Message #125973

[JMW IV]

A Stretch That's Nothing to Sneeze At

By Barry Svrluga
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 29, 2007; Page E07

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There was no way Justin Maxwell could have known that, when he sneezed earlier this summer, it would stunt his development. The outfielder and University of Maryland product had just been promoted from low-Class A Hagerstown to high-Class A Potomac, and the sneeze caused him to strain an oblique muscle. He immediately went into a slump.

Now, though, he has come out of it -- way out of it. In his last seven games for Potomac, Maxwell is hitting .423 (11 for 26) with three doubles, two homers and eight RBI. Between Hagerstown and Potomac, he has 24 homers (10 since his June 12 promotion), which is most of any player in the Washington system.

Maxwell, 23, is hitting .282 with 76 RBI between the two levels. Don't be surprised if you see him with the Nationals when Potomac's season ends.

Maxwell is one of six Nationals who will play for Peoria in the Arizona Fall League, joining RHPs Adam Carr, Garrett Mock, Zech Zinicola and C Jesus Flores.