The Nationals announced yesterday that top prospect would play in the Arizona Fall League this season. Here is what MLB.com's Bill Ladson wrote in his blog on Wednesday:
The Nationals have decided that outfielder Bryce Harper, the No 1 overall pick in the 2010 First-Year Draft, will play for the Scottsdale Scorpions of the Arizona Fall League, effective immediately, according to general manager Mike Rizzo. Harper will be on the Taxi squad, which means that he will play twice a week.
Harper performed well in the Nationals instructional league hitting .319-.407-.702 with 4 HRs, 4 2Bs, a triple, 12 RBIs and 7 walks in 47 at bats. Nats GM Mike Rizzo had this to say after announcing Harper would play in the AFL this season:
"He is going to A-ball, make no mistake about it," Rizzo added. "He is not going to be a rushed guy. We are going to let his performance and development dictate where this guy goes."
Somehow, I think Harper's performance will force the Nationals hand in 2011. Is it possible we see Harper in the Nat's outfield in 2012?
Here's a quick look at Wednesday's AFL action:
Jason Kipnis-0-4, 2 K
Dustin Ackley-1-1, 2 RS, RBI (sprained finger, out 2 weeks)
Jay Austin-1-3, RS, SB, BB, 2 RBIs
Salvador Perez-2-4, 2 RBIs
Casey Kelly- 4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, O ER, 3 K
Steve Lombardozzi-2-6, RS
Ryan Adams-3-3, 4 RBIs
A.J. Pollock-2-4, RS, RBI
Jared Mitchell-0-3, BB, 2 K
Ben Revere-1-4, K, RBI
Michael Taylor-2-3, 2 RS, HR, 2 RBIs,
Jerry Sands-2-4
Kyle Skipworth-1-3, BB, K, RS,
Freddie Freeman-0-3, K
Grant Green-0-3, BB
Kirk Nieuwenhuis-0-3, BB, 2 K
Brandon Wood-2-4, HR, RBI (KLaw tweeted that he cleared the Second fence in Mesa with his HR)
Andrew Lambo-0-4, 3 K
Josh Vitters-0-4, 3 K
Manny Banuelos-2 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, BB, K
Here is what Keith Law tweeted when asked about Banuelos performance last night:
Solid. I'll lead with him and Kelly tomorrow. RT @mikeaxisa: @keithlaw How's Banuelos look?