Bryce Harper to open in Syracuse
One name, however, may reign over them all. Bryce Harper fell just shy of making the Washington Nationals and will open in centerfield for one of the Bisons' closest rivals, the Syracuse Chiefs. Harper, tabbed by many leading publications as the top prospect in the baseball world, may only be in Triple-A a brief time. The Chiefs series in Buffalo May 1-4 just might be the only time Herd fans get to see him up close. Not even alive two-decades, his development is receiving the finishing touches and he's poised to be the next piece of the youth movement in Natstown.
From the other end of the spectrum enters Andy Pettitte. Toting 16 years of experience and 240 Major League victories on the mound, the 39-year old returns to the diamond from retirement in hopes of aiding a Yankees staff that has been dealt a rash blows this spring. Since Pettitte signed towards the tail end of camp, fans in the IL may have their best shot seeing Pettitte tune up prior to heading back to the Bronx. Good news since the Herd opens the home portion of their schedule against the Yankees on Wednesday, April 11.
Since the Bisons do not play outside of their division until a May 7th tilt in Gwinnett, here's a snap-shot of the notables to watch from the Herd's closest rivals.
PAWTUCKET: The Bisons will open the season against Pawtucket facing the recently optioned flashy shortstop, Jose Iglesias. Iglesias fell short to win the job in Boston and is set to leadoff for the PawSox in the opener. Ryan Lavarnway jumped through the system last year and punished IL pitching on his way up the ranks before he capped the season with Boston. Lavarnway has shown he can hit at every level of the minors. Now, it's up to him to show Boston he's as competent behind the plate to force the Sox to make a decision and bring him back to handle the staff.
ROCHESTER: Nothing has been rosy in the Flower City. The Wings are coming off back-to-back seasons of 90 or more losses, something the franchise hasn't seen in more than a century. New skipper, Gene Glynn has spent the past two decades as a Major League scout and coach but hasn't managed since 1991. Tsuyoshi Nishioka was a superstar in Japan and banked 3-year, $9.25 million deal with the Twins before the 2010 season and has been a big disappointment. He was optioned to Triple-A with hopes to find his form with Brian Dinkleman and Ray Chang around the diamond. While the defense looks strong on paper, pitching will serve as the biggest question mark for the Red Wings.
SCRANTON/WILKES BARRE: While you won't actually see a pitch in Montage Mountain this year as the Yankees barnstorm through the IL, they will be built to contend - just like the past six years. The Yankees' Minor League Player of the Year in 2011 was catcher, Austin Romine. Romine finally gets the opportunity to open at Triple-A after being blocked by Jesus Montero (traded to Seattle) the past two seasons. Last year, slugger Jorge Vazquez set the SWB franchise record for home runs in a single season when he popped 32 while having one of the greatest offensive seasons in the franchise's 22-year existence. Brandon Laird has evolved into one of the steadiest contributors in the SWB lineup and was stellar on the hot corner last year.
LEHIGH VALLEY: The IronPigs return Hall of Fame manager Ryne Sandberg after an 80-win season that had them above the .500 mark for the first time in franchise history. This year's club will return a lot of familiar names and experience. Outside the veterans, the Phils are pumping strength up the system too. The Phillies top upper-level starting prospect is righty Austin Hyatt who posted a 12-6 record with a 3.85ERA and a league-leading 171 punchouts at Double-A Reading last year. Overall he is with a 27-11 with a 3.20 ERA as a professional.
SYRACUSE: Just 19-years old, Bryce Harper will play centerfield in Triple-A for new Chiefs manager and former Bisons infielder, Greg Booker. While the youth and daily production from Harper will nab the headlines, experience will be the driving force if Syracuse searches for a playoff run. Chad Tracy and Mark Teahan are seven-year MLB veterans. Xavier Nady is a 10-year MLB veteran Seth Bynum is a solid Triple-A veteran who can play all infield positions. Bynum, hit .259 for Syracuse last season with 10 HR and 39 RBI in 64 games.