UPDATE 5:00 PM: A.J. Morris is one of the two previously unnamed minor leaguers heading to Chicago, according to Bill Ladson of MLB.com. Morris was a 4th round pick by the Nationals in 2009 and had been used exclusively as a starter until a promotion to the Carolina League to start the 2010 season. He pitched in both starting and relief roles this year with moderate success, but at 23 was old for High-A ball.
The Chicago Cubs have traded pitcher Tom Gorzelanny to the Washington Nationals in exchange for three minor leaguers, reports Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com. One of the three prospects heading to Chicago is outfielder Michael Burgess, according to Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports.
Burgess was the Nationals first round draft pick in 2007 and has played primarily right field throughout his minor league career. His power has never been in question, but his consistency and ability to limit his strikeouts have kept him from reaching elite prospect status. Despite hitting 72 home runs over four seasons, Burgess has yet to slug .500 in a full season.
The two additional minor leaguers involved in this trade have yet to be announced, but stay tuned to MLB Prospect Watch for more details.
