Prospects Holder and Tatusko continue to refine skills

Here are progress updates for a pair of right-handed pitchers, Trevor Holder and Ryan Tatusko. Holder split last season between Single-A Hagerstown and Single-A Potomac, going 7-6 with a 3.64 ERA in 26 starts. He struck out 102 batters and allowed 29 walks. The 24-year old would like to cut down on his home runs allowed, with 11 of 14 surrendered for the season coming in just 14 starts in Woodbridge, Va. He was 3-3 with a 4.09 ERA in Potomac. The University of Georgia product has had a solid spring training as he awaits the call late next week to find out where he will start the season. "Holder is coming off a great outing," Nationals Director of Player Development Doug Harris said. "We made a slight delivery adjustment which has really helped him. He is a quality kid with a very strong work ethic." Tatusko, who was acquired from the Texas Rangers in the trade for Cristian Guzman, has also had an impressive spring. The 6-foot-5, 200-lb. Indiana State Sycamore went 12-3 with a 2.63 ERA in splitting his Double-A season between Frisco and Harrisburg. He won nine games with Frisco and his ERA was a stunning 1.72 in six games with the Senators. "He has been good all spring training," Harris said. "Ryan is continually working to refine his arsenal and also has been a quality find with the motivation to work hard at getting better, day in and day out." I would imagine Holder will move up to Harrisburg and Tatusko is destined for Syracuse early in 2011, if not starting the season one level up from last year. Harris said the Nationals have not made those decisions yet, but official word could be released at the end of next week.