Casto repeats as Nats' top farmhand

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals named outfielder Kory Casto their Minor League Player of the Year and right-hander Zechry Zinicola their Minor League Pitcher of the Year on Friday. Both players have a shot to be in the big leagues next year.

This is the second year in a row Casto was named the organization's best position player. Last year, he hit .290 with 22 home runs and 90 RBIs for Class A Advanced Potomac. This season, Casto played for Double-A Harrisburg and hit .272 with 20 home runs and 80 RBIs in 140 games.

Even more impressive was the fact that Casto made the switch from third base to left field, his original position, and didn't miss a beat, according to assistant general manager Bob Boone.

"I like his bat, his character and his defense," Boone said. "(Casto) is a very superior left fielder. (Harrisburg manager) John Stearns had him play center, and Stearns said he is all right in center."

The Nationals were prepared to bring up Casto to the big leagues had they dealt Alfonso Soriano before the trade deadline last season, but Soriano remained with the club while Casto played a full season with Harrisburg.

What are the chances of Casto being in the big leagues in 2007? It will depend on whether the Nationals keep Soriano, who is a free agent after the season. If Soriano signs with another team, look for Casto to be one of the leading candidates to take over in left field.

"All we can do is give him a shot," Boone said. "Certainly, his plate coverage (and) his recognition of pitches are really superior. He will not chase pitches."

Zinicola was selected in the sixth round of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft and went a combined 4-1 with eight saves and a 1.65 ERA in 19 games for Potomac and Harrisburg. Before that, the 21-year-old posted four saves and 10 strikeouts in nine scoreless innings with short-season Class A Vermont.

Zinicola's rapid rise through the Nationals' Minor league system convinced general manager Jim Bowden to trade reliever Gary Majewski to the Reds last July.

"It has been fast and a little hectic, but it looks like it's going good so far. I was very pleased," Zinicola said. "It went by like it was only three weeks long just because of all the moving and me getting to know all the guys. I like pro ball. I'm loving it a lot."

On the possibility of being in the big leagues next year, Zinicola said, "That's all talk. I'm just taking the time to get in shape, be 100 percent healthy and get ready for Spring Training. Whatever they decide to do, it's their doing."