Freitas and Nieto show off catcher depth in Hagerstown

Recently promoted catcher Adrian Nieto has hit the ground running in Hagerstown, after getting promoted to Single-A this summer following a great start at short-season Auburn. Nieto has played every other day since August 1 with a base hit in each of the four games, batting .267 with a double and a home run. Nationals director of player development, Doug Harris, said the Nats' front office has seen a big change in Nieto after struggling at the plate last season with the Suns. At Auburn, Nieto hit .302 with nine extra base hits and 22 RBI in 30 games. There is not a logjam of backstops at Hagerstown because Cole Leonida has been working through a leg injury and hasn't played since July 29. "We really feel good about where our catching is level-to-level," Harris said. "We are blessed with great depth. We do plan to keep Nieto in a primary role when the dust settles. He has really taken ownership of his career. He has made real positive strides." Catcher David Freitas has done quite well as the lead catcher for the Suns, batting .288 with 100 hits in 102 games. He has cranked out 25 doubles, 12 homers and 63 RBI. "David has had an incredible year," Harris said. "He is an extremely mature player both offensively and defensively and we couldn't be happier with his progress." Freitas could get his chance soon with the Potomac Nationals because Devin Ivany was placed on the disabled list and Brian Peacock was moved to Double-A. Of course, it won't be long before Nieto makes his way back to Woodbridge if he continues to hit 100 points better than he did last season in Hagerstown.