Nationals Sign Three International Prospects
The Washington Nationals today announced they have agreed to terms on professional contracts with three International prospects from the Dominican Republic: 16-year-old right-handed pitcher Pedro Encarnacion, 17-year-old infielder/outfielder Jairo Bernabel and 19-year-old outfielder Aridio Rodriguez. Nationals Director of Scouting Dana Brown made the announcement.
"These signings are a testament to our scouting efforts in the Dominican Republic, as we continue to bolster the ever-growing stable of International talent in our minor league system," said Brown. "Encarnacion has the potential to develop into a solid fourth starter. At 16 years of age, he is already throwing his fastball in the upper 80s, low 90s. Bernabel is a quality two-way player with projectable power, and Rodriguez is a strong defensive outfielder with a quick left-handed stroke."
Brown and Assistant Director of Scouting and National Crosschecker Kris Kline recently scouted all three players at the Loma del Sueno complex in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic.
The Nationals have had recent success recruiting and signing International prospects, evident by consecutive Dominican Summer League championships in 2007-08. They have signed 11 International free agents this year, 10 from the Dominican Republic and one from Venezuela.
