Chris Marrero is expected to make the switch from OF to 1B for the upcoming 2008 season, as reported by The Sports XChange. Marrero is widely considered the Washington Nationals top prospect. He hit .275 with 23 HR, 88 RBI and slugged .484 between Potomac and Hagerstown last year.

Marrero’s defensive liabilities in the outfield caused the Nationals to give him a look at first in the instructional league. He showed the skill set needed to play the position during that trial period and just needs continuous work to refine those skills.  Also helping in the decision to move Marrero was the additions of Wily Mo Pena, Lastings Milledge, and Elijah Dukes.

His eventual ascension to the big leagues will be because of his bat. Marrero has raw power to all fields and projects as a middle of the order run producer. He should start at AA Harrisburg next season.  If he continues to show progress, a September call-up is not out of the question. Marrero could be in the mix for an Opening Day roster spot by 2009.  Nick Johnson and Dmitri Young shouldn’t be road blocks once his bat is MLB-ready.