Russ Canzler traded to Indians

Russ Canzler was traded by the Tampa Bay Rays to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for cash on January 31, 2012. He split 2011 between Triple A where he was the International League MVP and the Rays after a September call up. He plays outfield, third base and first base. In 2011 he hit .314/.401/.530 with 18 home runs, 83 RBI, 78 runs and five steals in 131 games at Triple A and hit .333/.400/.333 with zero home runs, one RBI, zero runs and zero steals in three games with the Rays. He was originally drafted by the Cubs in the 30th round in 2004.

2008 Baseball America College All Americans in 2011

I'm going to take a look at how the members of the 2008 Baseball America college baseball All American team did in 2011. It will be interesting how well early success translated to their later baseball careers.


RHP Scott Bittle of Ole Miss was drafted by the New York Yankees in the second round in 2008, returned to school and was drafted by the St Louis Cardinals in the fourth round in 2009. He split 2011 between Rookie ball and the Class A short season. He was 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA, one strikeout and 1.87 WHIP in 2.2 innings over three games at Rookie ball and was 0-0 with a 10.12 ERA, five strikeouts and 3.00 WHIP in 2.2 innings over three games at Class A short season.


RHP Aaron Crow of Missouri was drafted by the Washington Nationals with the ninth pick of the first round in 2008, opted not to sign and played independent ball and was then drafted by the Kansas City Royals with the 12th pick of the first round in 2009.  He pitched 2011 with the Royals. He was 4-4 with a 2.76 ERA, 65 strikeouts and 1.39 WHIP in 62 innings over 57 games.


LHP Brian Matusz of University of San Diego was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles with the fourth pick of the first round in 2008. He split 2011 between Triple A and the Orioles. He was 2-3 with a 3.06 ERA, 44 strikeouts and 1.21 WHIP in 64.2 innings over 11 games at Triple A and was 1-9 with a 10.69 ERA, 38 strikeouts and 2.11 WHIP in 49.2 innings over 12 games withe the Orioles.


LHP Rob Musgrave of Wichita State was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 14th round in 2008. He split 2011 between Double A and Triple A. He was 7-2 with a 3.30 ERA, 65 strikeouts and 1.29 WHIP in 79 innings over 23 games at Double A and was 3-2 with a 5.44 ERA, 31 strikeouts and 1.50 WHIP in 44.2 innings over nine games at Triple A. 


LHP Stephen Strasburg of San Diego State was a sophomore in 2008. He was drafted by the Washington Nationals with the first over all selection in 2009. He pitched for the Nationals in 2011 and was 1-1 with a 1.50 ERA, 24 strikeouts and 0.71 WHIP in 24 innings over five games.


Catcher Buster Posey of Florida State was drafted by the San Francisco Giants with the fifth pick of the first round in 2008. He played his 2011 season with the Giants before a season ending injury. He hit .284/.368/.389 with four home runs, 21 RBI, 17 runs and 3 steals in 45 games. 


First Baseman Justin Smoak of South Carolina was drafted by the Texas Rangers with the 11th pick of the first round in 2008. He was traded to the Seattle Mariners in 2010. He played 2011 with the Mariners and hit .234/.323/.396 with 15 home runs, 55 RBI, 38 runs and zero steals in 123 games.


Second baseman Josh Satin of Cal was drafted by the New York Mets in the sixth round in 2008. He split 2011 between Double A, Triple A and the Mets. He was .325/.423/.538 with 11 home runs, 60 RBI, 60 runs and 2 steals in 94 games at Double A, hit .317/.381/.393 with one home run, 16 RBI, 17 runs and one steal in 38 games at Triple A and hit .200/.259/.240 with zero home runs, two RBI, three runs and zero steals in 15 games with the Mets.


Third baseman Brett Wallace of Arizona State was drafted by the St Louis Cardinals with the 13th pick of the first round in 2009. He was traded to the Athletics and later to the Blue Jays in 2009. He was traded to the Astros in 2010. He split the 2011 season between Triple A and the Astros. He hit .356/.437/.481 with one home run, 24 RBI, 16 runs and one steal in 28 games at Triple A and hit .259/.334/.369 with five home runs, 29 RBI, 37 runs and one steal in 115 games with the Astros.


Shortstop Gordon Beckham of Georgia was drafted by the Chicago White Sox with the eighth pick of the first round in 2008. He played 2011 with the White Sox and hit .230/.296/.337 with 10 home runs, 44 RBI, 60 runs and 5 steals in 150 games.


Outfielder Sawyer Carroll of Kentucky was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the third round in 2008. He played 2011 at Double A and hit .267/.352/.463 with 18 home runs, 71 RBI, 68 runs and 11 steals in 129 games.


Outfielder Blake Dean of Louisiana State was a sophomore in 2008. He was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 10th round in 2009, returned to school and was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the eighth round in 2010. He played 2011 at Class A and hit .237/.309/.349 with seven home runs, 44 RBI, 32 runs and one steal in 96 games.


Outfielder Chris Shehan was Georgia Southern was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 30th round in 2008. He was released by the Braves in 2010 and did not play in 2011.


DH Yonder Alonso of Miami was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds with the seventh pick of the first round in 2008. He split 2011 between Triple A and the Reds. He hit .296/.374/.486 with 12 home runs, 56 RBI, 46 runs and 6 steals in 91 games at Triple A and hit .330/.398/.545 with five home runs, 15 RBI, nine runs and zero steals in 47 games with the Reds. After the season he was traded to the Padres.


Utility/LHP Ike Davis of Arizona State was drafted by the New York Mets with the 18th pick of the first round in 2008.  He played the 2011 season with the Mets before it ended with an ankle injury. He hit .302/.383/.543 with seven home runs, 25 RBI, 20 runs and zero steals in 36 games. 

2007 Baseball America College All Americans in 2011

I'm going to take a look at how the members of the 2007 Baseball America college baseball All American team did in 2011. It will be interesting how well early success translated to their later baseball careers.


RHP Preston Guilmet of Arizona was a sophomore in 2007. He was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 22nd round in 2008, returned to Arizona and was then drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the ninth round in 2009. He pitched 2011 at Class A Advanced and was 1-1 with a 2.16 ERA, 60 strikeouts, 0.93 WHIP and 35 saves in 58.1 innings over 52 games.


RHP Adam Mills of North Carolina-Charlotte was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the eighth round in 2007. He was released by the the Red Sox before the 2011 season and did not play.


LHP David Price of Vanderbilt was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays first overall in 2007. He pitched the 2011 season with the Rays. He was 12-13 with a 3.49 ERA, 218 strikeouts and 1.14 WHIP in 224.1 innings over 34 games.


RHP Jacob Thompson was a sophomore in 2007. He was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the fifth round in 2008. He pitched 2011 at Triple A and was 1-4 with a 8.78 ERA, 25 strikeouts and 2.25 WHIP in 26.2 innings over seven games.


RHP Casey Weathers of Vanderbilt was drafted by the Colorado Rockies with the eighth pick of the first round in 2007. He pitched 2011 at Double A and was 2-2 with a 5.32 ERA, 48 strikeouts and 1.75 WHIP in 45.2 innings over 44 games.


Catcher Matt Wieters of Georgia Tech was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles with the fifth pick of the first round in 2007. He played the 2011 season with the Orioles. He hit .262/.328/.450 with 22 home runs, 68 RBI, 72 runs and one steal in 139 games.


First baseman Brett Wallace was a sophomore in 2007. He was drafted by the St Louis Cardinals with the 13th pick of the first round in 2008. He was traded to the Athletics and later to the Blue Jays in 2009. He was traded to the Astros in 2010. He split the 2011 season between Triple A and the Astros. He hit .356/.437/.481 with one home run, 24 RBI, 16 runs and one steal in 28 games at Triple A and hit .259/.334/.369 with five home runs, 29 RBI, 37 runs and one steal in 115 games with the Astros.


Second baseman Tony Thomas of Florida State was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the third round in 2007. He split 2011 between Double A and Triple A. He hit .300/.333/.350 with zero home runs, one RBI, three runs and 3 steals in six games at Double A and hit .212/.275/.367 with eight home runs, 32 RBI, 35 runs and 11 steals in 80 games at Triple A.


Third baseman Pedro Alvarez of Vanderbilt was a sophomore in 2007. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates with the second pick of the first round in 2008. He split 2011 between Class A Advanced, Triple A and the Pirates. He hit .187/.381/.375 with one home run, two RBI, two runs and zero steals in six games at Class A Advanced, hit .256/.365/.432 with five home runs, 19 RBI, 16 runs and zero steals in 35 games at Triple A and hit .191/.272/.289 with four home runs, 19 RBI, 18 runs and one steal in 74 games with the Pirates.


Shortstop Todd Frazier of Rutgers was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds with the 34th pick of the first round in 2007. He split 2011 between Triple A and the Reds. He hit .260/.340/.467 with 15 home runs, 46 RBI, 47 runs and 17 steals in 90 games at Triple A and hit .232/.289/.438 with six home runs, 15 RBI, 17 runs and one steal in 41 games with the Reds.


Outfielder Grant Desme of Cal Poly was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in 2007. He left baseball to enter the priesthood in 2010.


Outfielder Kellen Kulbacki of James Madison was drafted by the San Diego Padres with the 40th pick of the first round in 2007. He was released by the Padres before the 2011 season but played for the Independent team Lake Erie in the Frontier League. He hit .269/.354/.383 with six home runs, 37 RBI, 41 runs and one steal in 89 games.


Outfielder Kyle Russell of Texas was a sophomore in 2007. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third round in 2008. He split 2011 between Double A and Triple A. He hit .259/.342/.497 with 19 home runs, 69 RBI, 61 runs and 5 steals in 120 games at Double A and hit .211/.348/.395 with one home run, three RBI, six runs and one steal in 11 Triple A games.


DH Matt LaPorta of Florida was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers with the seventh pick of the first round in 2007. He was traded to the Cleveland Indians in 2008 and played  the 2011 season with the Indians. He hit .247/.299/.412 with 11 home runs, 53 RBI, 34 runs and one steal in 107 games.


Utility/LHP Joe Savery of Rice was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies with the 19th pick of the first round in 2007. He split 2011 between Class A Advanced, Double A, Triple A and Phillies. He was 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA, one strikeout and 1.00 WHIP in 2 innings over one game at Class A Advanced, was 1-0 with a 1.00 ERA, 14 strikeouts and 0.78 WHIP in 9 innings over six games at Double A, was 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA, 26 strikeouts, 1.16 WHIP and 2 saves in 25 innings over 18 games at Triple A and was 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA, two strikeouts and 0.37 WHIP in 2.2 innings over four games with the Phillies.

2007 Baseball America High School All Americans in 2011

I'm going to take a look at how the members of the 2007 Baseball America high school baseball All American team did in 2011. It will be interesting how well early success translated to their later baseball careers.


RHP Tim Alderson of Horizon High School in Scottsdale, AZ was drafted by the San Francisco Giants with the 22nd pick of the first round in 2007. He was traded to the Pirates in 2009. He pitched 2011 at Double A and was 0-4 with a 4.12 ERA, 57 strikeouts and 1.30 WHIP in 74.1 innings over 42 games.


RHP Blake Beavan of Irving High School in Irving, TX was drafted by the Texas Rangers with the 17th pick of the first round in 2007. He was traded to the Mariners in 2010. He split the 2011 season between Triple A and the Mariners. He was 5-3 with a 4.45 ERA, 64 strikeouts and 1.48 WHIP in 93 innings over 16 games at Triple A and was 5-6 with a 4.27 ERA, 42 strikeouts and 1.25 WHIP in 97 innings over 15 games with the Mariners.


LHP Madison Bumgarner of South Caldwell High School in  Hudson, NC was drafted by the San Francisco Giants with the 10th pick of the first round in 2007.  He pitched the 2011 season with the Giants. He was 13-13 with a 3.21 ERA, 191 strikeouts and 1.21 WHIP in 204.2 innings over 33 games. 


RHP Jarrod Parker of Norwell High School of Ossain, IN was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks with the ninth pick of the first round in 2007. He pitched most of the season at Double A plus one game with the Diamondbacks. He was 11-8 with a 3.79 ERA, 112 strikeouts and 1.28 WHIP in 130.2 innings over 26 games at Double A and was 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA, one strikeout and 0.88 WHIP in 5.2 innings in his one game with the Diamondbacks. After the season the was traded to the Athletics.


RHP Rick Porcello of Seton Hall Preparatory School in West Orange, NJ was drafted by the Detroit Tigers with the 27th pick of the first round in 2007. He pitched 2011 with the Tigers. He was 14-9 with a 4.75 ERA, 104 strikeouts and 1.41 WHIP in 182 innings over 31 games.


Catcher Yasmani Grandal of Miami Springs High School in Miami, FL was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 27th round in 2007 but opted to play for Miami. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds with the 12th pick of the first round in 2010. He split the 2011 season between Class A Advanced, Double A and Triple A. He hit .296/.410/.510 with 10 home runs, 40 RBI, 47 runs and zero steals in 56 games at Class A Advanced, hit .301/.360/.474 with four home runs, 26 RBI, 20 runs and zero steals in 45 games with Double A and hit .500/.667/.667 with zero home runs, two RBI, two runs and zero steals in four games at Triple A. He was traded to the Padres after the season.



Infielder Kevin Ahrens 16th out of Memorial High School in  Houston, TX was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays with the 16th pick of the first round in 2007.He played the 2011 season at Class A Advanced and hit .242/.334/.389 with 13 home runs, 54 RBI, 59 runs and zero steals in 121 games.  


Infielder Matt Dominguez of Chatsworth High School in Chatsworth, CA was drafted by the Florida Marlins with the 12th pick of the first round in 2007. He split the 2011 season between Class A Advanced, Double A, Triple A and the Marlins. He hit .167/.250/.167 with zero home runs, two RBI, zero runs and zero steals in four games at Class A Advanced, hit .133/.316/.133 with zero home runs, one RBI, one runs and zero steals in four games at Double A, was .258/.312/.431 with 12 home runs, 55 RBI, 47 runs and zero steals in 87 games at Triple A and hit .244/.292/.333 with zero home runs, two RBI, two runs and zero steals in 17 games with the Marlins.


Infielder Mike Moustakas of Chatsworth High School in Chatsworth, CA was drafted by the Kansas City Royals with the second pick of the first round in 2007. He split the 2011 season between Triple A and the Royals. He hit .287/.347/.498 with 10 home runs, 44 RBI, 38 runs and one steal in 55 games at Triple A and hit .263/.309/.367 with five home runs, 30 RBI, 26 runs and 2 steals in 89 games with the Royals. 


Infielder Josh Vitters of Cypress High School in Anaheim, CA was drafted by the Chicago Cubs with the third pick of the first round in 2007. He played 2011 at Double A and hit .283/.322/.448 with 14 home runs, 81 RBI, 56 runs and 4 steals in 129 games.


Outfielder Wendell Fairley of George County High School in Lucedale, MS was drafted by the San Francisco Giants with the 29th pick of the first round in 2007. He split the 2011 season between Class A Advanced and Double A. He hit .245/.329/.317 with two home runs, 21 RBI, 28 runs and 3 steals in 60 games at Class A Advanced and hit .365/.321/.337 with zero home runs, seven RBI, 11 runs and 2 steals in 34 games at Double A.



Outfielder Jason Heyward of Henry County High School in McDonough, GA was drafted by the Atlanta Braves with the 14th pick of the first round in 2007. He played 2011 with the Braves and hit .227/.319/.389 with 14 home runs, 42 RBI, 50 runs and 9 steals in 128 games.


Outfielder Ben Revere of Lexington Catholic High School in Lexington, KY was drafted by the Minnesota Twins with the 28th pick of the first round in 2007. He split the 2011 season between Triple A and the Twins. He hit .303/.338/.364 with one home run, nine RBI, 15 runs and 8 steals in 32 games at Triple A and hit .267/.310/.309 with zero home runs, 30 RBI, 56 runs and 34 steals in 117 games with the Twins.


Utility/RHP Michael Main of DeLand High School in DeLand, FL was drafted by the Texas Rangers with the 24th pick of the first round in 2007. He was traded to the Giants in 2010. He pitched 2011 at Class A Advanced and was 2-4 with a 6.84 ERA, 46 strikeouts and 1.86 WHIP in 52.2 innings over 22 games.

2007 USA Today High School Baseball All Americans in 2011

I'm going to take a look at how the members of the 2007 USA Today high school baseball All American team did in 2011. It will be interesting how well early success translated to their later baseball careers.


RHP Rick Porcello of Seton Hall Preparatory School in West Orange, NJ was drafted by the Detroit Tigers with the 27th pick of the first round in 2007. He pitched 2011 with the Tigers. He was 14-9 with a 4.75 ERA, 104 strikeouts and 1.41 WHIP in 182 innings over 31 games.


RHP Jarrod Parker of Norwell High School of Ossain, IN was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks with the ninth pick of the first round in 2007. He pitched most of the season at Double A plus one game with the Diamondbacks. He was 11-8 with a 3.79 ERA, 112 strikeouts and 1.28 WHIP in 130.2 innings over 26 games at Double A and was 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA, one strikeout and 0.88 WHIP in 5.2 innings in his one game with the Diamondbacks. After the season the was traded to the Athletics.


Catcher Devin Mesoraco of Punxsutawney Area High School in Punxsutawney, PA was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds with the 15th pick of the first round in 2007. He split the 2011 season between Triple A and the Reds. He hit .289/.371/.484 with 15 home runs, 71 RBI, 60 runs and one steal in 120 games at Triple A and hit .180/.226/.360 with two home runs, six RBI, five runs and zero steals in 18 games with the Reds.


Infielder Josh Vitters of Cypress High School in Anaheim, CA was drafted by the Chicago Cubs with the third pick of the first round in 2007. He played 2011 at Double A and hit .283/.322/.448 with 14 home runs, 81 RBI, 56 runs and 4 steals in 129 games.


Infielder Mike Moustakas of Chatsworth High School in Chatsworth, CA was drafted by the Kansas City Royals with the second pick of the first round in 2007. He split the 2011 season between Triple A and the Royals. He hit .287/.347/.498 with 10 home runs, 44 RBI, 38 runs and one steal in 55 games at Triple A and hit .263/.309/.367 with five home runs, 30 RBI, 26 runs and 2 steals in 89 games with the Royals. 


Infielder Kevin Ahrens 16th out of Memorial High School in  Houston, TX was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays with the 16th pick of the first round in 2007.He played the 2011 season at Class A Advanced and hit .242/.334/.389 with 13 home runs, 54 RBI, 59 runs and zero steals in 121 games.  


Infielder Matt Dominguez of Chatsworth High School in Chatsworth, CA was drafted by the Florida Marlins with the 12th pick of the first round in 2007. He split the 2011 season between Class A Advanced, Double A, Triple A and the Marlins. He hit .167/.250/.167 with zero home runs, two RBI, zero runs and zero steals in four games at Class A Advanced, hit .133/.316/.133 with zero home runs, one RBI, one runs and zero steals in four games at Double A, was .258/.312/.431 with 12 home runs, 55 RBI, 47 runs and zero steals in 87 games at Triple A and hit .244/.292/.333 with zero home runs, two RBI, two runs and zero steals in 17 games with the Marlins.


Outfielder Jason Heyward of Henry County High School in McDonough, GA was drafted by the Atlanta Braves with the 14th pick of the first round in 2007. He played 2011 with the Braves and hit .227/.319/.389 with 14 home runs, 42 RBI, 50 runs and 9 steals in 128 games.


Outfielder Ben Revere of Lexington Catholic High School in Lexington, KY was drafted by the Minnesota Twins with the 28th pick of the first round in 2007. He split the 2011 season between Triple A and the Twins. He hit .303/.338/.364 with one home run, nine RBI, 15 runs and 8 steals in 32 games at Triple A and hit .267/.310/.309 with zero home runs, 30 RBI, 56 runs and 34 steals in 117 games with the Twins.


Outfielder Wendell Fairley of George County High School in Lucedale, MS was drafted by the San Francisco Giants with the 29th pick of the first round in 2007. He split the 2011 season between Class A Advanced and Double A. He hit .245/.329/.317 with two home runs, 21 RBI, 28 runs and 3 steals in 60 games at Class A Advanced and hit .365/.321/.337 with zero home runs, seven RBI, 11 runs and 2 steals in 34 games at Double A.

2009 Baseball America High School All Americans in 2011

I'm going to take a look at how the members of the 2009 Baseball America high school baseball All American team did in 2011. It will be interesting how well early success translated to their later baseball careers


LHP David Holmberg of Charlotte High School in Charlotte, FL was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the second round in 2009. He split the 2011 season between Class A and Class A Advanced. He was 8-3 with a 2.39 ERA, 81 strikeouts and 0.94 WHIP in 83 innings over 14 games at Class A and was 4-6 with a 4-6 ERA, 76 strikeouts and 1.51 WHIP in 71.1 innings over 13 games at Class A Advanced.


RHP Keyvius Sampson of Ocala High School in Ocala, FL was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the fourth round in 2009. He pitched 2011 at Class A and was 12-3 with a 2.90 ERA, 143 strikeouts and 1.10 WHIP in 118 innings over 24 games.


LHP Patrick Schuster of Mitchell High School in Port Richey, FL was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 13th round in 2009. He pitched 2011 at Class A and was 7-4 with a 3.33 ERA, 84 strikeouts and 1.23 WHIP in 119 innings over 27 games.


RHP Jacob Turner of Westminster Christian Academy in St Louis, MO was drafted by the Detroit Tigers with the ninth pick of the first round in 2009. He split the 2011 season between Double A, Triple A and the Tigers. He was 3-5 with a 3.48 ERA, 90 strikeouts and 1.18 WHIP in 113.2 innings over 17 games at Double A, was 1-0 with a 3.12 ERA, 20 strikeouts and 1.04 WHIP in 17.1 innings over three games at Triple A and was 0-1 with a 8.53 ERA, eight strikeouts and 1.66 WHIP in 12.2 innings over three games with the Tigers.


RHP Zack Wheeler of East Paulding High School in Dallas, GA was drafted by the San Francisco Giants with the sixth pick of the first round in 2009. He split the 2011 season between the Giants Class A Advanced team and with the New York Mets Class A Advanced team after he was traded. He was 7-5 with a 3.99 ERA, 98 strikeouts and 1.38 WHIP in 88 innings over 16 games with the Giants Class A Advanced team and was 2-2 with a 2.00 ERA, 31 strikeouts and 1.15 WHIP in 27 innings over six games with the Mets Class A Advanced team.


Catcher Bryce Harper of Las Vegas High School in Las Vegas, NV was a sophomore in 2009. He passed the GED and enrolled to play at the College of Southern Nevada. In 2010 he was drafted by the Washington Nationals with the first overall pick. Harper split the 2011 season between the Class A and Double A levels. He hit .318/.423/.554 with 14 home runs, 46 RBI, 49 runs and 19 steals in 72 games at Class A and hit .256/.329/.395 with three home runs, 12 RBI, 14 runs and 7 steals in 18 games at Double A.


Infielder Matt Davidson of Yucaipa High School in Yucaipa, CA was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks with the 35th pick of the first round in 2009. He played 2011 at Class A Advanced and hit .277/.348/.465 with 20 home runs, 106 RBI, 93 runs and zero steals in 135 games.


Infielder Kenny Diekroger of Menlo High School in Atherton, CA was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the second round in 2009 but opted to play at Stanford. He played 2011 at Stanford and hit .293/.356/.364 with two home runs, 31 RBI, 31 runs and 2 steals in 56 games.


Infielder Nick Franklin of Lake Brantly High School in Altamonte Springs, FL was drafted by the Seattle Mariners with the 27th pick of the first round in 2009.He split the 2011 season between Rookie ball, Class A Advanced and Double A. He hit .091/.091/.091 with zero home runs, zero RBI, one runs and zero steals in three games at Rookie ball, hit .278/.356/.411 with five home runs, 20 rBI, 50 runs and 13 steals in 64 games at Class A Advanced and hit .325/.371/.482 with two home runs, six RBI, 13 runs and 5 steals in 21 games at Double A.


Infielder Jeff Malm of Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, NV was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the fifth round in 2009. He played 2011 at the Class A short season and hit .257/.382/.462 with 12 home runs, 47 RBI, 36 runs and 3 steals in 73 games.


Outfielder Randal Grichuk of Lamar Consolidated High School in Rosenberg, TX was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels with the 24th pick of the first round in 2009. He split the 2011 season between Rookie ball, Class A and Class A Advanced. He hit .333/.357/.458 with zero home runs, six RBI, two runs and zero steals in seven games at Rookie ball, hit .230/.267/.402 with two home runs, 13 RBI, 12 runs and zero steals in 32 games at Class A and hit .283/.316/.491 with one home run, six RBI, 13 runs and zero steals in 14 games at Class A Advanced.


Outfielder Mike Trout of Millville Senior High School in Millville, NJ was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels with the 25th pick of the first round in 2009. He split the 2011 season between Double A and the Angels. He hit .326/.414/.544 with 11 home runs, 33 RBI, 82 runs and 33 steals in 91 games at Double A and hit .220/.281/.390 with five home runs, 16 RBI, 20 runs and 4 steals in 40 games.


Outfielder Max Walla of Albuquerque Academy in Albuquerque, NM was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the second round in 2009. He played 2011 at Rookie ball and hit .285/.374/.411 with four home runs, 29 RBI, 40 runs and 5 steals in 69 games.


DH Austin Maddox of Eagle's View Academy in Jacksonville, FL was drafted by the Tampa Rays in the 37th round in 2009 but opted to play at Florida. He played 2011 at Florida and hit .280/.327/.368 with six home runs, 35 RBI, 30 runs and 6 steals in 62 games. 


Utility/RHP Matt Hobgood of Norco High School in Norco, CA was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles with the fifth pick of the first round in 2009. He split the 2011 season between Rookie ball and the Class A short season levels. He was 0-0 with a 4.35 ERA, nine strikeouts and 1.26 WHIP in 10.1 innings over five games at Rookie and was 0-6 with a 10.46 ERA, 13 strikeouts and 2.40 WHIP in 26.2 innings over eight games at Class A short season.

2009 USA Today High School Baseball All Americans in 2011

I'm going to take a look at how the members of the 2009 USA Today high school baseball All American team did in 2011. It will be interesting how well early success translated to their later baseball careers.


RHP Matt Hobgood of Norco High School in Norco, CA was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles with the fifth pick of the first round in 2009. He split the 2011 season between Rookie ball and the Class A short season levels. He was 0-0 with a 4.35 ERA, nine strikeouts and 1.26 WHIP in 10.1 innings over five games at Rookie and was 0-6 with a 10.46 ERA, 13 strikeouts and 2.40 WHIP in 26.2 innings over eight games at Class A short season.


LHP Jordan John of Calallen High School in Corpus Christi, TX went undrafted but enrolled to play at Oklahoma. In 2011 pitching for Oklahoma he was 4-2 with a 2.35 ERA, 54 strikeouts and 1.19 WHIP 61.1 innings over 20 games.


RHP Jacob Turner of Westminster Christian Academy in St Louis, MO was drafted by the Detroit Tigers with the ninth pick of the first round in 2009. He split the 2011 season between Double A, Triple A and the Tigers. He was 3-5 with a 3.48 ERA, 90 strikeouts and 1.18 WHIP in 113.2 innings over 17 games at Double A, was 1-0 with a 3.12 ERA, 20 strikeouts and 1.04 WHIP in 17.1 innings over three games at Triple A and was 0-1 with a 8.53 ERA, eight strikeouts and 1.66 WHIP in 12.2 innings over three games with the Tigers.


Catcher Wil Myers of Wesleyan Christian Academy in High Point, NC was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the third round in 2009. He played 2011 at Double A and hit .254/.353/.393 with eight home runs, 49 RBI, 50 runs and 9 steals in 99 games.


Infielder Bobby Borchering of Bishop Verot High School in Fort Meyers, FL was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks with the 16th pick of the first round in 2009. He played the 2011 season at Class A Advanced and hit .267/.332/.469 with 24 home runs, 92 RBI , 80 runs and 4 steals in 135 games.


Infielder Matt Davidson of Yucaipa High School in Yucaipa, CA was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks with the 35th pick of the first round in 2009. He played 2011 at Class A Advanced and hit .277/.348/.465 with 20 home runs, 106 RBI, 93 runs and zero steals in 135 games.


Infielder Scooter Gennett of Sarasota High School in Sarasota, FL was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 16th round in 2009. He played 2011 at Class A Advanced and hit .300/.334/.406 with nine home runs, 51 RBI, 74 runs and 11 steals in 134 games.


Infielder Jeff Malm of Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, NV was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the fifth round in 2009. He played 2011 at the Class A short season and hit .257/.382/.462 with 12 home runs, 47 RBI, 36 runs and 3 steals in 73 games.


Outfielder Donovan Tate of Cartersville High School in Cartersville, GA was drafted by the San Diego Padres with the third pick of the first round in 2009. He split the 2011 between the Class A short season and Class A levels. He hit .283/.406/.409 with zero home runs, 20 RBI, 24 runs and 17 steals in 33 games in the Class A short season and hit .316/.435/.421 with zero home runs, two RBI, three runs and two steals in six games at Class A.


Outfielder Reggie Williams Jr of Brooks-DeBartolo Collegiate High School in Tampa, FL was drafted by the Rangers in the 32nd round but did not sign and played at Middle Georgia College. He was then drafted by the St Louis Cardinals in the 10th round in 2010. He split 2011 between Rookie ball and the Class A short season. He hit .300/.417/.400 with zero home runs, one RBI, three runs and one steal in 11 games at Rookie and hit .306/.333/.472 with one home run, eight RBI, 11 runs and zero steals in 14 games at Class A short season.

2008 Baseball America High School All Americans in 2011

I'm going to take a look at how the members of the 2008 Baseball America high school baseball All American team did in 2011. It will be interesting how well early success translated to their later baseball careers. 


LHP Brett DeVail of Niceville High School in Niceville, FL was drafted by the Atlanta Braves with the 40th pick of the first round in 2008. He was released by the Braves in 2010 and did not play in 2011.


LHP Danny Hultzen of St Albans School in Washington D.C. was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 10th round in 2008 and turned them down to play at Virginia. In 2011 pitching for Virginia was 12-3 with a 1.37 ERA, 165 strikeouts and 0.84 WHIP in 118 innings over 18 games. He was drafted by the Seattle Mariners with the second pick of the first round in 2011. He pitched in the Arizona Fall League and was 1-0 with a 1.40 ERA, 18 strikeouts and 1.09 WHIP in 19.1 innings over six games.


RHP Taylor Jungmann of Georgetown High School in Georgetown, TX was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the in the 24th round in 2008 and turned them down to play at Texas. In 2011 pitching for Texas he was 13-3 with a 1.60 ERA, 126 strikeouts and 0.83 WHIP in 141 innings over 19 games. He was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers with the 12th pick of the first round in 2011. 


RHP Jake Odorizzi of High Land High School in Highland, IL was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers with the 32nd pick of the first round in 2008. He was traded to the Royals in 2010. He split 2011 between Class A Advanced and Double A. He was 5-4 with a 2.87 ERA, 103 strikeouts and 1.15 WHIP in 78.1 innings over 15 games at Class A Advanced and was 5-3 with a 4.72 ERA, 54 strikeouts and 1.28 WHIP in 68.2 innings over 12 games at Double A.



Catcher Kyle Skipworth of Patriot High School in Riverside, CA was drafted by the Florida Marlins with the sixth pick of the first round in 2008. He played the 2011 season at Double A and hit .207/.273/.331 with 11 home runs, 49 RBI, 35 runs and zero steals in 106 games.


Infielder Tim Beckham of Griffin High School in Griffin, GA was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays with the first overall pick in 2008. He split the 2011 season between Double A and Triple A. .275/.339/.395 with seven home runs, 57 RBI, 82 runs and 15 steals in 107 games at Double A and hit .255/.282/.462 with five home runs, 13 RBI, 12 runs and 2 steals in 24 games at Triple A.


Infielder Eric Hosmer of American Heritage School in Plantation, FL was drafted by the Kansas City Royals with the third pick of the first round in 2008. He split the 2011 season between Triple A and the Royals. He hit .439/.525/.582 with three home runs, 15 RBI, and 3 steals in 26 games at Triple A and hit .293/.334/.465 with 19 home runs, 78 RBI, 66 runs and 11 steals in 128 games with the Royals.


Infielder Anthony Hewitt of Salisbury School in Salisbury, CT was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies with the 24th pick of the first round in 2008. He played 2011 at Class A and hit .240/.281/.405 with 14 home runs, 55 RBI, 62 runs and 36 steals in 119 games. 


Infielder Derrik Gibson of Seaford High School in Seaford, DE was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the second round in 2008. He played 2011 at Class A Advanced and hit .240/.321/.306 with one home run, 30 RBI, 56 runs and 24 steals in 128 games. 


Outfielder Jay Austin of North Atlanta High School in Atlanta, GA was drafted by the Houston Astros in the second round in 2008. He split 2011 between Class A and Class A Advanced. He hit .203/.301/.260 with zero home runs, 16 RBI, nine runs and 6 steals in 32 games at Class A and hit .257/.318/.365 with three home runs, 37 RBI, 47 runs and 17 steals in 74 games at Class A Advanced.


Outfielder Xavier Avery of Cedar Grove High School in Ellenwood, GA was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the second round in 2008. He played 2011 at Double A and hit .259/.324/.343 with four home runs, 26 RBI, 72 runs and 36 steals in 138 games.


Outfielder Jaff Decker of Mountain High School in Peoria, AZ was drafted by the San Diego Padres with the 42nd pick of the first round in 2008. He played 2011 at Double A and hit .236/.373/.417 with 19 home runs, 92 RBI, 90 runs and 15 steals in 133 games.


Utility/RHP Ethan Martin of Stephens County High School in Toccoa, GA was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers with the 15th pick of the first round in 2008. He split the 2011 season between Class A Advanced and Double A. He was 4-4 with a 7.36 ERA, 61 strikeouts and 1.85 WHIP in 55 innings over 16 games at Class A Advanced and was 5-3 with a 4.02 ERA, 43 strikeouts, 1.49 WHIP and 2 saves in 40.1 innings over 21 games at Double A.

2008 USA Today High School Baseball All Americans in 2011

I'm going to take a look at how the members of the 2008 USA Today high school baseball All American team did in 2011. It will be interesting how well early success translated to their later baseball careers. 


RHP Gerrit Cole of Luthern High School in Orange, CA was drafted by the New York Yankees in 2008 but turned them down to play at UCLA. In 2011 pitching for UCLA he was 6-8 with a 3.31 ERA, 119 strikeouts and 1.11 WHIP in 114.1 innings over 16 games. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates with the first overall pick in 2011. He played in the Arizona Fall League and was  2-0 with a 3.00 ERA, 16 strikeouts and 0.93 WHIP in 15 innings over five games


RHP Tim Melville of Wentzville Holt High School in Wentzville, MO was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the fourth round in 2008. He pitched 2011 at Class A Advanced and was 11-10 with a 4.32 ERA, 108 strikeouts and 1.51 WHIP in 135.1 innings over 29 games.


RHP Jake Odorizzi of High Land High School in Highland, IL was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers with the 32nd pick of the first round in 2008. He was traded to the Royals in 2010. He split 2011 between Class A Advanced and Double A. He was 5-4 with a 2.87 ERA, 103 strikeouts and 1.15 WHIP in 78.1 innings over 15 games at Class A Advanced and was 5-3 with a 4.72 ERA, 54 strikeouts and 1.28 WHIP in 68.2 innings over 12 games at Double A.


Catcher Kyle Skipworth of Patriot High School in Riverside, CA was drafted by the Florida Marlins with the sixth pick of the first round in 2008. He played the 2011 season at Double A and hit .207/.273/.331 with 11 home runs, 49 RBI, 35 runs and zero steals in 106 games.


Infielder Tim Beckham of Griffin High School in Griffin, GA was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays with the first overall pick in 2008. He split the 2011 season between Double A and Triple A. .275/.339/.395 with seven home runs, 57 RBI, 82 runs and 15 steals in 107 games at Double A and hit .255/.282/.462 with five home runs, 13 RBI, 12 runs and 2 steals in 24 games at Triple A.


Infielder Eric Hosmer of American Heritage School in Plantation, FL was drafted by the Kansas City Royals with the third pick of the first round in 2008. He split the 2011 season between Triple A and the Royals. He hit .439/.525/.582 with three home runs, 15 RBI, and 3 steals in 26 games at Triple A and hit .293/.334/.465 with 19 home runs, 78 RBI, 66 runs and 11 steals in 128 games with the Royals.

Infielder Destin Hood of St Paul's Episcopal School in Mobile, AL was drafted by the Washington Nationals in the second round in 2008. He played 2011 at Class A Advanced and hit .276/.364/.445 with 13 home runs, 83 RBI, 61 runs and 21 steals in 128 games.


Infielder Casey Kelly of Sarasota High School in Sarasota, FL was drafted by the Boston Red Sox with the 30th pick of the first round in 2008. He was traded to the Padres in 2010. He pitched 2011 at Double A and was 11-6 with a 3.98 ERA, 105 strikeouts and 1.40 WHIP in 142.1 innings over 27 games.


Outfielder Zach Collier of Chino Hills High School in Chino, CA was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies with the 34th pick of the first round in 2008. He played 2011 at Class A and hit .255/.328/.349 with one home run, 36 RBI, 50 runs and 35 steals in 112 games.


Outfielder Aaron Hicks of Wilson High School in Long Beach, CA was drafted by the Minnesota Twins with the 14th pick of the first round in 2008. He played the 2011 season at Class A Advanced and hit .242/.354/.368 with five home runs, 38 RBI, 79 runs and 17 steals in 122 games.

2012 Where are they now 2011 top prospects AL West

Each year the prospect lists come out and the future of each team is reevaluated accordingly. I'm going to look at who the top prospect of each American League West team was in 2011 and how they did in 2011


The Los Angeles Angels top prospect was outfielder Mike Trout. He was originally drafted by the Angels with the 25th pick in the first round in 2009. He split 2011 between Double A and the Angels. He hit .326/.414/.544 with 11 home runs, 33 RBI, 82 runs and 33 steals in 91 games at Double A and hit .220/.281/.390 with five home runs, 16 RBI, 20 runs and 4 steals in 40 games.


The Oakland Athletics top pick was shortstop Grant Green. He was originally drafted by the Athletics with the 13th pick in the first round in 2009. He played 2011 at Double A and hit .291/.343/.408 with nine home runs, 62 RBI, 76 runs and 6 steals in 127 games.



The Seattle Mariners top prospect was outfielder and first baseman Dustin Ackley. He was drafted by the Mariners with the second pick in the first round in 2009. He split 2011 between Triple A and with the Mariners. He hit .303/.421/.487 with nine home runs, 35 RBI, 57 runs and 7 steals in 66 games at Triple A and hit .273/.348/.417 with six home runs, 36 RBI, 39 runs and 6 steals in 90 games with the Mariners.


The Texas Rangers top prospect was LHP Martin Perez. He originally signed with the Rangers as an amateur free agent in 2007 out of Venezuela. He split 2011 between Double A and Triple A. He was 4-2 with a 3.16 ERA, 83 strikeouts and 1.31 WHIP in 88.1 innings over 17 games at Double A and was 4-4 with a 6.43 ERA, 37 strikeouts and 1.88 WHIP in 49 innings over10 games at Triple A.

2012 Where are they now 2011 top prospects AL Central

Each year the prospect lists come out and the future of each team is reevaluated accordingly. I'm going to look at who the top prospect of each American League Central team was in 2011 and how they did in 2011.


The Chicago White Sox top prospect was LHP Chris Sale. He was originally drafted by the White Sox with the 13th pick in the first round in 2010. He pitched for the White Sox in 2011 and was 2-2 with a 2.79 ERA, 79 strikeouts, 1.11 WHIP and eight saves in 71 innings over 58 games.


The Cleveland Indians top prospect was third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall. He was originally drafted by the Indians with the 29th pick in the first round in 2008. He split 2011 between Triple A and the Indians. He hit .267/.353/.431 with seven home runs, 45 RBI, 45 runs and zero steals in 66 games at Triple A and hit .255/.284/.415 with seven home runs, 22 RBI, 27 runs and one steal in 66 games with the Indians.


The Detroit Tigers top prospect was RHP Jacob Turner. He was originally drafted by the Tigers with the ninth pick of the first round in 2009.  He split the 2011 season between Double A, Triple A and the Tigers. He was 3-5 with a 3.48 ERA, 90 strikeouts and 1.18 WHIP in 113.2 innings over 17 games at Double A, was 1-0 with a 3.12 ERA, 20 strikeouts and 1.04 WHIP in 17.1 innings over three games at Triple A and was 0-1 with a 8.53 ERA, eight strikeouts and 1.66 WHIP in 12.2 innings over three games with the Tigers.


The Kansas City Royals top prospect was first baseman Eric Hosmer. He was originally drafted by the Royals with the third pick in the first round in 2008.  He split the 2011 season between Triple A and the Royals. He hit .439/.525/.582 with three home runs, 15 RBI, and 3 steals in 26 games at Triple A and hit .293/.334/.465 with 19 home runs, 78 RBI, 66 runs and 11 steals in 128 games with the Royals.


The Minnesota Twins top prospect was RHP Kyle Gibson. He was originally drafted by the Twins with the 22nd pick in the first round in 2009. He pitched 2011 at Triple A and was 3-8 with a 4.81 ERA, 91 strikeouts and 1.43 WHIP in 95.1 innings over 18 games.

2012 Where are they now 2011 top prospects AL East

Each year the prospect lists come out and the future of each team is reevaluated accordingly. I'm going to look at who the top prospect of each American League East team was in 2011 and how they did in 2011.


The Baltimore Orioles top prospect was shortstop Manny Machado. He was originally drafted by the Orioles with the third pick in the first round in 2010. He split 2011 between Class A and Class A Advanced. He hit .276/.376/.483 with six home runs, 24 RBI, 24 runs and 3 steals in 38 games at Class A and hit .245/.308/.384 with five home runs, 26 RBI, 24 runs and 8 steals in 63 games at Class A Advanced.


The Boston Red Sox top prospect was shortstop Jose Iglesias. He originally signed with the Red Sox as an amateur free agent in 2009 out of Cuba. He split 2011 between Triple A and the Red Sox. He hit .235/.285/.269 with one home runs, 31 RBI, 35 runs and 12 steals in 101 games at Triple A and hit .333/.333/.333 with zero home runs, zero RBI, three runs and zero steals in 10 games with the Red Sox.


The New York Yankees top prospect was catcher Jesus Montero. He originally signed with the Yankees as an amateur free agent in 2006 out of Venezuela. He split 2011 between Triple A and the Yankees. He hit .288/.348/.467 with 18 home runs, 67 RBI, 52 runs and zero steals in 109 games at Triple A and hit .328/.406/.590 with four home runs, 12 RBI, nine runs and zero steals in 18 games with the Yankees. He was traded to the Mariners after the season on January 14, 2012.


The Tampa Bay Rays top prospect was RHP Jeremy Hellickson. He was originally drafted by the Rays in the fourth round in 2005. He pitched for the Rays in 2011 and was 13-10 with a 2.95 ERA, 117 strikeouts and 1.15 WHIP in 189 innings over 29 games.


The Toronto Blue Jays top prospect was RHP Kyle Drabek. He was originally drafted by the Phillies with the 18th pick of the first round in 2006 then was traded to the Blue Jays in 2009. He split 2011 between Triple A and the Blue Jays. He was 5-4 with a 7.44 ERA, 45 strikeouts and 2.03 WHIP in 75 innings over 15 games at Triple A and was 4-5 with a 6.06 ERA, 51 strikeouts and 1.80 WHIP in 78.2 innings over 18 games with the Blue Jays.

Wilson Valdez traded to Reds

Wilson Valdez was traded by the Philadelphia Phillies to the Cincinnati Reds on January 25, 2012. In exchange the Phillies receive Jeremy Horst.


Valdez has played shortstop, second and third for six seasons with the Phillies, Mets, Dodgers, Padres, Mariners and White Sox. In 2011 with the Phillies he hit .249/.294/.341 with one home runs, 30 RBI, 39 runs and 3 steals in 99 games. For his career he has hit .243/.290/.330 with six home runs, 92 RBI, 116 runs and 14 steals in 362 games. He originally signed with the Expos as an amateur free agent in 1997 out of the Dominican Republic.


LHP Horst split 2011 between Triple A and the Reds. He was 1-4 with a 2.81 ERA, 42 strikeouts and 1.07 WHIP in 51.1 innings over 36 games at Triple A and was 0-0 with a 2.93 ERA, nine strikeouts and 1.56 WHIP in 15.1 innings over 12 games with the Reds. He was originally drafted by the Reds in the 21st round in 2007.

2012 Where are they now 2011 top prospects NL West

Each year the prospect lists come out and the future of each team is reevaluated accordingly. I'm going to look at who the top prospect of each National League West team was in 2011 and how they did in 2011.


The Arizona Diamondbacks top prospect was RHP Jarrod Parker for the fourth straight year. He was originally drafted by the Diamondbacks with the ninth pick in the first round in 2007. Most of his 2011 season was spent at Double A in addition to one game with the Diamondbacks. He was 11-8 with a 3.79 ERA, 112 strikeouts and 1.28 WHIP in 130.2 innings over 26 games at Double A and was 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA, one strikeout and 0.88 WHIP in 5.2 innings in his one game with the Arizona. He was traded to the Athletics after the season on December 9, 2011.



The Colorado Rockies top prospect was LHP Tyler Matzek. He was originally drafted by the Rockies with the 11th pick in the first round in 2009. He split 2011 between Class A and Class A Advanced. He was 5-4 with a 4.36 ERA, 74 strikeouts and 1.48 WHIP in 64 innings over 12 games at Class A and was 0-3 with a 9.82 ERA, 37 strikeouts and 2.42 WHIP in 33 innings over 10 games at Class A Advanced. 


The Los Angeles Dodgers top prospect was shortstop Dee Gordon. He was originally drafted by the Dodgers in the fourth round in 2008. He split 2011 between Class A Advanced, Triple A and the Dodgers. He hit .273/.333/.273 with zero home runs, zero RBI, four runs and 2 steals in three games at Class A Advanced, hit .333/.373/.410 with zero home runs, 24 RBI, 51 runs and 30 steals in 70 games at Triple A and hit .304/.325/.362 with zero home runs, 11 RBI, 34 runs and 24 steals in 56 games with the Dodgers.


The San Diego Padres top prospect was RHP Casey Kelly. He was originally drafted by the Red Sox with the 30th pick in the first round in 2008. He was traded to the Padres in 2010. He pitched 2011 at Double A and was 11-6 with a 3.98 ERA, 105 strikeouts and 1.40 WHIP in 142.1 innings over 27 games.


The San Francisco Giants top prospect was first baseman Brandon Belt. He was originally drafted by the Giants in the fifth round in 2009. He split 2011 between Class A Advanced, Triple A and the Giants. He hit .462/.611/.538 with zero home runs, four RBI, three runs and one steal in four games at Class A Advanced, hit .309/.448/.527 with eight home runs, 32 RBI, 32 runs and 4 steals in 49 games at Triple A and hit .225/.306/.412 with nine home runs, 18 RBI, 21 runs and 3 steals in 63 games with the Giants.

2012 Where are they now 2011 top prospects NL Central

Each year the prospect lists come out and the future of each team is reevaluated accordingly. I'm going to look at who the top prospect of each National League Central team was in 2011 and how they did in 2011.


The Chicago Cubs top prospect was outfielder Brett Jackson. He was originally drafted by the Cubs with the 31st pick in the first round in 2009. He split 2011 between Double A and Triple A. He hit .256/.373/.443 with 10 home runs, 32 RBI, 45 runs and 15 steals in 67 games at Double A and hit .297/.388/.551 with 10 home runs, 26 RBI, 39 runs and 6 steals in 48 games at Triple A.


The Cincinnati Reds top prospect was LHP Aroldis Chapman. He originally signed with the Reds as an amateur free agent in 2010 out of Cuba. He split 2011 between Double A, Triple A and the Reds. He was 1-1 with a 6.14 ERA, 11 strikeouts and 1.50 WHIP in 7.1 innings over five games at Double A, was 0-1 with a 11.12 ERA, nine strikeouts and 1.94 WHIP in 5.2 innings over four games at Triple A and was 4-1 with a 3.60 ERA, 71 strikeouts, 1.30 WHIP and one save in 50 innings over 54 games with the Reds.


The Houston Astros top prospect was RHP Jordan Lyles. He was originally drafted by the Astros with the 38th pick in the first round in 2008. He split 2011 between Triple A and the Astros. He was 3-3 with a 3.61 ERA, 42 strikeouts and 1.30 WHIP in 62.1 innings over 12 games at Triple A and was 2-8 with a 5.36 ERA, 67 strikeouts and 1.41 WHIP in 94 innings over 20 games with the Astros.


The Milwaukee Brewers top prospect was RHP Mark Rogers. He was drafted by the Brewers with the fifth pick of the first round in 2004. He split 2011 between Rookie ball, Class A Advanced and Triple A. He was 0-0 with a 4.85 ERA, 11 strikeouts and 1.38 WHIP in 13 innings over five games at Rookie ball, was 0-3 with a 9.37 ERA, 17 strikeouts and 2.27 WHIP in 16.1 innings over five games at Class A Advanced and was 0-2 with a 13.20 ERA, 12 strikeouts and 2.87 WHIP in 15 innings over five games at Triple A.


The Pittsburgh Pirates top prospects was RHP Jameson Taillon. He was originally drafted by the Pirates with the second pick of the first round in 2010. He pitched 2011 at Class A where he was 2-3 with a 3.98 ERA, 97 strikeouts and 1.20 WHIP in 92.2 innings over 23 games.


The St Louis Cardinals top prospect was RHP Shelby Miller. He was originally drafted by the Cardinals with the 19th pick of the first round in 2009. He split 2011 between Class A Advanced and Double A. He was 2-3 with a 2.89 ERA, 81 strikeouts and 1.13 WHIP in 53 innings over nine games at Class A Advanced and was 9-3 with a 2.70 ERA, 89 strikeouts and 1.21 WHIP in 86.2 innings over 16 games at Double A. 

2012 Where are they now 2011 top prospects NL East

Each year the prospect lists come out and the future of each team is reevaluated accordingly. I'm going to look at who the top prospect of each National League East team was in 2011 and how they did in 2011.


The Atlanta Braves top prospect was RHP Julio Teheran. He originally signed with the Braves as an amateur free agent in 2007 out of Columbia. He split 2011 between Triple A and the Braves. He was 15-3 with a 2.55 ERA, 122 strikeouts and 1.18 WHIP in 144.2 innings over 25 games at Triple A and was 1-1 with a 5.03 ERA, 10 strikeouts and 1.47 WHIP in 19.2 innings over five games with the Braves. 


The Florida Marlins top prospect was third baseman Matt Dominguez. He was originally drafted by the Marlins with the 12th pick in the first round in 2007. He split 2011 between Class A Advanced, Double A, Triple A and the Marlins. He hit .167/.250/.167 with zero home runs, two RBI, zero runs and zero steals in four games at Class A Advanced, hit .133/.316/.133 with zero home runs, one RBI, one run and zero steals in four games at Double A, hit .258/.312/.431 with 12 home runs, 55 RBI, 47 runs and zero steals in 87 games at Triple A and hit .244/.292/.333 with zero home runs, two RBI, two runs and zero steals in 17 games with the Marlins.



The New York Mets top prospect was RHP Jenrry Mejia. He originally signed with the Mets as an amateur free agent in 2007 out of  the Dominican Republic. The pitched at Triple A in 2011 but missed most of the season after having Tommy John surgery. He was 1-2 with a 2.86 ERA, 21 strikeouts and 1.06 WHIP in 28.1 innings over five games at Triple A.


The Philadelphia Phillies top prospect was outfielder Dominic Brown.  He was originally drafted by the Phillies in the 20th round in 2006. He split 2011 between Class A Advanced, Triple A and the Phillies. He hit .368/.429/.737 with two home runs, four RBI, four runs and 2 steals in 5 games at Class A Advanced, hit .261/.391/.370 with three home runs, 15 RBI, 22 runs and 12 steals in 41 games at Triple A and hit .245/.333/.391 with five home runs, 19 RBI, 28 runs and 3 steals in 56 games with the Phillies.


The Washington Nationals top prospect was outfielder Bryce Harper. He was originally drafted by the Nationals with the first overall pick in 2010. He split 2011 between Class A and Double A. He hit .318/.423/.554 with 14 home runs, 46 RBI, 49 runs and 19 steals in 72 games at Class A and hit .256/.329/.395 with three home runs, 12 RBI, 14 runs and 7 steals in 37 games at Double A.

Underdog Bids for Dodgers

One of the headline issues in baseball the last couple years has been the turmoil of the Los Angeles Dodgers and their ownership. First was the McCourt divorce and now it is the sale of the team after bankruptcy. Until recently I had no interest in who bought the team but now I have found an underdog to root for. While it may be odd to call a billionaire an underdog, that is what Joshua Macciello has become.

The story of the underdog is a popular theme in sports movies from Caddyshack to Tin Cup. People have been rooting for the little guy overcoming the odds from the small town Hoosiers to the walk on paying his dues in Rudy. Baseball even let the Cleveland Indians be the heroes in Major League six years before they started fielding winning teams.

Macciello is just six years removed from facing eviction with his family. He has faced the down times like so many of us. Then his fortune reversed for the positive when he struck gold literally when it was discovered gold and platinum mines his business had purchased have been appraised with billions of dollars worth of the precious minerals. He is using those mines as collateral to back his bid to buy the Dodgers.

Macciello is still more comfortable in a t-shirt and jeans which is an image the MLB elite balks at. They have already been successful keeping Mark Cuban out of their gated community and would like to do the same with Macciello. He may not fit in with their country club standards. One thing in his favor with the bid is that Frank McCourt has agreed to select a winner by April 1st and since the winning bid will be used to pay off the bankruptcy a high bid from Macciello could out weigh the other factors. Money talks and a bid over a billion dollars would be no joke.

Macciello has vowed to use his deep pockets to return the team to glory. They would operate like the West Coast Yankees bringing in the best team money can buy. While maybe not the best thing for baseball as a whole it would be entertaining to see what teams they can put together while competing in the sand box with the big boys. I hope that Macciello gets a fair chance to do that.

Marco Scutaro traded to Rockies

Marco Scutaro was traded by the Boston Red Sox to the Colorado Rockies on January 21, 2012. In exchange the Red Sox receive Clayton Mortensen.


Scutaro played shortstop, second base and third base for the Red Sox and in 10 seasons has played for the Red Sox, Blue Jays, Athletics and Mets. In 2011 he hit .299/.358/.423 with seven home runs, 54 RBI, 59 runs and 4 steals in 113 games with the Red Sox. For his career he has hit .270/.338/.389 with 68 home runs, 404 RBI, 538 runs and 44 steals in 1103 games. He originally signed with the Indians as an amateur free agent in 1994 out of Venezuela. 


RHP Mortensen has pitched three seasons with the Rockies, Athletics and Cardinals. He split 2011 between Triple A and the Rockies. He was 2-8 with a 9.42 ERA, 54 strikeouts and 2.08 WHIP in 64 innings over 15 games at Triple A and was 2-4 with a 3.86 ERA, 30 strikeouts and 1.35 WHIP in 58.1 innings over 16 games with the Rockies. For his career he is 4-8 with a 5.12 ERA, 50 strikeouts and 1.49 WHIP in 95 innings over 24 games. He was originally drafted by the Cardinals with the 36th pick in the first round in 2007.

Kevin Slowey traded to Indians

Kevin Slowey was traded by the Colorado Rockies to the Cleveland Indians on January 20, 2012. In exchange the Rockies receive Zach Putnam.

RHP Slowey had been traded to the Rockies by the Twins on December 6, 2011 after five seasons with Twins. In 2011 he was 0-8 with a 6.67 ERA, 34 strikeouts and 1.40 WHIP in 59.1 innings over 14 games. For his career he is 39-29 with a 4.66 ERA, 395 strikeouts and 1.29 WHIP in 532.2 innings over 100 games. He was originally drafted by the Twins in the second round in 2005.


RHP Putnam split 2011 between Triple A and the Indians. He was 6-3 with a 3.65 ERA, 68 strikeouts, 1.22 WHIP and nine saves in 69 innings over 44 games at Triple A and was 1-1 with a 6.14 ERA, nine strikeouts and 1.36 WHIP in 7.1 innings over eight games with the Indians. He was originally drafted by the Indians in the fifth round in 2008.

Royals Turning Corner

2011 was the dawn of a new era for the Royals. Their minor league organization was lauded by many as the best system that year. The players started to fulfill on that promise by winning championships at Double A when the Northwest Arkansas Naturals claimed the Texas League crown and at Triple A with the Omaha Storm Chasers winning their first Pacific Coast League championship.


The Royals front office had more misses than hits in the years following their World Series Championship in 1985. That decline started with the departure of GM John Schuerholz who took his magic to the Atlanta Braves where he helped build their dynasty. It is appropriate the the Royals current rise is at the hands of GM Dayton Moore who learned under the guidance of Schuerholz while in Atlanta. Since Moore took over on June 8, 2006 the organization has had more draft success stories and others previously in the organization developed into Major League stars and contributors.


The future started to arrive last season as several players made the jump from the minors into the Royals starting line up. Those players in order of appearance were 1B Eric Hosmer, LHP Danny Duffy, 3B Mike Moustakas, 2B Johnny Giavotella and catcher Salvador Perez. Starting shortstop Alcides Escobar was already on the roster after joining the team in the off season as part of the Zack Greinke trade.


Hosmer forced the Royals hand by earning his promotion after a hot start at Triple A hitting .439/.525/.582 with three home runs, 15 RBI, 21 runs and 3 steals in 26 games. He made his debut with the Royals on May 6, 2011 and went on to hit .293/.334/.465 with 19 home runs, 78 RBI, 66 runs and 11 steals in 128 games. He was originally drafted by the Royals with the third pick in the first round in 2008.


Duffy caught the Royals attention at Omaha where he was 3-1 with a 3.43 ERA, 48 strikeouts and 1.12 WHIP in 42 innings over eight games. He was the first of several highly prized pitching prospects to reach Kansas City when he made his debut on May 18, 2011 and went 4-8 with a 5.64 ERA, 87 strikeouts and 1.61 WHIP in 105.1 innings over 20 games. He was originally drafted by the Royals in the third round in 2007.


Moustakas started 2011 in Omaha hitting .287/.347/.498 with 10 home runs, 44 RBI, 38 runs and one steal in 55 games. He made his Royals debut on June 10, 2011 and went on to hit .263/.309/.367 with five home runs, 30 RBI, 26 runs and 2 steals in 89 games. He was originally drafted by the Royals with the second pick in the first round in 2007 and was Dayton Moore's first pick with the organization.


Giavotella spent most of 2011 in Omaha laying the foundation for their championship as he hit .338/.390/.481 with nine home runs, 72 RBI, 67 runs and 9 steals in 110 games. He was called up to the Royals and made his debut on August 5, 2011 and went on to hit .247/.273/.376 with two home runs, 21 RBI, 20 runs and 5 steals in 46 games. He was originally drafted by the Royals in the second round in 2008.


Perez started 2011 at Double A Northwest Arkansas where hit .283/.372/.527 with nine home runs, 43 RBI, 35 runs and zero steals in 79 games before his promotion to Omaha where he hit .347/.500/.333 with one home run, 10 RBI, five runs and zero steals in 12 games. The Royals called him up and after his debut on August 10, 2011 he hit .331/.361/.473 with three home runs, 21 RBI, 20 runs and zero steals in 39 games. He originally signed with the Royals as an amateur free agent in 2006 out of Venezuela.


Escobar played the entire 2011 season with the Royals where he hit .254/.290/.343 with four home runs, 46 RBI, 69 runs and 26 steals in 158 games. Adding his time in Milwaukee for his career he has hit .252/.294/.339 with nine home runs, 98 RBI, 148 runs and 40 steals in 350 games. He originally signed with the Brewers as an amateur free agent in 2003 out of Venezuela. 


In 2011 the Royals outfield led by Alex Gordon, Melky Cabrera and Jeff Francoeur topped the MLB at 51 assists with Gordon setting a team record with 20. All three are veterans and helped give the young stars some leadership and guidance. Gordon and Francour return for the 2012 season.


Gordon finally stepped out of the shadow of the expectations for him and started producing with the bat as well. In 2011 he hit .303/.376/.502 with 23 home runs, 87 RBI, 101 runs and 17 steals in 151 games. For his career he has hit .262/.343/.434 with 68 home runs, 248 RBI, 295 runs and 46 steals in 559 games. He was originally drafted by the Royals with the second pick in the first round in 2005.


Francouer's first season with the Royals was his seventh in the majors. One thing I liked about him was his request at mid-season not to be traded because he likes the Kansas City area so much. In 2011 he hit .285/.329/.476 with 20 home runs, 87 RBI, 77 runs and 22 steals in 153 games. For his career he has hit .270/.313/.433 with 121 home runs, 552 RBI, 479 runs and 45 steals in 998 games. He was originally drafted by the Braves with the 23rd pick in the first round in 2002.


Cabrera made the most of his one season in Kansas City where he hit .305/.339/.470 with 18 home runs, 87 RBI, 102 runs and 20 steals in 155 games. He was traded to the Giants after the season with the Royals getting LHP Jonathan Sanchez in return. His replacement in center field should be Lorenzo Cain who hit .312/.380/.497 with 16 home runs, 81 RBI, 84 runs and 16 steals in 128 games at Triple A Omaha. Cain was originally drafted by the Brewers in the 17th round in 2004 and also came to the Royals in the Zack Greinke trade.


Sanchez should settle into the middle of the Royals pitching rotation in 2012. In 2011 with the Giants he was 4-7 with a 4.26 ERA, 102 strikeouts and 1.44 WHIP in 101.1 innings over 19 games. In his six year career with the Giants he was 38-46 with a 4.26 ERA, 736 strikeouts and 1.39 WHIP in 708 innings over 174 games. He was originally drafted by the Giants in the 27th round in 2004.


The top spot of the Royals rotation in 2012 should be held by RHP Luke Hochevar. In 2011 he was 11-11 with a 4.68 ERA, 128 strikeouts and 1.28 WHIP in 198 innings over 31 games. In his five seasons with the Royals he was 30-43 with a 5.29 ERA, 387 strikeouts and 1.40 WHIP in 585.2 innings over 100 games. He was originally drafted by the Royals with the first overall pick in 2006.


The second spot in the rotation likely will be held by LHP Bruce Chen. In 2011 he was 12-8 with a 3.77 ERA, 97 strikeouts and 1.30 WHIP in 155 innings over 25 games. For his 13 year career with 10 teams he was 60-58 with a 4.52 ERA, 882 strikeouts and 1.39 WHIP in 1164.2 innings over 317 games. He was originally signed by the Braves as an amateur free agent in 1993 out of Panama.


I believe the remaining two spots of the rotation are up in the air and will be determined in spring training. The possibilities are RHP Felipe Paulino, RHP Luis Mendoza, LHP Mike Montgomery or RHP Jake Odorizzi. Montgomery and Odorizzi would be making the jump from spending all of 2011 in the minors but a strong spring would allow that. Or the Royals may still make a trade for an established starter in exchange for any number of players from their deep minor league system.


The Royals closer is RHP Joakim Soria. In 2011 he was 5-5 with a 4.03 ERA, 60 strikeouts, 1.28 WHIP and 28 saves in 60.1 innings over 60 games. In his five seasons with the Royals he was 13-15 with a 2.40 ERA, 341 strikeouts, 1.04 WHIP and 160 saves in 315.1 innings over 298 games. He was originally signed by the Dodgers as an amateur free agent in 2001 out of Mexico and came to the Royals as a Rule 5 draft pick from the Padres in 2006.


DH Billy Butler gives the Royals another imposing bat in the line up. In 2011 he hit .291/.361/.461 with 19 home runs, 95 RBI, 74 runs and 2 steals in 159 games. In his five seasons with the Royals he has hit .297/.360/.458 with 74 home runs, 373 RBI, 311 runs and 3 steals in 692 games. Just entering his prime at 26 he may start putting up better power numbers as more of his doubles translate to home runs. Of course it doesn't help playing half his games at Kauffman Stadium which yielded the second lowest home run total in 2011. He was originally drafted by the Royals withe the 14th pick in the first round in 2004.


The Royals will have the youngest roster in MLB in 2012. With that youth comes energy and they are gaining valuable experience with each game. Many players already tasted what it takes to win at the minors and will be hungry for more. Good things will be happening sooner than later in Kansas City.

Will the real Fausto Carmona stand up?

It turns out that Fausto Carmona isn't his real name. In a situation similar to the identity shake up by the former Leo Nunez months ago Carmona was arrested in the Dominican Republic while trying to secure a work visa. It has come out that his real name is Roberto Hernandez Heredia. Juan Carlos Oviedo who previously went by the name Leo Nunez is still trying to get his visa situation straightened out. With this surfacing now there is a good possibility that Heredia will miss spring training and part of the season with the Cleveland Indians. 

2012 Where are they now 2008 top prospects AL West

Each year the prospect lists come out and the future of each team is reevaluated accordingly. I'm going to look at who the top prospect of each American League West team was in 2008 and how they did in 2011.


The Los Angeles Angels top prospect was third baseman Brandon Wood. He was originally drafted by the Angels with the 23rd pick of the first round in 2003. He started 2011 with the Angels then went to the Pirates on April 22, 2011 after being selected off waivers. He hit .143/.143/.214 with zero home runs, zero RBI, one run and zero steals in six games with the Angels and hit .220/.277/.347 with seven home runs, 31 RBI, 25 runs and zero steals in 99 games with the Pirates. He signed with the Rockies after the season.


The Oakland Athletics top prospect was outfielder Carlos Gonzalez. He originally signed with the Diamondbacks as an amateur free agent in 2002 out of Venezuela. He was traded to the Athletics in 2007 and then traded to the Rockies in 2008. He played 2011 with the Rockies and hit .295/.363/.526 with 26 home runs, 92 RBI, 92 runs and 20 steals in 127 games.


The Seattle Mariners top prospect was catcher Jeff Clement. He was drafted by the Mariners with the third pick in the first round in 2005. He was traded to the Pirates in 2009. He missed most of 2011 with a knee injury but did finish splitting the season between Rookie ball and  Triple A as he transitioned to first base. He hit .257/.308/.371 with zero home runs, seven RBI, four runs and zero steals in nine games at Rookie ball and hit .271/.358/.407 with one home run, five RBI, five runs and zero steals in 22 games at Triple A.


The Texas Rangers top prospect was shortstop Elvis Andrus. He originally signed with the Braves as an amateur free agent in 2005 out of Venezuela. He was traded to the Rangers in 2007. He played 2011 with the Rangers and hit .279/.347/.361 with five home runs, 60 RBI, 96 runs and 37 steals in 150 games.

Seth Smith traded to Athletics

Seth Smith was traded by the Colorado Rockies to the Oakland Athletics on January 16, 2012. In exchange the Rockies receive Guillermo Moscoso and Josh Outman.


Smith is an outfielder who played four seasons plus a 2007 cup of coffee with the Rockies. In 2011 he hit .284/.347/.483 with 15 home runs, 59 RBI, 67 runs and 10 steals in 147 games. For his career he has hit .275/.348/.485 with 51 home runs, 181 RBI, 200 runs and 17 steals in 487 games. He was originally drafted by the Rockies in the second round in 2004.


RHP Moscoso has pitched three seasons with the Athletics and Rangers. He split 2011 between Triple A and the Athletics. He was 3-3 with a 3.88 ERA, 52 strikeouts and 1.23 WHIP in 46.1 innings over nine games at Triple A and was 8-10 with a 3.38 ERA, 74 strikeouts and 1.09 WHIP in 128 innings over 23 games with the Athletics. For his career he is 8-10 with a 3.47 ERA, 88 strikeouts and 1.16 WHIP in 142.2 innings over 34 games. He originally signed with the Tigers as an amateur free agent in 2003 out of Venezuela.


LHP Outman pitched three seasons with the Athletics. He split 2011 between Triple A and the Athletics. He was 8-3 with a 3.91 ERA, 72 strikeouts and 1.58 WHIP in 78.1 innings over 17 games at Triple A and was 3-5 with a 3.70 ERA, 35 strikeouts and 1.46 WHIP in 58.1 innings over 13 games with the Athletics, For his career he is 8-8 with a 3.75 ERA, 107 strikeouts and 1.35 WHIP in 151.1 innings over 33 games. He was originally drafted by the Phillies in the 10th round in 2005.

2012 Where are they now 2010 top prospects AL West

Each year the prospect lists come out and the future of each team is reevaluated accordingly. I'm going to look at who the top prospect of each American League West team was in 2010 and how they did in 2011


The Los Angeles Angels top prospect was catcher Hank Conger. He was originally drafted by the Angels with the 25th pick in the first round in 2006. He split 2011 between Triple A and the Angels. He hit .300/.375/.490 with five home runs, 26 RBI, 14 runs and zero steals in 27 games at Triple A and hit .209/.282/.356 with six home runs, 19 RBI, 14 runs and zero steals in 59 games with the Angels.


The Oakland Athletics top prospect was outfielder and first baseman Chris Carter. He was originally drafted by the White Sox in the 15th round in 2005. He split 2011 between Class A Advanced, Triple A and the Athletics. He hit .333/.429/.708 with three home runs, seven RBI, eight runs and zero steals in six games at Class A Advanced, hit .274/.366/.530 with 16 home runs, 72 RBI, 55 runs and 5 steals in 75 games at Triple A and hit .136/.174/.136 with zero home runs, zero RBI, two runs and zero steals in 15 games with the Athletics.


The Seattle Mariners top prospect was outfielder and first baseman Dustin Ackley. He was drafted by the Mariners with the second pick in the first round in 2009. He split 2011 between Triple A and with the Mariners. He hit .303/.421/.487 with nine home runs, 35 RBI, 57 runs and 7 steals in 66 games at Triple A and hit .273/.348/.417 with six home runs, 36 RBI, 39 runs and 6 steals in 90 games with the Mariners.


The Texas Rangers top prospect was RHP Neftali Feliz. He originally signed with the Braves as an amateur free agent in 2005 out of the Dominican Republic. He was traded to the Rangers in 2007. He pitched 2011 with the Rangers and was 2-3 with a 2.74 ERA, 54 strikeouts, 1.55 WHIP and 32 saves in 62.1 innings over 64 games.

2012 Where are they now 2010 top prospects AL Central

Each year the prospect lists come out and the future of each team is reevaluated accordingly. I'm going to look at who the top prospect of each American League Central team was in 2010 and how they did in 2011.


The Chicago White Sox top prospect was outfielder Jared Mitchell. He was drafted by the White Sox with the 23rd pick in the first round in 2009. He played 2011 at Class A Advanced and hit .222/.304/.377 with nine home runs, 58 RBI, 74 runs and 14 steals in 129 games.


The Cleveland Indians top prospect was catcher Carlos Santana. He originally signed with the Dodgers as an amateur free agent in 2004 out of the Dominican Republic. He was traded to the Indians in 2008. He played 2011 with the Indians and hit .239/.351/.457 with 27 home runs, 79 RBI, 84 runs and 5 steals in 155 games.


The Detroit Tigers top prospect was RHP Jacob Turner. He was originally drafted by the Tigers with the ninth pick of the first round in 2009.  He split the 2011 season between Double A, Triple A and the Tigers. He was 3-5 with a 3.48 ERA, 90 strikeouts and 1.18 WHIP in 113.2 innings over 17 games at Double A, was 1-0 with a 3.12 ERA, 20 strikeouts and 1.04 WHIP in 17.1 innings over three games at Triple A and was 0-1 with a 8.53 ERA, eight strikeouts and 1.66 WHIP in 12.2 innings over three games with the Tigers.


The Kansas City Royals top pick was LHP Mike Montgomery. He was originally drafted by the Royals with the 36th pick in the first round in 2008. He pitched 2011 at Triple A and was 5-11 with a 5.32 ERA, 129 strikeouts and 1.50 WHIP in 150.2 innings over 28 games.


The Minnesota Twins top prospect was outfielder Aaron Hicks. He was originally drafted by the Twins with the 14th pick in the first round in 2008. He played the 2011 season at Class A Advanced. He hit .242/.354/.368 with five home runs, 38 RBI, 79 runs and 17 steals in 122 games.

2012 Where are they now 2010 top prospects AL East

Each year the prospect lists come out and the future of each team is reevaluated accordingly. I'm going to look at who the top prospect of each American League East team was in 2010 and how they did in 2011.


The Baltimore Orioles top prospect was LHP Brian Matusz. He was originally drafted by the Orioles with the fourth pick in the first round in 2008. He split 2011 between Class A Advanced, Double A, Triple A and the Orioles. He was 0-0 with a 2.25 ERA, two strikeouts and 1.00 WHIP in 4 innings in one game at Class A Advanced, was 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA, one strikeout and 0.67 WHIP in 6 innings in one game at Double A, was 2-3 with a 3.46 ERA, 41 strikeouts and 1.28 WHIP in 54.2 innings over nine games at Triple A and was 1-9 with a 10.69 ERA, 38 strikeouts and 2.11 WHIP in 49.2 innings over 12 games with the Orioles.


The Boston Red Sox top prospect was outfielder Ryan Westmoreland. He was originally drafted by the Red Sox in the fifth round in 2008. He did not play in 2011 after under going brain surgery in 2010.


The New York Yankees top prospect was catcher Jesus Montero. He originally signed with the Yankees as an amateur free agent in 2006 out of Venezuela. He split the 2011 season between Triple A and the Yankees. He hit .288/.348/.467 with 18 home runs, 67 RBI, 52 runs and zero steals in 109 games at Triple A and hit .328/.406/.590 with four home runs, 12 RBI, nine runs and zero steals in 18 games with the Yankees. He was traded to the Mariners after the season on January 14, 2012.


The Tampa Bay Rays top prospect was outfielder Desmond Jennings. He was originally drafted by the Rays in the 10th round in 2006. He split 2011 between Triple A and the Rays. He hit .275/.374/.456 with 12 home runs, 39 RBI, 68 runs and 17 steals in 89 games at Triple A and hit .259/.356/.449 with 10 home runs, 25 RBI, 44 runs and 20 steals in 63 games with the Rays.


The Toronto Blue Jays top prospect was RHP Zach Stewart. He was originally drafted by the Reds in the third round in 2008. He was traded to the Blue Jays in 2009 and was also traded to the White Sox on July 27, 2011. He split 2011 between the Blue Jays Double A, the Blue Jays, the White Sox Triple A and the White Sox. He was 5-5 with a 4.20 ERA, 74 strikeouts and 1.41 WHIP in 94.1 innings over 16 games at the Blue Jays Double A, was 0-1 with a 4.86 ERA, 10 strikeouts and 1.86 WHIP in 16.2 innings over three games with the Blue Jays, was 0-1 with a 4.26 ERA, five strikeouts and 1.58 WHIP in 6.1 innings in one game at White Sox Triple A and was 2-5 with a 6.22 ERA, 35 strikeouts and 1.52 WHIP in 50.2 innings over 10 games with the White Sox.