Nats select Lucas Giolito with the 16th pick

The Washington Nationals drafted another fast ball hurler with the 16th overall pick of the draft, Pitcher Lucas Giolito.  For much of the season leading up to the MLB Draft, Giolito was considered by many analysts and baseball reporters to be a sure Top 5 pick.  However, Giolito suffered from a season ending elbow injury, causing him to tumble to Washington at the 16th slot, despite hurling 100 MPH fastballs.

The 6'6", 230 lb. right-hander out of Harvard-Westlake High School in Studio City, California ranked #9 overall on several draft boards.  Giolito has true #1 starter potential and a powerful arm that reaches upper 90s fastball at time speaking at 100 MPH.  He is considered to have a strong curveball and a decent change up.   Despite all the positives we mentioned and the nice rankings, Giolito fell to Washington because of a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in which he has not pitched since early March.  With the signing deadline at July 13, the Nats will be going somewhat blind, because in all likelihood, Giolito will not be pitching before that date.  Latest news does have Giolito throwing on flat ground with absolutely no pain.

Giolito earned the 2011 Baseball America High School Pitcher of the Year after posting a 9-1 record with a 1.00 ERA.  He recorded four complete games.  During the season, Giolito fanned 76 batters while walking 28 in 70.1 innings.