Josh Willingham Trade: Nationals Get Pitcher Henry Rodriguez And Outfielder Corey Brown From Athletics

Dec 16 3:36p by Mike Prada

We now finally have a report that indicates the two "young players" the Washington Nationals have received from the Oakland Athletics. According to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, the Nationals will be receiving pitcher Henry Rodriguez and outfielder Corey Brown in return.

Done deal: #Nationals get RHP Henry Rodriguez and minor-league OF Corey Brown in deal for Willingham. #A's #MLB

Rodriguez is a 23-year old pitcher who has spent time in the Major Leagues in each of the last two seasons. Last season, Rodriguez had a 1-0 record with a 4.55 ERA in 29 appearances. He has closers potential and threw 100 miles per hour in a minor league game two seasons ago. The hope is that he will immediately slide into the Nationals' bullpen, along with Tyler Clippard, Drew Storen and Sean Burnett.

Brown is a 25-year old outfielder that was taken with the 57th pick in the 2007 draft. Last season, he split time between AA and AAA, performing well in AA (.320/.415/.502 with 10 home runs and 49 RBIs in 386 plate appearances) and poorly in AAA (.193/.253/.378 with five home runs and 20 RBIs in 149 plate appearances).

SB Nation's John Sickels ranked them as the 11th- and 12th-best prospects in the Athletics' system. Here's his take on each of them:

11) Henry Rodriguez, RHP, Grade B-: 1.69 ERA with 31/9 K/BB in 21 innings for Sacramento, 3.52 ERA with 16/8 K/BB in 15 innings in the majors. Stuff is there, just needs to throw strikes and stay healthy.

12) Corey Brown, OF, Grade C+: 80 games, .337/.429/.537 with 10 homers, 17 steals for Midland, but .156/.207/.275 in 34 games for Sacramento. Triple-A pitching exposed his weaknesses of approach, but with his tools more chances will come.