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Aaron Crow, the Missouri right-hander the Nationals took with the ninth pick in this afternoon's MLB draft, is no stranger to the team. Scouting director Dana Brown has been watching him for two seasons and the team had a representative at each one of his starts this season.The second pitcher taken in a hitter-heavy draft, the 6-foot-2 right-hander has a fastball that clocks in between 92-97 mph, a slider he can use as an out pitch and a strong changeup.General manager Jim Bowden said Crow will likely start at Potomac, and if he signs early enough, could be fast-tracked to the big leagues."It's so difficult to get a power arm of this nature picking that low in the draft," Brown said. "He's going to pitch in the top of the rotation, and we're going to continue to put power arms and pitchers in this organization."Bowden, Brown and assistant general managers Mike Rizzo and Bob Boone said they were all unanimously in favor of taking Crow, which is to be expected. It would have been interesting to see what the Nationals did had Georgia shortstop Gordon Beckham been available at No. 9.But Bowden said Crow could have pitched in the majors with the stuff he had during his last start of the season for Missouri. If he turns out to be that good, he might wind up being a steal at that spot for the Nationals.
Kevin Goldstein (5:18:40 PM PT): Ben F (California): Nieto at 151 looks good for the Nats. He's a switch hitting catcher with a strong arm and I thought he would go higher. What gives?That's a bit of a mystery. I honestly don't know. He didn't have a big college commitment and I didn't hear any big dollar needs, so I'm as suprised as you. It will take some detective work to figure out what happened there.
From BP:Kevin Goldstein (5:18:40 PM PT): Ben F (California): Nieto at 151 looks good for the Nats. He's a switch hitting catcher with a strong arm and I thought he would go higher. What gives?That's a bit of a mystery. I honestly don't know. He didn't have a big college commitment and I didn't hear any big dollar needs, so I'm as suprised as you. It will take some detective work to figure out what happened there.
Some people think Crow could end up being a closer.
11. Marcus Jones - cf - NC State