Solis says newest Nats prospect Walters is "textbook player"

By Byron Kerr

Nationals

July 30, 2011, 3:41pm

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The Nationals acquired minor league shortstop Zach Walters from the Arizona Diamondbacks for starting pitcher Jason Marquis early this afternoon. Potomac Nationals pitching prospect Sammy Solis lived in the same dormitory as a freshman with Walters at the University of San Diego, and they spent three seasons as teammates on the Toreros. "Walters is a textbook player," Solis said. "He has got the build, the arm, the speed and the plate presence. Once he gains experience and is able to put it all together, he will be a big leaguer. It would be hard to find someone with better tools than him." The 6-foot-2, 195-lb., infielder was batting .302 in 97 games with 27 doubles, six triples, nine homers, 12 stolen bases and 56 RBI with the Single-A South Bend Silver Hawks, garnering All-Star honors in the Midwest League. His on-base percentage is .377 and his slugging percentage .485. The 21-year old has played 49 games at shortstop, but also has experience at second and third base. The Cheyenne, Wyo., native will report to High-A Potomac. Now, he will be reunited with Solis, his college buddy, on the same team.