WASHINGTON D.C. --- The Washington Nationals today agreed to terms with 17-year-old right-handed pitcher Lucas Giolito, their first-round selection (16th
overall) in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft out of Harvard-Westlake
School in
California. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations
and General Manager Mike Rizzo, Nationals Assistant General Manager and
Vice President of Player Personnel Roy Clark and Nationals Director of
Scouting Kris Kline made the joint announcement.
The 6-foot-6, 230 lbs. Giolito is regarded as one of the most
advanced right-handed prep prospects to come out of Southern California
in the last 20 years.
He possesses a fastball that sits in the mid-90's and has touched
triple digits on occasion, but it is his curve ball that sets his
talents apart. Giolito's work ethic is considered exemplary.
Giolito went 9-1 with 78 strikeouts and a 1.00 ERA in 70.1
innings as a senior at Harvard-Westlake School. He also threw three
shutouts and tossed four complete games. He was named a Perfect Game
All-American for his efforts as a junior in 2011.
The Nationals have agreed to terms with 29 players selected in
the 2012 First-Year Player Draft, including their top 14 picks (23 of
their top 24 selections).
