Detwiler wasn’t the only high touted pitcher the Nationals drafted. They also picked up Jack McGeary in the 6th round from Roxbury Latin High School. McGeary was going to be a high first round pick, until he declared he was almost 100% sure he was going to take his scholarship to Stanford, as he was a top student at his elite Boston area high school that he attended last year.
This decision turned many teams off. But the Nationals were willing to take a risk on him. Washington put together a very unique contract offer to him, offering him first round money for starters. What got the deal done was that the Nationals were willing to let him attend and take classes at Stanford, and fully pay for his classes during the off-season. In his next four academic years at Stanford, he will be on a very extensive workout routine during the school year, and he will pitch for the Nationals organization during the summer. Although he will probably not pitch in the MLB for the Nationals until the 2010 season, the Nationals have pulled out a masterful deal with the young McGeary.
As for immediate pitching help, a fully healthy Shawn Hill has the ability to produce a respectable ERA between 3.20 and 3.90 to anchor a Nationals pitching staff. A healthy Luis Ayala will play a key role in setting up closer Chad Cordero. With a year of Major League pitching under his belt, Matt Chico, 25, will be able to build off of his impressive rookie campaign and turn into a nice #2 starter. A Hill/Chico 1-2 punch has the potential to be very lethal in the NL East in 2008.
Also, 2008 marks the first season of the new “Nationals Stadium.” It is a very modern and sleek improvement off of the old R.F.K Stadium last year. It will attract many more fans (including a weekend trip down to Washington from me!), and more revenue, meaning more money to spend on players in the future.
2008 is the start of a new Washington Nationals franchise, and they will be a top franchise for many years. They draft well, and spend their money very well. Right now, they are in the middle of a re-building process, so this will not be their year to contend for the NL, but that year is coming. I project an 83-79 season, good enough to finish 3rd in the NL West.
But in years to come, expect the Washington Nationals to be synonymous with a top 10 franchise. GO NATS GO!
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