Both the Orioles and Nationals have been rebuilding for what seems like the better part of a decade now. Each has reasons for hope already on its big league roster. But both teams also have another young position star on the way — two precocious talents who could be in the majors sooner rather than later.
Entering the season, all eyes were on 2010 No. 1 draft pick Bryce Harper, whom the Nats assigned to low-A Hagerstown to begin 2011. After a slow start, the 18-year-old outfielder is getting comfortable against older competition.
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But Baltimore has a future star of its own, too. Shortstop Manny Machado was the No. 3 pick in last year’s draft behind Harper and pitcher Jameson Taillon (Pittsburgh Pirates). He also turned pro out of high school, even drawing some comparisons to Alex Rodriguez as a shortstop from the Miami area.
That’s a little much. But Machado is on fire in his first month as a full-time pro — he played in 18 games at two lower levels last summer. In fact, Machado actually beat out Harper for the South Atlantic League player of the week honors ending May 1. He hit .480 with five homers and 12 RBI and has shown remarkable plate discipline for such a young player (18 walks, 14 strikeouts).
Harper and Machado’s Sally League stat lines are eerily similar. Harper entered play Tuesday 27-for-76 with a .355 batting average and a .456 on-base percentage. Machado was 30-for-86 with a .349 average and a .462 on-base percentage. Harper has hit for slightly more power (.697 slugging percentage to .640) and has a higher OPS (1.153 to 1.102). But those differences are miniscule over five weeks. Harper has six homers and 14 extra-base hits in all. Machado has five homers and 13 extra-base hits.
That’s a long way of saying neither is long for the Sally League. Washington general manager Mike Rizzo has made it clear he wants Harper to learn how to be a pro — grinding through slumps, enduring bus trips and accepting professional instruction. Orioles GM Andy McPhail would say the same for Machado. High-A ball in the Carolina League — at Frederick and Potomac — is awaiting both. The big leagues are waiting, too.
