Souza favorite to nab organization's Player of the Year honor

Outfielder Steven Souza Jr. has had a breakthrough season with the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs, earning Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year honors from the International League.

The 25-year-old has played so well, he got his opportunity with the big club already a couple of times this season. Most recently, he was activated from the disabled list after a shoulder injury sustained Aug. 8. He is back with the big club through at least September.

It has been a pretty quick rise for Souza. He was with Double-A Harrisburg last season and high Single-A Potomac in 2012. He went from Potomac back to low Single-A Hagerstown in 2011 to straighten his work out and excelled from that point on.

He is my selection for Nationals minor league Player of the Year. The team will make its official announcement sometime this week.

Souza has played 96 games with Syracuse and hit .350 with 45 extra-base hits, 18 of those homers, and 75 RBIs. He had 26 stolen bases and 52 walks.

Outfielder Michael Taylor has also had an amazing season at Harrisburg and Syracuse. He got a shot at the big leagues when Souza went down and played well. Taylor hit .313 with 41 extra-base hits, 22 of those homers, and 61 RBIs in 98 games.

Low-A Hagerstown shortstop Wilmer Difo excelled for the Suns. He has a shot at best player in the organization for 2014. He hit .315 in 136 games, with 31 doubles, seven triples, 14 home runs, 49 stolen bases and 90 RBIs. The 22-year-old Dominican will move up to Potomac next season. He has already been named South Atlantic League most valuable player.

Tomorrow I'll give you my pick for Nationals minor league Pitcher of the Year.