Goodwin raking to start season for Triple-A Syracuse

There's been a lot of publicity about shortstop sensation Trea Turner, who has been very good again this season for Triple-A Syracuse, hitting .322.

Nationals director of player development Mark Scialabba has been impressed with Turner's athleticism and how well he has played at this level.

But also making noise is Brian Goodwin, a compensation round pick in the 2011 First-Year Player Draft. The center fielder is enjoying a nice start to the season.

It certainly a positive sign to see Goodwin hitting so well with a slash line of .308/.368/.462 through 37 games. Last season, he hit .226 for Double-A Harrisburg. He still would like to cut down on the strikeouts - 35 in 37 games - but he is getting on base, and that is what he needs to do at the top of the order, with 14 walks and 40 hits.

The 25-year-old Goodwin is a little bit under the radar this season. But that doesn't mean he is not still a quality player. A lot of pundits talk about the play of Turner, but Goodwin's numbers are similar. Scialabba said Goodwin has picked up where he left off from winter league play.

"He's off to a good start" Scialabba said via text message. "It carried over from his experience in the Venezuelan winter league. He has an improved approach, staying through the ball and is using all fields. He is gaining confidence. We're looking forward to seeing him continue moving forward in the right direction."

That offseason play has been a key for Goodwin. He has played in the Arizona Fall League, where he concentrated on bunting and his short game. In Venezuela, he got to see a lot of talented pitchers and slashed .316/.401/.459 in 35 games. He earned 19 walks and had 42 hits.

Scialabba said Goodwin is always working on cutting down on strikeouts, but that doesn't mean the Nationals don't want him to still go at the pitcher in the box.

"Strikeouts are concerning to a degree," Scialabba said. "But we want him to continue to be aggressive while he's doing damage at the plate. We are more concerned with his ability to recognize pitches and improve his ability to stay in the strike zone. We are confident he has the ability to continue to make the necessary judgments."

With Goodwin doing well at Triple-A, and with his experience in the system, it's also a big season for the outfielder. Chiefs play-by-play man Kevin Brown has taken notice of Goodwin's progress.

"Definitely," Brown said of Goodwin's fast start. "His swing seems more level. He is driving good pitches rather than fouling them away. He has played hard."