The 2009 Northwest Championships helps players in the Northwest be seen by college coaches and pro scouts.  There is a tryout process that leads to this final event, which includes six states (Utah, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming) and another country, Canada.  The event is complete in five days and during the first two days over 700 players SPARQ Tested.  The No. 1 SPARQ Rating went to Matt Kimmel with an 81.81 SPARQ Rating.

You can read more about the championships on BaseballNorthwest.com.  

By Andrew Drennen; ESPNRISE.com

Bellevue, Wash.-The Washington Nationals held their first and only tryout at Bellevue Community College on July1.  There were over 100 players representing the Pacific Northwest, with the hope of earning a spot in Long Beach. 

Last year, then junior to be, Josh Sale, put on a show in the second game of the week for the Nationals.  He had hit for the cycle, which was the first one that could be remembered in the recent history of the event. 

When Sale was in Long Beach, a year ago, he showed raw power potential and today he showed that he is a definite big power guy.  Last year, he played in the outfield, but this year there may be a chance that he gets a look behind the plate.  No matter where he plays in the field, he will be a big bat in the lineup for the Nationals. 

The top velocity at the tryout went to Cameron Boozer out of Fife High School in Washington.  His fastball was up to 93 on the gun and according to BaseballNorthwest.com, he is the No. 4 player in the Emerald State. 

There were a pair of 2011 kids who made an impression on Wednesday.  Spencer O'Neil out of Southridge High School in Washington plays in the outfield. He is ranked as the No. 1 player in the 2011 class for the state of Washington by BaseballNorthwest.com. 

The other 2011 player to make an impression was Dylan Davis out of Redmond High School in Washington.  This young pitcher / outfielder was up to 92 on the gun when they pitchers had their chance to throw. 

It looks like the Nationals will be solid on defense and at the plate.  Their pitching may be down from a year ago, but will still be solid.  They only had one tryout this year and their roster should be released within a week. 
 

Posted by Andrew Drennen

The Washington Nationals' Area Code Team Tryout is set for July 1, 2009 at Bellevue Community College.  This is the same facility that the tryout was held at last year.  Like the other Area Code Tryouts, the Nationals' one is invitation only, and those should go out in the spring. For more information on the 2009 Area Code Baseball Games, visit AreaCodeBaseball.com.