The latest from around MLB...
- Uber prospect Bryce Harper is expected to start the year in the Minor Leagues, despite Washington Nationals' manager Davey Johnson's strong desire to break camp with Harper on the roster. Harper, just 19, could probably provide some value for the Nats this year, but there's simply too much to be gained by keeping him down for at least a month to start the year. Namely, doing so will ensure that Harper doesn't reach free agency until after 2018. If they started the season with him on the 25-man roster (and he stayed on the roster all year), he'd be a free agent after 2017. That's a whole lot to give up in exchange for a mere month of play this year. The Nats are doing the right thing.
- Yoenis Cespedes made his much-hyped debut for the
Miami MarlinsOakland A's this weekend, and didn't disappoint - he homered, had a single, and walked in three plate appearances. The highlights are undoubtedly being worked into a raucous YouTube video as we speak. - FanGraphs ranked the 30 farm systems across baseball, based on impact talent and overall depth. The San Diego Padres, Toronto Blue Jays, and Tampa Bay Rays take the top three spots, with the Chicago White Sox down at the bottom. The Chicago Cubs come in at 22nd. Grumble.
- Los Angeles Angels' first baseman Kendrys Morales is on schedule to finally return from an ugly leg break back in May 2010. He ran the bases yesterday without pain, which has apparently been quite the hurdle for him to overcome. Morales could play in a Spring game as soon as this week. As things stand, the Angels plan to get Morales at bats mostly in the DH spot, with Albert Pujols manning first base, and Mark Trumbo somehow playing third base.
- Giancarlo (formerly "Mike") Stanton gave Marlins fans a scare after taking a pitch off the wrist and heading immediately to the hospital for x-rays. Fortunately, Stanton says all is well - "No worries my people," to be exact.
- Hall of Famer Frank Robinson reportedly needed treatment yesterday at a Los Angeles Lakers game. Robinson, 76, was able to walk out of the arena under his own power.
Brett Taylor is the Lead Writer at Bleacher Nation, and a Contributor here at Bleed Cubbie Blue.