There is absolutely no reason to doubt that every team in baseball will make use of it's minor league system this season. Below you'll find the hitting and pitching prospects that not only would have a huge impact, but are also nearly ready for action in the major leagues. These are the guys you need to be ready to grab when they hit the free agent lists.
All statistics are courtesy of FanGraphs.comAMERICAN LEAGUEThe Baltimore Orioles - Matt WietersThe Orioles are just killing time (and maybe saving a few bucks) by keeping catcher
Matt Wieters in the minor leagues. Not only is he ready for the major leagues by most estimations but he would also be the kind of impact bat the Orioles tried so desperately to sign over the winter. The Orioles have a decent lineup already and what they really need is pitching but they won't rush their arms to the majors. Wieters however can help the Orioles win by bludgeoning their opponents to death.
Honorable Mention: Chris Tillman
| Season | Team | AB | H | HR | R | RBI | BB | SO | SB | CS | AVG |
| 2008 | Orioles (A+) | 229 | 79 | 15 | 48 | 40 | 44 | 47 | 1 | 2 | 0.345 |
| 2008 | Orioles (AA) | 208 | 76 | 12 | 41 | 51 | 38 | 29 | 1 | 0 | 0.365 |
| 2009 | Bill James | 416 | 127 | 21 | 60 | 74 | 67 | 56 | 2 | 1 | 0.305 |
The Boston Red Sox - Lars AndersonAlthough a lot of analysts might predict that
Clay Buchholz would be the first call-up, I believe they would be wrong. The Red Sox are loaded with pitching and
John Smoltz should come off the disabled list in June making the starting rotation even deeper. But
Mike Lowell,
J.D. Drew,
David Ortiz, and
Rocco Baldelli are all established injury risks and major cogs in Boston's offense. Should one of them go down
Lars Anderson's ability to hit for average and power (think
Joey Votto at best,
James Loney at worst) should come in very handy.
Honorable Mention: Josh Reddick
| Season | Team | AB | H | HR | R | RBI | BB | SO | SB | CS | AVG |
| 2007 | Red Sox (A) | 458 | 132 | 10 | 69 | 69 | 71 | 112 | 2 | 4 | 0.288 |
| 2007 | Red Sox (A+) | 35 | 12 | 1 | 13 | 9 | 11 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0.343 |
| 2008 | Red Sox (A+) | 306 | 97 | 13 | 58 | 50 | 46 | 64 | 0 | 0 | 0.317 |
| 2008 | Red Sox (AA) | 133 | 42 | 5 | 27 | 30 | 29 | 43 | 1 | 0 | 0.316 |
| 2009 | CHONE | 461 | 107 | 7 | 57 | 56 | 51 | 142 | 2 | 1 | 0.232 |
| 2009 | Oliver | 458 | 121 | 13 |
|
| 54 | 114 |
|
| 0.265 |
| 2009 | ZiPS | 557 | 139 | 15 | 65 | 74 | 56 | 150 | 3 | 3 | 0.25 |
The New York Yankees - Mark MelanconThe Yankees don't have many problems that cannot be cured by the throwing of millions of dollars, but they have failed to build a bullpen that provides anyone with much faith that
Joba Chamberlain will remain in the rotation.
Mark Melancon could be exactly the number two guy in the bullpen the Yankees need. This of course assumes that the bullpen is more of a problem than the rotation, which judging by the first week of games is a rather large assumption.
Honorable Mention: Phil Hughes
| Season | Team | K/9 | BB/9 | K/BB | HR/9 | AVG | WHIP | BABIP | LOB% | FIP |
| 2006 | Yankees (A-) | 9.39 | 2.35 | 4 | 0 | 0.294 | 1.43 | 0.398 | 36.40% | 1.9 |
| 2008 | Yankees (A+) | 7.11 | 2.13 | 3.33 | 0.71 | 0.267 | 1.26 | 0.318 | 79.50% | 3.48 |
| 2008 | Yankees (AA) | 8.52 | 2.17 | 3.92 | 0.54 | 0.186 | 0.89 | 0.238 | 75.40% | 2.82 |
| 2008 | Yankees (AAA) | 9.9 | 1.8 | 5.5 | 0.45 | 0.163 | 0.75 | 0.225 | 61.60% | 2.4 |
| 2009 | CHONE | 6.75 | 3.38 | 2 | 1.35 | 0.271 | 1.43 | 0.303 | 72.60% | 4.78 |
| 2009 | ZiPS | 6.12 | 2.83 | 2.17 | 1.41 | 0.287 | 1.45 | 0.313 |
| 4.75 |
The Tampa Bay Rays - David PriceHe came thisclose to making the team out of spring training but the Rays who are loaded with pitching chose to give him a few weeks at AAA before he comes to the majors for good. The funny thing is I can see the Rays having an offensive need far before they have a pitching one but they don't really have that hitting prospect of both the impact and ready variety. If they truly have an offensive need the Rays are most likely to trade some of their pitching for it.
Honorable Mention: Reid Brignac
| Season | Team | K/9 | BB/9 | K/BB | HR/9 | AVG | WHIP | BABIP | LOB% | FIP |
| 2008 | Rays (A+) | 9.61 | 1.82 | 5.29 | 0 | 0.223 | 1.01 | 0.315 | 80.00% | 1.67 |
| 2008 | Rays (AA) | 8.68 | 2.53 | 3.44 | 1.11 | 0.207 | 1.02 | 0.249 | 93.90% | 3.92 |
| 2008 | Rays (AAA) | 8.5 | 4.5 | 1.89 | 0 | 0.302 | 1.72 | 0.395 | 67.70% | 2.81 |
| 2008 | Rays | 7.71 | 2.57 | 3 | 0.64 | 0.186 | 0.93 | 0.225 | 79.40% | 3.42 |
| 2008 | Rays | 12.71 | 6.35 | 2 | 1.59 | 0.111 | 1.06 | 0.111 | 87.00% | 4.72 |
| 2009 | CHONE | 6.72 | 3.87 | 1.74 | 1.14 | 0.271 | 1.48 | 0.308 | 71.00% | 4.72 |
| 2009 | Marcel | 6.92 | 3.23 | 2.14 | 0.92 | 0.252 | 1.31 | 0.292 | 71.70% | 4.16 |
| 2009 | ZiPS | 6.3 | 3.15 | 2 | 1.18 | 0.258 | 1.33 | 0.286 |
| 4.49 |
The Toronto Blue Jays - Brett Cecil/Brad MillsAdding
Travis Snider and
Adam Lind to the lineup on a regular basis should be a giant boost to the Blue Jays offense. Their pitching staff has taken quite a few hits due to injuries and free agent defections. This is why I see the Jays calling on their pair of lefty starters before anyone else. Why cheat and list them both? Because I'm fairly confident they'll need both really soon. Cecil probably has the edge if I have to pick just one. These guys are not aces but they are solid rotation starters who should be solid contributors to fantasy squads for a long time.
Honorable Mention: J.P. Arencibia
| Season | Team | K/9 | BB/9 | K/BB | HR/9 | AVG | WHIP | BABIP | LOB% | FIP |
| 2007 | Blue Jays (A-) | 10.15 | 1.99 | 5.09 | 0.18 | 0.204 | 0.95 | 0.294 | 82.30% | 2.05 |
| 2008 | Blue Jays (A+) | 9.58 | 1.74 | 5.5 | 0.87 | 0.171 | 0.77 | 0.216 | 90.90% | 2.91 |
| 2008 | Blue Jays (AA) | 10.08 | 2.67 | 3.78 | 0.46 | 0.232 | 1.15 | 0.32 | 79.20% | 2.71 |
| 2008 | Blue Jays (AAA) | 9.1 | 4.7 | 1.94 | 0.29 | 0.245 | 1.43 | 0.327 | 63.40% | 3.17 |
| 2009 | CHONE | 7.07 | 4.18 | 1.69 | 1.18 | 0.264 | 1.48 | 0.302 | 71.90% | 4.8 |
| 2009 | ZiPS | 6.5 | 3.6 | 1.81 | 1 | 0.26 | 1.39 | 0.295 |
| 4.33 |
The Chicago White Sox - Gordon BeckhamThe White Sox already need him. There is no way they can continue with
Dewayne Wise and
Chris Getz as the leadoff hitters.
Gordon Beckham is not a classic leadoff hitter but he'll do until the White Sox can develop or trade for one. Beckham is a natural shortstop but showed this spring that he could easily transition to second base, and I can only imagine a switch to the outfield would be even simpler for such a gifted athlete.
Honorable Mention: Dayan Viciedo
| Season | Team | BB% | K% | BB/K | OBP | OPS | ISO | BABIP | wOBA |
| 2008 | White Sox (A) | 7.90% | 12.10% | 0.71 | 0.365 | 0.865 | 0.19 | 0.313 | 0.379 |
The Cleveland Indians - David HuffI happen to believe that Cliff Lee will have a fine season for the Indians. However Fausto Carmona is on my likely to flop list. Their rotation is the biggest weakness on a team loaded offensively and in the bullpen. David Huff projects as a solid rotation starter by most accounts but I see a lot of Brandon Webb in him. He induces lots of groundballs and strikes out enough batters to make him a fantasy favorite. Matt LaPorta is probably ready to be a big bat in the lineup but the Indians are not desperate for his bat just yet. They'll need Huff very soon.
Honorable Mention: Matt LaPorta
| Season | Team | K/9 | BB/9 | K/BB | HR/9 | AVG | WHIP | BABIP | LOB% | FIP |
| 2006 | Indians (A-) | 9.39 | 8.22 | 1.14 | 0 | 0.294 | 2.09 | 0.398 | 70.60% | 4.24 |
| 2007 | Indians (A+) | 6.94 | 2.26 | 3.07 | 0.6 | 0.253 | 1.21 | 0.302 | 74.20% | 3.33 |
| 2008 | Indians (AA) | 8.5 | 1.92 | 4.43 | 0.69 | 0.192 | 0.88 | 0.24 | 80.80% | 2.99 |
| 2008 | Indians (AAA) | 9.04 | 1.67 | 5.4 | 0.89 | 0.23 | 1.03 | 0.291 | 73.50% | 3.15 |
| 2009 | CHONE | 6.92 | 2.97 | 2.33 | 1.29 | 0.264 | 1.34 | 0.297 | 73.00% | 4.54 |
| 2009 | ZiPS | 6 | 2.32 | 2.58 | 1.35 | 0.282 | 1.37 | 0.308 |
| 4.53 |
The Detroit Tigers - Cale IorgThere is just no way that
Adam Everett can survive an entire season as the Tigers shortstop. He has zero for a bat and his glove while good is not so good that the Tigers will tolerate a hole in the lineup longer than it takes
Cale Iorg to make an impact at AA Erie. Iorg has been compared to a young
Nomar Garciaparra (ironically they used to compare Adam Everett to Nomar as well - "they" sure screwed up that one) but probably will not be as good as Nomar was at his best. That's my opinion, GM
Dave Dombrowski believes he'll be an All-Star for the Tigers which doesn't necessarily contradict my idea, does it? The Tigers will be desperate for pitching by May but their system does not have anyone ready to make an impact who is not already in the majors.
Honorable Mention: Wilkin Ramirez
| Season | Team | AB | H | HR | R | RBI | BB | SO | SB | CS | AVG |
| 2007 | Tigers (R) | 11 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0.182 |
| 2007 | Tigers (A+) | 18 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0.278 |
| 2008 | Tigers (A+) | 383 | 96 | 10 | 61 | 47 | 35 | 111 | 22 | 11 | 0.251 |
| 2009 | CHONE | 400 | 79 | 6 | 43 | 39 | 23 | 153 | 12 | 5 | 0.198 |
| 2009 | ZiPS | 409 | 80 | 10 | 44 | 35 | 22 | 148 | 16 | 13 | 0.196 |
The Kansas City Royals - Daniel CortesThe Royals actually have solid players at most positions. Their rotation is not stellar but is very solid. The bullpen includes a collection of solid veteran arms with a a variety of pitching styles.
Daniel Cortes is the prospect that is easiest to see on the Royals in 2009 even if he isn't their best prospect. He has the stuff to be a dominate reliever right now. The Royals still see him as a starter which is why he remains in the minors. I'm calling it 50/50 whether Cortes will get the call as a starter or reliever.
Honorable Mention: Mitch Maier
| Season | Team | K/9 | BB/9 | K/BB | HR/9 | AVG | WHIP | BABIP | LOB% | FIP |
| 2006 | Royals (A) | 7.71 | 4.37 | 1.76 | 1.8 | 0.288 | 1.63 | 0.324 | 65.70% | 5.8 |
| 2006 | White Sox (A) | 8.02 | 3.18 | 2.53 | 0.5 | 0.264 | 1.37 | 0.332 | 63.40% | 3.34 |
| 2007 | Royals (A+) | 8.78 | 3.29 | 2.67 | 0.51 | 0.227 | 1.2 | 0.295 | 72.30% | 3.28 |
| 2008 | Royals (AA) | 8.41 | 4.24 | 1.98 | 1 | 0.238 | 1.35 | 0.29 | 77.80% | 4.4 |
| 2009 | CHONE | 6.73 | 5.5 | 1.22 | 1.57 | 0.294 | 1.79 | 0.325 | 68.60% | 5.92 |
| 2009 | ZiPS | 5.27 | 4.76 | 1.11 | 1.59 | 0.288 | 1.67 | 0.302 |
| 5.84 |
The Minnesota Twins - Kevin MulveyThe Twins are pretty solid from 1-25 but it is pretty easy to predict they'll need another arm at some point during the season.
Kevin Mulvey is a likely candidate to be the first callup due to his versatility (starting or relieving) and his minor league experience.
Honorable Mention: Anthony Swarzak
| Season | Team | K/9 | BB/9 | K/BB | HR/9 | AVG | WHIP | BABIP | LOB% | FIP |
| 2006 | Mets (R) | 4.5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0.151 | 0.5 | 0.177 | 100.00% | 2.2 |
| 2006 | Mets (AA) | 6.75 | 3.38 | 2 | 0.68 | 0.21 | 1.13 | 0.246 | 80.90% | 3.8 |
| 2007 | Mets (AA) | 6.53 | 2.55 | 2.56 | 0.24 | 0.253 | 1.24 | 0.307 | 63.90% | 3.08 |
| 2007 | Mets (AAA) | 4.5 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0.106 | 0.33 | 0.126 | 100.00% | 2.2 |
| 2008 | Twins (AAA) | 7.36 | 2.92 | 2.52 | 0.97 | 0.267 | 1.35 | 0.315 | 68.60% | 4.06 |
| 2009 | CHONE | 5.95 | 3.44 | 1.73 | 1.25 | 0.283 | 1.5 | 0.311 | 70.50% | 4.9 |
| 2009 | ZiPS | 4.81 | 3.35 | 1.43 | 1.2 | 0.285 | 1.5 | 0.302 |
| 4.91 |
The Los Angeles Angels - Brandon WoodIn almost any other organization, Brandon Wood would be an established major leaguer by now. His power is definitely real. He isn't likely to hit better than .250-.260 but that kind of average with 30 homers from the shortstop position is very acceptable. Any injury in the infield will bring Wood to the majors.
Honorable Mention: | Season | Team | AB | H | HR | R | RBI | BB | SO | SB | CS | AVG |
| 2006 | Angels (AA) | 453 | 125 | 25 | 74 | 83 | 54 | 149 | 19 | 3 | 0.276 |
| 2007 | Angels (AAA) | 437 | 119 | 23 | 73 | 77 | 45 | 120 | 10 | 1 | 0.272 |
| 2007 | Angels | 33 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0.152 |
| 2008 | Angels (AAA) | 395 | 117 | 31 | 82 | 84 | 45 | 104 | 6 | 5 | 0.296 |
| 2008 | Angels | 150 | 30 | 5 | 12 | 13 | 4 | 43 | 4 | 0 | 0.2 |
| 2009 | Bill James | 257 | 65 | 13 | 36 | 39 | 20 | 71 | 6 | 2 | 0.253 |
| 2009 | CHONE | 491 | 114 | 21 | 68 | 69 | 42 | 164 | 9 | 3 | 0.232 |
| 2009 | Marcel | 260 | 62 | 8 | 30 | 30 | 17 | 61 | 5 | 1 | 0.238 |
| 2009 | Oliver | 551 | 134 | 27 |
|
| 43 | 158 |
|
| 0.243 |
| 2009 | ZiPS | 532 | 122 | 21 | 62 | 77 | 38 | 148 | 9 | 3 | 0.229 |
The Oakland Athletics - Aaron CunninghamThe Athletics have tons of options for a call-up but with Billy Beane's aggressive promoting and signing style this season I think he'll reach for the best available when he dips into his minor league system (as opposed to a more known but mediocre option).
Aaron Cunningham looks a lot like
Matt Holliday. He has good but not great tools and decent plate discipline for such a young player.
Honorable Mention: Adrian Cardenas
| Season | Team | AB | H | HR | R | RBI | BB | SO | CS | AVG |
| 2006 | White Sox (A) | 341 | 104 | 11 | 58 | 41 | 34 | 72 | 10 | 0.305 |
| 2007 | White Sox (A+) | 252 | 74 | 8 | 51 | 37 | 34 | 39 | 8 | 0.294 |
| 2007 | Diamondbacks (A+) | 123 | 44 | 3 | 25 | 20 | 5 | 23 | 3 | 0.358 |
| 2007 | Diamondbacks (AA) | 118 | 34 | 5 | 25 | 20 | 12 | 27 | 3 | 0.288 |
| 2008 | Athletics (AA) | 347 | 110 | 12 | 65 | 52 | 38 | 92 | 4 | 0.317 |
| 2008 | Athletics (AAA) | 76 | 29 | 5 | 21 | 14 | 11 | 16 | 1 | 0.382 |
| 2008 | Athletics | 80 | 20 | 1 | 7 | 14 | 6 | 24 | 0 | 0.25 |
| 2009 | Bill James | 256 | 74 | 8 | 42 | 37 | 24 | 64 | 4 | 0.289 |
| 2009 | CHONE | 473 | 120 | 11 | 71 | 55 | 39 | 129 | 7 | 0.254 |
| 2009 | Marcel | 219 | 60 | 6 | 28 | 33 | 21 | 47 | 1 | 0.274 |
| 2009 | Oliver | 436 | 121 | 15 |
|
| 35 | 99 |
| 0.278 |
| 2009 | ZiPS | 532 | 132 | 17 | 72 | 69 | 42 | 110 | 9 | 0.248 |
The Seattle Mariners - Greg HalmanThe Mariners have no need to rush anyone through their system. They have made it clear to their fanbase (if not outright admitting it) that this is a rebuilding year (they like to call it a transition year) and losing a lot of games may be a part of that.
Greg Halman is a player that almost demands that he be advanced through the system quickly. He also has the most star qualities of anyone to come through the Mariner system since
Alex Rodriguez. Halman will be an annual 30/30 threat that has been compared to
Andre Dawson. I happen to think
Grady Sizemore is a good comparison.
Honorable Mention: Michael Saunders
| Season | Team | AB | H | HR | R | RBI | BB | SO | SB | CS | AVG |
| 2006 | Mariners (A-) | 116 | 30 | 5 | 19 | 15 | 3 | 32 | 10 | 4 | 0.259 |
| 2007 | Mariners (A-) | 238 | 73 | 16 | 37 | 37 | 21 | 85 | 16 | 8 | 0.307 |
| 2007 | Mariners (A) | 187 | 34 | 4 | 26 | 15 | 8 | 77 | 15 | 7 | 0.182 |
| 2008 | Mariners (A+) | 257 | 69 | 19 | 52 | 53 | 16 | 76 | 23 | 1 | 0.268 |
| 2008 | Mariners (AA) | 235 | 65 | 10 | 43 | 30 | 16 | 66 | 8 | 6 | 0.277 |
| 2009 | CHONE | 452 | 90 | 10 | 59 | 45 | 21 | 172 | 16 | 7 | 0.199 |
| 2009 | Oliver | 499 | 119 | 23 |
|
| 24 | 157 |
|
| 0.238 |
| 2009 | ZiPS | 480 | 108 | 19 | 55 | 64 | 20 | 138 | 30 | 12 | 0.225 |
The Texas Rangers - Derek HollandThe Rangers have a loaded minor league system. They could probably call up a player to fill-in at any position and that player would warrent consideration by fantasy owners. Derek Holland is a potential ace pitcher. The Rangers need nothing more desperately.
Honorable Mention: Neftali Feliz / Justin Smoak
| Season | Team | K/9 | BB/9 | K/BB | HR/9 | AVG | WHIP | BABIP | LOB% | FIP |
| 2007 | Rangers (A-) | 11.15 | 2.82 | 3.95 | 0.94 | 0.232 | 1.16 | 0.321 | 68.70% | 3.29 |
| 2008 | Rangers (A) | 8.74 | 2.79 | 3.14 | 0.19 | 0.226 | 1.13 | 0.302 | 74.10% | 2.53 |
| 2008 | Rangers (A+) | 10.74 | 1.45 | 7.4 | 0.29 | 0.186 | 0.81 | 0.274 | 56.90% | 1.81 |
| 2008 | Rangers (AA) | 10.04 | 2.08 | 4.83 | 0 | 0.16 | 0.77 | 0.24 | 80.00% | 1.66 |
| 2009 | CHONE | 6.79 | 4.11 | 1.65 | 1.74 | 0.278 | 1.54 | 0.302 | 71.00% | 5.6 |
| 2009 | ZiPS | 5.19 | 3.38 | 1.54 | 0.87 | 0.267 | 1.4 | 0.294 |
| 4.35 |
The Red Sox have now placed Daisuke Matsuzaka on the 15-day disabled list. He left last night's game in the first inning after struggling with what the team called arm fatigue. It has been suggested that this is a result of his use during the World Baseball Classic.
