Minor League Monday

Columbus Clippers-

Alex Escobar-Escobar was once the prize prospect of the New York Mets. He was way ahead of his age group and was expected to hit the majors as a potential 5 tool player by the age of 20. He was their Fernando Martinez of the late 90’s. Injuries however derailed his progress, and the Mets finally gave up as Martinez was more fragile then John Patterson. Years later he found himself on the Nats and when healthy he actually produced rather well for the young franchise. Now he finds himself the odd man out in an outfield that is packed with young talent. Escobar is making his case though, in 22 games with triple A Columbus Escobar is batting .329 with 3 homers and 14 RBI. He’s currently in the midst’s of a 10 game hitting streak where he’s batting .378. After the injury of Austin Kearns it may be nice to reward Escobar with another cup of coffee, but it’s probably not practical.

Harrisburg Senators-
Marco Estrada- Estrada (Not obese) was drafted in the 6th round by the Nats in 2005 off of a great Long Beach State team that included Jared Weaver, Evan Longoria, and Troy Tulowitzki. His 2006 and 2007 stints in the minors suggested that he may not have the talent to succeed at a higher level as he only succeeded at lower levels of play. Upon each promotion Estrada earned he put up ugly numbers, he couldn’t get out of rookie ball. Finally at the age of 24 he was promoted to double A in a put up or shut up situation, the Nats were running out of patience. Out of nowhere Estrada however has matured to put together a great start of the season in Harrisburg. Through seven starts this season he is 3-2, with a 2.77 ERA. Through 35.2 innings pitched he has 30 K’s and only 18 walks and is demanding a promotion to Columbus with his play.

Potomac Nationals-

Chris Marraro- Marraro was ranked by Baseball America as the Nationals top prospect this year. Last year at the age of only 18 he put up very solid numbers for low A Hagerstown, batting .293 with 14 homers and 121 total bases in only 57 games. So far this season in high A Potomac Marraro has struggled and has started to show his age (only 19). This season he is only batting .228 with five homers. He has stricken out 33 times in 39 games and is only getting on base at .319.