source: sportslogos.net

The California League is one of the best offensive leagues in minor league baseball. Last season the California League ranked 2^nd in league OPS behind the Pacific Coast League in minor league baseball. A new batch of arms will once again face the trials and tribulations that the league has to offer and a new group of hitters will receive the benefit and also the doubt that comes with having great seasons in the league.

Once again, the sources I will use for the prospect rankings are:

• Seedlings to Stars
• Scout.com
• ESPN
• Baseball America
• Baseball Prospectus
• MLB.com
• John Sickels

Position Players

C Max Stassi, Stockton Ports (Oakland Athletics)

2011 Statistics (A+ Stockton): 139 Plate Appearances .231/.331/.331/.662 8 XBH 16 BB-22 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: N/A

Another in a line of professional baseball players in the Stassi family, Max was selected in the fourth round of the 2009 draft by the Oakland Athletics and was signed to a then record $1.5 million signing bonus. Stassi’s first full season came in 2010 when he hit .229 with a .690 OPS in 465 plate appearances in single-A. However, a shoulder injury hindered Max to just 31 games in high-A in 2011. When he’s going strong, Max projects to have at least average power and has shown good patience at the plate. He’s struggled to hit for contact, though, and can get pull happy at times. Stassi struck out 145 times in 2010 and struck out 22 times in 139 plate appearances in 2011. Defensively, he moves well behind the plate. In 2010, Stassi threw out 34% of attempting base stealers. Max will likely return to the California League in 2012 where he’ll still be age appropriate at age 21.

1B C.J. Cron, Inland Empire 66ers (Los Angeles Angels)

2011 Statistics (Rookie): 159 Plate Appearances .308/.371/.629/1.000 19 XBH 10 BB-34 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: N/A

Taken with the 17^th overall pick in the 2011 draft by the Los Angeles Angels, C.J. Cron made his pro debut in the rookie league. Cron overmatched the league as he hit a homerun in nearly every ten plate appearances on average. C.J. is ready for high-A and could rake in the California League in 2012. C.J. was named a first team All-American by nearly every college publication in college in 2011. He batted .434 with a 1.320 OPS for the University of Utah. Cron has very good power and has the ability to hit for average. In terms of a hitting package, Cron is a complete prospect. As a first baseman, however, his value begins and ends with his hitting. Cron is not fast and defensively he won’t embarrass himself, but he also won’t likely win a Gold Glove either. Cron will likely begin in the California League in 2012 and is far enough along in development to put him in line for a quick rise through the Angel’s system.

2B Cory Spangenberg, Lake Elsinore Storm (San Diego Padres)

2011 Statistics (A Fort Wayne/A- Eugene): 330 Plate Appearances .316/.419/.418/.837 21 XBH 45 BB-57 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: Baseball America (#78), Baseball Prospectus (#58), MLB.com (#81)

When the Padres selected Cory Spangenberg with the 10^th overall pick they probably believed they were getting their leadoff hitter of the future. His debut did nothing to admonish that thinking. Spangenberg hit .384 with a .545 on base percentage in 121 plate appearances in short season A-ball and followed that up with a .286 average and .345 on base percentage in 209 plate appearances in single-A. Spangenberg is a very disciplined hitter and projects as a top of the order bat. He uses plus bat speed to hit for contact and has plus speed. In 72 games in 2011, Spangenberg stole 25 bases in 33 attempts. He isn’t as strong defensively at second base as you would think, but he is developing there nonetheless. In his first full year in professional baseball, he is likely to begin in the California League, which could lead to a big season.

3B Adam Duvall, San Jose Giants (San Francisco Giants)

2011 Statistics (A Augusta): 510 Plate Appearances .285/.385/.527/.912 56 XBH 59 BB-98 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: N/A

An eleventh round pick in the 2010 draft by the San Francisco Giants, Adam Duvall had a very nice first season in professional baseball. A Louisville alum, Duvall hit .285 with 22 homeruns and 56 total extra base hits in single-A with 59 walks (11.6%) and 98 strikeouts (19.2%) in 510 plate appearances. Duvall hit .321 with a .548 slugging percentage and .962 OPS at home in 2011. All of that while playing his home games in a difficult hitter’s park. Duvall has a good bat and has shown good plate discipline. It remains to be seen which position he’ll end up playing as he mostly played second base in 2010, but played third base in 2011. Duvall could move up to the California League in 2012 and have a big season as he moves into a better stadium and league for hitters.

SS Billy Hamilton, Bakersfield Blaze (Cincinnati Reds)

2011 Statistics (A Dayton): 610 Plate Appearances .278/.340/.360/.700 30 XBH 52 BB-133 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: Scout.com (#70), ESPN (#64), Baseball America (#48), Baseball Prospectus (#22),  MLB.com (#34), John Sickels (#57)

One of the better middle infield prospects in the game, Billy Hamilton looks to be a fixture in the middle infield in the future in Cincinnati. Drafted in the 2^nd round by the Reds in the 2009 draft, Hamilton made his full season minor league debut in 2011. Known as one of the fastest players in minor league baseball, Hamilton stole 103 bases in 123 attempts in 135 games on the season. Hamilton doesn’t have a lot of power though. His speed supplements that though and his patience at the plate is a tick above average. In 2011, he walked in 8.5% of his plate appearances and struck out 21.8% of the time. Defensively, Hamilton has good range, but his arm may force a move to second base in the future. A move up to the California League should help Hamilton’s power, but he’s never going to be a big homerun hitter. Still, another 100 steal season may be within reach from minor league baseball’s most dangerous base stealing threat.

LF Domingo Santana, Lancaster JetHawks (Houston Astros)

2011 Statistics (A Lexington/A Lakewood): 467 Plate Appearances .287/.362/.471/.833 49 XBH 32 BB-135 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: N/A

The classic power hitting prospect, Domingo Santana brings a lot of power when he comes to the plate. One of the players that Houston acquired in return for Hunter Pence, Santana posted monster numbers (.382 average and 1.109 OPS) for single-A Lexington after the deal, albeit in a small sample size (76 plate appearances). At the plate, Santana brings plus-plus raw power and solid contact ability. He is a very undisciplined hitter, however, so it will be interesting to see how he handles upper level pitching. Santana won’t turn 20 until August, though, so he has time on his side. In the outfield, Santana has improved, but is still not great. He has a very strong arm, however, so the tools are there to at least be a productive defensive outfielder. With time and development, Santana has potential, but he has a lot to work on still and has yet to truly show the production.

CF George Springer, Lancaster JetHawks (Houston Astros)

2011 Statistics (A- Tri-City): 33 Plate Appearances .179/.303/.393/.696 4 XBH 2 BB-2 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: Scout.com (#33), ESPN (#60), Baseball America (#59), Baseball Prospectus (#49), MLB.com (#84), John Sickels (#55)

An athletic outfielder selected by the Houston Astros out of the University of Connecticut with the 11^th overall pick of the 2011 draft, George Springer will likely be playing alongside Santana in 2012. Springer has the ability to do a lot on the baseball field. Keith Law said he “was one of the toolsiest college position players that I’ve ever come across.” He has a strong 6 foot 3 inch, 205 pound frame, and is very gifted with tools. He showed good power in college with a .608 slugging percentage and 12 homeruns in 66 games. The next highest on the team was 6. He has very good bat speed and good discipline. Springer has very good speed as well, as seen by his 31 steals in college in 66 games.  Defensively, George has a chance to be a star with a strong arm and very good range in centerfield. In terms of ability, it’s hard not to project George Springer to be a star. Production will be the test of how far he gets.

RF Rymer Liriano, Lake Elsinore Storm (San Diego Padres)

2011 Statistics (A+ Lake Elsinore/A Fort Wayne): 580 Plate Appearances .298/.365/.465/.830 52 XBH 53 BB-108 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: #48

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: Scout.com (#100), ESPN (#40), Baseball America (#49), Baseball Prospectus (#52), MLB.com (#60), John Sickels (#54)

After beginning the season in high-A, Rymer Liriano was demoted to single-A Fort Wayne in 2011. The move was made after a brutal start for the Lake Elsinore Storm, but it also opened the door for a big season for the Fort Wayne TinCaps. In 2012, Liriano will get another shot at the California League and likely with a lot more confidence after the dominant performance in single-A. Liriano brings a lot to the table. He has great bat speed and good power. He showed better plate discipline in Fort Wayne then he had shown previously, and he has plus speed. Liriano hit 30 doubles, 8 triples, and 12 homeruns in 519 plate appearances for Fort Wayne and stole 65 bases in 85 attempts. He batted .319 with an .882 OPS as well. Liriano walked in 9% of his plate appearances and struck out 18.3% of the time as well. Both were improvements on his career 7.9% walk rate and 28.3% strikeout rate before his single-A resurgence. Defensively, Liriano has a very good arm in right field and projects as an above average defender in right field.

DH Telvin Nash, Lancaster JetHawks (Houston Astros)

2011 Statistics (A Lexington/Rookie): 332 Plate Appearances .274/.380/.488/.867 32 XBH 43 BB-105 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: N/A

The third Houston Astro’s hitter to make this list, Telvin Nash should be hitting in the middle of a good lineup in Lancaster. A 3^rd round pick by the Houston Astros in the 2009 draft, Telvin made it to full season ball for the first time in 2011 and made it a very nice debut. Nash has very good raw power and good discipline at the plate. He can have trouble from getting pull happy and a swing that could get eaten alive by pitchers at the upper levels. Still, the raw power and discipline does show some potential for now. Nash doesn’t bring a lot to the table outside of his bat, however, so his value will always lie in the bat. He will need to cut down on the strikeouts though to be successful at the next level. Telvin Nash, 21 years old, could take advantage of the California League in 2012 though.

Starting Pitchers

RHP Taijuan Walker, High Desert Mavericks (Seattle Mariners)

2011 Statistics (A Clinton): 6-5, 2.89 ERA, 96 2/3 IP, 69 H, 39 BB, 113 K, 1.12 WHIP

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: #23

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: Scout.com (#77), ESPN (#24), Baseball America (#20), Baseball Prospectus (#14), MLB.com (#18), John Sickels (#15)

Taken 43^rd overall in the 2010 draft, Taijuan Walker flat out dominated in his first full season of professional baseball. Pitching in the single-A Midwest League, Walker struck out 10.5 batters per nine innings and gave up just 6.4 hits per nine innings. He kept the ball in the ballpark and limited his walks to a comfortable number for a raw pitcher that was 18 years old for most of the season in single-A. Walker is just beginning to refine his pitching as he was a two sport star in high school. Still, Walker will pitch mid-90s with his fastball, which already is a plus if not plus-plus pitch. His secondary stuff is still developing, but he already has shown tremendous improvement for a pitcher so young and raw. His curveball has definite plus potential and his changeup is still in the works. Walker has the potential to join Felix Hernandez at the top of Seattle’s rotation in the future, but should face a challenge in the California League in 2012, especially with his home starts coming in High Desert.

RHP A.J. Cole, Stockton Ports (Oakland Athletics)

2011 Statistics (A Hagerstown): 4-7, 4.04 ERA, 89 IP, 87 H, 24 BB, 108 K, 1.25 WHIP

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: #30

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: Scout.com (#76), ESPN (#33), Baseball America (#57), Baseball Prospectus (#60), MLB.com (#88), John Sickels (#52)

The centerpiece of the Gio Gonzalez trade this past offseason, A.J. Cole had a strong first full season. Cole flashed great control in his first year as he walked just 2.4 batters per nine innings and struck out 10.9 per nine innings. Known for his arm strength, as he’ll sit mid-90s with his fastball, A.J. Cole’s fastball is the foundation for a repertoire that has question marks in it. Cole’s curveball has potential, but is too inconsistent at this point. His changeup also needs to improve as left handed hitters hit .325 with an .814 OPS against him. Cole will join the group of starting pitchers staring straight in the eye of the hurricane, which is the California League.

RHP Zach Lee, Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (Los Angeles Dodgers)

2011 Statistics (A Great Lakes): 9-6, 3.47 ERA, 109 IP, 101 H, 32 BB, 91 K, 1.22 WHIP

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: Scout.com (#59), ESPN (#41), Baseball America (#62), Baseball Prospectus (#70), MLB.com (#45), John Sickels (#75)

Viewed as one of the most un-signable players in the 2010 draft, Zach Lee surprised everybody by signing after the Los Angeles Dodgers shocked everybody by drafting him in the first round (28^th overall). Lee, a star quarterback in high school, had a very solid first season in the minor leagues. Lee controlled the ball well as he gave up just 2.6 batters per nine innings. Lee sits low 90s with his fastball, but can hit mid-90s on occasion. His changeup helped him allow left handed hitters to just a .229 batting average and .632 OPS against him on the season. He also uses a curveball and slider in his mix as well. Lee looks like he has the size and arm to be a part of the top of the Dodger’s rotation in the future.

RHP Daniel Corcino, Bakersfield Blaze (Cincinnati Reds)

2011 Statistics (A Dayton): 11-7, 3.42 ERA, 139 1/3 IP, 128 H, 34 BB, 156 K, 1.16 WHIP

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: #75

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: ESPN (#54)

Signed in 2008 out of the Dominican Republic, Daniel Corcino displayed an outstanding ability to dominate single-A hitters with power and command in 2011. His best pitch is a low-90s fastball that can reach mid-90s. He mixes in a slider and changeup that can both get different grades depending on who you talk to, although both show promise no matter who you talk to. Left handed hitters hit just .228 with a .628 OPS against him on the season. Batters in the first inning hit just .149 against Corcino, who gave up just 1 run all season in the first inning. However, he struggled in the second and third innings. He comes in at a slight frame of 5 foot 11 and 165 pounds listed, but there’s nothing slight about how his season went in 2011. Now he’ll face a big test in 2012, but if he can refine his secondary pitches more he could be a big part of the future in Cincinnati.

RHP Keyvius Sampson, Lake Elsinore Storm (San Diego Padres)

2011 Statistics (A Fort Wayne): 12-3, 2.90 ERA, 118 IP, 81 H, 49 BB, 143 K, 1.10 WHIP

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: #62

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: John Sickels (#82)

Another arm in the San Diego Padre’s deep farm system, Keyvius Sampson was selected in the 4^th round of the 2009 draft out of high school. It would be difficult to top the season he had in 2011 when Sampson more than held his own in the Midwest League. Sampson struck out 10.9 batters per nine innings and gave up just 6.2 hits per nine innings. After his first start in full season ball, Sampson must have felt like it was all downhill from there. Keyvius threw six perfect innings on April 7^th against South Bend, including ten strikeouts. It was his first and only double digit strikeout performance of the season, although he had three starts with nine strikeouts. Both left handed and right handed batters hit under .200 with an OPS under .600 against him on the season. Keyvius offers both a plus low-90s fastball and plus changeup, but lacks the third pitch at this time to make him a future front line starter. He should at least be a solid starter though, but could end up in the bullpen where he could truly be dominant.

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Each year a new flood of prospects enter each league in minor league baseball. For the Texas League, the pool of talented prospects is seemingly never dry. Over the past seven Baseball America prospect lists, six of the lists have had at least 12 prospects that played the previous season in the Texas League. Five of those seven lists have included two Texas League players from the previous season in the top ten prospects in baseball.

As usual, the Texas League will be a fun league to watch in 2011. While there may not be the surefire top prospect like Mike Trout in the league, the depth should once again be strong and could be strengthened even more by June or July when prospects like Jurickson Profar (Texas Rangers), Oscar Taveras (St. Louis Cardinals), Carlos Martinez (St. Louis Cardinals), Rymer Liriano (San Diego Padres), and George Springer (Houston Astros) could be possible call ups.

Once again, the sources I will use for the prospect rankings are:

• Seedlings to Stars
• Scout.com
• ESPN
• Baseball America
• Baseball Prospectus
• MLB.com
• John Sickels

Position Players

C Derek Norris, Midland Rockhounds (Oakland Athletics)

2011 Statistics (AA Harrisburg): 423 Plate Appearances  .210/.367/.446/.813 37 XBH 77 BB-117 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: ESPN (#93), Baseball Prospectus (#96), John Sickels (#88)

A key part of the trade that sent left handed pitcher Gio Gonzalez to the Washington Nationals, Derek Norris projects as a power hitting catcher with solid defensive ability. While there are questions over whether he’ll make enough contact, Norris is patient and has hit 20 or more homeruns in two of his four minor league seasons. He did get 423 plate appearances in AA last year, so it’s possible that he will begin the 2012 season in the Pacific Coast League for the Sacramento River Cats (AAA).

1B Jonathan Singleton, Corpus Christi Hooks (Houston Astros)

2011 Statistics (A+ Clearwater/A+ Lancaster): 530 Plate Appearances .298/.392/.441/.833 37 XBH 70 BB-123 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: #65

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: Scout.com (#39), ESPN (#46), Baseball America (#34), Baseball Prospectus (#73), MLB.com (#44), John Sickels (#47)

Traded by the Philadelphia Phillies in a package for Hunter Pence last July, Jonathan Singleton was a big addition to a previously weak Houston Astros farm system. Jonathan Singleton hit in polar opposite leagues in 2011 as he went from the hitter’s paradise California League to the pitcher friendly Florida State League. Still, Singleton will spend all of the 2012 season as a 20 year old in the Texas League. In a league that has seen its share of top first base prospects from Mark Teixeira to Daric Barton to Chris Davis and finally to Justin Smoak and Eric Hosmer, Jonathan Singleton hopes to strengthen the list even more.

2B Jean Segura, Arkansas Travelers (Los Angeles Angels)

2011 Statistics (A+ Inland Empire/Rookie League): 232 Plate Appearances .295/.341/.447/.787 21 XBH 15 BB-29 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: #73

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: Scout.com (#22), ESPN (#44), Baseball America (#55), Baseball Prospectus (#67), MLB.com (#55), John Sickels (#66)

The 21 year old Jean Segura endured hamstring injuries in 2011, but when healthy produced as expected. Segura, who stole 50 bases for class A Cedar Rapids in 2010, looks to join a lengthy list of middle infield prospects that rose through the Angels farm system. Prospects like Howie Kendrick, Erick Aybar, Alberto Callaspo, and Brandon Wood made the same trip through Arkansas that Segura will be making. Jean Segura has great speed and displayed that when he stole 50 bases in single-A in 2010. Despite playing in just 52 games in 2011, Segura was still 3rd on the Inland Empire team in steals with 18. He has shown good discipline in his career with 99 career walks to just 149 strikeouts over 1,304 plate appearances. He also holds a career .316 batting average. In 2010, Segura hit .313 for the Cedar Rapids Kernels.

3B Mike Olt, Frisco RoughRiders (Texas Rangers)

2011 Statistics (A+ Myrtle Beach): 292 Plate Appearances .267/.387/.504/.891 29 XBH 48 BB-70 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: Scout.com (#62), ESPN (#75), Baseball America (#43), Baseball Prospectus (#45), MLB.com (#43), John Sickels (#65)

On the verge of a breakout season, Mike Olt was injured with a broken left collarbone in a collision at home plate in June. A 22 year old at the time, Olt was batting .286 with a .903 OPS. He finished the season with an OPS 22 points lower. Still, Olt was one of 9 players to finish with a slugging% of .500 or higher in the Carolina League. Projected as a future big league caliber player, Mike Olt is strong on both sides of the ball. He combines very strong defense with good power and discipline.  Olt looks to provide the same type of power that third baseman Tommy Mendonca provided Frisco in 2011.

SS Jonathan Villar, Corpus Christi Hooks (Houston Astros)

2011 Statistics (A+ Lancaster/AA Corpus Christi): 574 Plate Appearances .241/.320/.396/.716 43 XBH 54 BB-156 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: N/A

After finishing last year with 367 plate appearances in the Texas League, Villar is likely to return to AA for at least the beginning of the year. Villar will open the 2012 season as just a 20 year old, so he has age on his side. Villar did take a step forward in 2011 as he increased his plate discipline (6.7 BB% to 9.4%) and improved his power (.362 SLG% to .396 SLG% and 35 to 43 XBH). Still, Villar will need to cut down on his strikeouts (an astounding 309 strikeouts over the last 2 seasons in 1,137 plate appearances) if he is to improve more for the next level. There is room in Houston for a fast, defensive minded shortstop though. Developing power and discipline will be icing on the cake.

LF Kole Calhoun, Arkansas Travelers (Los Angeles Angels)

2011 Statistics (A+ Inland Empire): 594 Plate Appearances .324/.410/.547/.957 64 XBH 73 BB-96 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: N/A

One of the prospects I’ve been curious about, Calhoun will need to shake off the reputation of being a productive non-elite hitting prospect coming from the California League. Unlike a player like Jon Gaston though, Calhoun wasn’t a strikeout machine in the California League. Calhoun walked a lot and held his strikeout percentage to 16%. Along the way he displayed a nice power/speed package with his 64 extra base hits and 20 steals. Even if Calhoun were to put up numbers similar to what he had at home (.312/.382/.476/.858) in 2011 Calhoun would open some eyes.  For Calhoun’s sake, he is coming from one of the more difficult ballparks to hit homeruns in, so he will be used to a tough home park to hit homeruns in. According to http://www.baseballthinkfactory.org/oracle/discussion/2011_minor_league_park_multipliers/ Inland Empire’s homerun park factor was 0.81 from 2009-2011. Arkansas is slightly worse at 0.78.

CF Michael Choice, Midland Rockhounds (Oakland Athletics)

2011 Statistics (A+ Stockton): 542 Plate Appearances .285/.376/.542/.918 59 XBH 61 BB-134 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: #70

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospects Rankings: Scout.com (#29), ESPN (#77), Baseball America (#80), Baseball Prospectus (#39), MLB.com (#59), John Sickels (#53)

A first round pick of the Oakland Athletics in 2010, Michael Choice will be back playing in Texas for the first time since he was an outfielder for the University of Texas-Arlington (UTA). Choice has done nothing but match expectations since being drafted 10^th overall in the draft. Choice “struggled” somewhat in the first half of 2011, but exploded in the second half (.332/.411/.590/1.001). Choice is known for his power and discipline at the plate. His path to Midland has been quite similar to that of Chris Carter back in 2009. Carter has since stalled a bit, but had a big season in 2009 for Midland. Choice will begin the 2012 season in the Texas League and could have a presence in the middle of the Oakland Athletic’s lineup in the next couple years.

RF Kent Matthes, Tulsa Drillers (Colorado Rockies)

2011 Statistics (A+ Modesto): 400 Plate Appearances .334/.378/.642/1.020 65 XBH 22 BB-80 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospects Rankings:  N/A

The California League leader in slugging% in 2011, Kent Matthes will come to Tulsa following a big season. Matthes managed 65 extra base hits and 95 RBI in just 93 games. Like Choice, Matthes had a very big second half where he batted .368 with a 1.143 OPS. Matthes will also have to prove that he wasn’t a product of the California League, a tough thing to manage after putting up a 1.020 OPS for the season. Matthes will also likely need to improve his plate discipline (5.5% BB rate).

DH Nolan Arenado, Tulsa Drillers (Colorado Rockies)

2011 Statistics (A+ Modest): 583 Plate Appearances .298/.349/.487/.836 55 XBH 47 BB-53 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: #87

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: Scout.com (#18), ESPN (#26), Baseball America (#42), Baseball Prospectus (#20), MLB.com (#22), John Sickels (#13)

Universally considered one of the top third base prospects in the game, Nolan Arenado’s bat is what will carry him to the big leagues. A very tough hitter to strikeout, Arenado has struck out in just 10% of his plate appearances in the minor leagues. He also showed more discipline in 2011 with more walks last season alone than his first two years in the minor leagues. Arenado has always been able to make consistent contact, but with growth in discipline his bat looks better than ever. Scouting reports have also shown improvement in defense from Arenado, which will be a key to watch in Tulsa this season. Arenado will have big shoes to fill in the Tulsa Driller’s lineup as Tulsa will lose both Tim Wheeler and Wilin Rosario from a year ago.

Starting Pitchers

RHP Jarred Cosart, Corpus Christi Hooks (Houston Astros)

2011 Statistics (A+ Clearwater/AA Corpus Christi): 10-10 4.12 ERA 144 1/3 IP 131 H 56 BB 101 K 1.30 WHIP

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: Scout.com (#25), ESPN (#78), Baseball America (#50), Baseball Prospectus (#48), MLB.com (#61)

One of the key parts of the deal that sent Hunter Pence to Philadelphia last season, Jarred Cosart will likely return to Corpus Christi to open up 2011. While Cosart did not show outstanding ability to get strikeouts last season, he still handled high-A and AA well. When Cosart is going strong though he can easily hit mid 90s and can reach the upper 90s with his fastball. He mixes in a swing and miss curveball and a decent changeup, that has improved since he entered pro ball, to go with the fastball. A Texas native, Cosart has very good stuff though and is capable of having a breakout year in AA in 2012.

RHP Jake Odorizzi, Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Kansas City Royals)

2011 Statistics (A+ Wilmington/AA NW Arkansas): 10-7 3.73 ERA 147 IP 134 H 44 BB 157 K 1.21 WHIP

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: #32

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: Scout.com (#54), ESPN (#71), Baseball America (#68), Baseball Prospectus (#47), MLB.com (#47), John Sickels (#60)

Another in a line of top pitching prospects to come through Northwest Arkansas over the past few seasons, Jake Odorizzi is what you want in a prime prospect.  He is athletic, repeats his delivery well, and commands the ball well. He made 12 starts for Northwest Arkansas last season and will likely return for the 2012 season after struggling a bit. Even though he “struggled”, Odorrizi still displayed a good ability to keep baserunners off base (2.9 BB/9 and 1.28 WHIP). Odorrizi’s struggles in AA with the longball do not come as a surprise as Northwest Arkansas is home to a very good hitting ballpark, especially for left handed hitters. Odorrizi gave up 8 of his 13 homeruns at home and LH batters hit .276/.325/.520/.845 against him in AA.

RHP Sonny Gray, Midland Rockhounds (Oakland Athletics)

2011 Statistics (AA Midland/Rookie): 1-1 0.82 ERA 22 IP 19 H 6 BB 20 K 1.14 WHIP

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: Scout.com (#31), ESPN (#73), Baseball America (#65), Baseball Prospectus (#72), MLB.com (#85), John Sickels (#85)

A 2011 First round draft pick of the Oakland Athletics, Sonny Gray was pushed from the draft to AA after just one start in Rookie Ball last year, and he delivered. Gray will likely begin 2012 in AA, but has a chance to move fast given that the Athletics have already shown the willingness to do so with him. What Gray lacks in height he makes up with mound presence. He works low 90s with a good curveball. Midland will get to have more of a look at Sonny Gray in 2012 before he shoots up the latter towards Oakland.

RHP Chad Bettis, Tulsa Drillers (Colorado Rockies)

2011 Statistics (A+ Modesto): 12-5 3.34 ERA 169 2/3 IP 142 H 45 BB 184 K 1.10 WHIP

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: #91

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: ESPN (#91), Baseball America (#86), Baseball Prospectus (#79), MLB.com (#66), John Sickels (#86)

The 9^th best prospect in the Rockies system entering 2011, Chad Bettis used a great season in a great hitters league in the California League to jump into top prospect type status. Any pitcher who can put up the type of peripherals that Bettis did in Modesto is a legitimate pitcher to keep an eye on. He has a fastball, slider, changeup combination with the fastball being his best pitch. Bettis could eventually end up in the bullpen, but will stay a starter in the meantime.

RHP John Hellweg, Arkansas Travelers (Los Angeles Angels)

2011 Statistics (A+ Inland Empire): 6-4 3.73 ERA 89 1/3 IP 75 H 59 BB 113 K 1.50 WHIP

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: ESPN (#81)

A definite pitcher to keep an eye on and one that you can’t miss, John Hellweg began the 2011 season in the bullpen for Inland Empire and finished the year a strong pitcher in Inland Empire’s rotation. The 6 foot 9 right hander from O’Fallon, MO, has a big arm and features a plus slider to go with a mid to upper 90s fastball. As a starter, Hellweg went 4-1 with a 2.12 ERA over 14 starts for the 66ers. He struck out 80 batters over 63 2/3 innings as a starter. If Hellweg can improve his command he could have a breakthrough season in the Texas League.

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source: sportslogos.net

Almost the opposite of the Eastern League, the Southern League was deep on the infield, but not so deep in the outfield and at catcher. While there are two shortstops listed on here, including one at DH, there are a handful of shortstops that offer intrigue. Both Chicago teams have intriguing shortstops in Tyler Saladino (Birmingham- White Sox) and Junior Lake (Tennessee- Cubs) and Atlanta’s AA affiliate (Mississippi Braves) could include Andrelton Simmons. Still, there’s only room for so many and those players will have to wait on their recognition.

Once again, the sources I will use for the prospect rankings are:

Seedlings to Stars

Scout.com

ESPN

Baseball America

Baseball Prospectus

MLB.com

John Sickels

Position Players

C J.T. Wise, Chattanooga Lookouts (Los Angeles Dodgers)

2011 Statistics (A+ Rancho Cucamonga): 397 Plate Appearances .286/.384/.503/.887 37 XBH 53 BB-90 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: N/A

Drafted in the 5^th round of the 2009 draft out of the University of Oklahoma, J.T. Wise is perhaps the most obscure player of the series so far. One thing Wise knows how to do is hit a baseball. Over the last two years, he has put up 72 extra base hits over 736 plate appearances. Wise held up good numbers in the California League after hitting .309 with an .868 OPS in the Midwest League. Both seasons he has hit in ballparks that are far more favorable to pitching. Wise has struck out a fair amount over the two seasons, but he also walked at a 13.4% clip in 2011. Defensively, Wise threw out 36% of attempted base stealers for Rancho Cucamonga in 2011. At 25 years old, Wise has been older for his level, but he has a chance to show that he’s not just a product of age relative to league in the coming year.

1B Bobby Borchering, Mobile BayBears (Arizona Diamondbacks)

2011 Statistics (A+ Visalia): 590 Plate Appearances .267/.332/.469/.801 56 XBH 49 BB-162 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: N/A

Taken with the 16^th overall pick in the 2009 draft, Bobby Borchering is part of a group of hitters taken in the same draft that continue to move up the Arizona Diamondback’s system. Borchering, a switch hitter, has very good raw power from both sides of the plate. His approach at the plate, however, can get him into trouble. It’s his approach that has gotten him into a streaky pattern so far. In 2011, he took 30 walks and struck out 52 times in 233 plate appearances during June and July. However, he took 19 walks and struck out 110 times in his other 357 plate appearances. Defensively, it’s not certain where Borchering will end up. He is not a good defender at third base and teammate Matt Davidson is more likely to end up the third baseman of the future for Arizona. Borchering more than likely will either end up at first base or the outfield. In 2011, Borchering split time with Matt Davidson at third and first for Visalia. They could do the same in 2012 in Mobile.

2B Scooter Gennett, Huntsville Stars (Milwaukee Brewers)

2011 Statistics (A+ Brevard County): 601 Plate Appearances .300/.334/.406/.740 35 XBH 27 BB-69 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: N/A

Owner of one of the best names in minor league baseball, Scooter Gennett put up his usual numbers again in 2011 for the high-A Brevard County Manatees. Gennett has surprising pop for a 5 foot 9, 164 pound framed player. After hitting 52 extra base hits and a .463 slugging percentage in the Midwest League in 2010, he totaled 35 extra base hits and a .406 slugging percentage in the Florida State League in 2011 despite playing half his games in a good pitcher’s park. Scooter is a good contact hitter though as he has put up a .300 or better batting average at both levels. While he has decent power and good contact ability, Gennett does not walk a lot making his on base percentage very batting average driven. He has taken 58 walks over his 1,126 plate appearances in pro ball. His speed and defense both project as average at the major league level, so he will go as far as his bat takes him. Scooter Gennett will get his first taste of  the upper levels of the minor leagues in 2012.

3B Matt Davidson, Mobile BayBears (Arizona Diamondbacks)

2011 Statistics (A+ Visalia): 606 Plate Appearances .277/.348/.465/.814 60 XBH 52 BB-147 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: ESPN (#82), Baseball America (#97)

Another part of the group of 2009 draft picks by the Arizona Diamondbacks that are making their way up the system, Matt Davidson is viewed as the third baseman of the future for Arizona. Built with a strong 6 foot 3, 225 pound frame, Davidson projects to have good power at the major league level. He has been an extra base hit machine since entering pro ball. After hitting 57 extra base hits in 2010 as a 19 year old in single-A and high-A, Davidson had 60 extra base hits in a full season of high-A in 2011. Davidson needs to cut back on his strikeouts and he could take a few more walks, although his walk totals haven’t been awful. Still, Davidson should hit for a good average and good power due to his bat speed and ability to hit to all fields. Defensively he isn’t great, but projects as a decent fielding third baseman, which should be enough given his bat. Davidson will begin 2012 in Mobile with what looks to be a very strong lineup.

SS Hak-Ju Lee, Montgomery Biscuits (Tampa Bay Rays)

2011 Statistics (AA Montgomery/A+ Charlotte): 568 Plate Appearances .292/.365/.416/.781 37 XBH 53 BB-94 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: #27

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: Scout.com (#20), ESPN (#12), Baseball America (#44), Baseball Prospectus (#65), MLB.com (#46), John Sickels (#58)

After being acquired from the Chicago Cubs last offseason in the deal that sent Matt Garza to Chicago, Hak-Ju Lee spent the 2011 season between high-A Charlotte and AA Montgomery. Lee displayed more power in the 2011 season as he hit 11 more extra base hits than in 2010 and his slugging percentage climbed from .351 in 2010 to .416 in 2011. His successful season was almost entirely due to his dominant performance in the Florida State League (high-A), as Lee struggled mightily in his 114 plate appearances in AA. He hit .318 with an .832 OPS in high-A though and should get a chance for redemption in AA to open the 2012 season. Hak-Ju has very good contact ability and a disciplined approach at the plate. Where Hak-Ju excels is in regards to his speed and defense. He has excellent speed and is very good defensively with good range and a strong arm at shortstop. He profiles as a leadoff hitter in the major leagues and a very good defensive shortstop to boot.

LF Adam Eaton, Mobile BayBears (Arizona Diamondbacks)

2011 Statistics (AA Mobile/A+ Visalia): 556 Plate Appearances .318/.434/.463/.897 39 XBH 72 BB-76 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: N/A

No, the former San Diego Padres pitcher did not find the fountain of youth and come back as an outfielder, as this is a different Adam Eaton. A 19^th round selection in 2010, Adam Eaton might have a smallish frame (5 foot 9, 180 pounds), but he is not one to overlook. In his first full season in pro ball, Eaton batted .318 with a .434 on base percentage and stole 34 bases between high-A Visalia and AA Mobile. He is a very disciplined hitter as he walked nearly as much as he struck out. What Eaton lacks in size, he makes up for in skillset. He has great contact ability and hits to all fields. He can play all three outfield positions and has solid speed with great instincts. He will hit at the top of a very good Mobile lineup in 2012, which includes Borchering and Davidson among others.

CF Jared Mitchell, Birmingham Barons (Chicago White Sox)

2011 Statistics (A+ Winston-Salem): 541 Plate Appearances .222/.304/.377/.682 48 XBH 52 BB-183 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: N/A

When the Chicago White Sox took Jared Mitchell in the 1^st round of the 2009 draft, he was expected to move through the system fairly quickly. Well, an injury in 2010 halted his rise as Mitchell missed the entire season after he tore a tendon in his ankle when he collided into a wall in the outfield during spring training. Mitchell is a player with very good tools, who hasn’t produced to those tools yet. He has good bat speed, but will need to cut back on the strikeouts to really make use of that. His best tools are his plus-plus speed and his range in the outfield. He doesn’t have a strong arm, however, which could force him over to left field in the future. Mitchell should begin the 2012 season in AA and

RF Matt Szczur, Tennessee Smokies (Chicago Cubs)

2011 Statistics (A+ Daytona/A Peoria): 480 Plate Appearances .293/.335/.423/.758 35 XBH 26 BB-48 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: Scout.com (#82), Baseball America (#64)

Drafted out of Villanova in the 5^th round of the 2010 draft, Matt Szczur is the definition of an athlete. Szczur is in baseball terms still a very raw player. He has elite speed and already has very good contact ability. He’s shown the potential for at least average power as well. Szczur does need to work on his patience, but he is very tough to strikeout as he struck out in just 10% of his plate appearances in 2011. He shows the ability to be a very good defender as well. His arm is average, but his range is outstanding. What makes him special though is his makeup and work ethic. There is a chance that he could return to high-A after spending just 182 plate appearances in high-A, but I believe that he will begin in AA.

DH Nick Franklin, Jackson Generals (Seattle Mariners)

2011 Statistics (AA Jackson/A+ High Desert/Rookie): 401 Plate Appearances .281/.352/.418/.770 27 XBH 37 BB-80 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: #41

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: Scout.com (#40), ESPN (#57), Baseball America (#77), MLB.com (#52), John Sickels (#63)

Drafted in the 1^st round of the 2009 draft, Nick Franklin is seen as a fixture of the middle infield for the Seattle Mariners in the future. Offensively, Nick Franklin has the potential to be a very good offensive middle infielder. In 2010 Franklin showed very good power in the Midwest League as he hit 52 extra base hits, including 23 homeruns, in 578 plate appearances. In 2011, the power did regress a bit. Franklin strikes out a lot and could use some work on discipline although it’s not awful. He has good instincts on the bases which allow his average speed to play up. Franklin has stolen 43 bases over the last two seasons. Defensively, Franklin has good range, but his arm may force a move to second base in the future, which could force the Mariners to be creative with Dustin Ackley or trade Franklin. In the meantime, Nick will begin the 2012 season playing for the Jackson Generals in AA as a 21 year old.

Starting Pitchers

LHP Danny Hultzen, Jackson Generals (Seattle Mariners)

2011 Statistics: Did Not Play

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: #46

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: Scout.com (#13), ESPN (#30), Baseball America (#21), Baseball Prospectus (#35), MLB.com (#16), John Sickels (#25)

Taken with the 2^nd overall pick in last year’s draft, Danny Hultzen will be making his regular season minor league debut in 2012. While it’s not a sure thing that Hultzen will begin in AA, most people have him pegged for Jackson where he will be part of a very tough 1-2 duo at the top of the General’s rotation. Hultzen did pitch in the Arizona Fall League in 2011 and was dominant in what is generally a better showcase for hitters. Hultzen made 6 starts and pitched 19 1/3 innings. He gave up 16 hits, struck out 18 batters, and walked just 5. His ERA over the time was a miniscule 1.40. Left handed hitters went just 2 for 17 against him. Hultzen doesn’t overwhelm you with stuff, but his excellent command makes his pitches play up better. He has a low 90s fastball, a good changeup, and a decent slider. Hultzen could fly through the Mariner’s system and projects as at least a good #3.

LHP James Paxton, Jackson Generals (Seattle Mariners)

2011 Statistics (AA Jackson/A Clinton): 6-3, 2.37 ERA, 95 IP, 73 H, 43 BB, 131 K, 1.22 WHIP

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: #43

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: Scout.com (#71), ESPN (#51), Baseball America (#52), Baseball Prospectus (#59), MLB.com (#77), John Sickels (#29)

James Paxton took an interesting ride to this position. He was drafted in the first round of the 2009 draft by the Toronto Blue Jays, but didn’t sign. He was then ruled ineligible to play college ball. Finally drafted in the 4^th round by the Seattle Mariners in 2010, Paxton went from single-A to AA in his first pro season. Paxton has always struggled with command, but when going right he can be a very dominant pitcher. In single-A, he struck out 80 batters over 56 innings and then 51 in 39 innings in AA. Paxton uses a low to mid 90s fastball, a good curveball that can be an out pitch, and an improving changeup. He is very tough on left handed hitters, who had 5 extra base hits against him in 105 at bats in 2011. Paxton will join Hultzen at the top of Jackson’s rotation.

RHP Allen Webster, Chattanooga Lookouts (Los Angeles Dodgers)

2011 Statistics (AA Chattanooga/A+ Rancho Cucamonga): 11-5, 4.03 ERA, 145 IP, 147 H, 57 BB, 135 K, 1.41 WHIP

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: Scout.com (#78), ESPN (#61), Baseball America (#95), MLB.com (#79)

An 18^th round pick in the 2008 draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers, Allen Webster has used a four pitch repertoire to become an emerging top pitching prospect. He struggled in his first go around in AA, but was dominant in high-A (62 K in 54 innings with a 2.33 ERA) to begin the 2011 season. He can touch mid-90s, but sits low 90s with his fastball with good life. He also throws a good changeup and mixes in a solid curveball and ok slider. Left handed hitters hit just .176 (with a .494 OPS) against Webster in high-A, but touched him up for a .288 average and .792 OPS in AA. Webster is another in a line of young pitchers to come through the Los Angeles Dodger’s system.

RHP Nestor Molina, Birmingham Barons (Chicago White Sox)

2011 Statistics (AA New Hampshire/A+ Dunedin): 12-3, 2.21 ERA, 130 1/3 IP, 114 H, 16 BB, 148 K, 1.00 WHIP

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: #44

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: Scout.com (#64), John Sickels (#72)

The White Sox acquired Nestor Molina from the Toronto Blue Jays during the Winter Meetings in Dallas straight up for major league reliever Sergio Santos. Molina had a breakout season in 2011 as he put up video game like numbers in high-A and AA combined. Molina’s 9.25 K/BB ratio is a sight to behold. Since entering full season ball, Nestor Molina has walked just 1.53 batters per 9 innings (36 in 211 1/3 IP). His walks per 9 ratio in 2011 was a minute 1.1. Needless to say, Molina is a pitcher with exceptional control. Molina works low 90s with his fastball, which has good movement. His best out pitch is his splitter. By all scouting reports his slider is still coming, but what helps everything is his deceptive delivery. Whether Molina sticks in the rotation or ends up in the bullpen at the big league level is still up in the air, but for now he will remain a starter in the minor leagues.

RHP Tyler Thornburg, Huntsville Stars (Milwaukee Brewers)

2011 Statistics (A+ Brevard County/A Wisconsin): 10-6, 2.57 ERA, 136 2/3 IP, 94 H, 58 BB, 160 K, 1.11 WHIP

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: #78

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: N/A

A small stature, Tyler Thornburg had a big season in 2011. He used a dominant first half of the season in single-A to propel him to a very productive time in high-A. In the end, Tyler Thornburg was nearly unhittable (6.2 H/9), nearly untouchable for power (8 in 136 2/3 innings), and very missable (10.5 strikeouts per nine innings). Thornburg does struggle with command at time as he walked 3.8 per 9 innings, but it’s not a big issue when your WHIP is still only 1.11. It could become a bigger issue if he starts giving up hits. Thornburg sits mid 90s and can hit upper 90s, although his fastball can be straight. He has a good curveball to go with the mid 90s fastball and mixes in a changeup as well. Like Nestor Molina, it’s not certain that Thornburg will stay a starter or if he could ultimately move to the bullpen. But for now he will be in Huntsville’s rotation.

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You can follow us on Twitter @Seedlings2Stars and yours truly @pressboxchatter. You can also keep up to date with all things S2S by liking our Facebook page.

source: sportslogos.net

The first of three Double-A (AA) leagues, the Eastern League is home to the AA affiliates of some of the highest profile teams in baseball, like the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Philadelphia Phillies. The Eastern League looks to be strong in starting pitching and outfield, but very weak on the infield this season.

Once again, the sources I will use for the prospect rankings are:

Seedlings to Stars

Scout.com

ESPN

Baseball America

Baseball Prospectus

MLB.com

John Sickels

Position Players

C Sebastian Valle, Reading Phillies (Philadelphia Phillies)

2011 Statistics (A+ Clearwater): 365 Plate Appearances .284/.312/.394/.706 26 XBH 13 BB-84 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: N/A

The 21 year old catcher Sebastian Valle displayed solid power in the pitcher friendly Florida State League in 2011, which should come as no surprise. Signed as an international free agent out of Mexico in 2006, Valle is a potential power hitting catcher in Philadelphia’s system. As a 19 year old in single-A, Valle hit 45 extra base hits, including 16 homeruns in 2010. In five seasons of pro ball, Valle has produced a .418 slugging percentage. The power is there, but Valle still needs to work on discipline as he has taken just 107 walks over 1,634 plate appearances as a pro, including 40 over 850 plate appearances the last two seasons. Over the same two years, he has struck out 185 times. On defense, Valle has the potential to be above average. He has thrown out 32.5% of attempted base stealers over the last two seasons. Valle will begin the 2012 season in AA and could be a potential replacement for Carlos Ruiz down the road.

1B Tyler Townsend, Bowie Baysox (Baltimore Orioles)

2011 Statistics (A+ Frederick/RK): 292 Plate Appearances .312/.356/.580/.936 42 XBH 14 BB-68 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: N/A

A favorite sleeper of mine in the 2009 draft, Tyler Townsend has not disappointed… when healthy. A 3^rd round pick out of Florida International University, Townsend has been bit by the injury bug early in his career as he has played just 124 games over the last two seasons. During those two years though, Townsend has hit .318 with 73 extra base hits and a .946 OPS in 512 plate appearances. If Townsend, who turns 24 in May, can manage to stay healthy in 2012 in AA he could have a breakout season and find himself in AAA or possibly even the major leagues by the end of the year. His biggest weakness offensively is his plate discipline, a common theme early on with this league. Tyler took just 11 walks and struck out 64 times in 271 plate appearances in high-A in 2011. Over 477 plate appearances in full season ball, he has taken just 30 walks and struck out 97 times. Townsend won’t hurt himself much, but won’t help himself either on defense. Overall, Townsend has always been able to hit, so at this point health is what has held him back.

2B Jarek Cunningham, Altoona Curve (Pittsburgh Pirates)

2011 Statistics (A+ Bradenton/RK): 355 Plate Appearances .260/.325/.514/.839 44 XBH 17 BB-82 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: N/A

Jarek Cunningham had a big year with the bat in a league that in general keeps power down. Cunningham followed up his 56 extra base hit season in single-A in 2010 with a 44 extra base hit season in high-A. The kicker is that he had 178 less plate appearances in 2011 than 2010. Still, Cunningham’s bat does not come without issues. He has hit just .259 over the last two seasons and with 47 walks in 888 plate appearances, his discipline is just not even below average… it’s bad. He also has struck out in 24% of his plate appearances in the single-A levels. What will that become when he reaches AA in 2012? On defense, Cunningham has proven to be error prone as he committed 22 errors in 80 games in 2011 at second base. That is not good on any level. At what looks to be a weak position for the Eastern League in 2012, Cunningham was the best of the group. While the power looks promising, Cunningham has a lot of work to do on multiple facets of the game. At 22 years old, he does have time to make improvements.

3B Kolbrin Vitek, Portland Seadogs (Boston Red Sox)

2011 Statistics (A+ Salem): 529 Plate Appearances .281/.350/.372/.722 31 XBH 45 BB-102 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: N/A

A 20^th overall pick in the 2010 draft, Kolbrin Vitek had what could be viewed as a solid, but not spectacular first full season of pro ball. Viewed as one of the best pure hitters in the 2010 draft, Vitek hit for a solid average and showed solid, but not great discipline. He is expected to hit for a good average and at least average power. A first full season in the Carolina League, especially in Salem, is not an easy first assignment. Vitek should be able to get a boost with more experience and a better hitting environment in 2012 as Portland has a nice hitter’s park. Defensively, Kolbrin is in an interesting situation. He was a second baseman in college, but the Boston moved him to third base in pro ball. In the end, some people believe he’ll wind up in the outfield.

SS Wilmer Flores, Binghamton Mets (New York Mets)

2011 Statistics (A+ St. Lucie): 559 Plate Appearances .269/.309/.380/.689 37 XBH 27 BB-68 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: N/A

Wilmer Flores has been rated a top 100 prospect by Baseball America three different times… and he won’t turn 21 until August. That pretty much says it all right there. Flores has been on the prospect radar for quite some time and for that, it’s easy to forget he’s so young. Flores followed up a nice breakout year in 2010 (50 extra base hits) with a bit of a disappointing, but somewhat expected down year. Flores spent most of 2011 as a 19 year old in high-A in a league that is tough on hitters, especially from a power standpoint. Flores has always been seen as a hitter first and some think he has the potential for good power as he fills out. Given his age, Flores has time and ability on his side, even if the production doesn’t match the ability yet. While he does not walk a lot, he doesn’t strikeout a lot either. Since reaching pro ball, Flores has struck out in 13% of his plate appearances (219 in 1,689). Defensively, it is not likely that Wilmer Flores remains at shortstop. Third base could become a possibility in the future. Flores will begin 2012 in AA likely and will be only 20 years old for most of the season. Going from St. Lucie and the Florida State League to Binghamton and the Eastern League should help boost him a bit offensively.

LF Aaron Hicks, New Britain Rock Cats (Minnesota Twins)

2011 Statistics (A+ Fort Myers): 528 Plate Appearances .242/.354/.368/.722 41 XBH 78 BB-110 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: Scout.com (#27), ESPN (#80), MLB.com (#72)

Few players have better tools than Aaron Hicks, a 14^th overall pick in the 2008 draft. And few players have disappointed more baseball people by not utilizing those tools as much as he should. Aaron Hicks repeated single-A in 2010 and seemed to have a breakthrough season. Hicks then disappointed in 2011 by hitting for little power, albeit again in the Florida State League. At just 22 years old, it’s quite possible that Aaron Hicks can turn it around and “figure it out”. He has shown an ability to get on base with a career .377 on base percentage in the minor leagues, including .401 in 2010. However, many scouting reports of Aaron Hicks note that his walk totals are more a sign of passiveness than patience. Still, Aaron Hicks projects raw power and has good speed. His plus to plus-plus defense in centerfield is a big asset as well and could get him to the major leagues alone. Even if Hicks turns out to be a .250 type of hitter with a .350-.360 OBP, good speed, and gold glove defense, then that will be a valuable player. But the potential is so much more than that, that it can be viewed as disappointing.

CF Gary Brown, Richmond Flying Squirrels (San Francisco Giants)

2011 Statistics (A+ San Jose): 638 Plate Appearances .336/.407/.519/.925 61 XBH 46 BB-77 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: #76

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: Scout.com (#57), ESPN (#68), Baseball America (#38), Baseball Prospectus (#18), MLB.com (#48), John Sickels (#43)

The 24^th overall pick in the 2010 draft out of Cal State Fullerton, Gary Brown has the potential to be an all-star centerfielder in the major leagues. Brown has the potential to be a high average hitter in the major leagues and should hit for average power. What he lacks in drawing walks, he makes up for by not striking out a lot. Gary struck out just 12% of the time in his first full season in high-A. Defense and speed are where Brown excels at. He has excellent speed and displays gold glove caliber defense in centerfield.  Gary Brown should start the season in AA, but might not last long there as he’s expected to fly through the system.

RF Robbie Grossman, Altoona Curve (Pittsburgh Pirates)

2011 Statistics (A+ Bradenton): 616 Plate Appearances .294/.418/.451/.869 49 XBH 104 BB-111 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: #61

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: ESPN (#86), Baseball Prospectus (#76)

Few players had a bigger season in 2011 than the Pirate’s switch handed hitting outfield prospect. As he repeated high-A after a disappointing 2010 season, Grossman put up monster numbers for the Bradenton Marauders. Grossman doesn’t show excellent upside at any one tool, but he does a lot at least average. His discipline is his best asset as Grossman has walked 249 times in 1,734 career minor league plate appearances, or 14.4% of the time. He projects for about average power with solid contact ability. His speed is above average, but he’s not a burner. He doesn’t have a prototypical arm for right or center either, which likely means Grossman will wind up in left field. After his repeat year, Grossman will make the jump to AA.

DH Bryce Brentz, Portland Seadogs (Boston Red Sox)

2011 Statistics (A+ Salem/A Greenville): 507 Plate Appearances .306/.365/.574/.939 59 XBH 40 BB-115 K

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: MLB.com (#64)

Bryce Brentz had a very nice first full season in the minor leagues. After being taken with the 36^th overall pick by the Red Sox in the 2010 draft, Brentz began his first full season in 2011 with the single-A Greenville Drive and finished with the high-A Salem Red Sox. Between the two teams, Brentz hit 30 homeruns, drove in 94 runs, and scored 91 of his own. His 263 total bases were the most by a Boston Red Sox minor league player. Brentz has great bat speed and raw power. His biggest asset is his bat, although his discipline still needs work. It’s hard to pick at a first full season like Brentz had though. Defensively, Brentz profiles as a prototypical right fielder with solid speed and a plus arm. He has a chance to move quickly through the Boston Red Sox organization.

Starting Pitchers

RHP Matt Harvey, Binghamton Mets (New York Mets)

2011 Statistics (AA Binghamton/A+ St. Lucie): 13-5, 3.32 ERA, 135 2/3 IP, 125 H, 47 BB, 156 K, 1.27 WHIP

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: #45

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: Scout.com (#52), ESPN (#38), Baseball America (#54), Baseball Prospectus (#25), MLB.com (#38), John Sickels (#35)

Drafted with the 7^th overall pick in the 2010 draft by the New York Mets, Matt Harvey dominated in high-A during his first full season of pro ball before ending 2011 in AA. Despite an ERA over 2 runs higher in AA than high-A, Harvey’s numbers overall in AA were still not terrible in his 12 starts. He averaged a strikeout per 9 less in AA, but still averaged more than a strikeout an inning. His walks went up, but not to a terribly high level of 3.5 per 9 innings. His homeruns per 9 were nearly identical and his hits per 9 were still under a hit an inning. Still, Harvey is likely to go back to AA, but probably not for that long. When he’s going right, Harvey is a tough pitcher to hit. He is usually around the mid-90s with his plus fastball and can hit as high as 97 as a starter. He mixes in a changeup as well as a slider and curveball. If Harvey ends up back in AA, he will likely head a two headed monster at the front of Binghamton’s rotation.

RHP Zack Wheeler, Binghamton Mets (New York Mets)

2011 Statistics (A+ St. Lucie/A+ San Jose): 9-7, 3.52 ERA, 115 IP, 100 H, 52 BB, 129 K, 1.32 WHIP

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: #51

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: Scout.com (#53), ESPN (#27), Baseball America (#35), Baseball Prospectus (#30), MLB.com (#28), John Sickels (#36)

Zack Wheeler was drafted in the 1^st round (6^th overall) of the 2009 draft by the San Francisco Giants and acquired by the New York Mets last summer in the deal that sent Carlos Beltran to San Francisco. Wheeler has always had outstanding stuff, but his command has been his question mark. He usually works low to mid 90s with his fastball and can get up to 97. He complements the fastball with a good curveball and an improving changeup. If Wheeler can improve the command, he has the ability to be a front line starting pitcher. After spending his first 16 starts in the California League, his last 6 starts in the Florida State League must have looked like pitching in high school. At the very least, his numbers looked like they were as Wheeler went 2-2 with a 2.00 ERA for the St. Lucie Mets, including 10.3 strikeouts per 9 and just 1.7 walks per 9 for a nifty 6.20 strikeout to walk ratio. Wheeler will join Matt Harvey at the top of what could be a very nice rotation for the Binghamton Mets.

RHP Trevor May, Reading Phillies (Philadelphia Phillies)

2011 Statistics (A+ Clearwater): 10-8, 3.63 ERA, 151 1/3 IP, 121 H, 67 BB, 208 K, 1.24 WHIP

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: #34

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: Scout.com (#74), ESPN (#76), Baseball America (#69), Baseball Prospectus (#51), MLB.com (#54), John Sickels (#40)

Finding a pitcher that was more dominant at times last year than Trevor May would be a difficult task, yet he had a 3.63 ERA in a pitchers league, which tells a lot about the story of Trevor May. The 22 year old right hander has a minor league strikeout rate of 11.9 per 9 innings in his career. In 2011, his strikeout per 9 rate was 12.4. Yet, for as dominating as he can be, May gives up a lot of walks. His career 1.31 WHIP is due to control problems (4.7 walks per 9 for his career), not his .216 career opponent’s batting average. Last season, May reached double figures in strikeouts in seven different starts. He went at least 5 innings gave up 2 or less hits in six starts. For all of his strikeout ability, May works low to mid 90s and lacks the true plus pitch to go with the fastball. But, his curveball and changeup both have shown the potential to be plus, so he has that going for him. After spending the last season and a half in high-A, May will make the jump to AA in 2012. Considered the hardest jump in minor league baseball, this could be a big season for Trevor May.

RHP Drew Hutchison, New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Toronto Blue Jays)

2011 Statistics (AA NH/A+ Dunedin/A Lansing): 14-5, 2.53 ERA, 149 1/3 IP, 120 H, 35 BB, 171 K, 1.04 WHIP

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: #20

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: Scout.com (#79), ESPN (#42), John Sickels (#73)

The Toronto Blue Jays took Drew Hutchison in the 15^th round of the 2009 draft. The reward for them was to watch him rise through three levels in 2011 and get more dominating at each level, albeit small sample size. Few pitchers have the command that Hutchison has displayed early on. Hutchison walked just 2.1 batters per 9 innings in 2011 and struck out 10.3 per 9. He sits low 90s with his fastball. His best pitch is probably a plus changeup that complements his fastball well. He also mixes in a slider that is an improving pitch. Hutchison will return to AA where he finished the 2011 season and is part of a deep, up and coming Toronto Blue Jay’s system.

RHP Anthony Ranaudo, Portland Seadogs (Boston Red Sox)

2011 Statistics (A+ Salem/A Greenville): 9-6, 3.97 ERA, 127 IP, 115 H, 46 BB, 117 K, 1.27 WHIP

Seedlings to Stars Top 100 Rank: N/A

Other 2012 Top 100 Prospect Rankings: Scout.com (#63)

Pitching his first pro season as a 21 year old, Anthony Ranaudo pitched well for single-A Greenville and then held his own for high-A Salem. Ranaudo was drafted by the Red Sox as a first round supplemental pick in 2010 out of LSU. Making 26 starts in his first full year, Ranaudo gave up less than a hit an inning, struck out nearly a batter an inning (8.3 K/9), and walked 3.3 batters per nine innings. Anthony brings an imposing 6 foot 7, 231 pound frame to the mound and works low to mid-90s with his fastball. His curveball works as an out pitch, while his changeup is able to be mixed in without harm as seen by a lack of platoon splits. Ranaudo will likely begin the 2012 season in AA and like last season could very well finish the season in a different league and level than he began the season at. In fact it’s possible that he could finish the 2012 season in a major league uniform.

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It’s sprout time!!!

This week I wanted to lead off by letting everyone know that we are looking to add a few more writers to our little corner of the FanSided.com Sports Network. That means that if you love minor league baseball and and you enjoy writing – like we do – you might be a good fit for Seedlings to Stars. Specifically we’re looking for a few staff writers who would be capable of publishing two or more articles per week on average. Previous writing experience online – or in print – is not a requirement and lacking said experience will not be held against you in the screening process. What is a requirement is that you are capable of expressing your thoughts and opinions clearly, have some capability as a writer and a command of minor league baseball/prospects as subject matter. If you are interested in joining our team and our network I encourage you to take the time to fill out our online application.

Now on to the links for this week! (more…)