Storen is the future closer

He was then 10th overall pick in the MLB Draft last year.  Many analysts thought the Nationals were reaching taking him at No. 10.  The Nationals though had other things in mind.  They liked what they saw and felt he could very well be the answer they have been seeking for the closer role.

He may very well be on his way.  What isn't clear yet is whether Drew Storen will land in the Washington bullpen in April or begin a stint in the minor league system.  The Nationals seem to be leaning toward a minor league stint.

Storen, aside from Stephen Strasburg, is Washington's top pitching prospect, and likely its future big league closer. He dazzled last season in the minors, finishing with a 1.95 ERA in 28 games spent at three levels. Still, the Nationals will likely treat Storen as they treat Strasburg, returning him to the minors for the start of the 2010 season.

"We respect the development system and the great staff we have down there and probably would lean to him starting down there," Manager Jim Riggleman said. "But you hear such great things about what he's done -- his delivery, his strike-throwing, his putaway breaking ball. So you know we're open-minded about it."

Storen had done even more of what had been asked of him when drafted last year at No. 10.  He signed quickly, no haggling over numbers, and got to the Nationals minor league system quickly.  From there on his numbers spoke for him.  The Nats decided to start Storen off in low A ball in Hagerstown.  It lasted 11 games as Storen posted a 0-1 record with a 3.68 ERA.  From there, Storen dominated as he moved from A Potomac to AA Harrisburg.  He finished the season with a combined 2-1 record and recorded 11 saves.  He posted a combined 1.95 ERA.  Even more impressive was his command.  In 37 combined innings, Storen gave away 8 walks compared to whiffing 49 batters.

read it all at

http://dcprosportsreport.com/articles/washington-nationals/storen-is-the-future-closer.html