Luis Atilano

Atilano didn't show much at Double-A to warrant his spot on the 40-man roster, but a couple of superficially good starts at Triple-A to end the year may have provided some hope that he'll be able to contribute down the road. The Nationals have had some success in recent seasons with pitchers who rely on defense, but as the organizational depth improves the opportunities for future Craig Stammens (whom Atilano seems to be) should shrink, if not disappear entirely.

After missing 2007 due to elbow surgery, Atilano, a former Braves prospect, showed enough in his return that the Nationals added him to their 40-man roster. If he continues his development at Double-A this season he could work his way into Washington's rotation picture by the end of the year, but more likely his future is in the bullpen due to his lack of having any one outstanding pitch.

Atilano has not developed as rapidly as the Braves had hoped when they made him a supplemental first-round pick in 2003 from high school in Puerto Rico. His control has been solid, but his fastball is still only average as he has yet to pick up much size and strength on his tall, thin frame. He is still just 20 and has plenty of time to develop, but he is not on the fast track.

Atlanta's 2003 first-round pick, Atilano didn't impress in his pro debut in rookie ball beyond a 54/10 K/BB ratio in 64.3 IP, so he'll need to impress at Low-A Rome to keep moving ahead.

The Braves' 2003 first-round draft pick (35th overall) went 3-2 with a 3.83 ERA for the Braves' affiliate in the rookie-level Gulf Coast League. In all but the deepest leagues, no need to draft now, but follow from afar.