Rule 5

The Nationals selected RHP Terrell Young from the Reds 1st overall in the 2008 Rule 5 Draft. First I would like to point out that Young is NOT a Bowden character. Bowden was fired in 2003 whereas Young was drafted in 2004's 10th round. Young looks like a solid pick that has a decent shot to stick. While he hasn't pitched above A+ ball, he doesn't give up many hits (7.32 H/9 over his minor league career, rose up to 8.49 this year), and keeps the ball in the yard (.32 HR/9 over his career, 1 in 59 and 1/3 innings this year). Check out the profile Brian over at NFA made up if you want to see more about him, as well as the AAA and AA portion results (and analysis). And before you get too excited/distraught-there have been rumors that the Nats drafted him for the purpose of selling/trading him. No official news on that yet (and no real rumors as to what team, other than the Rockies because we've been in talks with them), but we'll just have to see.

Roster Moves

Per Ladson:

The Washington Nationals today selected the contracts of 24 year-old outfielder Leonard Davis, 22 year-old right-handed pitcher Luis Atilano and 23 year-old shortstop Ian Desmond. Nationals Senior Vice President and General Manager Jim Bowden made the announcement.

Player pages:
Atilano

Davis

Desmond

The general consensus says these guys are good choices, and I tend to agree. Hendo pined for Marvin Lowrance, and I was beginning to warm up to that idea (based on numbers alone), but Brian from NFA doesn't seem to think he'll get picked (and I trust his judgment over my own). Looks like we're getting near the end of the line for Mike Daniel (who was not very impressive in AA this year).