Nationals announce 2005 accelerated program

The Nationals director of player development, Adam Wogan, announced the team’s 2005 accelerated development program roster.
Invitations to the accelerated program are reserved for top prospects not already in the club’s big league spring camp. A total of 37* players received invitations.
A few spots were also given to veteran minor league players (Brain Powell, Matt White, Ramon Castro, and Matt Cepicky) with major league experience, who did not receive invitations to the Nationals major league spring training camp.
By viewing the list, one can get an understanding of the players the Nationals view as most likely to help the big league club at one point or another.

*Shortstop prospect and 2004 draftee Ian Desmond was originally invited to this program before being added to the major league spring training roster to provide infield depth. Desmond is still considered a top prospect within the organization.

Pitchers:
Collin Balester, Jason Bergmann, William Bunn, Jon Felfoldi. Armando Galarraga, Jim Henderson, Alex Morales, Ricardo Morales, Anthony Pearson, Brian Powell, Brett Price, Brett Reid, Chris Schroder, Gabriel Sosa, Jason Stevenson, Daryl Thompson, Matt White, Aaron Wideman

Catchers:
Jason Belcher, Devin Ivany, Salomon Manriquez, Luke Montz

Infielders:
Kory Casto, Ofilio Castro, Ramon Castro, Jose Contreras, Steve Mortimer, Shawn Norris, Trey Webb, Josh Whitesell

Outfielders:
Edgardo Baez, Rogearvin Bernadina, Matthew Cepicky, Ender Chavez, Frank Diaz, Marvin Lowrance

Minor league statistics for all these players can be found at www.thebaseballcube.com. During the month of March, Nationals MLB News will be taking a look at each of the Nationals’ four full season minor league affiliates.