Wheeler and I spoke after last Thursday’s win over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, his first in three starts against the Baby Blue Jays. We talked about a recent finger problem that lead to a missed start, his impressions on the California League, and how his approach to pitching has had to change as he’s moved up the minor league ladder.

First of all, feel good to finally get a win against these guys? You’ve pitched well against them a couple times.

Yeah, of course. These guys are good hitters. They try to jump on my fastball early so you have to get over your secondary pitches for strikes and I did a pretty good job of that today.

I read an interview this winter with MiLB.com that that was something you wanted to work on, developing your secondary pitches. I know we’re a little bit early in the season, but do you feel like that’s something that’s been going well for you?

Yeah, definitely. My slider I can throw for strikes and that’s been helping me out a lot because once you start getting up a little bit in Double-A, you can’t just throw your fastball by everybody anymore. So you’ve gotta be able to throw your secondary pitches for strikes, and like you said, I’ve been working on it this off-season and it’s helped me out a lot.

You missed one start with the bad finger, right? How is that feeling right now?

Felt great. I threw my bullpen the other day, like two, three days ago, and it felt good so they let me come out here and pitch and it felt great.

Was that something I read you dealt with before, a couple years ago?

Yeah. It happened my first year in Low-A. There’s like a growth underneath the nail, and they took the growth out so the nail was having a hard time reattaching to the skin bed.

Is that the same thing that happened this time?

Yeah.

Is that just something you’re gonna have to deal with from time to time? Just get used to it?

Yeah, pretty much.

How does that affect when you’re pitching? Does it cause pain? You just can’t grip the ball?

It’s kinda hard to explain. The nail, like I said, was detaching from the skin bed, part of the nail, so where it is still attached at the back, that gets sore, and it stay sore for two days just like your arm would. Then it starts healing up till the next start. So it’s not a big deal. I can pitch through it. I’ve done it plenty of times.

Last year you were in the California League before you got traded. It’s known as a tough league for pitchers. What were your impressions of pitching there, in that league?

California League’s definitely a little different. The fields are a little bit shorter, I think, and the wind always blows out into the outfield. There’s no places where the wind blows in, so when you’re out there on the mound you’re always looking back at the flags and like I said, they’re always blowing. So you just try to work your corners and stay down and try to get a lot of ground balls. That’s all you really CAN do out there.

Was it nice to go from there to the Florida State League after you got traded?

When I got traded and I found out where the Mets High-A team was I was pretty pumped about being in Florida.

You were traded straight up for Carlos Beltran. Was that a big deal for you, to be traded for somebody as accomplished as he is?

Yeah, feels great. But this is baseball, really, to me. Stuff’s gonna happen. You just gotta keep on performing.

A couple years ago in the Prospect Handbook for Baseball America, they said that during your first season you learned that, “You can’t strike everyone out.” Was there sort of an “A-ha!” moment where you realized you could change the way you approach hitters and still get guys out?

In high school, you could literally throw the fastball by everybody, and you really didn’t have to develop a changeup. I got away with a, scout say decent, curveball. It got me through it. But once you get up to this level that curveball would’ve been getting hit around for sure. So you get up there and you see people throwing as hard as you do, and people are hitting it, you gotta learn actually how to pitch. And I thought I went into it knowing how to pitch, which I did a little bit, but you’ve still gotta go out there and perform.

I’m very deserving. Only a fool would attempt an MLB mock draft this early without any sources or connections in the game. Even those that do can barely use those connections anyway since it’s too far out to hear much buzz about teams being interested in specific players. Yet here I am, actually posting a mock draft in the first week of May just to satisfy my draft craving. How many picks will be wrong? All of them? Will this be the laughingstock of the internet? Yes.

Of course teams shouldn’t draft for ML need in baseball, but part of my reasoning for each pick could be that I feel the organization is lacking depth at a particular position. If a team tends to go with college players or toolsy guys, I’m trying to keep that in mind. I don’t know every team’s tendencies though.

1.1 Houston Astros, RHP Kevin Gausman, LSU: The early buzz is that Houston is interested in a college pitcher, and right now I feel like Gausman is the best available. In my mind, Mark Appel and Kyle Zimmer have also been the #1 college pitchers on the draft at one point or another, and in the next month it could change again. Also considered Mark Appel and Byron Buxton

1.2 Minnesota Twins, RHP Mark Appel, Stanford: I would personally rather have Zimmer, but Appel has competed in a better conference and is probably more polished. His stuff isn’t as good, but the Twins will like that he throws strikes and has a good feel for pitching. He has flyball tenedencies, but that should be masked in Target Field. Also considered Kyle Zimmer and Byron Buxton

1.3 Seattle Mariners, C Mark Zunino, Florida: This makes too much sense to not happen, but I said that last year about Rendon going to Seattle too. Catcher has been a sore spot for the organization once Kenji Johjima fell off a cliff, and Zunino will be able to move quickly and help the lineup soon. He can hit, and he’s not bad behind the plate. Also considered Byron Buxton and Albert Almora

1.4 Baltimore Orioles, OF Byron Buxton, Georgia HS: I feel like there’s quite a bit of risk with Buxton which is why I have him lasting until the 4th pick. He has a very high ceiling and that’s the kind of talent Baltimore needs, but he’s raw and older than the average high school hitter. This is an organization in need of just about everything, and this pick could go a few ways. Also considered Kyle Zimmer and Albert Almora

1.5 Kansas City Royals, RHP Kyle Zimmer, San Francisco: The Royals really wanted a pitcher 5th overall last year, but when Gerrit Cole, Danny Hultzen, Trevor Bauer and Dylan Bundy went 1-4, they settled on Bubba Starling. This year, they could miss out again if Baltimore chooses a pitcher, but in this scenario they land Zimmer. Their pitching depth hasn’t developed quite as planned, and Zimmer gives them another great option. Also considered Max Fried and Deven Marrero

1.6 Chicago Cubs, OF Albert Almora, Florida HS: Like Baltimore, the Cubs just need to focus on accumulating talent. They lack pitching depth, but Almora will be too appealing to pass up. He’s a really good athlete that may have the best hit tool in the draft, and that means he has less risk than most high school bats. Also considered Max Fried and Carlos Correa

1.7 San Diego Padres, LHP Max Fried, California HS: Fried’s teammate Lucas Giolito could’ve been the first high school righty ever taken first overall if not for an elbow injury earlier in the spring. His status is now up in the air. Fried has two above average pitches, and every team loves picking up left handed arms. Two years after failing to sign Karsten Whitson in the top 10, the Padres make another run at a good high school pitcher. Also considered Carlos Correa and Deven Marrero

1.8 Pittsburgh Pirates, SS Deven Marrero, Arizona State: Marreo came into the year as a possible top five pick, but he hasn’t had a good spring. Recently, the Pirates have preferred drafting easier signs in the first round and spending money later, and Marreo fits in that trend. He’ll provide very good up the middle defense and has the potential to hit a little too. Also considered Carlos Correa and Marcus Stroman

1.9 Miami Marlins, INF Carlos Correa, Puerto Rico: Having Miami pick a talented Latino player is lazy, but he’s also an absolute gift at this position. He plays shortstop now but will probably outgrow the position professionally. He’s going to be a very good hitter with power, and even though they need pitching they’ll happily grab this talented infielder. Also considered Marcus Stroman and Matt Smoral

1.10 Colorado Rockies, RHP Marcus Stroman, Duke: Stroman seems to be on more helium than anyone in this draft, and the Rockies will make it a college pitcher in the first round two years ago. His small stature is concerning, but this spring in the ACC he’s proved to be durable and might have the best stuff in the draft among college pitchers. Also considered Matt Smoral and Zach Eflin

1.11 Oakland A’s, 3B Stephen Piscotty, Stanford: Oakland’s preference for college players in the first round is obvious, and they’ll opt for this local product who has a good feel for hitting. Teams will always have to worry about the Stanford Swing, but it should be possible for them to get power out of his big frame. He has the tools to stick at third base. Also considered Richie Shaffer and Michael Wacha

1.12 New York Mets, LHP Matt Smoral, Ohio HS: Last year, the Mets showed that they’re not afraid to get aggressive and go after a high school player in the first round with Brandon Nimmo. There are a few college options here, but they’ll opt for the huge 6’8, 225 pound lefty. He’s missing time with an injury, but he’s not really much of a wild card because teams have seen enough of him already. Also considered Richie Shaffer and Michael Wacha

1.13 Chicago White Sox, 3B Richie Shaffer, Clemson:Shaffer has been moving up draft boards all spring with improved results at the plate, and he can field his position too. He fits the White Sox usual profile by virtue of being a college player. It now appears they whiffed on Gordon Beckham as a college position player near the top of the draft, but there’s no reason to not try again. Also considered Michael Wacha and Andrew Heaney

1.14 Cincinnati Reds, SS Gavin Cecchini, Louisiana HS: Without their second rounder, it’s possible that the Reds will look for some more upside with this pick to be sure they get a high ceiling player. I’m a big fan of his brother Garin, and Gavin may have even more upside thanks to his ability to play shortstop. He’s a nice athlete up the middle with a good hit tool. Also considered Michael Wacha and Zach Eflin

1.15 Cleveland Indians, RHP Michael Wacha, Texas A&M: After their bizarre trade for Ubaldo Jimenez last summer, Cleveland needs to replenish depth badly. They’ve drafted college pitchers in the first round in two of the last three years, and why not go back to the well? Wacha is a pretty solid pick with a nice fastball and changeup combo. Also considered Zach Eflin and Andrew Heaney

1.16 Washington Nationals, LHP Andrew Heaney, Oklahoma State: Washington would’ve loved to land Wacha, but Heaney gives them another polished option from the Big 12. They want a pitcher that can move pretty quickly, and this lefty gives them just that. He changes speeds well and will solidify the back end of their rotation. Also considered Lucas Giolito and Brian Johnson

1.17 Toronto Blue Jays, RHP Lucas Giolito, California HS: Here he is. Giolito might not get back into game action before the draft, but someone will want to take the chance on his stuff and give him a big bonus to keep him from UCLA. Toronto whiffed on their gamble with Tyler Beede last year, but they’ve showed they’re not afraid to pay the big bonuses in the draft. Also considered Zach Eflin and Hunter Virant

1.18 Los Angeles Dodgers, C Stryker Trahan, Louisiana HS: The Dodgers days of bigger spending in the draft could be back with new ownership, and Trahan could give them the starting catcher they’ve lacked since Russell Martin got injured. He’s had a down spring, but he offers a well-rounded skillset with very good athleticism. Also considered Zach Eflin and Hunter Virant

1.19 St. Louis Cardinals (from Anaheim, Pujols), LHP Zach Eflin, Florida HS: With two first rounders, the Cardinals may go aggressive with one pick and conservative with another. He could have three above average pitches when it’s all said and done, and teams can never have enough pitching depth. Also considered Hunter Virant and Addison Russell

1.20 San Francisco Giants, SS Addison Russell, Florida HS: Aside from catcher, the Giants are lacking depth all across the diamond. The best way to replenish that depth is to go with up the middle talent. Russell is athletic and has a bat that can profile all across the diamond, and he’s working hard to be able to stay at shortstop. Also considered Hunter Virant and David Dahl

1.21 Atlanta Braves, OF Tyler Naquin, Texas A&M: The Braves have had outfield and top of the lineup issues for most of the last few years, and if Naquin develops, he could help address both. Their pitching depth is still strong at the top, but the offense throughout the system is spotty. Naquin is a solid all-around talent that can profile in center and right field. Also considered Chris Stratton and Kenny Diekroeger

1.22 Toronto Blue Jays (compensation for not signing Beede), LHP Brian Johnson, Florida: The Blue Jays have so much depth everywhere, it’s almost hard to pick them a second first rounder. After spending big for Giolito, they’ll take a safer talent and a guy easier to sign. Johnson is a back-end of the rotation starter, but he should move through the system quickly thanks to the depth of his arsenal and pitchability. Also considered Chris Stratton and Nolan Fontana

1.23 St. Louis Cardinals, RHP Chris Stratton, Mississippi State: Like Toronto, this will be the Cardinals’ second pitcher selected in this round, and he’s another high floor, easier sign kind of player. Stratton wasn’t much of a factor when it came to draft boards this winter, but he’s improved his stock with a great spring in the SEC. Because of that, maybe some teams will have reservations about taking him. Also considered Nolan Fontana and Kenny Diekroeger

1.24 Boston Red Sox, RHP Walker Weickel, Florida HS: Weickel has had a down spring, but he’s big and throws hard, and teams are always looking for that. Boston will also be willing to meet his bonus demands to keep him away from his scholarship to Miami. Also considered Hunter Virant and Courtney Hawkins

1.25 Tampa Bay Rays, C Clint Coulter, Washington HS: This is a pick that just seems to fit the Rays. They don’t mind pursuing high school talent, and the front office might as well be there with how often they draft players from the Pacific Northwest. Coulter is a bat first player, and although his size might move him out from behind the plate, he should be able to stay there. Also considered Hunter Virant and Joey Gallo

1.26 Arizona Diamondbacks, OF David Dahl, Louisiana HS: His stock has been declining a bit, but he’s still a first round talent. His tools are impressive, and he should have the plate approach that eliminates some of the risk that typical high school hitters have. They’ve done a great job addressing their pitching depth, and now they could use some more outfield talent. Also considered Courtney Hawkins and Nolan Fontana

1.27 Milwaukee Brewers (from Detroit, Fielder), INF Joey Gallo, Nevada HS: For the second straight year, Milwaukee owns two first rounders which will be great for replenishing the depth they traded away two offseasons ago for Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum. He offers some nice power potential on the corner infield which they could use. Also considered Nolan Fontana and Courtney Hawkins

1.28 Milwaukee Brewers, SS Nolan Fontana, Florida: Fontana isn’t a standout player, but he gives Milwaukee some up the middle depth. His on base skills would give Milwaukee another option at the top of the lineup. His arm isn’t great for a shortstop, but it’s passable. Alcides Escobar would’ve been their long-term shortstop if they didn’t trade him, and now they’re scrambling for a solution. Also considered Courtney Hawkins and Kenny Diekroeger

1.29 Texas Rangers, LHP Hunter Virant, California HS, Like Toronto, the Rangers have great depth up and down the system. They could probably use some additional outfield depth, but there really aren’t any great options for them. Virant is loaded with projectability, and if he can add velocity to his fastball, the Rangers will have one more premium arm. Also considered Courtney Hawkins and Luke Sims

1.30 New York Yankees, RHP Luke Sims, Georgia HS: The Yankees would’ve loved to land Virant but just miss out in this scenario. In recent years, they’ve added a lot of potential everyday players through the draft, and now they have a chance to improve the pitching depth which isn’t as strong in the lower minors. Also considered Ty Buttrey and Lance McCullers

1.31 Boston Red Sox (from Philadelphia, Papelbon), OF Courtney Hawkins, Texas HS: I’m not sure if teams will be able to manage two high school picks in a round with the new bonus restrictions, but I really don’t see any college players that fit here. Hawkins has some nice power potential even if he can’t stay in center. Also considered Carson Kelly and Ty Buttrey

Not in first round

Anaheim’s first pick is 114th overall

Detroit’s first pick is 91st overall

Philadelphia’s first pick is 40th overall

I predicted weeks back that Bryce Harper would be in the Big Leagues before the All-Star break.  Heck! I told you if you played Fantasy Baseball, put him on your bench.  He wouldn’t be there for too long.

I know.  For my next trick, I will predicted that Kim Kardashian will date Kanye West just long enough for the NFL draft to finish. On a side note, why hasn’t she ever gone for baseball players?

Back to Bryce Harper, the Washington Nationals are pulling the trigger as early as expected. With the injury to a lackluster Ryan Zimmerman, and no one else ready to step up to the plate (the 3-2 loss to the Dodgers might have been the straw that broke the camel’s back), the Nationals sure aren’t going to let their hot start languish for too long.  Is Harper going to give them the power they are looking for?

The 19-year-old Harper comes with an impressive pedigree. He was the 2010 overall first round draft pick and Golden Spikes award winner.  Nonetheless, he was hitting .250 with one homerun in 20 games at Triple A Syracuse.   Normally, that’s not enough to get you on the varsity team. Forget about clicking your ticket to the show.

Harper is a kid with exceptional promise who is doing ok … kind of… in the minors.  Are they calling him up too early?  Absolutely.  Could this blow up in the Nationals’ face and do irreparable damage to both the kid and the organization? Possibly. Regardless, if you listen quietly, you can hear the screenplay for the Disney adaptation of his life being written right now.

Can you smell the desperation on the Nationals? Yeah, and I really don’t know why.  I picked Jose Reyes number one in my Fantasy Baseball Draft.  Do you see me panicking? (Insert picture of me dabbing my sweating brow furiously.)

Hardly fazed by playing in front of a sellout crowd at Dodger Stadium last night, Bryce Harper sure didn’t leave that eye-popping talent in Syracuse.  He nearly nailed a runner at the plate with a perfect throw from left field. He singled in his third at-bat and hit a sacrifice fly lineout to left against Javy Guerra, which gave the Nationals a 2-1 lead.  That lead grew to 3-1 in the top of the ninth, but Henry Rodriguez (interim Nationals closer) could not make it stand.  He allowed three hits and let the tying run reach on a wild pitch.

Did Harper show up?  Absolutely.  Is he the savior for the Nationals current slide?  Apparently not, they still lost and he’s only one person.

Bryce Harper was less of a physical cure-all for the Nationals’ issues and more of an emotional cure-all. He did give the team a jolt and the fan-base something to watch.  Let’s face it.  I’m not a Nationals fan and I just devoted an entire article to him.

Overall, the Bryce Harper story has gotten off to a great start. But like any good story, we’re not done with the exposition yet.  Even his representation, Super Agent/Dark Overlord Scott Boras, predicts he’ll return to Syracuse for more seasoning once Zimmerman is off the DL. Syracuse isn’t going to be giving away Harper’s locker yet, but based on last night’s performance, this won’t be the last we’ll see of Harper in the big show.

Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him.

HE is here.

The Chosen One. Born of pure midiclorians, HE is the one of the great prophesy of the Book of Doubleday.

For years now, we have awaited this glorious day. The day in which HE would descend upon us, don the uniform of our capitol city, and we would bask in HIS glory. How fitting that HE would arrive in The City of Angels. Even the stars dare not blink when HE crosses their path. Sound the horns and mark the day, for it is one we must never forget.

Since 2010, we have attempted to purify our souls in anticipation. We oogled at HIS god-like adolescent strength. We compared HIS mental make-up to the greatest hitter of all-time. We compared HIS on-the-field actions to those who grace our great Halls. We have been penitent and humble in HIS glory. And now, on this day when he stops riding buses and toiling among the common folk of small towns and small fields, we hope that we have done enough. We hope we are worthy of HIS presence.

Sceptics, blasphemers, and non-believers will try to dissuade us. They say today is not the right day for HIS arrival. They will downplay HIS impact on our lives. They might even say HE is not the savior we know HIM to be. But they do not understand.

This is the day we will tell our grandchildren about.

Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter

The Bryce Harper Era starts today.

This is a post that appeared at Philly Sports Central earlier this week, and I thought it could be appropriate here too.

Any team, Pat Burrell.

Last Thursday, the Phillies announced that Pat Burrell will sign a ceremonial one-day contract so he can officially retire as a member of the team (Ruben Amaro initially offered a three day contract, but that was deemed unnecessary.) He’ll be honored the weekend of May 18-20 against the Red Sox close to 12 years after his ML debut (5/24/00). In his 12 year career, Burrell slugged 292 home runs including 251 with the Phillies, good for 4th in franchise history. While his prolonged in-season slumps frustrated many fans, from 2005 to 2008 which has to be considered his prime, he was actually very consistent from season to season. He hit between 29 and 33 home runs, slugged between .502 and .507, and his OPS ranged from .875 to .902.

Some may say that he didn’t live up to expectations as a #1 pick because he never won any kind of award or played in an All-Star Game, but he actually stacks up very well compared to other first overall picks. As of now, only five other #1 picks have hit more home runs than he did, and even though some active #1 picks will eventually pass Burrell, his career will definitely be seen in a positive light years from now. Although people may have expected more based on his pedigree in college and the minors, he was still a key part in many lineups.

It may be hard to believe based on the limited range and foot speed for most of his career, but Burrell was once a really good athlete that also excelled in football and basketball. When it was clear that his future would be in baseball, Burrell dropped the other sports and enjoyed a very successful high school career at Bellarmine College Prep, culminating in being named California High School Player of the Year. He was taken very late in the 1995 draft by the Red Sox, but they never had serious negotiations. Burrell chose to attend Miami over Cal State Fullerton, where he would’ve been a teammate of Aaron Rowand.

While individual season statistics before 1999 are difficult if not impossible to find, Burrell’s career numbers as a Hurricane are readily available. He made an impact in college baseball immediately. He led the nation in batting average and slugging percentage, hit 23 home runs in 64 games, and somehow those numbers were dwarfed by his postseason stats. He became just the third player all time to be named College World Series Most Outstanding Player on a team that didn’t win the tournament. He still holds the Miami freshman records for home runs and total bases.

The Hurricanes didn’t come that close to winning a championship for the rest of Burrell’s college career. However, he still enjoyed two more great seasons that resulted in postseason play. His name is all over the Miami record book even though he missed two months of his junior season with a back injury. In Miami history, he’s first in batting average, first in slugging, second in home runs, and he’s also in the top 10 in runs, hits, total bases, RBI and walks. He made just about every All-American team in 1996 and 1997, and even though he missed a lot of time in his junior year, won the Golden Spikes Award, presented to the best amateur player in the country. He was an easy choice to go first overall, and fortunately for the Phillies, signed pretty quickly unlike their first round pick in the previous draft.

To start his pro career, Burrell got to stay in Florida as he was assigned to Clearwater. Going directly to high-A from college in the same year is rarely if ever seen now, and it shows how advanced Burrell was. J.D. Drew actually went right to AA after signing, but he had two seasons of indy league experience at that point. Some of Burrell’s teammates on that Clearwater team included Jimmy Rollins, Brandon Duckworth and Adam Eaton. He’s not on league leaderboards because he fell seven at bats short, but Burrell was one of the league’s best hitters at 21 years old. He would’ve been 11th in the league in OPS, and only one of the players in front of him, Nick Johnson, was 21 years old or younger.

1999 was another big step forward for Burrell, both at the plate and in the field. The Phillies were resigned to the fact that he wouldn’t be able to play third base like in college, but they thought he could cover enough ground to play left field. He still played mostly first base, but he got his feet wet to prepare to make the transition full time in 2000. The change on defense didn’t affect him at the plate at all, and he had another great season. His 1.068 OPS was second in the Eastern League, behind only Nick Johnson. He hit 28 more home runs, and he was well on his way to the majors.

Burrell would only play 45 more games in the minors for the rest of his career, not counting rehab appearances. In 40 games for the SWB Phillies in AAA, Burrell again posted an OPS over .900. His SLG dipped below .500, but his patience and command of the strike zone allowed him to post an OBP over .400. After Rico Brogna went on the DL in May, the Phillies eventually brought Burrell up. On May 24th, he joined the Phillies in Houston and made his major league debut, collecting his first two career hits. The next night, he hit his first home run off Scott Elarton. Two months later, the Phillies acquired Travis Lee who had been one of the league’s top prospects just a couple years earlier. Lee started his Phillies career in left field, but he soon moved to first where he was a very good defender. Burrell would occupy left field for the rest of his career, except for one game in 2009 when the Rays sent him out to right.

It would be fair to say that Burrell may not have lived up to expectations after a career at Miami that indicated he could’ve been one of the best players of this era. He certainly wasn’t that, but he had a very good career that should be remembered fondly in the best years of Phillies history. The difference between the player Burrell was and the player he could have been was was likely a change in approach at the plate. He became great at hitting to right field at Miami, but as a professional he became a dead pull hitter. Maybe he felt pressure to hit more home runs after his outstanding 2002 season and contract extension, but he still became a very dangerous power hitter.

That’s something you’re going to have to wait for the end to get answered. But first, let’s start with the good. Pettis has a writing style that works. There are times where you will find yourself completely entertained by his writing. He knows how to write a good blog entry, and it absolutely shows through here.

And if he writes a sequel? I liked enough of this that I will absolutely be willing to read it. But that being said? This is a book that definitely could have used a more rigorous editing process regarding narrative flow and structure in general.

For one? In a 133 page ebook, we find ourselves with ten percent of the book covering an autobiography of Pettis. And we don’t actually get to Williamsport until Page 32. This would have been less of an issue for me if there weren’t parts that seem like they were screaming for expansion. As an example? I would have loved if Pettis would have expanded on the feelings of a team that while in contention, didn’t seem like they were in it to win it.

But that being said? I’m discussing a matter that didn’t seem to be the writer’s intent. Pettis will expound further in a future Q&A, so while I feel that it was a problem that would keep this from making it my highest recommendation, it may yet work for you.

In a way, and I’m gonna force a metaphor here so bear with me. Pettis the writer is a lot different than Pettis the baseball player. There are all the tools for him to write something great. But for me, this wasn’t it. Now that being said? The ebook is 2.99 on Amazon, and once you get to Williamsport? It does get stronger. All in all? I would give it a 3 out of 5. Or in scouting parlance a 55 out of 80.

In an effort to milk this list as much as possible, I made a post that has all 100 prospects in just one list with their Opening Day assignments. At the bottom, I have a handful of stats that show the distribution of the top 100 by organization, position and classification.

1. Bryce Harper, OF, Washington- Syracuse (AAA, International)
2. Matt Moore, LHP, Tampa Bay- Tampa Bay (MLB, AL)
3. Mike Trout, OF, Anaheim- Salt Lake (AAA, Pacific Coast)
4. Jurickson Profar, SS, Texas- Frisco (AA, Texas)
5. Julio Teheran, RHP, Atlanta- Gwinnett (AAA, International)
6. Trevor Bauer, RHP, Arizona- Mobile (AA, Southern)
7. Dylan Bundy, RHP, Baltimore- Delmarva (A, South Atlantic)
8. Anthony Rendon, 3B, Washington- Potomac (A+, Carolina)
9. Jesus Montero, DH, Seattle- Seattle (MLB, AL)
10. Shelby Miller, RHP, St. Louis- Memphis (AAA, Pacific Coast)
11. Manny Machado, SS, Baltimore- Bowie (AA, Eastern)
12. Devin Mesoraco, C, Cincinnati- Cincinnati (MLB, NL)
13. Wil Myers, OF, Kansas City- Northwest Arkansas (AA, Texas)
14. Travis d’Arnaud, C, Toronto- Las Vegas (AAA, Pacific Coast)
15. Gerrit Cole, RHP, Pittsburgh- Bradenton (A+, Florida State)
16. Jacob Turner, RHP, Detroit- Toledo (AAA, International)
17. Jameson Taillon, RHP, Pittsburgh- Bradenton (A+, Florida State)
18. Manny Banuelos, LHP, Yankees- Empire State (AAA, International)
19. Archie Bradley, RHP, Arizona- South Bend (A, Midwest)
20. Tyler Skaggs, LHP, Arizona- Mobile (AA, Southern)
21. Arodys Vizcaino, RHP, Atlanta- Injured- out for season
22. Jarrod Parker, RHP, Oakland- Sacramento (AAA, Pacific Coast)
23. Francisco Lindor, SS, Cleveland- Lake County (A, Midwest)
24. Randall Delgado, RHP, Atlanta- Atlanta (MLB, NL)
25. Jake Marisnick, OF, Toronto- Dunedin (A+, Florida State)
26. Miguel Sano, DH, Minnesota- Beloit (A, Midwest)
27. Nick Castellanos, 3B, Detroit- Lakeland (A+, Florida State)
28. Jean Segura, SS, Anaheim- Arkansas (AA, Texas)
29. Gary Brown, OF, San Francisco- Richmond (AA, Eastern)
30. Nolan Arenado, 3B, Colorado- Tulsa (AA, Texas)
31. Drew Pomeranz, LHP, Colorado- Colorado Springs (AAA, Pacific Coast)
32. Martin Perez, LHP, Texas- Round Rock (AAA, Pacific Coast)
33. Taijuan Walker, RHP, Seattle- Jackson (AA, Southern)
34. Danny Hultzen, LHP, Seattle- Jackson (AA, Southern)
35. Zack Wheeler, LHP, Mets- Binghamton (AA, Eastern)
36. Carlos Martinez, RHP, St. Louis- Palm Beach (A+, Florida State)
37. Oscar Taveras, OF, St. Louis- Springfield (AA, Texas)
38. Brett Jackson, OF, Cubs- Iowa (AAA, Pacific Coast)
39. Mike Olt, 3B, Texas- Frisco (AA, Texas)
40. Zach Lee, RHP, Los Angeles- Rancho Cucamonga (A+, California)
41. Matt Harvey, RHP, Mets- Buffalo (AAA, International)
42. Yasmani Grandal, C, San Diego- Tucson (AAA, Pacific Coast)
43. Jonathan Singleton, 1B, Houston- Corpus Christi (AA, Texas)
44. Rymer Liriano, OF, San Diego- Lake Elsinore (A+, California)
45. Gary Sanchez, C, Yankees- Charleston (A, South Atlantic)
46. Bubba Starling, OF, Kansas City- Extended Spring Training
47. Hak-Ju Lee, SS, Tampa Bay- Montgomery (AA, Southern)
48. Jarred Cosart, RHP, Houston- Corpus Christi (AA, Texas)
49. Cheslor Cuthbert, 3B, Kansas City- Wilmington (A+, Carolina)
50. Xander Bogaerts, 3B, Boston- Salem (A+, Carolina)
51. Josh Bell, OF, Pittsburgh- West Virginia (A, South Atlantic)
52. Wily Peralta, RHP, Milwaukee- Nashville (AAA, Pacific Coast)
53. Will Middlebrooks, 3B, Boston- Pawtucket (AAA, International)
54. Yonder Alonso, 1B, San Diego- San Diego (MLB, NL)
55. Casey Kelly, RHP, San Diego- Tucson (AAA, Pacific Coast)
56. Anthony Gose, CF, Toronto- Las Vegas (AAA, Pacific Coast)
57. Dellin Betances, RHP, Yankees- Empire State (AAA, International)
58. Trevor May, RHP, Philadelphia- Reading (AA, Eastern)
59. Christian Yelich, OF, Miami- Jupiter (A+, Florida State)
60. A.J. Cole, RHP, Oakland- Stockton (A+, California)
61. Billy Hamilton, 2B, Cincinnati- Bakersfield (A+, California)
62. James Paxton, LHP, Seattle- Jackson (AA, Southern)
63. Mason Williams, OF, Yankees- Charleston (A, South Atlantic)
64. Neil Ramirez, RHP, Texas- Round Rock (AAA, Pacific Coast)
65. Anthony Rizzo, 1B, Cubs- Iowa (AAA, Pacific Coast)
66. Javier Baez, 3B, Cubs- Extended Spring Training
67. Michael Choice, OF, Oakland- Midland (AA, Texas)
68. George Springer, OF, Houston- Lancaster (A+, California)
69. Jesse Biddle, LHP, Philadelphia- Clearwater (A+, Florida State)
70. Eddie Rosario, 2B, Minnesota- Beloit (A, Midwest)
71. Jake Odorizzi, RHP, Kansas City- Northwest Arkansas (AA, Texas)
72. Sonny Gray, RHP, Oakland- Midland (AA, Texas)
73. Mike Montgomery, LHP, Kansas City- Omaha (AAA, Pacific Coast)
74. Matt Davidson, 3B, Arizona- Mobile (AA, Southern)
75. Chad Bettis, RHP, Colorado- Tulsa (AA, Texas)
76. Andrelton Simmons, SS, Atlanta- Mississippi (AA, Southern)
77. Joe Benson, OF, Minnesota- Rochester (AAA, International)
78. Jonathan Villar, SS, Houston- Corpus Christi (AA, Texas)
79. Allen Webster, RHP, Los Angeles- Chattanooga (AA, Southern)
80. Addison Reed, RHP, White Sox- White Sox (MLB, AL)
81. Jedd Gyorko, 3B, San Diego- San Antonio (AA, Texas)
82. John Lamb, LHP, Kansas City- Omaha (AAA, Pacific Coast)
83. Cory Spangenburg, 2B, San Diego- Lake Elsinore (A+, California)
84. Joe Wieland, RHP, San Diego- Tucson (AAA, Pacific Coast)
85. Robbie Erlin, LHP, San Diego- San Antonio (AA, Texas)
86. Justin Nicolino, LHP, Toronto- Lansing (A, Midwest)
87. Taylor Jungmann, RHP, Milwaukee- Brevard County (A+, Florida State)
88. Luis Heredia, RHP, Pittsburgh- Extended Spring Training
89. Austin Hedges, C, San Diego- Fort Wayne (A, Midwest)
90. Blake Swihart, C, Boston- Greenville (A, South Atlantic)
91. Brian Goodwin, OF, Washington- Hagerstown (A, South Atlantic)
92. Brandon Jacobs, OF, Boston- Salem (A+, Carolina)
93. Jed Bradley, LHP, Milwaukee- Brevard County (A+, Florida State)
94. Taylor Guerrieri, RHP, Tampa Bay- Extended Spring Training
95. Dillon Howard, RHP, Cleveland- Extended Spring Training
96. Brandon Nimmo, OF, Mets- Extended Spring Training
97. Alex Meyer, RHP, Washington- Hagerstown (A, South Atlantic)
98. Matt Purke, LHP, Washington- Potomac (A+, Carolina)
99. Jose Campos, RHP, Yankees- Charleston (A, South Atlantic)
100. Jonathan Schoop, 2B, Baltimore- Bowie (AA, Eastern)

By ML Team
9- SD
6- KC
5- NYY, WAS
4- TOR, TEX, SEA, PIT, OAK, HOU, BOS, ATL, ARI
3- TB, STL, MIN, MIL, NYM, CHC, COL, BAL
2- PHI, LA, DET, CLE, CIN, ANA
1- CHW, SF, MIA

By Position
C- 7
1B- 3
2B- 4
SS- 7
3B- 10
OF- 19
RHP- 33
LHP- 18
DH- 2

By Classification/League
MLB- 6
(AAA)- 24
IL- 8
PCL- 16
(AA)- 29
EL- 5
SL- 9
TL- 15
(A+)- 20
CAL- 6
CAR- 5
FSL- 9
(A)- 14
MWL- 6
SAL- 8
(XST)- 7

And when we find another site out there in the vast wilderness of the Internet that likes what we like, we want to share it with all of you. Because if you are here, then I guess you might just like what we like as well. And that’s a good thing.

“Chasing The Dream”, like us, is also a fan of the stories. Since December, webmaster Scott Sypien has been interviewing players in the Minor Leagues and writing their stories. Since discovering his site last week, I’ve been impressed with the work Sypien has done telling the stories of those “Chasing The Dream” and those “Living The Dream.”

Here are links to Sypien’s interviews and feature articles from December to April 4th:

Chasing The Dream: The L.J. Hoes Story and Interview

Chasing The Dream: The Keyvius Sampson Story and Interview

Chasing The Dream: The Zack Dodson Story and Interview

Chasing The Dream: The Nick Ramirez Story and Interview

Chasing The Dream: The Marcus Hatley Story and Interview

Chasing The Dream: The Zack Von Rosenberg Story and Interview

Chasing The Dream: The Barrett Kleinknecht Story and Interview

Chasing The Dream: The Dan Gamache Story and Interview

Chasing The Dream: The Jake Brigham Story and Interview

Chasing The Dream: The Christian Colon Story and Interview

Chasing The Dream: The James Pugliese Story and Interview

Chasing The Dream: The Ryan Kiel Story and Interview

Chasing The Dream: The Drew Vettleson Story and Interview

Chasing The Dream: The John Leonard Story and Interview

Chasing The Dream: The Steven Hensley Story and Interview

Chasing The Dream: The Tony Thomas Story and Interview

Chasing The Dream: The Robby Rowland Story and Interview

Chasing The Dream: The Cameron Selik Story and Interview

Chasing The Dream: The Ryan Tatusko Story and Interview

Sypien also interviewed two players who made it to the Majors.

Living The Dream: The Eric Fryer Story and Interview

Living The Dream: The Jordan Pacheco Story and Interview

You can find “Chasing The Dream” on Facebook and on twitter at @CTD_Sypien.

Welcome to Bus Leagues Express. Every morning, you’ll be able to stop here for a quick summary of the previous day’s minor league action, what’s to come, and interesting links the staff wants to share. While you’re eating cereal getting ready for the day, you can check out the notable stories from each league and some of the top performers at the plate and on the mound.

Since this is the first day of the season and there isn’t anything to recap, get prepared for the upcoming season with these organizational previews.

Anaheim Angels

For now, the Salt Lake Bees will be led by a star that jumped right over them from AA to the majors last year in Mike Trout. He likely won’t be there long, but the Bees hope he helps them avoid finishing in the basement for a second consecutive season. The Arkansas Travelers have a couple fireballing starters that will be pushing Richards to be considered the organization’s best pitching prospect in Johnny Hellweg and Ariel Pena. The lineup is led by Jean Segura, looking to stay healthy after an injury plagued 2011. Inland Empire was under .500 last season but still made the playoffs. With seven of the team’s top 30 prospects on the Opening Day roster including C.J. Cron and Taylor Lindsey, they should be able to beat that this year. Two former first rounders will make their full-season debuts with Cedar Rapids, infielder Kaleb Cowart and outfielder Chevy Clarke. Matthew Scioscia, son of Anaheim’s manager Mike, joins them on the roster.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Over the winter, it was announced that the Reno Aces would host the AAA All-Star Game in 2013. Jonathan Albaladejo returns to the U.S. after a season in Japan. Over his career, he’s been a great late inning reliever in AAA. Even without Jarrod Parker, Mobile’s rotation to start the year will be one of the best, headlined by Trevor Bauer and Tyler Skaggs. With a number of returning positions players, the Bay Bears could repeat as Southern League Champions. Visalia’s rotation may not have the star power that Mobile’s does, but David Holmberg, Andrew Chafin, Anthony Meo and Kyle Winkler provide plenty of potential nonetheless. Bobby Borchering returns to the Rawhide as he learns to play the outfield. Archie Bradley will start the year in South Bend, but he might not finish there. A number of hitters from last year’s successful Missoula Osprey roster jump up to low-A.

Atlanta Braves

Gwinnett fell just short of the playoffs last year because injuries in the majors hurt their depth. Eventually, Randall Delgado will join Julio Teheran to form one of the best one-two punches in the minors. Braves first rounder Sean Gilmartin will jump from low-A to AA and pitch for Mississippi. Ian Gac, who has 160 career home runs in A-ball and below, will finally make his AA debut. Spring training story Evan Gattis will serve as the backstop for Lynchburg. Matt Lipka only slugged .304 last year in low-A, and he’ll be moving from shortstop to centerfield. Rome struggled last season and only won 60 games, and they could have another tough season. All 70 of their home games will be shown on milb.tv.

Baltimore Orioles

Chris Tillman showed improved velocity in spring training, and he’ll try to turn his career around with Norfolk. Matt Antonelli was signed to a major league contract, but he was optioned to AAA. Infield prospects Manny Machado and Jonathan Schoop will team up again, this time in Bowie. Billy Rowell has adamantly rejected the idea of becoming a pitcher, but the Orioles may be thinking about it again. The Frederick Keys will try to defend their Carolina League championship, but they might not be as talented as last year. In June, they’ll host a Cowboy Monkey Rodeo. A number of Baltimore’s top prospects will start the year in Delmarva, obviously led by Dylan Bundy. Joining him will be John Ruettiger, the nephew of Rudy.

Boston Red Sox

Boston’s pitching depth is weak, and that may explain why Pawtucket’s rotation will feature Brandon Duckworth, John Maine and a host of other veterans. Will Middlebrooks and Jose Iglesias could be the best defensive left side of an infield in the minors. Bryce Brentz highlights Portland’s lineup, and infielders Kolbrin Vitek and Oscar Tejada will try to improve their stock after down seasons. Stolmy Pimentel returns after a very rough season. The Salem Red Sox feature a strong lineup of Boston prospects with Xander Bogaerts, Brandon Jacobs, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Sean Coyle among others. Billy McMillon, who was once traded for Darren Daulton, will be their manager. Greenville set a franchise record with 78 wins last year, and they appear to be talented again. Three of Boston’s top picks in the 2011 draft, Matt Barnes, Henry Owens and Blake Swihart will begin the season with the team.

Chicago Cubs

The Iowa Cubs could provide a glimpse into the big club’s future with Anthony Rizzo and Brett Jackson starting the season in their lineup. The Cubs opted to send Welington Castillo to AAA to play every day rather than be Chicago’s backup catcher. Trey McNutt leads a Tennessee pitching staff that has the experience to repeat as Southern League champions. Casey Weathers, a former first round pick by Colorado, will try to get his career back on track after elbow problems cost him the entire 2009 season. Theo Epstein began a rebuild for the Cubs this offseason, and two players he acquired in trades, Zach Cates and Ronald Torreyes are on Daytona’s roster. Anthony Zych from Louisville has nice potential as a late inning reliever. Ron Villone will serve as Peoria’s pitching coach, and hopefully for Midwest League fans will be sure to instruct his pitchers to spend less time between pitches as he did. Javier Baez and Dan Vogelbach will be starting the season in extended spring training.

Chicago White Sox

Despite a totally barren farm system, White Sox affiliates will still field rosters in 2012. According to Ballpark Digest, the Charlotte Knights are close to completing a deal for a new stadium. Birmingham is expected to move into a new facility of their own in 2013. Two prospects acquired in offseason trades, Nestor Molina and Simon Castro, will headline the Barons’ rotation. Winston-Salem will host the annual California-Carolina League All-Star Game. Trayce Thompson has huge raw power, but the rest of his game needs a lot of work. Chicago’s first round pick in 2011, Keenyn Walker, will start the season with Kannapolis. Jose Bautista returns as the Intimidators’ pitching coach.

Cincinnati Reds

David Bell was promoted to manage AAA Louisville. Thanks to the mammoth Joey Votto contract extension, Neftali Soto may find himself playing for a new organization by the end of the year. Affiliated baseball will return to Pensacola for the first time in 50 years with the Blue Wahoos now in town. Just one year after resigning from Washington because of a contract dispute, Jim Riggleman finds himself managing again. Local oil tycoons purchased the Blaze in the offseason, and that greatly improves the future of professional baseball in Bakersfield. Aside from maybe the Winston-Salem Dash, the Blaze may be the most aptly named team for Billy Hamilton in baseball. The Dayton Dragons will maintain their sellout streak which is the longest ever in U.S. professional sports. Reliever Dan Jensen will be the first Dayton-area player to play for the Dragons.

Cleveland Indians

Columbus may be hard pressed to win a third straight AAA Championship with the Indians farm system drying up. Lonnie Chisenhall starts another season in AAA, trying to prove he is major league ready. The Akron Aeros amazingly still have not converted their website to the standard MLBAM layout. Nick Weglarz is expected to start the season in AA and will look to play his first full season since 2007. For the first time in history, the Carolina Mudcats will not be an AA affiliate. For the first time since 1997, affiliated baseball will not be played in Kinston. Francisco Lindor headlines the Lake County roster, and the giant starter Elvis Araujo has finally made it out of short-season ball. If David Wallace the manager is as effective as David Wallace the CFO of Dunder Mifflin, the Captains will be in good shape.

Colorado Rockies

The Colorado Springs Sky Sox are celebrating their 25th anniversary. Throughout March the team has been running articles about the best players in franchise history. The Tulsa Drillers will receive the core of last year’s Modesto playoff team, including Chad Bettis, Edwar Cabrera, Nolan Arenado, Josh Rutledge and others. Bettis will start the season on the DL with a shoulder injury. For the first time since 2006, Modesto won’t be managed by Jerry Weinstein, now Colorado’s catching instructor. Tyler Matzek returns to the Cal League in what has to be considered a make or break season. Game balls in Asheville will be delivered via zipline. Neither Peter Tago nor Tyler Anderson are currently assigned to a roster.

Detroit Tigers

Drew Smyly won Detroit’s 5th starter competition, and Toledo will receive the other competitors, Andy Oliver, Casey Crosby and eventually, top prospect Jacob Turner. Brad Eldred, 5th among active minor leaguers in home runs, will be in the starting lineup. 19 of the 26 players on Erie’s roster have experience at AA. That includes Zach Segovia who has one major league start with the Phillies in 2007. Lakeland reliever Bruce Rondon may have the least accurate listed weight in baseball history. Tim Teufel’s son Shawn will be on the pitching staff again. Four players with well known relatives are assigned to West Michigan: Colin Kaline, Marcus Lemon, Patrick Leyland and Nick Avila. Third rounder Aaron Westlake will also be a Whitecap after an underwhelming pro debut in 2011.

Houston Astros

Jordan Lyles and Aneury Rodriguez, who combined to make 23 starts for Houston last year, will start the year in Oklahoma City. Two of their infielders, Brett Wallace and Jimmy Paredes, will be learning new positions. Four Phillies prospects received in trades over the last two seasons will be on Corpus Christi’s roster. Only three players haven’t played in a AA game yet. First rounder George Springer will start the season in Lancaster. Telvin Nash and Domingo Santana seem like likely candidates to take advantage of the hitting conditions at Clear Channel Stadium. Houston’s two first rounders in 2010, Delino DeShields Jr. and Mike Foltynewicz, return to Lexington hoping for better results. Houston’s system finished with the worst aggregate record in the league in 2011.

Kansas City Royals

Omaha will try to repeat as Pacific Coast League champions, but they won’t have Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas to rack up wins early. Mike Montgomery needs to pitch much better in his second season at AAA. The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are celebrating their 5th year. A number of Royals prospects will be returning to AA to start the season, including Wil Myers, Jake Odorizzi and Christian Colon. The Wilmington pitching staff is headlined by Jason Adam and Yordano Ventura. Cuban defector Roman Hernandez will begin his pro career with Wilmington. The jury is still out on whether or not pitcher Sugar Ray Marimon looks like George Costanza’s boss. Kane County catcher Jin-Ho Shin is the first ever Korean-born player in the Royals organization. Bubba Starling will begin the year in extended spring training, but he should join the roster eventually.

Los Angeles Dodgers

John Valentin enters his second season as Albuquerque’s hitting coach. No word on whether or not hot dogs with mesquite-grilled onions, jalapeno relish and mango-lime salsa will be available. Travis Denker will begin his 8th year in the Dodgers organization, all in the minor leagues, with Chattanooga. Former first rounder Aaron Miller will look for a healthy season after only pitching 36 innings last season. The last two Dodgers first rounders, Zach Lee and Chris Reed, will team up in the Rancho Cucamonga rotation. Matt Herges will be the Quakes’ pitching coach, his second season in coaching. The Great Lakes Loons are celebrating their 5th anniversary by allowing fans to vote on the best manager and players in team history. Outfielder James Baldwin is one of the biggest breakout candidates in minor league baseball.

Miami Marlins

The New Orleans Zephyrs are beginning their 20th season. Kevin Mattison and his 80-grade mustache will be in their outfield. The Jacksonville Suns will be celebrating their 50th season. Former top 10 pick Kyle Skipworth will begin his second year in Jacksonville attempting to get his career started. The toolsy Christian Yelich will move up a level to high-A with the Jupiter Hammerheads. They’ll have a doubleheader on Friday with fellow tenants of Roger Dean Stadium, Palm Beach. Dave Berg, the lowest Marlins draft pick to ever reach the majors, will manage the Greensboro Grasshoppers. Jose Fernandez will begin his first full season in low-A.

Milwaukee Brewers

Since the Brewers signed Aramis Ramirez, infielder Taylor Green has no clear path to the majors and will be back with Nashville. Seth McClung rejoins the Milwaukee organization trying to make it back to the majors. Contact extraordinaire Scooter Gennett will try to prove he can keep hitting in the upper levels with Huntsville. Tyler Thornburg and Cody Scarpetta will try again to command their great stuff in their rotation. Milwaukee’s top two draft picks from 2011, Taylor Jungmann and Jed Bradley, will begin the year with Brevard County. They may not be there long and could probably handle AA very soon. Pitcher Chad Pierce, a three time all-Wisconsin player in high school, will play for Wisconsin. Yadiel Rivera, a slick fielding shortstop, is the top prospect starting with the Timber Rattlers.

Minnesota Twins

Tsuyoshi Nishioki was optioned to Rochester, and it seems like he’ll never adjust to U.S. baseball. Joe Benson skipped from AA to the majors last season, but he’ll get his AAA experience at the beginning of this season. Ideally for New Britain, Alex Wimmers will get off to a better start this year than he did last season. The Twins released veteran minor leaguer Chris Cates who was the shortest player in baseball. Fort Myers has only won 127 games over the last two seasons. Twins first rounder Levi Michael will make his pro debut with the Miracle. Appalachian League sluggers Miguel Sano and Eddie Rosario will join Beloit’s infield. If Sano commits errors at the same pace he did last year, he’ll have over 50 over a full season.

New York Mets

The Buffalo Bisons will host the 2012 AAA All-Star Game in their 25th anniversary season. Jennry Mejia is assigned to Buffalo after only pitching 28.1 innings last year due to an elbow injury. Their top prospect, starter Zack Wheeler, will be in Binghamton’s rotation. Allan Dykstra, a former first rounder by San Diego, will play first base. St. Lucie will try to repeat as FSL Southern Division champions. World Series MVP Frank Viola will serve as Savannah’s pitching coach in 2012. Catcher Blake Forsythe is the brother of former Padres first rounder Logan Forsythe.

New York Yankees

Because of stadium issues, the Scranton Yankees will play 140 road games as the Empire State Yankees. They’ll feature a deep rotation that includes Manny Banuelos, Dellin Betances, D.J. Mitchell, David Phelps and Adam Warren. Spring training hit Zoilo Almonte will begin the year with Trenton. Solid infielder David Adams will look to stay healthy after only playing 68 games over the last two seasons. The Tampa Yankees will try to win their third FSL championship in the last four seasons. Catching prospect J.R. Murphy will get his second chance in high-A. The Charleston RiverDogs boast one of the strongest rosters in all of minor league baseball, including Mason Williams, Dante Bichette Jr. and Jose Campos. Catching prospect Gary Sanchez will start in low-A again, trying to improve his defense.

Oakland A’s

Two prospects acquired in trades this offseason, Jarrod Parker and Brad Peacock, head Sacramento’s rotation. In his age-24 season, Grant Green will continue his transition to centerfield with the River Cats. A’s first rounder Sonny Gray will return to Midland after starting his pro career there last year. Personal favorite and sleeper Ryan Ortiz will try to stay healthy and handle their catching duties. After essentially missing the entire 2011 season due to injuries and off the field problems, Ian Krol will resume his career with Stockton. He’ll be joined in the rotation joined by A.J. Cole, the centerpiece of the Gio Gonzalez trade. Intriguing pitching prospect Raul Alantara will start with Burlington after being acquired from Boston. Michael Ynoa is still nowhere to be found.

Philadelphia Phillies

Ryne Sandberg will try to lead Lehigh Valley to their second season over .500 in franchise history. Domonic Brown will start the season with the IronPigs as the organization continues to not use their best left field option. If healthy, Tyson Gillies and Jiwan James will cover a ton of ground in the outfield for Reading. J.C. Ramirez, acquired in the 2010 trade that sent Cliff Lee to Seattle, is converting to a relief role this season. After coming to camp out of shape in 2011 and struggling through the entire season, Brody Colvin will repeat high-A in Clearwater. He’ll be joined in the rotation by Philadelphia-area native and former first round pick Jesse Biddle. Gauntlett Eldemire will finally make his professional debut with Lakewood after wrist injuries wiped out the last one and a half seasons. The team’s top two picks, Larry Greene and Roman Quinn, didn’t get in any games last year and will start in extended spring training.

Pittsburgh Pirates

For the 8th straight year, Indianapolis will likely have as much talent as the big club. The athletic Starling Marte will start the season in AAA but will likely finish in the majors. Catcher Tony Sanchez was drafted 4th overall in 2009, but he hasn’t gotten past AA yet in his career and will start with Altoona again. Tim Alderson was once a very good prospect for San Francisco, but his career has stalled in the Pirates organization. Bradenton’s rotation is very strong with first overall pick Gerrit Cole, former second overall pick Jameson Taillon and Colton Cain. Mel Rojas will roam the outfield. Rinku Singh is still active in the organization, and he’s starting in West Virginia. The aptly-named Power will be the team where highly-touted slugger Josh Bell makes his pro debut.

San Diego Padres

After Jeff Moorad failed to receive public funding for a new stadium in Escondido, it appears San Diego’s AAA affiliate will remain in Tucson for now. Casey Kelly and Joe Wieland will lead their rotation. Pitching prospect Keyvius Sampson skipped high-A right to AA San Antonio. They led the Texas League in runs last year, and they boast a deep lineup again this year. Lake Elsinore will try to defend their Cal League championship, but they don’t have a pitching staff as deep as they usually do. The Storm put their best foot forward trying to acquire Tim Tebow, but the Broncos ultimately preferred the Jets’ offer. Major League veteran Jacque Jones is entering his first year as hitting coach of Fort Wayne. Donovan Tate will try once more to play an entire season.

San Francisco Giants

Fresno Grizzlies fans won’t get to enjoy Brandon Belt on Opening Day, but the Giants continuing to sabotage his development will likely land him in AAA at some point. Eric Surkamp could join their rotation when healthy. The Richmond Flying Squirrels still cannot finalize arrangements for a new stadium. Gary Brown will roam the current centerfield very well, and he could find himself in San Francisco by the end of the year. San Jose has won seven straight first half division titles, but that streak could be in jeopardy this year. For the first time in four seasons, they may not be using a six man rotation. It’s a weaker system now, but two of their top pitching prospects, Kyle Crick and Clayton Blackburn, will start the season with Augusta. Former Oklahoma star Garrett Buechele will be in the infield.

Seattle Mariners

Walk specialist Oliver Perez is listed on Tacoma’s roster. They have a number of potential decent major league hitters on their roster, something Seattle desperately needs. The Jackson Generals have one of the best rotations in the minors, featuring top 100 prospects Taijuan Walker, Danny Hultzen and James Paxton. Chih-Hsien Chiang was one of the best Eastern League hitters, but didn’t hit a home run after being traded to the Seattle organization. Unlike Bakersfield, there is no happy ending in sight for High Desert’s stadium situation. Seattle is developing a habit of skipping better prospects over high-A. 2009 first rounder Steven Baron will spend his third year with Clinton. Guillermo Pimentel is a power bat to watch in the low minors.

St. Louis Cardinals

Shelby Miller will start the season in Memphis, but once he’s promoted their pitching could struggle. Zack Cox and Matt Adams will man the corner infield positions, and they’re two bats close to being ready for the majors. Oscar Taveras, Kolten Wong and Trevor Rosenthal both make the double jump from low-A to AA Springfield. Former baseball ejection champion Phillip Wellman is Springfield’s hitting coach. Carlos Martinez returns to Palm Beach which is where he finished 2011. Palm Beach doesn’t have a player born in the 1990′s on their roster. Tyrell Jenkins will make his full-season debut with Quad Cities. Former FIU star Garrett Wittels is included on the River Bandits’ roster.

Tampa Bay Rays

Durham has become a fixture in the playoffs at this point, and with a rotation led by Alex Cobb and Alex Torres, they could find themselves back there again. Bull City Summer is a must-see site documenting the 2012 season in Durham. Hak-Ju Lee is the best prospect on Montgomery, and he’ll lead an infield that’s a bit short on power. Alex Colome finished last season in AA, but his strikeout rate dropped enormously. Grayson Garvin and Mikie Mahtook will both make their pro debuts in Charlotte, and they could move quickly. He may be moonlighting as a shortstop, but Derek Dietrich is probably the best power hitter in the Stone Crabs infield. Thanks to a ton of recent high draft picks, Bowling Green has an interesting roster to watch. Jake Hager and Tyler Goeddel reached full-season ball faster than recent Rays first rounders.

Texas Rangers

Martin Perez and Neil Ramirez highlight Round Rock’s rotation that also includes ML relief prospect Mark Hamburger. Tanner Scheppers is running out of time to prove he can be healthy and reach the majors. Jurickson Profar is skipping high-A to join Mike Olt and Leury Garcia in Frisco’s infield. Former Orioles prospect Val Majewski is the oldest player on the roster. Myrtle Beach may not have quite the prospect power of the other teams in the system, but there is still plenty of intrigue. Wilmer Font returns after missing all of 2011 because of Tommy John surgery. Hickory’s roster is absolutely loaded with talent. Jorge Alfaro will catch a pitching staff that includes Luke Jackson and Will Lamb, and Rougned Odor, born in 1994, will make his full-season debut.

Toronto Blue Jays

Toronto is still leery of sending serious pitching prospects to Las Vegas. Travis d’Arnaud and Anthony Gose could also hit a lot of home runs there. Major league veteran Brett Cecil will add experience to a rotation that includes prospects Drew Hutchinson, Chad Jenkins and Deck McGuire in New Hampshire. The Blue Jays’ pitching depth could help the Fisher Cats repeat as Eastern League champions. Kevin Ahrens is becoming a Dunedin lifer, being assigned here for the 4th straight season. John Stilson could be a big time arm for Toronto if he stays healthy. Carlos Perez returns to Lansing for a second season to catch a talented pitching staff that includes Justin Nicolino, Aaron Sanchez and Noah Syndergaard. Toronto’s system is so deep in the lower levels that this team could get even better later in the season.

Washington Nationals

Bryce Harper, Syracuse. Otherwise, they have a lot of quad-A talent. Harrisburg is a bit short on talent too, but Destin Hood is a big name to watch. Matt LeCroy was promoted to manage AA. Potomac will benefit from the Nationals big spending in the 2011 draft. Anthony Rendon will start the season there but certainly won’t finish, and Matt Purke will report there after starting the season on the DL. The other two big bonus recipients in the last draft, Alex Meyer and Brian Goodwin, will start with the Hagerstown Suns. Lenny Dykstra’s son Cutter is on the roster.

Good luck to your local affiliate and favorite organization. The season is starting!

Thursday’s MILB.tv schedule

Early preview for tomorrow

Casey Kelly makes his AAA debut (10:05 PM ET, Tucson)

Jesse Chavez makes his first start since 2007 (10:05 PM ET, Las Vegas)

Richmond and New Britain play an early season doubleheader for some reason (4:35 PM ET, New Britain)

Dodgers pitcher Ethan Martin returns to the starting rotation (7:15 PM ET, Chattanooga)

A.J. Burnett makes a rehab start (6:30 PM ET, Bradenton)

Big time pitching matchup in the Midwest League (Elvis Araujo v. Adys Portillo, 7:05 PM, Fort Wayne)

Stetson Allie makes his full-season debut (7:05 PM, Hagerstown)

One day before the season kicks off, the top 10 prospects will be revealed. These are the absolute best of the best. They have very few holes in their game if any, and they should be making All-Star teams for years to come.

10. Shelby Miller, RHP, St. Louis: Later in the season, the Cardinals literally have an ace in the hole when they need to replace Kyle Lohse or Jake Westbrook. Miller has everything teams look for in a frontline starter. He has the ideal frame that can handle a huge workload, athleticism to repeat his mechanics, and a great arsenal of two pitches that are definitely plus or better, and a third that could join them. He loves his fastball, and who can blame him? It’s in the mid-90’s, and he’s added movement to the pitch as his career has progressed. His curveball is another great pitch, and his changeup has nice movement and is developing. He still needs to refine his command and trust his secondary stuff a little more, but he’s well on his way to being the next ace in St. Louis.

He’ll start this season in AAA after moving from high-A to AA in 2011. Although his strikeout rate in the Texas League wasn’t the absurd 13.9 per nine it was in the Florida State League, he still struck out over a batter per inning. If he makes his ML debut in 2012, he’ll only be 21 years old, giving the Cardinals another young piece to build around in the post-Pujols era. The Cardinals may want to limit his inning total for one more season, but if he’s healthy, Miller could pitch 170-180 innings this year.

9. Jesus Montero, DH, Seattle: It seems like people have been talking about Montero forever, but it was only six years ago that he was signed. It appears that the Mariners will end the Yankee charade that Montero can be a catcher, and that’s for the best because he can’t. That’s fine though because his bat profiles everywhere, including DH which was where he was in Seattle’s lineup in the opening series in Japan. He makes hard contact on all kinds of pitches to all fields, and that includes home run power. Although Safeco Field might stifle his non-adjusted statistics, but in an average environment he could hit 20-30 home runs annually. His pitch selection could use some improvement, but it won’t be a huge problem because he’s such a good hitter.

If the Yankees didn’t have so many veterans in their lineup that needed the occasional use of the DH spot, Montero probably could’ve spent all of 2011 in the majors instead of spending a second year in AAA. He made quite an impression in September though, and it’s obvious that he’s been major league ready. After the trade to Seattle, he goes from a team with too many hitters to one that doesn’t have nearly enough. He could be the middle of the order bat Seattle needs to finally field a competent lineup, but they still have a lot of work to do.

8. Anthony Rendon, 3B, Washington: Rendon was the best bat in the 2011 draft, and Washington was fortunate to land him with the 6th pick. He’s a great talent, but maybe teams were concerned with the shoulder and ankle injuries he suffered over the previous season. He was an absolute force at Rice, and he finished with a career OBP over .500 despite a bit of a down junior season. He has a great hit tool thanks to great hand-eye coordination, a quick bat, and he can hit to all fields. Rendon may not have the classic power hitter’s frame, but he should have plus power even though he had a sharp decrease in home runs in his junior season. At third base, he’s a great defender with better than average range and a really good arm.

For now in the Nats organization, he could be a man without a position. Of course Washington already has a young, gold glove caliber player at third with Ryan Zimmerman. Rendon could attempt to play second base, but it seems like he’s not an up the middle athlete. They could live with bad defense, but they could also probably find a better spot. Maybe Zimmerman could move to first to protect against some injuries, but it’s hardly an issue right now. Rendon will start at high-A, and there can’t be a debate about what position the Nats should put him at until he actually gets there. Having too many All-Star third basemen is a pretty nice problem to have.

7. Dylan Bundy, RHP, Baltimore: What’s interesting about Bundy is that even as a high school pick, he’s probably more polished than a lot of college arms from the same draft. That’s what made him so appealing to the Orioles at fourth overall; they’re an organization hurting for impact talent, especially on the mound. Some of the prior pitchers on this list have big frames with a lot of projection, but Bundy is the opposite. At 6’1 and 200 pounds, he’s already filled out and makes the most of it, pitching in the mid 90’s. Fortunately, he’s athletic, has sound mechanics and a great work ethic. He has a deep arsenal with really good pitches across the board. His curveball is a plus pitch, and he also throws a solid changeup and a couple variants on his four seam fastball.

His changeup is more advanced than the usual high school pitcher’s, and his cutter is a pitch that usually isn’t taught to pitchers until much later in their development. Some are concerned about his lack of projection, but if he’s already strong with very good present velocity, does it matter much? He hasn’t made his pro debut yet, and he will in low-A this season. He could probably handle higher levels now, and like Manny Machado last year, the Orioles will probably be pretty aggressive with him. If the Orioles ever turn it around, he’s going to be key. A number of top Baltimore pitching prospects have flopped in recent years, and Bundy needs to change that.

6. Trevor Bauer, RHP, Arizona: Full disclosure here: I am a huge Trevor Bauer fan. I strive for objectivity, but it’s definitely possible this is veering off into subjectivity. Bauer shot up draft boards during an outstanding junior season where he proved that he had the top of the line stuff to get pro batters out too. He has a wide array of pitches, and it might be the deepest arsenal in professional baseball. Much of it is different versions of his fastball and changeup, with the heater being more effective of the two. He works in the low to mid 90’s, and he knows how to cut and sink the pitch depending on the situation. His curveball and slider are both plus pitches, and his knowledge of pitching and sequencing allows him to utilize them effectively. Despite his slight 6’1, 175 pound frame, Bauer’s incredible work ethic, pregame routines and mechanics lend themselves to great durability.

The one knock against Bauer is that he can be a bit uneconomical at times. He loves the strikeouts, and no one can blame him because that’s the most effective way to get outs, but with all of his pitches he could probably get some outs a little quicker. People will always have injury concerns for pitchers like Bauer with unique mechanics, but there’s no evidence to date that suggests his style will be detrimental. He’ll start the season in AA where he finished last year, but it won’t be long before he arrives in Arizona and stays there for a long time.

5. Julio Teheran, RHP, Atlanta: Teheran absolutely flew through Atlanta’s system, and he made his ML debut earlier than expected last year because of a lot of injuries. Despite his advanced approach to pitching, he showed he’s not quite ready for the big leagues. He throws a great changeup with plenty of deception and movement, and it plays off his low 90’s fastball well. At 6’2, he has adequate height. However, he needs to work to locate his fastball and not throw any belt high cookies. His curveball is a solid third offering that’s still getting better. He typically throws quality strikes and has an uncommon knowledge of pitch sequencing for a young arm.

Teheran was just optioned to AAA this week, and that’s for the best. While he’s probably capable of holding his own in the majors, the Braves have better options that are more ready for the majors. He covered three levels in 2010 and finally got to take a breath as he spent all of 2011 in AAA aside from his spot starts for the Braves. He could still use a little more seasoning to improve his curveball and fastball command. Unless there are a lot of injuries in Atlanta this year, Teheran may not find himself back there until September due to their great pitching depth. They can afford to take their time with him though.

4. Jurickson Profar, SS, Texas: Reports from spring training indicate that Profar is closer to the top three prospects than some may think. He’s shown incredible maturity for a player that’s only 19 years old, and his assignment to AA, skipping over high-A completely, reflects that. His baseball smarts allow all five of his tools to play up in game action. He walked more times than he struck out as an 18 year old in low-A last year, an unheard of plate approach for a player that young. He makes great contact from both sides of the plate, displaying more power batting right handed. He probably won’t be a huge base stealer, but he’ll be able to pick his spots and be an effective baserunner. In the field, he’s just as good as he is at the plate. His quickness and instincts give him great range, and he has the arm to make any throw. Profar is the complete package.

Rangers fans on Twitter ask what will happen to Elvis Andrus when Profar is ready all the time, and like the Nats and third base, it’s a nice problem to have. There is also nothing to worry about until Profar is knocking on the door, and that’s not in 2012. Maybe Andrus can find another position. Maybe Profar can. Maybe Andrus gets traded. Many teams would be salivating at the opportunity to get a fast, Gold Glove caliber shortstop. That’s not a concern now though, because Profar hasn’t had an at bat above low-A. The time where the Rangers have to make a big decision could come soon, but not yet.

3. Mike Trout, CF, Anaheim: The final three prospects are probably the unanimous top three on every list. How to order them is where things get hairy. I think they can be put in any order and be justifiable. Trout is a five tool centerfielder whose only problem right now is too many veteran outfielders with the Angels. His rise through the system has been meteoric, and every team that passed on him in the 2009 draft has to be wondering what they missed while scouting him. It’s hard to decide which of his tools is best. I would start with his speed that makes him a major base stealing threat and great centerfielder. He has 102 steals over roughly two minor league seasons, and he steals them at nearly an 80% clip. He should hit for an easy .300 with a good plate approach, and he could become a 20 home run hitter. His arm is just okay.

The Angels can probably deal with an average arm in centerfield with all else he brings. He’ll start the season in the minors, but if the Angels want to give themselves the best chance of making the postseason, he shouldn’t be there long. In addition to all of his physical gifts, he’s an ultra competitive player that will make the most of his ability. It takes a special talent to reach the majors as a 19 year old, and he’s going to be one part of a soon to be dangerous Angels lineup.

2. Matt Moore, LHP, Tampa Bay: The Rays are notorious for moving prospects slowly, and Moore appeared to be on the same track. He had been advancing one level per year until he dominated so much in 2012 that he covered three levels, including pitching game one of a playoff series. In previous seasons, he always started slowly and had a lot of problems throwing strikes. Something clicked for him, and he quickly became the best pitching prospect in baseball. His incredibly effortless delivery produces a mid 90’s fastball and one of the best curveballs in the minors. His changeup has improved to above average, and he could have a cabinet full of Cy Youngs before his career is over.

Over the offseason, the Rays signed Moore to a team friendly contract extension that ensures that they’ll be able to hold onto this budding superstar. If he reaches his potential, Moore will have lost out on a lot of money over the course of the deal, but it’s never a bad thing to have the security of guaranteed money. He’ll still have plenty of years to get the big contracts pitchers have been getting in recent years. If he pitched in an era where pitchers threw enough innings to strike out 300 batters, he would do that easily. He could be the best strikeout pitcher in baseball very soon.

1. Bryce Harper, OF, Washington: The legend of Bryce Harper has been known for years now, but what he showed on the field in his first professional season may have gone beyond the hype. He showed off his easy 80 power and 80 arm as everyone expected, and it won’t be long until that raw power is showing up consistently in games. For now, he’s a really good athlete for someone his size, but if he keeps growing he probably won’t be much of a base stealer. Washington is taking advantage of that athleticism while they can, and Harper will be learning centerfield this year. What impressed scouts at the plate was his ability to make consistent contact with his violent swing. He knows to wait for his pitch, and he’s on his way to being one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball.

Word out of the Nationals all offseason was that Harper would have a chance to win a job with the big club out of spring training. It’s unclear whether or not it was just lip service to keep people interested, but he will be starting the season in AAA. It’s best for him and the team because they’ll be able to manage his service time, and he’ll get some more minor league experience which he needs. He actually struggled a bit in AA after his promotion, but he should be able to handle the higher levels. He’ll refine his game in the field and the plate against some tougher pitching, and sometime in June, he’s finally going to arrive.

I hope you enjoyed the list, and that you’ll have a chance to see some of these up and comers over the course of the season. They’re scattered all across the country at all levels, so everyone should have an opportunity. Was anyone too high or low? Should someone that wasn’t on have been included?