Drafted in the 11th round (340th overall) by the Washington Nationals in 2007.
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Rhinehart played mostly outfield during his four-year career at Arizona before shifting to first base down the stretch in his breakout senior season. He stayed at first in pro ball and made all-star teams at his first two pro stops in the New York-Penn and South Atlantic leagues. After reaching Double-A in his first full season, Rhinehart finished 2008 on a tear in the Arizona Fall League, going 19-for-39 (.487) in his final nine games. Rhinehart doesn't have huge strength or electric bat speed, but he has a quiet, professional offensive approach and leverage in his swing. He excels at keeping an even keel and making adjustments, which makes him an RBI machine. With an open stance, Rhinehart can drive the ball to the left-center gap or pull a homer to right. He's a below-average runner but not a clogger, and he moves around well at first base, though he's still learning the nuances of the position. His arm is solid for a first baseman. Rhinehart has a chance to be an everyday first baseman in the mold of Lyle Overbay or Nick Johnson, and some Nationals officials expect him to reach the big leagues sometime in 2009.
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Rated Best Defensive 1B in the South Atlantic League in 2008
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