No, I don't mean good-looking *that* way. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.) I'm talking about the way Ross Detwiler and Collin Balester looked throwing to live hitters this morning. In a word: impressive.
Both young hurlers threw in front of Manny Acta, who watched closely and on a few occasions had to step back from the cage and compose himself upon seeing some of the nasty pitches those two threw up there. Balester was probably the more consistent of the two, rarely missing his spots. Detwiler was wilder, losing several pitches high and outside. But his best pitches (a hard inside fastball to a right-handed hitter and a sharp breaking ball) were absolutely dynamite and left the guys in the batter's box looking silly.
I still don't see either guy making the Opening Day rotation. There's just no reason to rush them. But I fully expect to see both in the big leagues at some point this season.
Comments (3)
Mark: About Balester and Detweiler, will their promotion to the "big" club be slowed if the team is doing well (around .500) or, with an eye on the future, will they get the call even if the Nationals are playing well AND they're pitching well?
Posted by SeamHead | February 25, 2008 4:01 PM
I just stumbled on the new, improved Home Plate. Last time I checked it still had last season's posts. What a treat to find it up and running with great, in-depth news! You'll give the Nats Journal a run for the money. Fans are lucky to have both papers covering our team.
PS I'm with Tom -- hope the Nats don't trade Big Nick Johnson. I'm thrilled he's back, along with his glove and his bat.
Posted by Natsgal | February 25, 2008 6:22 PM
Balester , even though only 21, will get his chance this year and probably sooner than later.
He has been in the system right out of high school. With injuries lingering with a few of the "starters" Balester will be a Bally- Star for the Nats for years to come ... starting with this year. He is ready. He is the Nats first Minor leaguer to come up through the system and that says a lot for the management. They want this guy to do well. Balester is in the best situation of all the prospects, he's likeable, has the right frame of mind and can throw a fastball past most and is improving on his curve and change up. Welcome to the Big Leagues!
Posted by CB Fan | February 26, 2008 3:27 AM