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The rosters for the Arizona Fall League are out, and Bryce Harper is not listed. But that doesn't mean the Nationals won't give their newly signed top draft pick a test drive in the desert. Six Nationals prospects led by highly regarded catcher Derek Norris are on the initial roster of the Scottsdale Scorpions, with an additional Washington pitcher still to be added to the slate.
Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said last week that there was a "possibility" Harper, the 17-year-old who signed two weeks ago for $9.9 million, might play in the AFL. Harper will begin his professional work in the Florida Instructional League, the traditional introductory course for teams' younger prospects.
The AFL is a different story altogether, and if Harper is indeed added to the Scorpions' roster later in the season (which runs Oct. 12-Nov. 20) he would get a stiff test against much more advanced minor league players. In fact, one player headed to the AFL, the Angels' Brandon Wood, has played in the majors each of the last four seasons.
Even without Harper, the league is as usual stocked with high-end prospects. They include Dustin Ackley, the No. 2 pick in last year's draft, who will represent the Mariners with the Peoria Javelinas. Other elite minor leaguers scheduled to participate include Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman, Cubs infielder Josh Vitters, Red Sox infielder Jose Iglesias and Royals left-hander Mike Montgomery.
Also of note on the initial rosters are Astros infielder Koby Clemens -- Roger's son -- and Rays outfielder/first baseman Leslie Anderson, a Cuban defector who at age 28 will be the second-oldest player in the league.
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