Purke, Ray and Hague to begin the year in XST.
Meyer to Hagerstown.
A quick note I just received on some top prospects for the Nationals who will begin the season in extended spring training in Viera, Fla., as they worked to get healthy and/or build strength.
Shortstop Rick Hague, who missed most of last season, continues rehabbing and gaining strength back in his shoulder while working in Florida. He is about a month away from playing time in the system.
Pitchers Matt Purke and Robbie Ray will also begin the season in Florida at extended spring training.
"Both Purke and Ray will start down here," Nationals director of player development Doug Harris said. "They are little bit behind. We are going to get them built up here" before the season begins.
Alex Meyer, the 23rd overall selection in the 2011 draft, will begin his pro career in Single-A Hagerstown. Right-hander Robert Gilliam, acquired in the Gio Gonzalez trade from Oakland A's, will begin season at Double-A Harrisburg.
http://www.masnsports.com/byron_kerr/2012/03/nationals-purke-ray-and-hague-will-begin-season-in-extended-spring-in-florida.html
