 |
Stephen Perez DOB: 12/16/90 Ht. 5’11” Wt. 185 Bats: S Throws: R Career Stats |
While he faded some in the second half, 2014 was nevertheless a breakout year for Perez. Displayed good range and a strong arm at short; the high error total misleading because he got to balls that others might not have. Unlike many switch hitters, the dropoff isn’t terribly severe when batting righthanded — a little loss in power, but a better walk rate. Runs well and showed a knack for hitting well in late-inning pressure situations. Unless the Nats decide to leapfrog Difo, he should open 2015 in Harrisburg. |
 |
Wilmer Difo DOB: 4/2/92 Ht. 6’0″ Wt. 175 Bats: S Throws: R Career Stats |
A four-time watchlister, Difo also put together a career year in 2014, winning the Sally League MVP and “forcing” the Nationals to add him to the 40-man roster. Difo has average to above-average skills at every facet of his game, highlighted by plus to plus-plus speed and power from both sides. There’s some disagreement as to whether he profiles better as a SS, where he’s played the most, or at 2B, where scouts believe he belongs. Should open 2015 in Potomac, though there’s chatter — mostly from impatient fans — that he’ll skip High-A and begin at AA. |
 |
Trea Turner DOB: 4/23/93 Ht. 6’1″ Wt. 175 Bats: R Throws: R Career Stats |
Thanks to the Pete Incaviligia Rule, Turner won’t join the Nationals until June (unless MLB allows him to be loaned). The Padres 1st Rd. pick (13th overall) features plus-plus speed but is not a slap-and-bunt hitter nor he does he possess superior range. He does however, scouts say, have the arm and the footwork to become a solid defender. Likewise, they believe his bat and selectivity should enable him to become a top-of-the-order hitter who will get on base and live up to the “Burner Turner” nickname. |
 |
Edwin Lora DOB: 9/14/95 Ht. 6’1″ Wt. 150 Bats: R Throws: R Career Stats |
Like Difo, Lora has been used at both second base and shortstop. However, he’s a year ahead of him on the development curve, having had a strong year at the GCL during his age-18 season with a line of .293/.333/.337 with 13 steals over 52 games last summer. Best bet for 2015: A trip to Auburn while the Doubledays MIs fight for playing time in Hagerstown. |
2 Commments
Comments are closed.
Luke, I’m assuming you think Turner will start at low A.
I think he’ll be sent to High-A, but it’s possible that he could go to Low-A. Difo has more Low-A experience, thus is listed higher.