Nationals agree to terms with first-round pick RHP Lucas Giolito

The Washington Nationals today agreed to terms with 17-year-old right-handed pitcher Lucas Giolito, their first-round selection (16th overall) in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft out of Harvard-Westlake School in California. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo, Nationals Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Player Personnel Roy Clark and Nationals Director of Scouting Kris Kline made the joint announcement. The 6-foot-6, 230 lbs. Giolito is regarded as one of the most advanced right-handed prep prospects to come out of Southern California in the last 20 years. He possesses a fastball that sits in the mid-90's and has touched triple digits on occasion, but it is his curve ball that sets his talents apart. Giolito's work ethic is considered exemplary. Giolito went 9-1 with 78 strikeouts and a 1.00 ERA in 70.1 innings as a senior at Harvard-Westlake School. He also threw three shutouts and tossed four complete games. He was named a Perfect Game All-American for his efforts as a junior in 2011. The Nationals have agreed to terms with 29 players selected in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft, including their top 14 picks (23 of their top 24 selections).