If Lucas Giolito isn’t in the majors by June then something has gone wrong, a scout tells Jayson Stark of ESPN, Giolito is the number three prospect in the game per ESPN, Baseball Prospectus, and MLB.com. Giolito features a 98 mph fastball, plus-plus curve, and an above average changeup. Stark and those he’s talked to can’t offer enough praise, throwing around terms like future “superstar” without reservation. The Nationals will hope Giolito can provide the same midseason boost their division rivals enjoyed from Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz last season.
Here’s more from the NL East:
- Mets non-roster invitee Jim Henderson is battling for one of the final bullpen jobs, writes Glenn Sattell of MLB.com. The former closer has missed most of the last two seasons with a shoulder injury. He’s finally healthy, throwing in the 90s, and turning in solid results. With only a couple spots open to competition, Henderson will face stiff competition. The good news for him is this: if he’s really healthy, somebody will have a job for him.
- Former first overall pick Mark Appel may be well served by his recent change of scenery, writes Jim Salisbury of Baseball America. Appel, 25, joined the Phillies organization over the offseason as a part of the Ken Giles trade. Despite well-regarded stuff, a straight fastball and command issues have limited his performance to date. The command has continued to be an issue this spring, but perhaps a new coaching staff can help to add a new perspective. My own two cents – the comparison between Appel and former first overall pick Luke Hochevar is an easy one. Hochevar didn’t unlock his talent until he transitioned to relief. Appel may also benefit from such a move, and he could have the necessary stuff to switch back to starting like Carlos Carrasco.
- A couple Braves trade acquisitions are turning heads, writes J.J. Cooper of Baseball America. Touki Toussaint joined Atlanta as compensation for taking on Bronson Arroyo’s salary. While his stuff continues to impress, command and control issues plague him. He’s described as possessing a quality fastball, curve, and change. Meanwhile, Sean Newcomb has shown better strikeout stuff throughout his minor league career. Acquired in the Andrelton Simmons trade, Newcomb also has a history of shaky command.
“…as compensation for taking on Bronson Arroyo’s salary.”
Phil Gosselin don’t get much respect, do he?
I don’t get it. If the Braves could have gotten BJ to stand that still at the plate – he’d still be playing center for them. I wish Touki and all the many potential stars the Braves have gathered the best of luck but don’t sell Phil short.
Try to pry Gosselin away from AZ right now. They got a winner and I think they know it.
While we’re at it, Why is Williams Perez so often the first one picked to be out of the Braves rotation? He’s got the gritty – winner – mindset like Gosselin, imo. He may not end up in the top five in a year or two – maybe not – but for right now I’d start him.
( www).(ajkobeshoes).(com )
christian louboutin
jordan shoes $60-
handbag
AF tank woman
puma slipper woman
=====
( www).(ajkobeshoes).(com )
I hope Newcomb is a hoss, but man it is hard to lose Simmons. He was worth the price of a ticket himself anticipating a play he would be making, you knew if it was hit his way that you were going to get an out. I don’t care if he hits 200 he would be playing ss for me, go braves, but I’m sure going to miss Simbah
I’ve seen Appel throw quite a bit from behind the plate. I’d say the assessment about his fastball is dead on…but his breaking stuff can be lights out. Might be a little soon to cast him as Hochevar, but like Hochevar he arrived in pro ball closer to ceiling than most…and like Hochevar he can be lights out first time through and get rocked in the 4th
Giolito threw 117 IP last year and Stark wants him finishing the year for the Nats? Maybe a start or two in August or September before they turn him off with his IP count
Has he gone through the normal ritual of tommy John yet? Haven’t heard yet on him.
He had Tommy John leaving high school.. An influencing factor on signing instead of going to college.
Yes, he had TJ upon leaving high school… Supposedly an influencing factor on signing over going to college.