SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Over the past few years, D-backs fans have fallen in love with the organization’s young players. Whether it’s outfielder Corbin Carroll, shortstop Geraldo Perdomo, right-hander Brandon Pfaadt, or catcher Gabriel Moreno, they have created a great deal of excitement in the Valley of the Sun. 

Of course reaching the World Series helped, but throughout the franchise’s history when there’s been a group of young players that have come up through the system like the Brandon Webb, Justin Upton, Chris Young D-backs in 2006-08, fans latch on.

While the D-backs have seen plenty of young players promoted to the big leagues over the last few years, there’s plenty more talent in the system. And fans will get a look at a number of them Saturday as part of Spring Breakout, in which the top prospects from the D-backs will face the Rockies’ best Minor Leaguers. 

The game will take place at Salt River Fields at 4:10 p.m. MST. 

The D-backs' front office has been supportive of the idea right from the start and will be sending all of their top 16 prospects, as ranked by MLB Pipeline, to the game. 

“I think it's an interesting concept,” D-backs GM Mike Hazen said. “I think any way we can highlight the game and the young players in it, and what the next generation is, is important. I think we've seen with our young team how they resonate with the city, with the fans, with kids in the city. I think that's an important aspect of us growing the game.” 

One player, who would have been on the roster had there been a Spring Breakout game last year, had a similar opinion to Hazen’s. 

“I think that connecting fans and helping them to get to know the younger guys is a great thing,” Carroll, the NL Rookie of the Year, said. “I’m happy that some of our guys will get some of that spotlight.” 

One of those who will certainly get the spotlight is the D-backs’ top prospect, shortstop Jordan Lawlar. The 21-year-old was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Sunday in an effort to make sure he gets everyday at-bats, something he would not get at the big league level with Perdomo starting at shortstop. 

“I think it's a cool idea to get the top prospects out there and see what they can do against elite competition,” Lawlar said. “A lot of us came up on the same circuits and played in the same travel ball tournaments. So we kind of know where everybody is at, so it’s kind of cool to follow them throughout the process of getting to the big leagues.” 

The D-backs' Spring Breakout roster includes the organization’s past four first round picks -- Lawlar, outfielder Druw Jones (D-backs' No. 3 prospect), right-hander Landon Sims (No. 23) and shortstop Tommy Troy (No. 2)

Troy was selected with the No. 12 overall pick in last year’s MLB Draft. 

“I'm super excited,” Troy said. “I mean there's gonna be a lot of good names out there, a lot of good players. It's gonna be a fun way to get out on the field and have some fun.” 

Troy was not in big league camp this year, but he is expected to move quickly through the system after excelling at Stanford University. 

“We think he's gonna have a real chance to really hit,” Hazen said. “He’s a very good athlete, too, but I think the bat is something that when we're taking a position player that high, that's what we're looking for.” 

Last spring, manager Torey Lovullo shared a special moment with his son, Nick, when the Cubs had Nick serve as bench coach for a split-squad game against the D-backs.  

Lovullo and his son exchanged lineup cards at home plate and it is a cherished memory for him.  

Lovullo got to do something similar for Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts on Sunday when the D-backs played the Dodgers at Camelback Ranch. 

Roberts’ son, Cole, is a Minor League outfielder in the D-backs' system, and Lovullo made sure he was on the travel roster for the game. Lovullo sent Cole out to exchange lineup cards with his dad and also had him personalize an extra lineup card for his dad.  

“Torey is such a pro and he gets it,” Dave Roberts said. “Baseball is such a crazy small fraternity and so for him to keep that in mind and make it happen, I won’t forget it.”

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