He put up a 26.9% K rate in only 42 games of AA and he skipped high A ball. Surely it has nothing to do with him seeing highly competitive pitching for the first time in his life. Werth is not going to be a lead off hitter for 4 more years. He will be moved down in the order because. Just because he takes a lot of pitches, well scouting reports say the same thing about Goodwin. Goodwin is 22 and has tons of upside. Werth is going to decline, you said it yourself.
Having too many right handed hitters is not an issue against lefties, that is a benefit. It is good to have symmetry in the lineup because it keeps RHP on their toes. They have a harder time finding a groove if the lineup changes right to left. This is a mindfact, but many managers and GM's don't like to be RH or LH heavy. This year's Nats were praised many times for having a nicely balanced L/R lineup.
Also had a 26% K rate in rookie ball. Posted a similar number in the AFL. I think we should come to the reality that Goodwin is going to be a high strikeout guy (much like Curtis Granderson). Then again, so is Werth. Myers, on the other hand, has posted a K rate higher than 22% once and still maintained a 10% or higher walk rate. He is heads and shoulders a better hitting prospect (and an overall better prospect) than Goodwin. His ceiling is higher. He's going to crush 30 home runs and he could easily hit .300. Basically, take Mike Morse's best season and add decent defense in LF.
Goodwin alone wouldn't net us Lester/Shields. Myers alone could get the Royals Lester/Shields.
Werth will decline but the last thing to go will be his batter's eye and abilty to work walks. He'll become a contact hitter. So basically, he'll hit leadoff or number 8.
