Veteran Tony Batista (left) is doing the program, much to Manny Acta's (right) delight.

Chris Marrero is one of a number of young Nationals participating in the accelerated development program.

Nationals spring training

Date published: 2/22/2007

BY TODD JACOBSON

VIERA, Fla.--The big leaguers had left, carrying their bags and bats back to Space Coast Stadium, and most of the fans lining the fences and waiting for autographs were gone, too, as the afternoon sun began to beat down on the back fields at the Washington Nationals' minor league complex.

Right-hander Collin Balester, at 20 years old already one of the Nationals' top prospects, stood on a bullpen mound, digging into his glove and gripping the ball for a changeup.

A few minutes earlier, first-year Nationals manager Manny Acta addressed the 42 players assembled as part of Washington's minor league accelerated development program, delivering a simple message.

The players--especially the prospects that will fill the team's minor leagues this season--are part of the team's minor league accelerated development program.

They are the team's future, and the Nationals would be watching closely.

"You never know. Anything could happen," said Balester, who was watched by a group of coaches but few others as he fired pitch after pitch during an afternoon bullpen session.

"One good bullpen could get you a couple innings [with the big league club] and anything can happen," he added. "My attitude is to keep throwing the way you are throwing and someone is going to see me sooner or later and my time will come."

The players range in age from 17 to 33 (veterans Tony Bastista and Dmitri Young are here, too, trying to resurrect their careers), and include plenty of talent.

Eight of the team's top 10 prospects as ranked by Baseball America are here, including Balester, the team's top prospect. Nine picks from last year's First-Year Player Draft are also taking part in the program, including first baseman Chris Marrero, the team's top pick.

Esmailyn Gonzalez, the 17-year-old Dominican shortstop who this summer received a $1.4 million signing bonus, made his United States debut yesterday, fielding groundballs, taking batting practice and being timed in a 300-yard shuttle run.

"I'm ready, and I want to get going," he said through an interpreter when he arrived in camp Monday.

The Nationals are anxious, too, because the group of 40 prospects that took the field yesterday afternoon represents an ambitious plan to revamp the team's scouting and player development system.

SPRINGTIME IN FLORIDA Free Lance-Star reporter Todd Jacobson and photographer Mike Moronesare in Viera, Fla., reporting from spring training.

Date published: 2/22/2007