Washington Nationals Draft Tracker

2nd Round (80th Pick):  2B Tony Renda

Renda was the Pac-10 Player of the Year as a Sophomore out of California University.  In 54 games, Renda batted a strong .342 and added 16 doubles and 5 home runs.  Renda scored 41 runs and drove in 27, while swiping 16 bases.  Overall, Renda ended the season with a .484 slugging percentage.  His batting average was 12th overall in the Pac-Ten and his .432 on base percentage was 9th overall.  Renda was third overall in stolen bases with 16 successful attempts in 19 attempts.

3rd Round (111th Pick):  P Brett Mooneyham

Mooneyham was drafted by the Nationals in the 2011 MLB Draft in the 38th round.  This season he posted a 7-5 record with a 4.26 ERA.  In 82 inning innings, the hurler recorded 90 strikeouts.  Mooneyham has a power arm, which makes him a worthy risk.  he is a risk however because there are control issues that the Nationals system will need to address.  Mooneyham was 4th overall in the Pac-Ten in strikeouts, including a 6th ranking in fanning batters looking.   Unfortunately, Mooneyham was also ranked 4th overall in hitting batters.

4th Round (144th Pick):  OF Brandon Miller

Miller played in 63 games and batted .301 for Samford University.  He added 17 doubles and hit for power with 23 home runs.  He scored 58 runs while driving in 65 run and posted a .650 slugging percentage.  He was named to the Louisville Slugger All American Team and the First Team All Southern Conference.  His .650 slugging percentage was first overall in the conference.  He was second overall in RBI, seventh in doubles, and led the conference in home runs.

5th Round (174th Pick) C Spencer Kieboom

Kieboom batted .250 over 58 games as Clemson's starting catcher.  He added 7 double sand 3 home runs with 25 runs scored and 33 RBi.  Kieboom's strength is his arm and defense, which is likely why the Nationals drafted him.

6th Round (204th Pick)  CF Hayden Jennings

Jennings is a left handed hitting CF out of Evangel Christina Academy in Louisiana.  Jennings was All City Player of the Year and Class 2A Most Outstanding Player after batting .446 with 13 home runs and 53 RBi.  Jennings has committed to lSU and will make a decision on college or pro.

7th Round (234th Pick)  P Robert Benincasa

Benincasa is a big time reliever the Nats were likely looking for.  He fulfilled the closing duties for Florida State in a quite effective manner, finishing second overall in the ACC with 15 saves.  he posted a 4-1 record with an impressive 1.29 ERA in 29 bullpen appearances.  In 35 innings, Benincasa only allowed 5 walks compared to 48 strikeouts.  For some in depth information on Benincasa, read this article.