We still don’t know where Nationals prospect Bryce Harper will start the 2012 season. If manager Davey Johnson has his way, Harper probably will be in Washington from Opening Day. The organization likely will take a more conservative approach — provided Harper doesn’t simply rip a corner outfield job away from somebody during spring training.
Recommended Stories
But no matter when we see Harper — April, June or September — it’s a virtual guarantee he won’t be the only top prospect to make an impact this season. In fact, ESPN, Baseball Prospectus, Baseball America and MLB.com all ranked Harper second in their preseason elite prospect polls.
Who was the consensus No. 1? There wasn’t one. Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Matt Moore, 22, was the top pick of Baseball Prospectus and MLB.com. Baseball America and ESPN both went with Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout, 20. It’s a good bet both will get a full season. Moore is expected to be a key part of Tampa Bay’s dynamite rotation. Improved command of a wipeout fastball and a devastating change-up give Moore the ceiling of a No. 1 ace. If he lives up to that billing right away, then it’s possible even the New York Yankees’ high payroll won’t be enough in the American League East.
Like Moore, who started a playoff game for Tampa Bay last fall, Trout already has made his big league debut. He has blazing speed, plays a mean center field — one of the sport’s most important defensive positions — and has excellent pitch recognition. To some, those skills provide more than even Harper’s otherworldly power. Trout looked overmatched at times during his 40 games with the Angels last summer. But the hope is he is ready to man an outfield spot. Certainly, with Albert Pujols aboard at first base, the pressure to perform right away should be limited.
He’s in the other league, so Harper — if given the chance — won’t have to compete with either Moore or Trout for rookie of the year. But he still will have plenty of competition in the National League. Julio Teheran could crack Atlanta’s rotation, while quirky 2011 draft pick Trevor Bauer already might be Arizona’s ace.
– Brian McNally
