| Age | G | GS | IP | H | HR | K/9 | BB/9 | ERA | FIP |
| 18 | 11 | 11 | 36.2 | 28 | 1 | 9.57 | 3.44 | 1.96 | 2.74 |
The Year in Review: The 16th overall selection from the 2012 draft, Giolito may have gone much higher if he had been healthy. Unfortunately, he injured his elbow prior to the draft and later underwent Tommy John surgery. He returned to the mound in late 2013 and dominated despited the layoff. At two short-season levels, Giolito struck out 39 batters with a strong ground-ball rate in 36.2 innings. He allowed just 28 hits.
The Scouting Report: The California native has an impressive repertoire that includes a mid-to-high-90s fastball that can touch triple digits, as well as a potentially-plus curveball. His changeup show flashes of potential but has yet to become a consistent offering. Giolito has a strong frame so he should bounce back well from Tommy John surgery and be able to handle a large pitching load. He has a strong understanding of fundamentals and both his command and control should be better than average.
The Year Ahead: Giolito will likely move up to Low-A ball to play a full season but his pitch counts and inning totals will be monitored closely. It’s conceivable that he could see High-A ball in the second half.
The Career Outlook: In a year’s time, Gioltio could be one of the Top 3 arms in all of minor league baseball. He’s that good. The Nationals prospect has the ceiling of a No. 1 or 2 starter.
#2 A.J. Cole | 60/AA (P)
| Age | G | GS | IP | H | HR | K/9 | BB/9 | ERA | FIP |
| 21 | 25 | 25 | 142.2 | 127 | 15 | 9.53 | 2.08 | 3.60 | 3.23 |
The Year in Review: Signed out of high school in 2010 for $2 million, Cole was traded to Oakland in late 2011. He spent one disappointing season with the A’s and was then flipped back to the Nationals. Cole’s 2013 was quite successful. The right-hander solved High-A ball in his second attempt and then pitched well in seven games at the Double-A level. In total, he struck out 151 batters in 142.0 innings.
The Scouting Report: Cole has solid heat in the 93-96 mph range and the pitch has good movement. His secondary stuff, though, still needs a lot of work. His changeup is inconsistent but is usually average. The slurvy breaking ball needs the most attention and its development will ultimately determine if he can stick in the starting rotation. Both his command and control have an opportunity to be above-average.
The Year Ahead: Cole should return briefly to Double-A at the beginning of 2014 to work on his secondary offerings. Once he gets more consistent with those he should receive a shot at Triple-A.
The Career Outlook: Cole has the ceiling of a No. 3 starter if he irons out his wrinkles. If not, though, he could potentially develop into a solid set-up man.
#3 Brian Goodwin | 55/AA (OF)
| Age | PA | H | 2B | HR | BB | SO | SB | AVG | OBP | SLG | wOBA |
| 22 | 621 | 139 | 23 | 12 | 70 | 143 | 22 | .258 | .352 | .413 | .352 |
The Year in Review: Goodwin reached Double-A in his first pro season in 2012 but returned to the level in 2013 and spent the entire season there. He produced a respectable — but hardly eye-popping — line. The speedster stole just 19 bases and was caught 11 times. After the season ended, he was assigned to the Arizona Fall League where he hit .296 with a .778 OPS in 19 games.
The Scouting Report: The North Carolina native strikes out too much for a player with average to slightly-above-average power potential. On the plus side, he’ll take some walks, which helps his on-base percentage. He also doesn’t utilize his speed effectively on the base paths and needs to become a smarter runner. Defensively, he shows the potential to play center field but he needs to improve his reads and routes to become an above-average fielder.
The Year Ahead: Goodwin will move up to Triple-A in 2014 but needs to continue to get better in all facets of his game. The prospect’s play in the coming year could help the organization determine if it’s going to pick up incumbent center-fielder Denard Span’s $9 million bonus for 2015.
The Career Outlook: Goodwin needs to continue developing if he’s going to become an above-average regular. Worst case scenario for the prospect’s future is probably a platoon outfield role due to his struggles against southpaws.
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/2014-top-10-prospects-washington-nationals/
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