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This won't be a new feature here at Fake Teams, but I have the day off so I figured I would post how some of the top prospects performed on Opening Day in the minors.
Minor League Performances
Angels outfield prospect Mike Trout went 3-5 with 2 runs scored. My guess is that he is up by June.
Nationals outfield prospect Bryce Harper went 2-4 with a SB and a strikeout. Here is what Nats GM Mike RIzzo said about him in a recent interview:
Asked if there was any chance that the 19-year-old outfielder wouldn't make it to the majors this year, the Nats' GM said, "Well, I mean, if he's not ready developmentally to come to the big leagues then he won't. We don't feel that that's the case. We feel that he's far enough along in his development where a few tweaks here and there, more at bats, log more games in center field that we feel that he will be major league ready, but yeah, I guess there's a chance that he won't get to the big leagues this year, I wouldn't go to Vegas and bet on it. But this guy's talent is so above and beyond that he's not your normal developmental schedule and the normal developmental player."
Nolan Arenado went 4-5 with a double and an RBI. Denver Post Rockies beat writer Troy Renck tweeted last night that he thinks Arenado is up by June. In the meantime, Jordan Pacheco and Chris Nelson will man third base for the Rockies. If that offense struggles to open the season, the drum will start beating for an Arenado call up.
Diamondbacks pitching prospect Trevor Bauer threw 5 shutout innings, giving up 2 hits, 3 walks and striking out 7. Bauer might be one of the first prospects called up this season.
Reds infield prospect Billy Hamilton went 1-3 with a HR and his first of many stolen bases.
Diamondbacks pitching prospect Archie Bradley threw 5 shutout innings, giving up 4 hits, a walk and 7 strikeouts in his minor league debut at Low A South Bend. Bret Sayre and Craig Goldstein are quite high on Bradley who has ace potential.
Dodgers pitching prospect Zach Lee also threw 5 shutout innings last night, giving up just one hit, a walk and 5 strikeouts in his California League debut.
Orioles shortstop prospect Manny Machado went 2-4 with a HR and a stolen base in his first AA game last night. The Orioles are being aggressive with Machado and Keith Law stated in his chat yesterday that he thinks Machado could get a September cup of coffee.