It's always important to keep an eye on the major league farm systems to see if you can snag the next big prospect before everyone else in your league. Having this year's Brett Lawrie may or may not propel your team to the playoffs, so knowing at least a handful of prospects to watch is very important. Below I've listed some of the nation's top prospects and provided a rough idea of when they might be called up.
1. Bryce Harper (OF, Nationals) - Although Mike Trout may be called up earlier, no one is going to question the ability between the two. Harper was with the Nationals in Spring Training and Davey Johnson initially thought that he would be able to make the club as their starting right fielder. After a mini slump and a few days off for injuries, Harper was sent back to the minors. So far in AAA ball he's struggled somewhat, batting just .245 so far in this early season. It doesn't appear that the Nationals are in any hurry to call him up, but assuming that he turns things around, we could see him make the big club sometime after June.
2. Mike Trout (OF, Angels) - As Matthew Berry from ESPN would say, Trout has a "little bit of pop" and the wheels to eventually steal 25-30 bags. Trout has been absolutely on fire in AAA, already having an 11 game hitting streak to go along with a handful of homers, runs and steals. Anaheim currently has a logjam of players clogging Trout's promotion, but has been actively trying to trade Bobby Abreu or Vernon Wells to another club to make room. Its doubtful that Wells would move anytime soon because of his horrible contract, but Abreu is a possibility, should another club have an injury. Since they are already jumping at the bit to promote him, keep an eye out for injuries around the league and add him when another big name OF goes down.
3. Trevor Bauer (SP, Diamondbacks) - Widely regarded as the best pitching prospect in the majors currently, Bauer possesses a plus fastball and a hammer for a curve, to go along with two other average pitches. In his current stint at AAA, he has already struck out 20 batters in 15 innings, but needs to work on his control before he gets promoted. He's been compared to a younger Clayton Kershaw, in terms of a comparison. Although Josh Collementer has struggled so far, expect Arizona to promote their other top pitching prospect Tyler Skaggs before Bauer makes the club. Once he figures everything out though, watch out, he's filthy.
4. Nolan Arenado (3B, Rockies) - Arenado is currently tearing it up at AAA, hitting a ridiculous .371 through his first 9 games with a homer already. Coming off of a strong 2010 when he had 122 RBI in 134 games at High-A ball, the Rockies have a plan for their #1 prospect. I wouldn't expect him to come up until later on in the year (closer to late July or August) but once he does, especially in keeper leagues, grab him if you need help at 3B.
5. Brad Peacock (SP, Athletics) - So far in AAA Peacock is 1-1 with a 1.42 ERA and 17Ks in 19 IP. Although Tyler Ross was the Athletics last call-up for their 5th starter, Peacock shouldn't be held back much longer. Although not a fireballer, Peacock has above average control and should help out your WHIP, if that is a category in your league. Expect him to be called up shortly after June to avoid penalties to the big club, since Billy Beane is a cheapskate.
I'd also strongly recommend reading or subscribing to Keith Law at ESPN for his tweets and information. He's widely regarded as one of the best analysts to review upcoming prospects.
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