The Battle of the Beltways begins anew tonight at Nationals Park. That’s both good and bad. It’s good because at least more fans might attend. It’s bad because, well, both teams stink.
Given the low stakes, let’s take a look at how the younger stars for both the Nationals and Orioles are faring — and the future for both teams.
Young stars
Both have promising 25-and-under players already in the majors. Two of the Nats’ top youngsters are on the disabled list — outfielder Elijah Dukes and catcher Jesus Flores (.311 average). But third baseman Ryan Zimmerman is living up to his big contract (.355, 10 HR, 31 RBI). The rotation now has four under-25 starters — the overlooked John Lannan (3.63 ERA) and rookies Shairon Martis (5-0, 4.53 ERA), Jordan Zimmermann and Ross Detwiler.
The Orioles, meanwhile, have the best 25-and-under outfield in the game. Nick Markakis (.318, 6 HR, 34 RBI) and Adam Jones (.370, 9 HR, 27 RBI) are both elite defensive players. Left fielder Nolan Reimold was destroying Triple-A pitching before his recall to Baltimore last week (.394, 9 HR).
The Edge » Baltimore
Prospects
The Orioles are loaded. Catcher Matt Weiters is off to a slow start at Triple-A Norfolk — at least by his high standards. But baseball’s No. 1 prospect, according to Baseball America, should be at Camden Yards for good sometime next month. Norfolk pitcher Chris Tillman (5-0, 2.25 ERA) heads a deep group, including Jake Arrieta (4-1, 2.70 ERA at Double-A Bowie) and Brian Matusz (3-2, 3.09 ERA at Single-A Frederick). All could be in the rotation in 2010. Local product Brandon Snyder (Westfield High) leads the Eastern League in batting (.362) and is finding a comfort level at first base for Double-A Bowie.
The Nats are seeing strides from 2006 first-round pick Chris Marrero (.305, 5 HR, 23 RBI) at Single-A Potomac. Hagerstown catcher Derek Norris (.418 on-base percentage) is showing great promise in low-A ball. But the best prospect isn’t even in the organization yet. The Nats likely will take San Diego State right-hander Stephen Strasburg with the No. 1 pick in next month’s draft and could have him in their rotation by April.
The Edge » Baltimore
