Scouting Report: New Nationals’ prospect Andruw Monasterio; acquired in Daniel Murphy trade with Cubs...

Adam McInturff of 2080 Baseball breaks down new Nationals prospect Andruw Monasterio, acquired from the Cubs for Daniel Murphy.

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At first, hearing the Nationals moved Daniel Murphy for an A-Ball infield prospect sounds seriously lopsided. For this to make real world sense, consider the way rental players—no matter how big a name they may be—have been valued on the trade market this season. Controllable big leaguers are what nets impact prospects, and a few months of almost any player won’t entice teams to move a minor leaguer of a certain caliber.

Washington already acquired two other high-floor prospects recently in trades away from the big league roster, and the player returned in this deal fits that same mold. Andruw Monasterio is a defensive-minded infielder whose carrying tools are his glove, arm, and speed. He’s an above-average defensive shortstop who can play all three infield positions, showing a strong arm and quick transfer. Offensively, he’s a contact hitter who doesn’t hit for much power. There isn’t enough bat for a future everyday profile, but Monasterio’s well-rounded toolset and defensive versatility project as a useful role player.

• Click HERE for full pro-style scouting report on Andruw Monasterio at 2080 Baseball.

A native of Washington, D.C., Adam will be periodically contributing scouting pieces on Nationals prospects for Federal Baseball. Currently, he’s the Assistant Director of Professional Evaluation at 2080 Baseball. Previously, Adam worked in the Baseball Operations departments of the Baltimore Orioles and Texas Rangers after serving as a Senior Prospect Writer for Baseball Prospectus. You can follow him on Twitter: @2080adam. Adam can be reached at amcinturff@2080baseball.com for all podcast and media requests.