Since, as we all know, the Nats continue to tout their progress in the minor leagues, I thought this would be a good time to look at the performances of some of the organization's top prospects (and other notable names) through the season's first two weeks...

CLASS AAA COLUMBUS
PITCHERS
Collin Balester (1-1, 2.61 ERA, 2 starts, 10.1ip, 6h, 3bb, 6k)
Tyler Clippard (0-2, 5.40 ERA, 2 starts, 10ip, 13h, 4bb, 13k)
Garrett Mock (0-0, 7.00 ERA, 2 starts, 9ip, 16h, 5bb, 10k)
Mike O'Connor (1-0, 2.25 ERA, 3 starts, 16ip, 11h, 4bb, 16k)
HITTERS
Ryan Langerhans (.324avg, 1hr, 3rbi)
Bret Boone (.256avg, 0hr, 6rbi)
Alex Escobar (.304avg, 1hr, 4rbi)
Garrett Guzman (.132avg, 0hr, 1rbi)
Pete Orr (.225avg, 1hr, 9rbi)
COMMENTS: Obviously, the starting rotation bears the closest watching, since all four of those guys are highly thought of and could make it to D.C. at some point this year. Based on the early showings, Balester and O'Connor are making the best cases for promotion. Interesting to see how many guys O'Connor -- not the hardest thrower in the world -- is striking out.

CLASS AA HARRISBURG
HITTERS
Yurendell de Caster (.366avg, 4hr, 13rbi)
Luis Jimenez (.293avg, 4hr, 14rbi)
Justin Maxwell (.242avg, 1hr, 6rbi)
COMMENTS: Third baseman de Caster didn't show much of anything this spring, but he's clearly off to a fast start. First baseman Jimenez, also known as "Little Papi" did show tremendous power this spring, and he's carrying it over into the season. Keep an eye on him. All those who believe Maxwell is ready to start in the Nats' big-league outfield should realize the kid isn't quite there yet.

CLASS A POTOMAC
PITCHERS
Jordan Zimmermann (1-0, 0.93 ERA, 2 games, 9.2ip, 3h, 5bb, 12k)
Ross Detwiler (1-0, 3.86 ERA, 2 starts, 9.1ip, 8h, 3bb, 9k)
HITTERS
Chris Marrero (.293avg, 2hr, 6rbi)
COMMENTS: Detwiler gets all the attention because he was last year's No. 1 pick and reached the big leagues in September, but keep a close eye on Zimmermann, a second-round pick last season. A team executive told me this spring that the tough right-hander from Wisconsin-Stevens Point might actually be the first guy from the Class of 07 to make it to the majors on a permanent basis, perhaps even this season. Marrero, the organization's top overall prospect, is off to a solid start. If he keeps it up, he'll probably be promoted to Harrisburg in short order.