The Nationals have built their hopes for a successful future on the development of top players from within their farm system. So when a young pitcher such as Collin Balester comes along and dazzles in his big-league debut as he did Tuesday night, it's an encouraging sign for the organization, both now and looking ahead to the future.
Balester, the franchise's top-rated pitching prospect, allowed just one run and one hit over five innings in beating the Marlins. The 22-year-old right-hander threw a 95 mph fastball and a sharp-breaking curveball. And he wasn't fazed by a Florida lineup that is one of the most potent in the majors. "Very impressive," manager Manny Acta said. "We haven't had an arm come through our system like this since Javier Vazquez (with the Montreal Expos). It's exciting."
The Expos' fourth-round draft pick in 2004, Balester worked his way up through the farm system, with club officials not wanting to rush him. But after he went 8-1 over his last 10 starts for Class AAA Columbus (Ohio), the Nationals decided to promote him to the majors. He didn't disappoint, and in the process offered up reason to believe he'll stick around for quite some time.
"He's not afraid," catcher Paul Lo Duca said. "A lot of young kids, they doubt their stuff. That's not the issue. He's definitely not scared, and that's a good sign, especially when you've got that kind of kind of arm."
NATIONALS 9, MARLINS 6: Collin Balester earned the win in his big-league debut, allowing just one run and one hit over five innings as his teammates scorched Florida for nine runs and 15 hits. Balester, the organization's top pitching prospect, didn't allow a hit until the fifth inning and battled his way out of a tight jam in the fifth. He departed with the Nationals clinging to a 2-1 lead, but Ronnie Belliard clubbed a grand slam to provide some cushion, and the Nationals bullpen hung on to give Balester the win.
