Smiley to Hagerstown in '09?

Natsman* · August 28th, 2008, 06:28 AM

WASHINGTON -- Nationals infield prospect Esmailyn Gonzalez clinched the Gulf Coast League batting title on Wednesday. Gonzalez, 18, went 2-for-2 with a double and two RBIs against the GCL Marlins to complete his second domestic season with a .350 batting average.

In addition to winning the batting title, Gonzalez finished the regular season with two home runs, 33 RBIs, nine stolen bases and an on-base percentage of .436 in 50 games.

"Obviously, we are very pleased with his performance," general manager Jim Bowden said. "He was able to be healthy this year. He came in shape and worked really hard. He has come a long way in a short period of time."
For now, the team feels Gonzalez can skip Class A Vermont and go to Class A Hagerstown to start the 2009 season.

Gonzalez signed with the Nationals as a non-drafted free agent on July 2, 2006.

- excerpt, mlb.com

August 28th, 2008, 06:28 AM	#1 (permalink)
Natsman* Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Mechanicsville, VA. Home of Nats Scout, Jeff Zona. One of the Top 100 Best Small Towns to Live in. Posts: 30	Smiley to Hagerstown in '09? print this page \| WASHINGTON -- Nationals infield prospect Esmailyn Gonzalez clinched the Gulf Coast League batting title on Wednesday. Gonzalez, 18, went 2-for-2 with a double and two RBIs against the GCL Marlins to complete his second domestic season with a .350 batting average. In addition to winning the batting title, Gonzalez finished the regular season with two home runs, 33 RBIs, nine stolen bases and an on-base percentage of .436 in 50 games. "Obviously, we are very pleased with his performance," general manager Jim Bowden said. "He was able to be healthy this year. He came in shape and worked really hard. He has come a long way in a short period of time." For now, the team feels Gonzalez can skip Class A Vermont and go to Class A Hagerstown to start the 2009 season. Gonzalez signed with the Nationals as a non-drafted free agent on July 2, 2006. - excerpt, mlb.com __________________ I'd rather be waterboarding.