Surprising homes for top prospects

Trevor Bauer, Manny Machado both will start the season at Double-A

Updated: April 6, 2012, 2:55 PM ET
By Kevin Goldstein | Baseball Prospectus

With minor league opening day upon us, roster decisions have been made, and while most players continue to take the standard route up the minor league ladder, there are plenty of prospects making a double jump or being left behind to repeat a level.

Last week's minor league player of the year watch showcased three teenagers in Texas Rangers shortstop Jurickson Profar, St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Oscar Taveras and Seattle Mariners righty Taijuan Walker who are beginning the year in Double-A.

Here are 10 more players beginning the year someplace other than where many expected.

Trevor Bauer, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks


To see what Kevin Goldstein thinks about Trevor Bauer's starting assignment, plus top prospects for the Red Sox, Yankees, Mets and more, you must be an ESPN Insider.

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