Pitching roundup

Jordan Zimmermann

 When camp started we said Jordan Zimmermann would have to be just about perfect in order to make the rotation. The young prospect has exceeded expectations and risen up the ranks faster than anyone has expected, unfortunately such a rise usually translates into a rushed result which can take several years to fix. Zimmermann however just keeps getting better and succeeding, no matter where he is. He has been one of the top pitchers in Florida this spring among any team and is being thrown around in the National League Rookie of the Year talks. Right now it seems very hard for the Nats to keep him out of the rotation come April.

Spring Stats: 12 IP, 0 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 16K

Collin Balester

Many expected Balester to take the 4th of 5th starting spot for Washington this season, especially over the younger Jordan Zimmermann. Balester has been a strong prospect in the Nats system for some time now, and after a good introduction to the majors last year many expected him to take the next step. Balester is struggling however, and may not find his way onto the opening day roster the way he is throwing this March.

Spring Stats: 11 IP, 8 ER, 11 H, 6 BB, 6K

Daniel Cabrerra

Cabrerra has been his good old shakey-self. After the talented arm came over from Baltimore, the Nats coaching staff figured they'd turn him into something actually more than just an arm by the end of March. Unfortunately for Cabrerra, and Nats fans, it appears its just the same old song; buckets of talent and not any idea how to turn it into success. So far Cabrerra has been all over in spring training, but the consistent thing has been his lack of control and his high amount of hits given up. He will make the rotation purely due to the amount he's getting paid, but whether he will succeed is up in the air.

Spring Stats: 7.2 IP, 4 ER, 12 H, 3 BB, 4K