St. Claire impressed with Detwiler; Nats farmhand picks up weekly award

The Nationals’ 2007 first-round pick in the First-Year Player Draft, Ross Detwiler, made the short trip from Class A Potomac to D.C. last week to work a bullpen session with pitching coach Randy St. Claire. The veteran Major League pitching coach liked what he saw.

St. Claire said Detwiler has “a great arm” and impressive pitches. The Nationals pitching coach likes the sink Detwiler puts on his fastball, the “tight spin” on his breaking ball and his curveball.

“He’s got the stuff to be, I think, a very good pitcher at the Major League level,” St. Claire said. “He’s just got to put it together, where he becomes consistent with each and every pitch. To be successful at this level, 80 percent of your pitches have got to go where you want them to go. Until he gets that down … he’s got a lot of learning to do, but he’s got the ability and I think potential to be here and be a very good starter.”

Detwiler struggled early this season, and his 5.16 ERA over 22 starts reflects that. However, he’s performed far better in the second half of the season, cutting his first-half ERA by around half a run, and he’s struck out 95 batters in 103 innings.

The Missouri State product attributed the greatest part of his success to an adjustment he made with Potomac pitching coach Randy Tomlin to straighten up his delivery. He said his struggles have come when he starts throwing across his body, causing him to lose control at times.

Detwiler admitted his struggles have gotten to him this season, but he thinks he’ll be better for it eventually.

“You know, it’s been frustrating,” Detwiler said. “But to a point, it’s been
good, because I can see how, when I don’t do things just the way I’m supposed
to, I do fail, and you know, when I come up here and work with someone like
[pitching coach Randy St. Claire] or when I’m working with Randy Tomlin back in
Potomac, getting back on line, I can see how everything works out for me.”

In other Nationals Minor League news, Vermont catcher Derek Norris was named the Single-A New York-Penn League Offensive Player of the Week between July 28 and Aug. 3. Norris went 10-for-21 with three home runs and seven RBIs over that stretch. He also walked 13 times, indicative of the patience that has given Norris 40 walks and a .484 on-base percentage, both tops in the league.

Norris becomes the 15th Nationals’ farmhand to pick up a Player or Pitcher of the Week honor in 2008.

–Zachary Osterman