Goodwin trying to build on breakout campaign, cement roster spot

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Brian Goodwin's status in the Nationals organization has changed since this time last year, when he was still viewed a somewhat raw prospect yet to realize his potential.

That's what a seven-week cup of coffee at the end of the season does for a player's standing, especially when the player holds his own offensively, displays good defensive tendencies and turns on the jets when he reaches base.

The 26-year-old Goodwin, a former first-round pick (34th overall) in the 2011 First-Year Player Draft, used a successful 2015 winter league campaign in Venezuela, where he slashed .316/.401/.459 for Margarita, as a springboard into a breakthrough pro season. He slashed .280/.349/.438 in 119 games at Triple-A Syracuse and then opened eyes after his recall to the Nationals in early August, sticking with the team through the stretch drive.

"I think it's all the same feeling, getting here and getting a chance to be out on the field with a whole bunch of good players and getting to see where you stand when you compete," said Goodwin. "As a competitor, that's what you look forward to doing."

But the stakes are different this year. Instead of just relishing the experience, Goodwin has a legitimate chance to break camp as one of the Nats' two backup outfielders. Veteran Chris Heisey will get one of those spots, barring a complete collapse, and Goodwin and Michael A. Taylor are battling for the other.

"It depends on who you ask," Goodwin said. "Anytime you feel like you're moving forward, the feeling of progress is one that's just unmatched."

As a result of his late-season success with Washington - when batted .286 with five extra-base hits and five RBIs in 22 games - Goodwin's confidence is at an all-time high.

"It's just something inside of you that you want to continue to feel and continue to build on," he said.

Manager Dusty Baker was impressed by Goodwin's explosive speed and his ability to defend all three outfield positions. Goodwin still has to cut down on his strikeouts - he whiffed 14 time while drawing only two walks - but Goodwin did nothing to embarrass himself in his first crack at the major leagues.

Now he wants to pick up where he left off, but with a caveat: He'd rather not draw a lot of unnecessary attention to himself this spring, preferring to work hard under the radar as he tries to cement his place on the roster that will head north once camp is complete.

"I think I want to be recognized for the work I put in, the dedication I put in to getting better, and paying attention to detail," he said. "How hard I work, how much time I spend mastering my craft."

If Taylor can bounce back from a lost season during which he was sent to Triple-A and finished with .231 average in 76 games with the Nats, Goodwin might find himself back at Syracuse. The Nats are also going to give first baseman Adam Lind, who is battling first baseman/outfielder Clint Robinson, some reps in the outfield.

Goodwin tries to shut out any possible distractions and focus on refining his own game.

"I don't really go searching for those kind of answers," he said. "I just go out ... and do my thing, play, be me and let the rest fall where it is."

But would it be more beneficial for Goodwin to be starting at Triple-A instead of riding the bench in the bigs?

Goodwin's answer might surprise you.

"I'm a player, he said. "Wherever I am, I want to play. The decision's not up to me about where it will be, but wherever it is, I want to be on the field."