The Washington Nationals season might have ended, but the Arizona Fall League is just firing up and the Scottsdale Scorpions roster has quite a few hot Nationals prospects on it to watch. The Scorpions will begin their defense of the AFL title Tuesday night against the Surprise Saguaros at 9:35 P.M. EST, but they will be doing it without the Nationals 2011 First Year Players Draft top pick, third baseman Anthony Rendon.
Rendon, once listed on the list of Nationals prospects that would be taking part in the AFL, will now stay behind in Viera, FL and continue in the instructional league while the Nationals send their 2011 third round pick left-hander Matt Purke at the conclusion of the instructional league. It is unknown at this time what the Nats plans are for the Rendon.
Rendon is said to have the best bat coming from the 2011 Draft and at one point it was said he was close to MLB ready. One has to wonder if the Nationals have just reevaluated or have seen something they don't like and would like to season their prospect a little more.
Other Nationals prospects on the Scorpions include Bryce Harper, Derek Norris, Sammy Solis, Patrick Lehman, Zach Walters and Rafael Martin. This will be Harper's second stint in the AFL and the first time he will journey through the League for a full season as last season he was put on the taxi squad.