Peacock singled out by The Sporting News as "next in line"

Nationals right-hander pitcher Brad Peacock has received a lot of press from local writers and the organization as a player ready to make that step. Now, national sports publication The Sporting News recognizes Peacock in its August 29, 2011, issue in their "Next Gen: Minor League baseball" spotlight. The 23-year old hurler was singled out by the magazine as "Next in Line..." alongside top prospects Julio Teheran, Shelby Miller, Matt Moore, Jacob Turner and Trevor Bauer. The publication said "very few prospects have made a bigger jump than Peacock" has in 2011. Nationals director of player development Doug Harris has told me several times the biggest jump for Peacock this summer has been his maturation into a "cerebral pitcher". Peacock has demonstrated top line stuff but now is learning quickly how to out-think opponents and strategize with his catcher and staff on how to work batters and make them get themselves out. It is an often overlooked quality that is assumed on most top pitchers, but it is very difficult to teach. Peacock is showing he has that ability. Peacock has gone 14-3 with a 2.48 ERA between Double-A Harrisburg and Triple-A Syracuse. He has 170 strikeouts to 46 walks in 24 games (22 starts) over 141 2/3 innings. He was named to the Eastern League post season all-star team last week alongside first baseman Tyler Moore. Peacock has won four consecutive decisions for the Chiefs since July 22. He also has been on the short list mentioned by manager Davey Johnson as a September call-up candidate. Fellow starter Tom Milone and Peacock have combined for a mind boggling 319 strikeouts in 47 games this season.