As always, here's your friendly Wednesday morning reminder to join us at 2 p.m. for our weekly live chat. I'll be taking your questions on all things Nats, from Shawn Hill's return to the mound to Josh Smoker's signing to why in the world Nook Logan and Ryan Church can't understand the words "I got it!" Send your questions in advance to natsmailbag@washingtontimes.com, then check back in at 2 p.m. ...

In the meantime, we're now about 14 hours away from the deadline to sign this year's draft picks, and there is no indication the Nats and sixth-rounder Jack McGeary are going to come to terms. This isn't surprising. McGeary, who believed he was a first-round talent, planned to go to Stanford all along unless the Nats threw a boatload of money his way. It's tough for Washington to justify that. They signed both of their top two picks (left-handers Ross Detwiler, who got $2.15 million, and Josh Smoker, who got $1 million). McGeary wanted at least that much. How could the Nats have justified paying more to their sixth-round pick than to their first two choices? Oh well, no harm done.

The Nats still wound up signing 19 of their top 20 draft picks, which is an impressive success rate in this sport. As much as they have invested in scouting and player development, it doesn't do any good if the players never actually play in the system. Now, they begin their journey to the major leagues, some reaching the District sooner than others. Here's the rundown of the club's top draft choices, and how they've bee doing so far...

#6 -- Ross Detwiler, LHP (0-1, 2.70 ERA in 5 starts with GCL, Potomac)
#31 -- Josh Smoker, LHP (reports to GCL this weekend, comp. pick for Soriano)
#49 -- Michael Burgess, OF (.316, 6 HR, 27 RBI at GCL, comp. pick for Guillen)
#67 -- Jordan Zimmermann, RHP (3-1, 2.34 ERA in 9 games with Vermont, comp. pick for Soriano)
#70 -- Jake Smolinski, 3B (.305, 1 HR, 16 RBI at GCL)

That's all for now. Tim Redding vs. Kyle Kendrick tonight at RFK. And don't forget to check out the live chat at 2 p.m.!