The MLB Draft does not have the pomp and circumstance that other professional sports drafts have (perhaps it is because it takes THREE days).
But it did, in fact, begin Monday.
The Washington Nationals picked 16th, and with their selection, they chose right-hander Lucas Giolito of Harvard-Westlake High School in California.
Here are some basic facts about the promising pitcher:
- He's huge. Standing at 6'6" and weighing 230 pounds, Giolito is a mountain of a 17-year-old man.
- He can apparently throw a 100 mph fastball, but a right elbow injury has cost him some velocity as he continues to rehab.
- He went 9-1 with a 1.00 ERA -- yes, 1.00 -- and 78 strikeouts in 70 1/3 innings last season.
- He is committed to play collegiately at UCLA.
He also gives a decent interview. Here he is after he threw a no-hitter last year:
Sports
The Nats have had luck drafting guys from out West (you may know of Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper), so hopefully Giolito will become yet another big addition to the Nats franchise.
Meanwhile, the Capitals and WIzards will also look to draft some gems as well this month as both the NHL and NBA Drafts take place at the end of the month. Move over, Pepsi. These are the choices of a new generation.
We hope.
Adam Vingan is co-founder and editor of Kings Of Leonsis, a Caps-centric blog. Follow him on Twitter @Adam_KOL and e-mail your story ideas to adamvingan (at) gmail.com.
