Bostick and Simms shine again for Salt River in Arizona Fall League play

Chris Bostick unleashed another outstanding game Tuesday as Salt River defeated Mesa 4-2 in Arizona Fall League play. The second baseman went 2-for-3 with a double, a homer, three runs scored and two RBIs.

It was Bostick's fourth double and fourth homer of the AFL season. Bostick hit out of the No. 2 hole and cranked a solo shot in the third inning off of Mesa starter Rob Zastryzny. Bostick raised his average to .275.

Right-hander John Simms started and went three innings for the win, improving to 4-0. He allowed four hits, one run, one walk and struck out two. His ERA is now 1.88. Simms has been credited with the win in four of his six appearances this season, five of them starts. He leads the AFL in victories.

Measuring starters in the AFL with five or more starts this season, only Glendale left-hander Brian Holmes, an Astros prospect, has a lower ERA (0.69) than Simms, and Holmes has pitched only 13 innings while Simms has 24 frames in the books.

* It would be amazing if left-hander Sean Burnett can get his career recharged with the Nationals, a team he spent four seasons with up until 2012. The Nationals have always sought out southpaw talent for their bullpen. Despite a pair of Tommy John surgeries since 2012, Burnett, can be a valuable asset when healthy.

He was pretty emotional when he found out he was leaving the Nationals the first time, so you know it would mean a lot to him if he could be consistent with the Nats again. Staying healthy is the biggest goal right now for Burnett.

* Short-season Single-A Auburn will need a new manager next season. The only Doubledays manager the Nationals have known is Gary Cathcart, who has been an integral part of the teaching and leading of young prospects in the system for years. Cathcart is leaving the organization to take the outfield and base running coordinator position with the Marlins. Wish he had two more games as manager for the Doubledays because his final record was 187-188.

Cathcart also managed the Single-A Potomac Nationals to the Mills Cup title in 2010 and led Auburn to a pair of playoff appearances in 2011 and 2012.

The Nationals have told me they will wait until the major league coaching staff is set before announcing minor league coaching assignments.