Goodwin makes "huge strides" at instructional league

Brian Goodwin was selected in the sandwich round at No. 34 in June's draft by the Nationals and was hailed for his speed and defensive tools in center field. The former University of North Carolina outfielder put on an impressive display of his talents during instructional league in Viera, Fla., this month, according to Nationals director of player development Doug Harris. "Goodwin made huge strides at instructs," Harris said. "The last three days, he put together some of the best at-bats we had seen." Harris said the 6-foot, 190-lb., Goodwin worked his "tail off to catch up" since his signing in mid-August. Goodwin was coming off an outstanding final season at Miami Dade College in which he hit .382 with 11 doubles, two triples, eight homers, 16 stolen bases and 37 RBIs in 47 games. "Goodwin worked on his offensive and defensive approach while in Viera," Harris continued. "He worked on his path to the ball and put together quality at-bats. Defensively, he made some nice plays at the end of camp." Goodwin will play a key role in solidifying the top talent the Nationals are looking to put together in the outfield, alongside players like Destin Hood, Bryce Harper, Eury Perez, Michael Taylor, Wade Moore, Randolph Oduber and Kevin Keyes. Goodwin adds speed to the talents of these players and that will make a huge difference in how quickly he climbs the ladder within the Nationals system. It is no secret that Goodwin represents the Michael Bourn-like prototype the team has been searching for the past few seasons. If Goodwin's bat and on-base percentage can get to a competitive level, he will not stay at Single-A very long.