Blanco leads Nats' contingent

11/18/2005
Several players from the Nationals' 40-man roster are currently honing their skills by playing winter ball. Here's a look at how they are doing entering Friday's action.
Tony Blanco, infielder/outfielder: After playing just a couple of weeks in the Arizona Fall League with the Peoria Saguaros, Blanco went to the Dominican Winter League and is playing with the Licey Tigers. He is hitting .270 with one home run and five RBIs for them.
A Rule 5 Draft pick from the Reds in December 2004, Blanco hit just .177 in 62 at-bats with the Nationals in 2005. He has yet to show that he can hit big league pitching, and there were times that he looked overmatched at the plate.
Bernie Castro, infielder: Acquired last month in free agency, the switch-hitting Castro is playing left field and second base for Aguilas Cibaena of the Dominican Winter League. He is hitting .337 with one home run, nine RBIs and seven stolen bases.
Castro, who has Major League experience with the Orioles, is expected to get a long look during Spring Training and compete for a backup infield job.
Frank Diaz, outfielder: Minor League hitting coordinator Mitchell Page helped Diaz at Class A Potamac this past season, and the success has carried over into winter ball. Diaz is hitting .289 with six home runs and 18 RBIs for Occidente Pastora.
Diaz, who has a swing that is similar to former catcher Don Slaught's, is a long shot at making the Major League club out of Spring Training, but he is expected to move up in the Minor League ranks.
Armando Galarraga, right-hander: He is playing for Caracas Leones of the Venezuelan Winter League and has a 5.40 ERA in six innings, with six strikeouts.

Source: http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/