Well, it’s not how the Nationals envisioned the arrival, but Bryce Harper is here. The promotion is based more on necessity than performance – Harper’s hitting just .250/.333/.375 in the early going at Triple-A Syracuse. Looks like he’ll occupy the 7th spot in the Washington batting order while Ryan Zimmerman and Michael Morse are shelved on the DL. It’s probably unrealistic to expect too much out of Harper just yet, but he’s the No. 1 prospect in the game and he possess the tools and makeup to convince me otherwise quickly. As I’m writing this, we’re some seven hours from first pitch in LA. And while I’d love to document the MLB debut of The Great Bryce Harper, I have a wedding to attend this evening, and thus, an open bar to drain. You’ll have to hit me up in the comments to hear my hungover thoughts on Harper’s first game.
Mike Trout | OF, Angels – Trout, too, was called up from Triple-A and he’s in left field and leading off for the Angels on Saturday. Given his hot start in the PCL, it seems Trout is a safer bet than Harper to produce immediately. He’ll be in the lineup everyday going forward, so pick him up if he’s somehow still available in your league.
Wil Myers | OF, Royals – After struggling in Double-A last season, Myers is off to a blazing start at the same level in 2012. He’s already blasted six homers and knocked in 14, stealing three bags in the process.
Leonys Martin | OF, Rangers – Back in February, I voiced my uncertainty regarding Martin, claiming I hadn’t seen enough from his bat to endorse him as a quality fantasy option. Well, he’s finally shown me something, as he’s already hit three homers while slashing .329/.409/.524 through 94 PA’s at Triple-A. That’s quite the turnaround when you consider his production at the same level last season: .263/.316/.314, 0 HR in 192 PA’s. Martin could be occupying center for the Rangers for the second half if his hot start persists.
Will Middlebrooks | 3B, Red Sox – Middlebrooks has a .416 ISO through his first 20 games at Triple-A, which is ridiculous. It’ll be easy for Boston to pass on Youkilis’s option at season’s end if their 3B of the future keeps up these unreal numbers.
Dylan Bundy | RHP, Orioles – Here’s another dude with unreal numbers. Through four games and 13 IP, Bundy has stuck out 21 batters. The 19-year-old is yet to allow a hit in his pro career, while walking only one.
Jonathan Singleton | 1B, Astros – With 12 XBH through his first 79 trips to the plate in the Double-A Texas League, Singleton is making a push to reach Houston this year. Those who thought his 2011 line was inflated by the hitter-friendly Cali League are surely starting to be swayed.
Trevor May | RHP, Phillies – After posting a 12.10 K/9 in 2011 at High-A, May is back to his filthy self in 2012, this time at Double-A, where he’s already struck out 26 batters in 23 IP. Once he’s able to hone his command, May shouldn’t need too much more time in the minors.
Brad Peacock | RHP, Athletics – I highlighted Peacock’s hot start in last week’s Minor Accomplishments. He followed up my endorsement with a Monday start that looked like this: 4.1 IP, 10 H, 7 ER. That’ll be the last time I say anything nice about that jerk.
