Walters' power display big part of his call-up to Nationals

Shortstop Zach Walters is getting his shot to play with the Nationals in September thanks to a career-high season in power numbers at Triple-A Syracuse. Walters smacked 29 homers and drove in 77 in 134 games. Nationals director of player development Doug Harris talked about why Walters was able to ramp up his slugging numbers in 2013. "We are excited about the power display," Harris said. "He made a significant adjustment that allowed his strength and leverage and quickness in his swing to blossom and we are starting to see the benefits of that. He always had showed parts of that and with the adjustments he has made he has been able to realize that power." Walters can play multiple positions for the Nationals. It's always a good sign as to the traction a prospect can have in the upper levels is when the organization plays him in the infield and outfield. "Absolutely, we have moved him around a little bit this year," Harris said. "He has played some third base. We probably will expand that a little bit, possibly even into the outfield. He is a very good athlete and has a lot of different tools that give him a chance to play multiple positions on the field." This is Walters' third year with the Nationals and he has made the most significant jump in his offensive statistics this season. Could that be a reason for his success this year? "It comes at different times with different guys," Harris said. "Zach's timeline was relatively quick. He played at multiple levels last year from Potomac all the way up to Syracuse. The second half of this year he found his comfort level. Again, he made a significant adjustment with his approach and he has just taken off since then."