James Wood, ‘the full package’ and Nats’ top prospect, in town with Harrisburg

Nats’ prospect, OF James Wood, on rise from High-A to Double-A

On Wednesday at 3:30 p.m., James Wood worked on his swing indoors at The Diamond, in the new batting facility across from the visitors’ clubhouse.

From there, Wood proceeded to the field, where the Double-A Harrisburg Senators held their formal outdoor batting practice, along with some agility and fielding drills. The first pitch of the game against the Richmond Flying Squirrels was still 90 minutes away. Wood could fit in more swings indoors, a light meal and maybe a few sets with dumbbells or elastic bands.

The plan for Wood, a 6-foot-6, 240-pound outfielder who is the Washington Nationals’ top prospect and among the top 10 in the minors: keep stacking these long but valuable developmental days.

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The hitting. The fielding. The nutrition. The weight-lifting. The throwing. The stretching. The agility drills. The consistent sleep. The video review. The analytics reports. The games.

And then believe it will pay off in a productive, extended MLB career. That seems likely for the left-handed-hitting Wood, who’s 20, in the estimation of the Flying Squirrels’ second-year manager, Dennis Pelfrey.

“I would call him a game changer,” Pelfrey said. “He can do a lot of different things and beat you in a lot of different ways … He’s the full package.”

Against Richmond this week, Wood homered, had another hit and scored twice in the Flying Squirrels’ 5-4 Tuesday win and went hitless with a walk in Wednesday’s 4-0 Senators’ victory. He is batting .231 with 14 homers and 42 RBI in 60 Harrisburg games after starting the season at High-A Wilmington and hitting .293 with eight homers and 36 RBI in 42 games.

Between the two stops, Wood has been successful on 14 of 17 stolen base attempts. His strikeouts increased at the Double-A level (83 in those 60 Senators’ games), but Wood entered the second game of the six-game series at Richmond batting .290 with seven homers and 19 RBI since July 25 (18 games).

“I didn’t really change anything. I just sort of tried to make small adjustments,” said Wood of his move to Double-A in late May. “Obviously, I think the pitching is a lot better. I think the defense is better, too. The command is better, the (velocity) is up a little bit. So I’m still trying to get adjusted and all that and just sort of get comfortable here.”

A more significant adaptation was required about a year ago, when Wood went from the San Diego Padres’ organization to the Nationals in an eight-player trade that sent MLB star outfielder Juan Soto to the Padres.

“Nothing too crazy. Obviously it was sort of an adjustment getting used to a different coaching staff, some different philosophies and whatnot,” said Wood, who was San Diego’s second-round selection in the 2021 draft and turns 21 on Sept. 17.

Wood’s 6-6 height screams “This guy will end up playing first base!” But watch him maneuver in the outfield and his defense is impressive.

“Really good baseball IQ, understands how his body works,” Pelfrey said. “I think some people would watch him play and think it’s almost lazy looking or not any effort. But I think there’s a lot of effort there.

“When the game comes easy to guys, sometimes it looks that way. And it comes really easy to him. He does a lot of good things really well.”

Wood is the son of Kenny Wood, who starred as a University of Richmond forward from 1989 to 1993, scoring 1,427 points to go with 717 rebounds, and is a member of the school’s hall of fame. The four Spiders teams on which Wood played went 81-40, with two NCAA tournament appearances and one in the NIT.

Wood settled in Olney, Md., about 10 miles north of Washington, with his wife and three children, two daughters and James, the youngest.

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“He always liked baseball more than basketball. It was never a question. He just gravitated to swinging a bat rather than shooting a ball,” Kenny Wood said.

Wood is now in an organization whose farm system is well respected, and whose major league team is rebuilding but seemingly moving in the right direction. Opportunity is coming, as Wood keeps stacking the days.

“Sometimes for us, it’s really cool to see guys on the other (team) who play the game really well,” Pelfrey said. “We want our guys to do really well every single night, obviously. But when you see something special on the other side, it’s really fun to watch, too.”

From the archives: Richmond Flying Squirrels mascot Nutzy 2010 Nutzy

Nutzy is introduced at the Byrd on 2/11/2010.

DEAN HOFFMEYER 2010 Nutzy

Shay Webb, 2 yrs. old with Nutzy prior to the home-opener of the Richmond Flying Squirrels at The Diamond in Richmond VA Thurs. April 15, 2010.

MARK GORMUS 2010 Nutzy

Flying Squirrels opener 4/15/10 – Nutzy and fans

DEAN HOFFMEYER 2010 Nutzy

Richmond’s newest mascot Nutzy has become an instant favorite of fans, and is especially popular with kids because of his quirky stunts like riding a skateboard on top of the dugout, handstands and balancing acts on superbox rails.

DEAN HOFFMEYER 2010 Nutzy

Richmond’s newest mascot Nutzy has become an instant favorite of fans, and is especially popular with kids because of his quirky stunts like riding a skateboard on top of the dugout, handstands and balancing acts on superbox rails.

DEAN HOFFMEYER 2010 Nutzy

Erin Freeman coaching Nutzy for the Richmond Symphony Celebrity Maestro concert.

Richmnond Symphony 2010 Nutzy

Dominion VIrginia Power CEO Paul Koonce (left) has his water bottle swiped by Nutzy during the United Way campaign kickoff at the Boys and Girls Club on northside in Richmond on Sept. 16, 2010.

DEAN HOFFMEYER 2011 Nutzy

Auditions for Nutzy the Flying Squirrel involved Q-94’s Kash (left) and The X’s Michael Mason (right) as judges and one of the contestants, who was invited to “mix it up” with the two. Nutzy’s first birthday was also celebrated with games for kids outside the Diamond, and National Anthem auditions.

DEAN HOFFMEYER 2011 Nutzy

Mickey Caramucci, 5 of Richmond, got a kick out of an autograph from Nutzy during his first birthday party at the Diamond on Feb. 12, 2011.

DEAN HOFFMEYER 2011 Nutzy

Richmond Flying Squirrels player Roger Kieschnick watches as Nutzy glides from the sky during pregame at The Diamond on Thurs. April 7, 2011.

MARK GORMUS 2011 Nutzy

Jennifer Marshall (right), from Midlothian, photographs Richmond Flying Squirrels’ Nutzy and her son Elliott, 2 yrs. old, who dressed up as Nutzy during the first Squirrel-o-ween at The Diamond Sun. Oct. 30, 2011.

MARK GORMUS 2012 Nutzy

Richmond Flying Squirrels mascot Nutzy, left, lives up to his name as he pretends to autograph the shaved head of Super Bowl champion James Farrior, right, at the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic at the VCU Medical Center in Richmond, VA Friday, April 27, 2012.

BOB BROWN 2012 Nutzy

Shrinidhi Nadgouda (cqbb), 9, gets a high five and a gift bag from Richmond Flying Squirrels mascot Nutzy, left, at the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic at the VCU Medical Center in Richmond, VA Friday, April 27, 2012.

BOB BROWN 2012 Nutzy

Nutzy the Flying Squirrel waves to fans from his 5th inning perch at the Diamond on May 28, 2012.

Dean Hoffmeyer 2012 Nutzy

Nutzy, the mascot of the Richmond Flying Squirrels, stocks up on peanuts at Martin’s Food Market in Richmond, VA Thursday, August 16, 2012.

BOB BROWN 2012 Nutzy

Nutzy, Chris Heston and Nick Liles (right) greet fans and sign autgraphs before their home game on Jul 4, 2012.

DEAN HOFFMEYER 2013 Nutzy

Nutzy throws promotional items to fans during the Squirrels opening night game against New Britain Thursday, April 4, 2013.

ALEXA WELCH EDLUND 2013 Nutzy

Nutzy gets a high 5 from Rosita Harris being held by Jamie Cooney of the World Pediatric Project during a visit of Squirrels’ to the Hospital Hospitality House.

JOE MAHONEY 2013 Nutzy

Nutzy (left) and Richmond Times-Dispatch senior photographer Bob Brown after Brown threw one of the first pitches before the game between Richmond Flying Squirrels and Trenton Thunder at The Diamond in Richmond VA Fri. May 3, 2013.

Mark Gormus 2013 Nutzy

DIAMOND DOGS: Nutzy gets a close look from Livvy an australian shepherd owned by Carolyn and Russell Bishop of PowhatanMonday, May 20, 2013.

JOE MAHONEY 2013 Nutzy

Nutzy, dressed as Uncle Sam in honor of The Fourth of July, waits to take the field during a Richmond Flying Squirrels game at The Diamond in Richmond, Virginia on Thursday, July 4, 2013

Zach Gibson 2013 Nutzy

Drew Bowlin chats with Nutzy before a game against Akron at The Diamond in Richmond, Virginia on Friday, July 5, 2013

Zach Gibson 2013 Nutzy

Virginia Tech football coach Frank Beamer and Nutzy make their way off of The Diamond after Beamer threw the ceremonial first pitch before a Flying Squirrels game in Richmond, Virginia on Friday, July 19, 2013

Zach Gibson 2013 Nutzy

Nutzy donned a Santa hat and beard and on-field emcee Mike Murphy sported an elf suit during the Christmas in July Flying Squirrels’ game at the Diamond, 7/21.

JOE MAHONEY 2013 Nutzy

Nutzy dances with two-year-old Henry Edwards of Richmond on top of the Squirrels dugout in between innings as they play the Senators Friday, August 30, 2013.

ALEXA WELCH EDLUND 2013 Nutzy

Colin Ferguson gives a lift to his 2-year-old son Kieran Ferguson so he can meet Nutzy during the Puritan Cleaners’ Coat for Kids Drive at the Diamond Saturday, November 9, 2013. His mom Deena Ferguson is on the right

ALEXA WELCH EDLUND 2013 Nutzy

Richmond Christmas Mother Kathie Markel, right, introduces her grandchild, Dabney Winston, 2, to Richmond Flying Squirrels mascot Nutzy during a holiday party by Richmond Christmas Mother at Richmond Times-Dispatch in Richmond on Wednesday, December 18, 2013.

Daniel Sangjib Min 2014 Nutzy

Richmond Flying Squirrels’ Nutzy and Hunter Strickland dump water on Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe as he takes the ice bucket challenge prior to the start of the game at The Diamond in Richmond VA Fri. Aug. 22, 2014.

Mark Gormus 2014 Nutzy

Nutzy’s grand entrance at Squirrels home opener at the Diamond.

JOE MAHONEY 2014 Nutzy

Responding to World Cup fever, Richmond’s Flying Squirrel Nutzy (left, 20 with cape) and Mike Murphy (right, 5, without cape) pose at the Diamond in the soccer-inspired jerseys the Squirrels will wear during an upcoming homestand. The homestand that starts on Monday (6/23) will include a weekend with a promotional schedule dedicated to the World Cup (giving away soccer scarfs and mini-balls, plus Squirrels will wear soccer-style jerseys one game) as the Squirrels try to ride the World Cup wave.

Dean Hoffmeyer 2014 Nutzy

Responding to World Cup fever, Richmond’s Flying Squirrel Nutzy (left, 20 with cape) and Mike Murphy (right, 5, without cape) mashup soccer and baseball at the Diamond in soccer-inspired jerseys the Squirrels will wear during an upcoming homestand. The homestand that starts on Monday (6/23) will include a weekend with a promotional schedule dedicated to the World Cup (giving away soccer scarfs and mini-balls, plus Squirrels will wear soccer-style jerseys one game) as the Squirrels ride the World Cup wave.

Dean Hoffmeyer 2014 Nutzy

Responding to World Cup fever, Richmond’s Flying Squirrel Nutzy (20) poses at the Diamond in the soccer-inspired jerseys the Squirrels will wear during an upcoming homestand. The homestand that starts on Monday (6/23) will include a weekend with a promotional schedule dedicated to the World Cup (giving away soccer scarfs and mini-balls, plus Squirrels will wear soccer-style jerseys one game) as the Squirrels ride the World Cup wave.

Dean Hoffmeyer 2014 Nutzy

Nutzy works the stadium during the Richmond Flying Squirrels Reading Fightin Phils game at The Diamond in Richmond VA Sun. July 6, 2014.

Mark Gormus 2019 Nutzy

VCU mascot Rodney the Ram and Richmond Flying Squirrels mascot Nutzy try out electric scooters on Thursday, June 6, 2019.

DANIEL SANGJIB MIN/RTD 2019 Nutzy

Richmond Christmas Mother April Niamtu is shown with Richmond Flying Squirrels mascot Nutzy at The Diamond on Wednesday, August 21, 2019.

DANIEL SANGJIB MIN/RTD 2019 Nutzy

Brini Sharpe, 4, and Kamari Stone, 5, both of Henrico, pose for a photo with Richmond Flying Squirrels’ mascots, Nutzy and Nutasha, during the annual Squirrel-O-Ween event at The Diamond in Richmond on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019.

DANIEL SANGJIB MIN/RTD 20150410_SPO_SQUI_p16

Nutzy arrives at the Diamond in a horse and buggy before the game as the Flying Squirrels take on the Bowie Baysox in their 2015 home opener on 4/9/15

DEAN HOFFMEYER 20150413_SPO_SQUI_DM02

Nutzy bobbleheads are placed for fans at the Diamond in Richmond on Monday, April 13, 2015.

DANIEL SANGJIB MIN/RTD 20150710_SPO_SQUI_05

Nutzy works the crowd during game between Richmond Flying Squirrels and Harrisburg Senators at The Diamond in Richmond VA Thurs. July 9, 2015.

MARK GORMUS 20150723_SPO_SQUI_DM05

Richmond Flying Squirrels’ Nutzy greets children at the Diamond in Richmond on Wednesday, July 22, 2015.

DANIEL SANGJIB MIN/RTD 20150826_SPO SQUI_JM01

Richmond manager Jose Alguacil greets Nutzy at The Diamond, Tuesday, August 25, 2015

JOE MAHONEY 20151115_MET_RINK_AWE04

The Flying Squirrels’ Nutzy ice skated in West Broad Village on the opening day of The Rink Saturday, November 14, 2015.

ALEXA WELCH EDLUND 20160408_SPO_SQUI_SL

Nutzy relaxes with fans on Thursday April 7, 2016.

SHELBY LUM / TIMES-DISPATCH 20200328_SPO_NUTZYp03

In 2016, Richmond Flying Squirrels’ new mascot Nutasha, right, posed with Nutzy before a game at The Diamond.

DANIEL SANGJIB MIN/TIMES-DISPATCH 20160501_SPO_SQUI_AWE13

Nutzy gives Piersen Norris, a four-year-old who is battling cancer, a high five during the ASK Kourageous Kids Walk at the Diamond Saturday, April 30, 2016, during the Squirrels game against Hartford. On right are (L-R) his parents Bryasan and Troy Norris and his sister Wramsey Norris, age 10.

ALEXA WELCH EDLUND 20160510_MET_WILD

A dog from the Richmond SPCA looks around as Nutasha and Nutzy greet a dog at The Diamond during Bark in the Park night in Richmond VA Mon. May 9, 2016.

Mark Gormus 20160605_SPO_SQUI_AWE13

Nutzy and Nutasha lead swim teams walked around the baseball field for Swim Night at the Diamond before the Squirrels play Harrisburg Saturday June 4, 2016.

ALEXA WELCH EDLUND 20160617_SPO_SQUIRRELS_DM03

Richmond Flying Squirrels mascot Nutzy greets first graders of J.H. Blackwell Elementary School, who participate in a ground breaking ceremony for the revitalization of Blackwell Field, in Richmond on Thursday, June 16, 2016.

DANIEL SANGJIB MIN/RTD 20160705_SPO_SQUI_KM7

Nutzy dressed patriotically for the Flying Squirrels’ game against the Reading Fightin Phils, July 4, 2016

P. KEVIN MORLEY/TIMES-DISPATCH 20160710_SPO_SQUITOURNEY_02

Richmond Flying Squirrels’ Nutzy, Eliezer Zambrano and Jose Casilla watch a game from the CBC Reds dugout as they visted the Flying Squirrels Regional Youth Baseball Tournament at the Ironbridge Sports Complex in Chesterfield County VA Sat. July 9, 2016.

MARK GORMUS/TIMES-DISPATCH 20170226_MET_POLAR_SL

Nutzy gets splashed by Todd “Parney” Parnell vice president, COO and general manager of the Flying Squirrels after they jumped into the pool for the Polar Plunge at Willow Lawn on Saturday Feb. 25, 2017. The plunge was to support Special Olympics Virginia’s athletes.

SHELBY LUM / TIMES-DISPATCH 20170427_SPO_SQUI_10

Nutzy and Nutasha greet fans during the Richmond Flying Squirrels, Bowie Baysox game at The Diamond in Richmond VA Wed. April 26, 2017.

MARK GORMUS/TIMES-DISPATCH 20170623_SPO_SQUI_07

Nutzy and Nutasha, shown hanging out with fans during a 2017 game at The Diamond, have played major roles in delivering entertainment to Flying Squirrels supporters.

2017, Times-DISPATCH 20170720_BIZ_WALMART_BB06

Jazmine Henley, left, looks at a picture she just shot of her daughters Mariah, 11, and Zania, 9, with Nutzy and Nutasha from the Richmond Flying Squirrels outside the new Walmart store on Nine Mile Rd. in eastern Henrico County, VA Wednesday, July 19, 2017. The store is the first Walmart Supercenterfor the community.

BOB BROWN/TIMES-DISPATCH 20180621_SPO_SQUI_05

Nutzy entertains during the Richmond Flying Squirrels, Altoona Curve game at The Diamond in Richmond VA Wed. June 20, 2018.

MARK GORMUS/TIMES-DISPATCH 20180818_SPO_SQUIRRELS_02

Richmond Flying Squirrels’ Nutzy entertains during the game against Hartford Yard Goats at the Diamond in Richmond VA Fri. Aug. 17, 2018.

MARK GORMUS/TIMES-DISPATCH 20180904_SPO_BASEBALL_SL

Ellen Hagler, 4, of Richmond gives Nutzy a hug during a Squirrels game on Wednesday Aug. 29, 2018.

SHELBY LUM/TIMES-DISPATCH 20180904_SPO_BASEBALL_SL

Nutzy pulls a prank on vendor Andre Wallace during a game on Wednesday Aug. 29, 2018.

SHELBY LUM/TIMES-DISPATCH 20190628_SPO_SQUI_03

Nutzy entertains the crowd during the Richmond Flying Squirrels game against Hartford Yard Goats June 27, 2019 at The Diamond in Richmond VA.

MARK GORMUS/TIMES-DISPATCH 20190710_SPO_PEPRALLY_AWE05

Nutzy rides a Bolt scooter at One James Center during the Squirrels’ pep rally for Eastern League All-Star Week Tuesday, July 9, 2019.

ALEXA WELCH EDLUND 20200123_SPO_SQUI_05

Nutzy and Brian Jordan pose for a photo during the Flying Squirrels annual Hot Stove Banquet at the Siegel Center at VCU in Richmond VA Wed. Jan. 22, 2020.

MARK GORMUS/TIMES-DISPATCH

John O’Connor (804) 649-6233

joconnor@timesdispatch.com

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