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VIERA, Fla. -- After one of his workouts, Matt Chico was in the locker room at Space Coast Stadium when he was informed that the last quality left-handed starter to pitch for the Nationals/Expos was Carlos Perez in 1997. That year, Perez went 12-13 with a 3.59 ERA for Montreal. What was Chico's response?
"This a good chance for any of the new guys in this organization to step up," he said. "We have quite a few lefties in this organization."
A humble Chico declined to look at himself as the guy to break the team's dubious distinction. But the truth is, the 23-year-old is close to being named to the starting rotation.
Chico is considered by many to be the most talented left-handed starter in terms of stuff on the Nationals. Although Chico only has four years of professional experience and has pitched no more than 153 1/3 innings in a season, manager Manny Acta praised the left-hander for the way he handles himself on the mound.
"This kid can pitch. Is he going to have some rough outings? We all have our tough days, but [he] hasn't looked overmatched in one of his outings," Acta said. "I think he is going to be fine, and I think he will be able to handle anything that comes his way mentally, too. He can't be celebrating yet, but he's pretty close. So many things can happen. I don't want to put it in the headlines yet."
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The Official Site of The Washington Nationals: News: Washington Nationals News
Honestly, it is only a matter of time before this kid is named to the starting rotation as the 2 or 3 starter. I think the kid has a good chance to surprise in his rookie year and possibly challenge for the NL RoY award. He has pretty good stuff and i think he will be a good pitcher for them this year.
Chico considered most talented lefty on Nats
Chico considered most talented lefty on Nats
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