Finally, some real news to report!
Opening Day around the minor leagues gave us our first glimpse at some highly-touted prospects, and a chance to see which prospects are ready to make the jump to the next level.
- Despite almost making the Astros starting rotation out of spring training, Jordan Lyles didn't exactly dominate Triple-A hitters on Opening Day, says David Heck of MiLB.com. Lyles lasted just four innings and gave up three runs.
- Mariners top prospect Dustin Ackley went 0-for-2 in his season debut, but as usual, was able to get on base, walking twice in the game, reports The Seattle Times.
- Keyvius Sampson couldn't have hoped for a better full-season debut, as the Padres prospect struck out 10 batters over six perfect innings, reports John Parker of MiLB.com.
- Bryce Harper went 2-for-4 in his professional debut, with an RBI single in his first at-bat and a bunt single in his second, notes Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com. The Nationals phenom also struck out later in the game, but that didn't prevent him from leaving a positive impression on fans and scouts alike, says Nathan Rode of Baseball America.
- Manny Machado also made his professional debut last night for the Orioles Low-A affiliate in Delmarva, going 2-for-3 and driving in the go-ahead run with a triple, says Ashley Marshall of MiLB.com.
- Diamondbacks first base prospect Paul Goldschmidt picked up the 2011 season right where he left off last season, homering twice on Opening Day, says John Parker of MiLB.com.
- Jacob Turner made his Double-A debut look as easy as the Florida State league was for the Tigers top prospect, according to David Heck of MiLB.com.
- Indians prospect Cord Phelps fell a home run short of the cycle, reports the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
- The Florida State League was treated to a real Opening Day pitchers duel, as Mets prospect Matt Harvey out-dueled Cardinals prospect Shelby Miller in Harvey's professional debut, reports Ashley Marshall of MiLB.com. Both pitchers threw well, striking out 9 batters apiece, each over five innings of work, but Miller was undone by one unearned run.
- Yankees prospect Melky Mesa led the way for the Trenton Thunder, going 2-for-4 with an RBI double, reports The Trentonian.
- Other notable performances: