo is 1-2 with a 1.53 ERA in 24 games this year with a team leading eight saves in nine tries. He was signed by the Nationals as a minor league free agent on April 2, 2011. Last year, he led the Nationals minor leagues with 18 saves while pitching with Potomac. He was originally selected in the 15th round of the 2007 draft by the Texas Rangers. He has struck out at least two batters in 15 of his 24 games this season. He replaces Senators’ starter Danny Rosenbaum who is unavailable to pitch in the game. Nelo is the sixth Senator named to the Western Division All-Star team. He joins Kevin Pucetas, Danny Rosenbaum, Jeff Kobernus, Eury Perez and Chris Rahl, who were all named to the team on Thursday evening.

Danny Rosenbaum (7-4, 2.76) is sixth in the Eastern League with a 2.76 ERA. He had tossed two nine-inning complete games this year on 4/18 vs. Altoona and 5/5 at Binghamton. He was the Eastern League Pitcher of the Week for the week ending April 22. He was a South Atlantic League All-Star in 2010. The Washington Nationals selected the 25-year-old in the 22nd round of the 2009 draft.

Kevin Pucetas (6-2, 2.63) is fifth in the Eastern League in ERA. He started the season in the bullpen but moved into the rotation on June 3. As a starter, he is 4-1 with a 3.69 ERA. He was a Pacific Coast League Mid-Season All-Star in 2009. In 2008, he was a Baseball America Class A All-Star, and was also selected to play in the Futures Game. This is his first time in AA having played the past three seasons in AAA. The Nationals signed the 27-year-old as a minor league free agent on March 28, 2012.

Jeff Kobernus is second in the league in stolen bases with 28. He’s currently batting .272 with a home run and 12 runs batted in. He enters the 2012 season as the 20th ranked prospect in the Nationals organization according to Baseball America. He was a Baseball America High Class A All-Star last year. He was a Carolina League Mid-Season and Post-Season All-Star in 2011. The 24-year-old was a 2nd round selection in the 2009 draft by the Washington Nationals.

Eury Perez is tied for 3rd in the Eastern League in stolen bases with 21. After starting the season slowly, since May 1 Perez is batting .343 with 17 runs scored, 18 runs batted in, and is 16 for 18 in stolen base attempts. He is the 22nd ranked prospect in the Nationals organization according to Baseball America and he received an invite to major league spring training this year. He participated in the 2010 XM All-Star Futures Game for the World Team. The 22-year-old was signed as a non-drafted free agent on April 13, 2007.

Chris Rahl is hitting .295 with six home runs and 33 runs batted in, both good for second on the club. He is second on the Senators with eight multi-rbi games. This is the third time in his career he has been a mid-season All-Star previously being selected as a Southern League Mid-Season All-Star in 2009 and a California League Mid-Season All-Star in 2006. The 28-year-old was acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 19, 2011 for cash considerations.

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