The MLB draft is coming up, and starts next week on Tuesday night, June 9.  Besides having the #1 pick, the Nats also have the #10 pick. With Mike Rizzo in charge (maybe), the man who was a big part of putting together a solid Arizona farm system, there is hope that they will do something good with this pick. Over the course of this week, I’ll profile several players that are potential picks for the Nats at #10.

Wil Myers

Jim Callis mentioned in his draft preview that the Nats have had their eye on high school Wil Myers out of North Carolina. He’s a catcher, although he’s spent time around the field. He may be considered by many to be an eventual third basemen or outfielder, but if you draft someone as a catcher, you’re certainly gonna do your best to try him out there first.

He’s actually a very good hitter, and that’s why even if he doesn’t stay at catcher he’s considered a first round pick. Scouts say things like “quick” and “strong” when referring to his wrists and hands, and he’s got very good batspeed. He projects to be a good hitter some day, with power. He’s athletic, although he may not be built right to be a catcher forever, he’s not slow and he could develop into a truly great prospect if he can stay behind the dish.

He’s got the potential to be a top line catcher if he stays there. If not, he’s still got a good chance to hit like a major leaguer, whether it’s at third base or in the outfield. He’ll have to spend time in the minors – there are so few catchers that can hit, he’s basically gotta prove that he can’t be a catcher before they shift him over. He’s also young, the first high schooler we’ve profiled. Even if he is a successful hitter, he’s 2 or 3 years away at minimum from joining the big league squad, especially if he’s learning how to properly handle a pitching staff.

Preview Index:

Kyle Gibson – 6/1
Chad Jenkins – 6/2
Alex White – 6/2
Brett Jackson – 6/3
Rich Poythress – 6/3
Wil Myers – 6/4

*Credit is due to Jim Callis and Keith Law among others, as I am not a scout and am simply trying to summarize their opinions in a way that gives Nats fans an idea of these players without running afoul of any copyright stuff.

By Charlie