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Matt Skole DOB: 7/30/89 Ht. 6’3″ Wt. 225 Bats: L Throws: R Career Stats |
Skole hit more HR in 2015 than 2014 but drew fewer walks and hit six less doubles, resulting in a slight rise in OPS from .751 to .757. That’s not exactly great for a corner infielder who was old for the level (AA). He remains on the watchlist because the Nats are still hurting for legitimate 1B prospects and lefthanded power (or power, period). If he doesn’t start 2016 as an everyday AAA player, his chances of making it to DC fall from nil to none. |
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Jose Marmolejos-Diaz Born: 1/2/1993 Ht. 6’1″ Wt. 185 Bats: L Throws: L Career Stats |
The “Orange” had a fruitful 2015, leading the farm in hits and RBI and finishing fifth in batting avg. (Robles), which garnered him the 2015 Organizational Player of the Year Award. As hoped, his on-base and slugging percentages improved from 2014 to 2015, with the latter improving 100 points. The defense is fringe-average, taking a slight dip from 2014. He’ll begin 2016 in Potomac, continuing his steady climb up the ladder, with really no one blocking him. |
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David Kerian DOB: 2/9/93 Ht. 6’3″ Wt. 200 Bats: S Throws: R Career Stats |
Twice-drafted (42nd Rd., 2011; 9th Rd., 2015), Kerian makes the list as one of the Top 5 hitters on the last summer’s Auburn entry, though he was old for the level thanks to the Nats’ penchant for draft- ing college seniors. Runs well for corner infielder, which leads many scouts to project him as a possible corner outfielder. Seems likely to start 2016 in Low-A Hagerstown. |
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Oliver Ortiz DOB: 5/6/96 Ht. 6’0″ Wt. 200 Bats: L Throws: L Career Stats |
Though he was repeating the level, the 19-y.o. Ortiz was one of the Top 5 hitters on the 2015 GCL Nationals. He’s actually spent more time on defense as an outfielder, but as noted above, the Nats are short on 1B prospects. Best bet for 2016: a stint in Auburn, as the Nats are often slow-but-steady with promoting IFAs. |