Nationals notebook

Date published: 7/1/2006

By TODD JACOBSON

WASHINGTON--A hamstring injury slowed Stephen Englund during his senior year in high school and likely made him slip to the Nationals and the second round of last month's First-Year Player Draft.

But Englund wanted to get a quick start to his professional career.

Englund, 18, agreed to a contract with the Nationals that included a $515,000 signing bonus yesterday, then took batting practice at RFK Stadium. He'll report to the Nationals' Gulf Coast League club in Viera, Fla., next week, joining high school first-rounders Chris Marrero and Colton Willems.

The Nationals have signed three of their first six draft picks.

"The fastest track to the big leagues is to come out of high school and that's always been my dream," said Englund, who will move to center field after playing shortstop in high school. "That's a major factor in my decision. I wanted to be a big leaguer. This is how it happens."

Englund said he is no longer bothered by the hamstring injury that limited him to 54 at-bats during his senior season at Bellevue (Wash.) High School.

General manager Jim Bowden referred to Englund as "our future center fielder" and the 6-foot-3 Englund drew comparisons to former Seattle Mariners outfielder Jay Buhner during a press conference yesterday.

Englund batted .352 with four homers, 16 RBIs and six stolen bases during his senior season.

"We added some power and we added a guy who is a pretty good defensive player," Nationals scouting director Dana Brown said. "It's a special kind of talent getting this talent in the second round."

Though Englund was a shortstop in high school, Nationals officials said he excelled as a center fielder at the Area Code Games in Long Beach, Calif. Brown said he doesn't envision a tough transition to center field for Englund.

"The Nationals definitely showed the most interest and they stuck with me through some tough stuff that happened this year," Englund said. "I am just excited they are the ones that got me."

Pitching woes

Date published: 7/1/2006