The Diamondbacks’ system has been thinned out by trades despite some strong drafts in the past five seasons. Three of the pitchers mentioned on this list were drafted out of college in 2008. With the possible exception of one pitcher, there are no can’t-miss bats or arms in the system.

AAA/AA
Right-hander Cesar Valdez does not have dominating stuff, but he has put up solid numbers in the past three seasons. He split 2008 between High-A ball and Double-A. At the senior level, the Dominican allowed 63 hits in 64.1 innings with rates of 3.22 BB/9 and 8.39 K/9. It was the first time since coming stateside that Valdez had allowed a walk rate above 1.95 BB/9. He features an 86-90 mph fastball, plus change-up and curveball.

Catcher James Skelton was acquired from the Detroit Tigers in December’s Rule 5 draft. He has to make the club out of spring training and remain on the 25-man roster all season or he has to be put through waivers and then offered back to Detroit if he goes unclaimed. Given Detroit’s lack of prospects, it’s surprising that the organization left the backstop unprotected. Skelton split the 2009 season between High-A and Double-A and hit more than .300 on the season while also battling some injuries. The 23-year-old prospect has a career minor league line of .292/.415/.400, so he can hit but there are questions about his ability to remain behind the dish long term.

Outfielder Gerardo Parra is the club’s best hitting prospect, but he lacks power for the corners and possibly the range for center field, which could put a starting role in doubt. He split the 2008 season between High-A and Double-A. At the higher level, Parra hit .275/.341/.419 with 16 stolen bases (in 25 attempts) in 265 at-bats. He has a strong enough arm to play right but, as mentioned, not the power potential (six home runs in 461 at-bats in 2008).

First baseman Josh Whitesell, formerly of the Expos/Nationals system, has a chance to earn a spot on the 2009 roster as a part-time player and pinch hitter after another strong minor league season. The left-handed hitter batted .328/.425/.568 with 26 homers (His second straight 20+ homer season) in 475 Triple-A at-bats last season. He also made his MLB debut at the age of 26 and got two hits in seven at-bats (.286).

A+/A
Jarrod Parker is the system’s best prospect but some of the enthusiasm that saw him get drafted ninth overall has been tempered. He is no longer viewed as a future No. 1 stud starter, but more of a solid and reliable No. 2 or 3 starter. He allowed 113 hits in 117 A-ball innings in 2008. Parker also posted rates of 2.52 BB/9 and 8.95 K/9. The right-hander has four solid pitches, including a mid-90s fastball, curveball, slider and change-up. At the age of 20, Parker will likely begin the year in High-A ball but could taste Double-A by the end of the year.

Daniel Schlereth is viewed as the club’s closer of the future. He was drafted in the back of the first round in 2008 and appeared in 10 regular-season, minor league games. In 12 innings, he allowed six hits and struck out 20 batters. As a southpaw, he has a mid-90s fastball and a plus curveball. Having survived Tommy John surgery already, there are some concerns about Schlereth’s ability to stay healthy.

Mark Hallberg is a middle infielder who knows how to hit. His advanced approach has helped him reach High-A ball in just his first full season after being drafted in the ninth round out of college in 2007. He hit .283/.357/.368 in 272 High-A at-bats last season, while also missing time with an injury. He dominated the Arizona Fall League and hit .362 in 116 at-bats. Hallberg controls the strike zone well, but he lacks power and speed, which will likely push him to a part-time role in the Majors. He should begin 2009 in Double-A and could reach the Majors by September.

SS/R
Trevor Harden was a nice find in the 14th round of the 2008 draft out of a New Mexico junior college. He features an 89-93 mph fastball, slider and change-up. Harden had a solid debut in rookie ball by posting a 1.91 ERA (1.78 FIP) with 34 hits allowed in 42.1 innings against younger competition. He posted rates of 2.34 BB/9 and 13.61 K/9. Harden will be an interesting player to watch in 2009 as he enters full-season ball.

Wade Miley and Kevin Eichhorn were also both selected in the 2008 draft. Miley is a hard-throwing left-hander who can touch 95 mph, and also features a plus slider, curveball and change-up. If he can improve his command/control, Miley, 22, could stick as a starter. Eichhorn, 19, follows his dad’s footsteps into pro ball and was given an above-slot deal to sway him away from college. He appeared in just two games after signing but impressed the club with his work in the fall. Eichhorn features an 87-91 mph fastball, curveball and change-up.

Reynaldo Navarro was one of the Top 3 Puerto Ricans selected in the 2007 draft, but he was also the youngest and will play the entire 2009 season (his third) at the age of 19. He hit .258/.323/.385 at rookie ball in 2008 with rates of 7.9 BB% and 26.5 K%. He also stole 17 bases in 26 attempts and has good athleticism. Navarro, like most young players, has struggled with errors at shortstop.

Up Next: The Oakland Athletics

Once the owners of an impressive group of prospects, the Los Angeles Angles’ minor league system has slipped into disarray. The club still has some interesting prospects, but most of them are in A-ball or short-season leagues. In recent seasons, offensive prospects have been overrated in part due to some minor league teams that play in very good hitter’s parks and leagues.

AAA/AA
Right-hander Nick Adenhart was rushed to the Majors in 2008 (and possibly even to Triple-A) and it showed. Adenhart allowed 18 hits and 13 walks in just 12 innings (three starts). Opponents offered at his pitches outside the strike zone (there were a lot of them) just 14.1% of the time and he pumped in first-pitch strikes less than 50% of the time (42.9% to be exact). His numbers are Triple-A were not inspiring, either. Adenhart allowed 173 hits in 145.1 innings with a walk rate of 4.64 BB/9. His strikeout rate has also dropped significantly since 2006 when it sat at 8.41 K/9 in A-ball. His rate in 2008 was 6.81 K/9. The good news is that Adenhart is still young at 22; he just needs the time to become a better pitcher.

First baseman Mark Trumbo had a breakout 2008 season in terms of power after slugging 32 home runs between High-A ball and Double-A. The 23-year-old prospect spent the majority of the season in High-A and hit .283/.329/.553 with 26 homers in 407 at-bats. While that homer total is impressive (along with the ISO increase from .155 in 2007 to .270 in 2008), cautioned must be used because Trumbo was playing in a hitter’s park in a hitter’s league (the same park and league that inflated Brandon Wood’s numbers in 2005 to the tune 43 homers). Trumbo’s career average of .262 also suggests that he won’t hit for much of an average at the Major League level. The .316 career OBP and 2008 walk rate of 6.0 BB% does not instill a lot of hope either. For his sake, that power surge had best be for real.

A+/A
Jordan Walden, 21, had an impressive season in A-ball in 2008. He posted a 2.18 ERA (2.85 FIP) and allowed 80 hits in 107.1 innings of work. He also allowed just three home runs and posted solid rates of 2.68 BB/9 and 7.63 K/9. Walden earned a nine-start promotion to High-A ball and he survived the hitter’s environment by allowing jut 42 hits in 49 innings. The right-handed pitcher did, though, allow four home runs and his walk rate jumped to 4.41 BB/9. Impressively, his strikeout rate improved to 9.18 K/9. Walden may return to High-A in 2009, or the Angels may choose to be aggressive with him and have him begin the year in Double-A. He features a mid-90s fastball that can touch the upper 90s, as well as a slider and seldom-used change-up.

Sean O’Sullivan’s stock has dropped in recent seasons due mainly to a decrease in fastball velocity. He now works in the 87-92 mph range. That velocity is more than enough to survive as a starter in the Majors, but a pitcher needs reliable secondary pitches, and O’Sullivan has yet to develop those. Pitching in a very good hitter’s park in 2008, the right-hander allowed 167 hits in 158 innings of work. He posted rates of 2.85 BB/9 and 6.32 K/9. O’Sullivan has solid control and understands how to pitch with average stuff so he has the chance to be a No. 4 or 5 starter or middle reliever at the Major League level.

Trevor Reckling had a solid first full season in pro ball in 2008. The southpaw allowed 137 hits in 152.1 A-ball innings and posted rates of 3.49 BB/9 and 7.56 K/9. His fastball is average for a lefty at 87-91 mph and his two secondary pitches both have the chance to be reliable, plus pitches: a curveball and change-up. Reckling will likely begin 2009 in High-A ball, which will be a big test.

It might seem a little surprising that you don’t hear more about Hank Conger. The (just turned) 21-year-old catcher is a former No. 1 draft pick, who was selected out of high school in the 2006 draft. He has a career line of .296/.337/.491, which is excellent for a backstop. But Conger has never played more than 84 games in a season after struggling with injuries in each of the past two seasons, and there is significant doubt that he will be able to remain behind the dish. He does have above-average arm strength so there is hope – but the Double-A test in 2009 will be huge.

Like most of the offensive prospects on this list, Peter Bourjos’ breakout season came in High-A ball, where he hit .295/.326/.444 in 509 at-bats. The speedy outfielder also slugged 10 triples and stole 50 bases in 60 attempts. Unfortunately, he has yet to grasp the appropriate approach at the plate to take advantage of his speed, having posted a walk rate in 2008 of just 3.6 BB%, which was down from 7.8 BB% in 2007. The soon-to-be 22-year-old prospect is an excellent defensive center fielder but he is headed for a MLB career as a fourth outfielder if he maintains the same approach at the plate.

SS/R
The organization has a trio of impressive arms in short-season ball: Manuarys Correa, Tyler Chatwood, and Will Smith. Correa, a Dominican right-hander, had an impressive North American debut in 2008 and features a fastball that can touch the mid-90s, as well as a slider and change-up. He just turned 20 and should open 2009 in A-ball. Chatwood was the club’s second-round pick out of a California high school last season. He allowed just 25 hits in 38 innings during his debut. He needs to develop a changeup to go with his mid-90s fastball and slider. Smith showed exceptional control in rookie ball in 2008 and walked just six batters in 73 innings (0.74 BB/9). The 19-year-old southpaw was a seventh round pick last season out of a Florida community college. His fastball can touch 91-92 mph and he also has a curveball and change-up.

Luis Jiminez, 21, led his short-season league in doubles and homers in 2008, but it was a solid hitter’s league so some scouts question just how much power he actually has. Regardless, the Dominican third baseman deserves some attention, especially considering he also hit .335. His defense needs work, but Jiminez should be able to remain at the position, although he has a long way to go.

Up Next: The Arizona Diamondbacks

The Colorado Rockies organization has a strong minor league system, especially in terms of depth, although the club could use a few more pitching prospects and one powerful impact bat. There is an impressive group of middle-infield prospects.

AAA/AA
Don’t forget about Casey Weathers, the eighth overall selection in the 2007 draft. The right-handed closer prospect had a solid 2008 season, before undergoing Tommy John surgery in the off-season. He’ll miss all of 2009, but should be ready to go in 2010 when he could make his MLB debut. Last season in Double-A, Weathers allowed 34 hits in 44.1 innings and posted rates of 5.68 BB/9 and 10.96 K/9. Obviously the control needs to improve and the time off will not help.

Athletic center-fielder Dexter Fowler is one step away from the Majors. The switch-hitter had a breakout season in Double-A last year when he hit .335/.431/.515 with 20 stolen bases in 421 at-bats. The 22-year-old prospect was selected in the 14th round of the 2004 draft out of high school and has slowly climbed to the top of the prospect chart in Colorado. He also made his MLB debut in 2008 and hit just .154 in 13 games with no extra base hits or walks. Some time in Triple-A will likely do him good. After stealing just 20 bases in each of the past two seasons, he could stand to run more until his power develops further (nine homers in 2008).

Outfielder Seth Smith, 26, has earned the opportunity to prove his worth as a part-time player and pinch hitter. In his MLB debut in 2007, Smith was 5-for-8 in seven games (.625), as well as 3-for-6 (.500) in the playoffs. He then appeared in 67 games for Colorado in 2008 but managed just 108 at-bats, and hit .258/.350/.435. Smith appeared in 19 games as a starter and came off the bench in the other 48 games. The left-handed hitter had just 11 at-bats against southpaws.

Infielders Eric Young and Chris Nelson both spent the 2008 season in Double-A. Young had a solid season and hit .290/.391/.392 with 46 stolen bases in 403 at-bats. He also walked 61 times (13.1 BB%). He then dominated the Arizona Fall League and hit .430 with five home runs and 20 more stolen bases in 31 games. Nelson, the club’s first-round draft pick from 2004, struggled in 2008 and likely earned himself a repeat trip to Tulsa in 2009. The 23-year-old struggled at the plate, in the field, and with injuries. He hit just .237/.324/.346 in 283 at-bats, but the potential is still there.

A+/A
Right-hander Jhoulys Chacin has very quickly become the club’s best pitching prospect. He split 2008 between two A-ball affiliates and allowed just 143 hits in 177.2 combined innings (The innings total is a bit of a concern for such a young arm). Despite playing against better competition in the second half of the season, Chacin, 21, showed improved rates: 2.43 versus 1.63 BB/9 and 7.92 versus 8.41 K/9. He should open 2009 in Double-A. His repertoire includes a fastball that can touch the mid-90s, a solid change-up and a developing curveball.

Southpaw Christian Friedrich was selected 25th overall by the Rockies in the 2008 amateur draft after a solid college career. The 21-year-old had an up-and-down debut after posting a 3.25 ERA in eight short-season starts and then a 7.50 ERA in three A-ball games (A noticeable decrease in control/command was partially to blame). Regardless, he should open 2009 in A-ball where he will continue to work on a change-up to go with his average 88-92 mph fastball, curveball, and slider.

Two more infielders, Hector Gomez and Daniel Mayora, are being talked about in the Rockies system. Gomez has the higher profile despite hitting just .266/.309/.421 in A-ball in 2007. He also stole 20 bases and hit 11 home runs. He missed all but one game during the 2008 season due to a leg injury and Tommy John surgery. Mayora is less athletic and lacks the first-step quickness needed to be a stolen-base threat or to play shortstop regularly. He was left unprotected in the Rule 5 draft despite a career .297 average and potential above-average power for a middle infielder.

Catcher Michael McKenry has hit 40 home runs in the past two seasons in A-ball and has above-average power for his position. He also slugged nine homers in the Arizona Fall League this past off-season. The big question, though, is how well he’ll hit for average after batting .287 in 2007 and .258 in 2008. McKenry has the defensive skills to play in the Majors and threw out more than 40 percent of base stealers in 2008.

SS/R
Connor Graham, 23, is a tall, strong-bodied pitcher at 6’7”, 235 pounds who has a power arsenal, which includes a mid-90s fastball and slider. He also has a splitter/change-up. Graham was selected out of college in the fifth round of the 2007 draft. In A-ball last season, he posted a 2.26 ERA (3.32 FIP) and allowed just 99 hits in 147.1 innings, but walks were the problem as he allowed 83 (5.06 BB/9). He also had a strikeout rate of 8.43 K/9. If Graham can improve his control, he could be a dominating starter, but he is more likely headed to the bullpen where he could become a closer.

Wilin Rosario quietly climbed onto the prospect depth charts in 2008. The 20-year-old catcher hit .316/.371/.532 with a .217 ISO in 263 rookie ball at-bats. Rosario could stand to be a little more patient at the plate, but he produced respectable rates: 8.4 BB% and 21.7 K%. Defensively, he threw out 46 percent of base stealers and has the ability to remain behind the plate long-term.

Up Next: The Los Angeles Angels

There are a couple of interesting names in the upper levels of the Seattle minor league system, but the highest-ceiling players remain in A-ball or lower. The system also appears to have more depth on the hitting side than the pitching side.

AAA/AA
Canadian Michael Saunders has developed quicker than many thought he would. The 22-year-old outfielder was raw as a 2004 11th-round draft pick, but he adapted well to pro ball and spent 2008 split between Double-A and Triple-A. With a crowded outfield at the MLB level, Saunders will have plenty of time to smooth out the rough edges on his game, which includes the tendency to chase (and miss) breaking balls. Regardless, he has the potential to be a 20-20 player at the Major League level, although he steals bases more on smart base running, than pure speed. Defensively, he is OK in center field but possesses enough arm strength for right, as long as off-season labrum surgery does not have long-term effects.

Greg Halman is another athletic outfielder who is not that far off from knocking on the Major League door in Seattle. He split 2008 between High-A and Double-A and slugged 29 homers with 31 steals, which suggests he could eventually be a 30-30 threat in the Majors. Halman has a lot of work to do when it comes to hitting for average, though. He hit .277 in 235 Double-A at-bats, but has a .262 career average. His approach at the plate obviously needs work after posting a walk rate of 6.4 BB% and a strikeout rate of 28.2 K% at Double-A. On the plus side, both rates were improvements over 2007. His defensive skills should definitely force Saunders to right field.

Adam Moore, 24, is not as well known as Jeff Clement but he offers another strong bat behind the dish, like the former top draft pick. Moore, who was selected in the sixth round during the 2006 draft, has hit more than .300 in each of the past two seasons in High-A and Double-A, while slugging a combined 36 home runs. Overall in 2008, Moore hit .319/.396/.506 with a .186 ISO in 429 at-bats. Defensively, he’s allowed 44 passed balls in the past two seasons due to limited mobility, but he calls a good game and threw out 35% of base stealers in 2008.

A+/A
If he can stay healthy, which has been a challenge so far (and a trend that seems to hamper Canadian pitchers), Phillippe Aumont should be an absolutely monster on the mound. The former first-round draft pick (2007) out of high school has a fastball that can touch the upper 90s with wicked movement. Aumont has also worked hard to improve his secondary pitches, which include a breaking ball and change-up. He’ll receive a huge challenge in 2009 by pitching in a very good hitter’s league in High-A ball.

Only 20, Juan Ramirez should also open the 2009 season in High-A ball. The right-hander showed improved control in 2008 (5.14 BB/9 in 07 to 2.76 BB/9 in 08) and allowed just 112 hits in 124 A-ball innings. Like Aumont, Ramirez has excellent movement and sink on his fastball, which can touch the mid-to-high 90s at times. He has a solid slider and a change-up that needs significant work.

Michael Pineda, who just turned 20, had a dominating North American debut in 2008 in A-ball. He posted a 1.95 ERA (2.87 FIP) with 109 hits allowed in 138.1 innings of work. He posted rates of 2.29 BB/9 and 8.33 K/9. The right-hander has a solid fastball with excellent movement that sits in the 89-92 mph range. His second-best pitch is a change-up and Pineda is still working to develop a reliable breaking ball.

Carlos Triunfel, 19, should open the year in Double-A – which is impressive given his age. He spent 2008 in High-A ball and hit .287/.336/.406 with an ISO of just .116. Although he should hit for a high average and stole 30 bases last season, his offense could become an issue down the line as he is expected to settle in as a third baseman, where his power will be below average. He has also spent time at second base and shortstop, his natural position.

SS/R
The club’s 2008 first-round draft pick, Joshua Fields, just recently came to terms on a contract, which has obviously stunted his development to this point. The hard-throwing reliever was expected to compete for a MLB job by late 2009, but that time frame could be pushed back depending on how much rust he shows in camp. Fields has a fastball that can touch the upper 90s and a curveball that acts as a solid out-pitch. His command/control was inconsistent in college.

Outfielder Dennis Raben was selected in the second round of last year’s draft. He had a solid debut and showed an advanced approach while hitting .275/.411/.560 with five homers in 91 at-bats. Raben should ultimately settle in at the left field position and he is an average fielder. The 21-year-old left-handed batter will likely open 2009 in High-A ball.

Third base prospects Jharmidy DeJesus and Mario Martinez, both 19, spent their 2008 seasons in short-season ball. DeJesus hit .339/.417/.591 in 127 rookie league at-bats before receiving a late-season promotion to short-season ball. He was moved from shortstop to third base and he should have the power needed to be an impact player at the position. Martinez hit .319/.344/.462 in his second year in rookie ball. He’s less patient than DeJesus, but currently makes a little more consistent contact. Martinez has less power than his fellow prospect, but he is a better fielder.

Up Next: The Colorado Rockies

The San Diego Padres’ minor league system has been helped by two straight, strong drafts – which included quite a few advanced college hitters. The club has also been focusing on signing players out of Latin America, which is beginning to have an impact. The strength of the system is hitting and there is very little in the pitching cupboard thanks, in part, to injuries to former top picks such as Cesar Carrillo and Nick Schmidt.

AAA/AA
First baseman Kyle Blanks doesn’t really look like a National League style of player… He’s 6’6” and not far off 300 pounds. Despite his size, though, Blanks is surprisingly athletic and there has been talk about turning him into a left-fielder due to the presence of Adrian Gonzalez at first base. Along with having the best power in the system, which he doesn’t always make use of, Blanks hit .325 last season in Double-A. He also has the willingness to take a free pass (9.4 BB%) and does not strike out at a high rate (18.3 K%). Blanks is not exactly the type of player that is suited to playing in San Diego, thanks to the spacious park so he may be most valuable to the club as trade bait for more pitching.

Matt Antonelli was rushed last season and it showed. The former third baseman, now at second, appeared in just 49 games above A-ball in 2007 but began 2008 in Triple-A. Antonelli – whose value is tied into his batting average due to average power, hit just .215/.335/.322 in 451 at-bats at Triple-A and managed a .193 batting average in 57 MLB at-bats. On the plus side, Antonelli got his line up to .290/.391/.473 in 93 August at-bats after spending April and May below .200.

Will Venable, 26, is starting to enter a dangerous territory for prospects, having yet to establish himself at the Major League level despite passing his 25th birthday. Venable held his own in a brief MLB trial last season and hit .264/.339/.391 in 110 at-bats. However, the big club is deep in the outfield and there does not appear to be a spot for Venable, especially after the signing of veteran Cliff Floyd. Venable has an outside shot of making the club simply because he can play center field, although he is better suited to a corner spot.

A+/A
Mat Latos is the club’s best pitching prospect – and the most advanced despite appearing in just seven games above short-season ball in 2008 thanks to injuries. He conjures up memories of a young Bobby Jenks, of the White Sox, because he has a big-time fastball (can touch 97 mph) but he also has maturity issues. Along with the heater, Latos, 21, possesses a plus slider and a developing change-up. At three stops in 2008, he struck out 69 batters in 56 innings and also showed solid control. Like Jenks, Latos’ lack of drive/focus and injury problems could result in a move to the back of the bullpen.

Scouts felt Kellen Kulbacki’s outstanding college numbers were inflated by his environment, as well as the aluminum bats. Since being drafted in the supplemental first round in 2007, though, Kulbacki has done nothing but hit – for both average and power. In 2008, at High-A ball, the outfielder batted .332 and slugged 20 home runs, albeit playing in a hitter’s league. Impressively, though, Kulbacki also showed good control of the strike zone and posted a walk rate of 13.4 BB% and a strikeout rate of just 17.2 K%.

Yet another outfield prospect, Cedric Hunter, 20, hit .318/.362/.442 in 584 High-A at-bats in 2008. He did not walk much (6.7 BB%), but he also avoided the strikeout (8.0 K%). Hunter lacks the first-step quickness needed to be a prolific base stealer and his range in center in average. Because he won’t hit for much power, most of his value is tied into hitting for average. He led the minor leagues in hits in 2008 with 186.

Allan Dykstra was the club’s first-round pick in the 2008 draft but almost failed to come to terms due to a pre-existing medical condition discovered in his pre-contract physical. Dykstra is a one-dimensional slugger with below-average athleticism. He has a lot of power, though, and could develop into an on-base machine. He appeared in just seven games after signing in 2008, but hit .292 and took seven free passes in High-A ball.

SS/R
Adys Portillo was given $2 million last season to sign out of Latin America. Only 17, Portillo can already touch 95 mph but he lacks a consistent breaking ball. His second pitch right now is an average change-up. His command/control is below average and he has a lot of work to do before reaching his considerable ceiling.

Outfielder Jaff Decker was considered an advanced high-school hitter when he was drafted by the Padres organization, which traditionally favors college bats. Decker did not disappoint the club and he hit .352/.523/.541 in 159 rookie ball at-bats before a late, three-game taste of A-ball. In the rookie league, Decker posted a ridiculous walk rate of 25.7 BB% and a strikeout rate of 22.6 K%. Along with five home runs, he also stole nine bases. The biggest knock on Decker is his size: 5’10” 190 pounds.

Second baseman Cole Figueroa could be one of the steals of the 2008 draft after being taken in the sixth round as a draft-eligible sophomore. In his debut in short-season ball, he hit .289/.410/.474 with rates of 17.4 BB% and 14.0 K% in 114 at-bats. Figueroa also slugged five home runs and stole seven bases. He has some work to do in the field, but he should develop into an above-average offensive second baseman.

James Darnell was another key 2008 draft pick out of college. The third baseman signed late and appeared in just 16 games but he hit .373 in short-season ball and displayed above-average power. Defensively, Darnell has a strong arm but needs to work on his fielding and accuracy of throws.

Up Next: The Seattle Mariners

The Giants organization does not have a particularly deep minor league system, but it has some of the best pitching prospects in the game, as well as some intriguing players signed out of Latin America. The club also has had some very solid drafts in the past two seasons, which has really aided the system. Most of higher-ceiling players are below Double-A, though.

AAA/AA
Travis Ishikawa has the opportunity to win the club’s starting first base gig this spring, despite an inconsistent track record in the minors. Ishikawa, 25, hit 27 home runs while playing at three levels in 2008, including 33 games in the Majors. In 95 at-bats, Ishikawa hit .274/.337/.432 with an ISO of .158. He also struck out 27 times (28.4 K%) and walked nine times (8.7 BB%). His big season came after two straight years of disappointment, so it’s hard to know exactly what to expect from him in 2009. Ishikawa cannot hit left-handers, so he’s a platoon player at best and a late-game replacement in the field thanks to his stellar defensive skills.

A+/A
The crown jewel of the system, and one of the best pitching prospects in baseball, Madison Bumgarner had a dominating first full year in the minors after being a first round draft pick out of high school in 2007. The left-hander probably could/should have been promoted to High-A ball in the second half of the year, but the Giants played it cautious with him and he could move quicker this season and see Double-A by the end of the year. Last season in A-ball, Bumgarner posted a 1.46 ERA (1.71 FIP) with 111 hits allowed in 141.2 innings. He also posted rates of 1.33 BB/9 and 10.42 K/9. Bumgarner was especially good in the final month of the season when he allowed a batting average against of .186 and posted a strikeout rate of 13.36 K/9. He has a plus fastball that can touch 97 mph, and he’s still working on his average-at-best secondary pitches: a breaking ball that is morphing into more of a slider, and a change-up.

Tim Alderson is another impressive pitching prospect, who was also drafted out of high school in 2007. Alderson was so advanced for a prep player, in fact, that the Giants jumped him all the way to High-A ball for his first full pro season (which is almost unheard of these days). Despite the challenge, the right-hander did not skip a beat and he allowed 125 hits in 145.1 innings, with a 2.79 ERA (2.64 FIP). Alderson showed his plus command and control by posting a walk rate of 2.11 BB/9 and also had a strikeout rate of 7.68 K/9. He has an 88-92 mph fastball, a plus curveball and a developing change-up.

Scott Barnes was a 2008 draft pick out of college who has shown an advanced feel for pitching and he played at three levels in 2008, including A-ball. The left-hander posted a 1.38 ERA in six starts at that level and allowed just 15 hits in 32.2 innings of work. He posted rates of 1.93 BB/9 and 11.30 K/9. Barnes is not as dominating as his numbers would suggest and he pitches in the upper 80s, but can touch 92 mph. He has a plus change-up and a developing curveball.

Angel Villalona has been the club’s best hitting prospect since signing for a huge bonus out of the Dominican Republic. The 18-year-old is at 230 pounds and has already played himself off of third base (to first base) so conditioning is his biggest concern. However, his bat has massive potential and he hit 17 home runs as a 19 year old in A-ball last season. Overall, he posted a line of .263/.312/.435 in 464 at-bats. Villalona’s offensive undoing could be his lack of patience, as he took only 18 free passes (3.7 BB%) in 2008.

SS/R
Buster Posey was the club’s top draft pick in 2008 and the athletic catcher could reach the Majors within two years despite playing in only 10 regular season games after signing. He also played in the Hawaii Winter Baseball league and hit .338/.405/.392. The biggest offensive question about Posey is his power, and he has hit just one home run in 111 pro at-bats. He should hit for a high average. Defensively, Posey is still learning the position and needs to work on all facets of catching but his plus arm strength (He’s been a pitcher and shortstop) will help.

Nick Noonan was another top pick out of high school from the 2007 draft. The second baseman had a solid first full season in A-ball and hit .279/.315/.415 with 29 stolen bases in 499 at-bats. Noonan has been very successful on the base paths in his young career, having successfully stolen 47 bases in 54 attempts. He does need some polish at the plate after posting rates of 4.4 BB% and 19.6 K%.

Conor Gillaspie was the first 2008 draft pick to reach the Majors for the Giants, but he should open 2009 in High-A ball – or possibly Double-A. He draws comparisons to former Giants third baseman Bill Mueller, as someone who can hit for a solid average but may top out around 15 home runs. Gillaspie appeared in just 32 games (at three levels) after signing but also showed a good eye at the plate. Defensively, he will need to work to stay at third base.

Rafael Rodriguez was signed recently out of Latin America for more than $2 million and should make his pro debut in the Dominican Summer League before coming stateside in 2010. The 16-year-old outfielder is already 6’5” and has massive power, plus speed, and a powerful arm.

Ehire Adrianza, 19, was signed out of Venezuela in 2007 and impressed just about everyone who saw him play the field in 2008. The switch hitter was slowed by injuries in 2008 and appeared in just 18 games, but he could open 2009 in A-ball. He’s a long-term project who has Gold Glove potential at shortstop.

Up Next: The San Diego Padres

The Cleveland Indians organization has amassed an intriguing collection of talent, although many of the key prospects have come via trades with other organizations. The club has drafted some interesting college players – while continuing to dabble in international signings.

AAA/AA
Matt LaPorta was the key ingredient in the C.C. Sabathia trade, from Cleveland’s perspective. The former first-round draft pick has been an offensive force in pro ball, although he was slowed by a concussion last season, which led to a dip in his overall numbers. LaPorta was moved from first base to left field by the Brewers organization, but he could very well slide back to his original position before eventually assuming the role of the club’s designated hitter. He is a stretch to be average in the outfield. The 24-year-old posted a .288 ISO at Double-A for Cleveland after coming over in the trade. LaPorta also showed a willingness to take a free pass with a walk rate of 13.0 BB%. He should be in Cleveland by the end of the summer.

Obtained in a deal with the Dodgers for the aging Casey Blake, Carlos Santana, 22, was an absolute steal. The offensive-minded catcher had a breakthrough 2008 and hit more than .330 in two High-A stops. He also scored 122 runs and drove in 115. Santana showed solid plate awareness too, by walking more than he stuck out (89/85). The Dominican native is still rough around the edges defensively, but he has enough arm and athleticism to remain behind the dish. With Victor Martinez and Kelly Shoppach currently catching for the big club, Santana has plenty of time to work on his defense.

Middle infielder Luis Valbuena was obtained from Seattle in the three-team J.J. Putz deal, which cost the Indians Franklin Gutierrez. The 23-year-old had the best season of his pro career in 2008, thanks in part to an increase in walks and a decrease in strikeouts. He hit more than .300 while splitting the year between Double-A and Triple-A. Valbuena also has the potential to steal 15-20 bases.

Wes Hodges has been quite consistent in the past two seasons, since signing as a second round draft pick out of Georgia Tech in 2006. In his two seasons in pro ball, at High-A and Double-A, the third baseman has hit .288/.367/.473 and .290/.354/.466. Hodges is still learning to tap into his power and he currently projects to hit 15-20 home runs per season.

Michael Brantley and Trevor Crowe are two outfield prospects that are borderline everyday players. Brantley was obtained in the Sabathia trade and has an exciting mix of plate discipline and speed. Unfortunately his defensive skills are average. The 21-year-old hit .319/.395/.398 at Double-A and he walked 50 times compared to just 27 strikeouts in 420 at-bats. Crowe always seems to take one step forward and two steps back. His numbers have been inconsistent and he got stuck in Double-A for parts of three seasons, before appearing in 34 Triple-A games in 2008, where he hit .274/.350/.486.

Kevin de la Cruz, 20, is a hard-throwing southpaw. Despite iffy control, he dominated A-ball in 2008 and allowed just 71 hits in 95.2 innings. He posted rates of 3.20 BB/9 and 9.03 K/9 before playing briefly in High-A and Double-A. De la Cruz will likely open 2009 in High-A ball. He can touch 95 mph with his fastball, and also has a curveball, sinker and change-up.

David Huff is another southpaw but he is a soft-tosser. The former first-round pick is almost MLB ready, although he may top out as a No. 3 starter. Huff has a four-pitch mix, which includes a high-80s fastball (that can touch 92 mph), a plus change-up, a slider and a curveball. He posted solid numbers in 2008 while splitting the season between Double-A and Triple-A. At the senior level, Huff allowed just 68 hits in 80.2 innings of work. He posted rates of 1.67 BB/9 (obviously he has solid command/control) and 9.04 K/9.

Perennial prospect Adam Miller was yet again slowed by injuries in 2008 and has already been battling them this spring. Realistically speaking, his days as a starting pitcher are likely over, although he could develop into a dominating late-game reliever with two plus pitches: a mid-90s fastball and a slider. Miller appeared in just eight games in 2008 but posted a 1.88 ERA and allowed 26 hits in 28.2 Triple-A innings.

A+/A
Slugger Nick Weglarz has taken some time to develop but it’s been worth it for the Indians. The Canadian has massive power potential even though he hit just 10 home runs in 375 High-A at-bats. Weglarz has walked 154 times in the past two seasons (232 games). Defensively, he has been playing left field but is better suited to first base or designated hitter.

Beau Mills is another slugger well on his way to Cleveland, although he was acquired from a college program, not out of high school like Weglarz. Mills unfortunately is yet another player whose best position is first base or designated hitter. He slugged 21 home runs in 2008 at High-A ball and hit .293, although he is less likely to hit for a high average in the Majors.

Carlos Rivera is an offensive-minded shortstop, not unlike Jhonny Peralta. Scouts rave about Rivera’s power potential but he hit just eight dingers in 2008 at High-A ball. The 20-year-old posted a line of .282/.342/.411 in 411 at-bats. Defensively, he has a strong arm but Rivera’s range is average at best.

Right-handed pitcher Hector Rondon had a breakout season in 2008, while pitching in High-A ball. He allowed 130 hits in 145 innings, while posting rates of 2.61 BB/9 and 9.00 K/9. Rondon has a fastball that can hit 95 mph, as well as two developing secondary pitches: a curveball and a change-up.

SS/R
Lonnie Chisenhall was the club’s No. 1 draft pick in 2008 despite questions surrounding his make-up after some legal trouble while in school. The 20-year-old shortstop had a nice pro debut last year and hit .290/.355/.438 in 276 at-bats. Chisenhall has solid power pontential, which will make his eventual move to third base less troubling. He could move quickly for such a young player.

Up Next: The San Francisco Giants

These lists do not include all the talented prospects in each system – just a snap shot. Some players have been left out because I have covered them recently and not much has changed (You can link to the older posts from each player’s FanGraphs page) or I am planning a separate post on them in the very near future.

The Chicago Cubs organization has assembled one heck of a 25-man MLB roster for the 2009 season, but the same cannot be said for the minor league system, which is one of the weakest in the National League. But that’s what happens when you operate with a ‘Win Now’ mentality.

AAA/AA
Jeff Samardzija has received more than his fair share of press since being drafted by the Cubs in 2006 out of Notre Dame. Despite his inexperience and time spent on the football field, Samardzija had a solid MLB debut in 2008 with the Cubs, and allowed just 24 hits in 27.2 innings. He posted rates of 4.88 BB/9, which is obviously too high, and 8.13 K/9, which is a much better rate than what he posted in the minors (5.2 K/9 career). The right-hander could be in the Cubs bullpen this season, or the organization may choose to work him out as a starter in Triple-A, where he’ll continue to show a blistering fastball and intriguing splitter.

Right-hander Kevin Hart has been helped by a move to the bullpen, where he can focus on his mid-90s fastball and cutter. He struggled at the Major League level in 2008 and posted a 6.51 ERA (4.69 FIP) with 39 hits allowed in 27.2 innings of work. Hart struggled with his control in the Majors and posted a walk rate of 5.86 BB/9. He also added a strikeout rate of 7.48.

Welington Castillo, 21, has come a long way in a short time after making his North American debut in 2006. The Dominican catcher split the 2008 season between High-A and Double-A and even received a one-game trial at Triple-A. At Double-A, Castillo hit .298/.362/.414 in 198 at-bats. With 18 walks in more than 300 at-bats in 2008, the right-handed hitter needs to be more patient at the plate if he is going to succeed at higher levels. Defensively, Castillo has a canon for an arm and also possesses the raw tools to be above-average behind the dish.

Outfielder Tyler Colvin barely deserves mention despite being a former No. 1 draft pick. Colvin has failed to make adjustments to his approach at the plate and is painfully impatient. His 7.5 BB% in 2008 was a career “high” but his average plummeted to .256 during his second stint in Double-A. He also failed to reach double digits in stolen bases, with just seven.

A+/A
Josh Vitters had a false start to the 2008 season but ended on a high note, while having a very productive season in short-season ball. He hit .328/.365/.498 with an ISO of .170 in 259 at-bats. They were good numbers, but most of the top high school picks from the 2007 draft (Vitters was taken third overall) were playing in full-season ball. Right now Vitters is more of a 15-homer hitter, but he has the potential to develop 25-homer power. Defensively, he projects to be average.

The club’s first round draft pick in 2008 out of college, Andrew Cashner has a rough introduction to pro ball. A closer in his final college season, Cashner was moved to the starting rotation in pro ball and allowed 19 walks and 19 hits in 16.1 short-season innings. He can touch the high-90s with his fastball out of the bullpen, although he is more likely to work in the mid-90s as a starter. Cashner also has a plus slider and is working on a change-up.

Jay Jackson took to pitching in pro ball after spending his college career as a two-way player. He was drafted in the ninth round of the 2008 draft and is likely headed to High-A ball to begin 2009. Jackson played at three levels in his debut. In four games at High-A, Jackson allowed 11 hits and seven walks in 17 innings. He also struck out 21. The right-hander has a low-90s fastball (that can touch the mid-90s), a slider, curveball and change-up.

Infielders Ryan Flaherty (college) and Starlin Castro (Dominican Republic) have very different backgrounds, but both will add to the Cubs’ infield depth in 2009. Flaherty, 22, should move quickly after hitting .297/.369/.511 in his debut in short-season ball. Castro is a solid defensive player, with good speed and the ability to hit for average (He hit .311 in rookie ball). How much power he’ll develop is the biggest question.

SS/R
Pitcher Dae-Eun Rhee, 19, and shortstop Hak-Ju Lee, 18, were both signed out of Korea, although Lee has yet to play in pro ball. Rhee pitched in A-ball in 2008 and allowed just 28 hits in 40 innings. He posted rates of 3.60 BB/9 and 7.43 K/9. He then unfortunately blew out his elbow and required Tommy John surgery. Lee is an athletic shortstop who should hit for a good average. He also has blazing speed. Ironically, during off-season training, Lee also blew out his elbow and had Tommy John surgery, but he is expected to be ready for the short-season league in June.

Up Next: The Cleveland Indians

These lists do not include all the talented prospects in each system – just a snap shot. Some players have been left out because I have covered them recently and not much has changed (You can link to the older posts from each player’s FanGraphs page) or I am planning a separate post on them in the very near future.

The upper levels of the Kansas City Royals system is pretty thin depth-wise but the club has some interesting prospects in the lower minors, which should make things very interesting in the next two to three years when they’re ready to compete for Major League spots. The club had one of the best drafts in 2008.

AAA/AA Prospects:
Daniel Cortes, 21, has improved more so than just about any prospect in the system in the past two years. He was stolen from the White Sox in a trade for reliever Mike MacDougal. Cortes’ improvements can be tied to a fastball that has jumped into the mid-90s range, as well as the development of a curveball that is now a plus pitch. The right-hander’s change-up, though, is lacking and he could be facing a move to the bullpen where he could become a dominating eighth- or ninth-inning pitcher. He posted a 3.48 ERA (but 4.40 FIP) at Double-A in 2008 and allowed 103 hits in 116.2 innings. Cortes posted a high walk rate of 4.24 BB/9 and a strikeout rate of 8.41 K/9, which should be higher given his stuff.

For whatever reason, the Royals organization just does not seem to believe in Kila Ka’aihue. This comes even after the first baseman slugged 38 home runs between three levels in 2008, including the Majors. The 24-year-old prospect also hit more than .300 at every stop but the Majors, where he hit .286 in 12 games. There is reason to be cautious with Ka’aihue, given that this was by far the best season of his career, but the power is for real – even if he may hit closer to .260. The Royals are going to pay Mike Jacobs a lot of money to do what Ka’aihue can probably do for a league-minimum salary – and the youngster also has much better plate discipline (107 walks in 2008, compared to Jacobs’ 36 free passes).

Carlos Rosa is a hard-throwing right-hander who has been working as a starter in the minors, but projects better as a reliever due to his lack of a third pitch. He throws a mid-90s fastball, as well as a slider that has plus potential. Rosa suffered a forearm strain in 2008 that was bad enough that it nixed a trade with the Marlins in the off-season.

Blake Wood, 23, is a big, strong pitcher and a former third-round pick out of Georgia Tech. He has the stuff to be successful (low-to-mid-90s fastball, good curveball, OK change-up) but he struggles with consistency and has battled injuries. Wood split 2008 between High-A and Double-A but struggled at the higher level. His ERA rose from 2.67 to 5.30 but he moved to a much better hitter’s park. His walk rate rose from 2.35 to 3.32 BB/9, while the strikeout rate dropped from 9.89 to 7.89 K/9. Overall, Wood allowed 128 hits in 144 innings.

A+/A Prospects:
Mike Moustakas, the second overall pick of the 2007 draft, had a solid first full pro season in 2008. In A-ball, the infielder hit .272/.337/.468 with a .196 ISO in 496 at-bats. His numbers are even more impressive considering the fact he hit just .190/.253/.226 in April. Defensively, Moustakas played shortstop in high school but moved to third base as a pro. He has a strong arm (He can hit the mid-90s on the mound) but his range is limited at shortstop. Moustakas will begin 2009 in High-A ball and could see Double-A in the second half of the season.

Danny Duffy, 20, posted some impressive numbers in 2008 with just 56 hits allowed in 81.2 innings at A-ball. He also posted rates of 2.76 BB/9 and 11.24 K/9. As he moves up the organizational ladder, though, Duffy’s strikeout rates should drop as his fastball is average at 88-92 mph and his secondary pitches are currently inconsistent, although the curve has plus potential. The southpaw projects as a No. 3 starter, but the shoulder woes he suffered in 2008 – and caused him to miss that last month of the season – are worrisome.

Danny Gutierrez came out of nowhere in 2008. The right-hander was in his third pro season after signing as a draft-and-follow in 2006. Gutierrez received a jump in velocity prior to the 2008 season, which helped him allow just 83 hits in 90 innings. He also posted rates of 2.50 BB/9 and 10.40 K/9. The 21-year-old prospect suffered a hairline fracture of his elbow and missed a month of the season early on, but he is healthy now and could move quickly with three pitches (89-94 mph fastball, curve, change).

SS/R Prospects:
Eric Hosmer was the most potent high school bat in the 2008 draft and could be an absolute offensive stud in the years to come. His bat is also extremely advanced for a high school player and he could take a similar path to the Majors as Toronto’s Travis Snider, who made it to the Majors in under three years. Hosmer appeared in just three pro games after signing late and he also got caught up in the contract dispute that Pedro Alvarez had with the Pirates. Regardless, he should open 2009 in A-ball and could see High-A ball in the second half of the year.

Catcher Jose Bonilla was one of the top prospects in rookie ball after hitting .357/.405/.625 in 112 at-bats. He needs to show a little more patience at the plate (4.3 BB%). Defensively, Bonilla has a strong arm (He threw out more than 40 percent of base stealers) and is at least average in all other facets of the position.

Johnny Giavotella got a lot of attention after being taken in the second round of the 2008 draft and hitting well in his debut at A-ball. He posted a line of .299/.355/.421 with an ISO of .122. The 21-year-old second baseman is a hard worker who will probably top out as a utility player, but he could put up solid numbers as a regular at the MLB level for a few seasons.

The Royals drafted three promising young high school pitchers in 2008, including Tim Melville, Mike Montgomery and Tyler Sample. Melville has the highest ceiling despite being taken in the fourth round (His bonus demands dropped him out of first-round consideration). He has a mid-90s fastball and solid curveball. Montgomery posted a 1.69 ERA (3.13 FIP) in 42.2 rookie ball innings in 2008. The southpaw has three solid pitches, although he does not throw as hard as Melville. Sample towers above opponents at 6’7” but the third-round pick had a rude introduction to pro ball with a 9.00 ERA in 27 rookie ball innings.

Up Next: The Chicago Cubs

These lists do not include all the talented prospects in each system – just a snap shot. Some players have been left out because I have covered them recently and not much has changed (You can link to the older posts from each player’s FanGraphs page) or I am planning a separate post on them in the very near future.

The Reds system took a bit of a hit for 2009 after the organization graduated a plethora of rookie talent in 2008, including pitcher Johnny Cueto, first baseman Joey Votto, and outfielder Jay Bruce. The pitching depth is especially thin, but the club has restocked the hitting department with some solid picks in the last few drafts. It’s still a nice system.

AAA/AA Prospects:
Toolsy outfielder Drew Stubbs has shown steady improvement in the past two seasons and he played at three levels in 2008. He spent most of the season at High-A ball, where he hit .261 – but he also maintained a .315 average in 26 Double-A games, and had a .293 average in 19 Triple-A games. Stubbs, 24, could taste the Majors by mid-season and has the potential to hit 15 homers and steal 30 bases. He strikes out a lot, and probably always will.

Infielder Chris Valaika has hit like a mad man since entering pro ball as a third-round draft pick out of college in 2006. He hit .301/.352/.443 in Double-A in 2008 and has a .306 career batting average. Valaika has the potential to hit 15 homers and steal 10 bases at the MLB level. Defensively, he is average at shortstop but is better suited to second base.

Juan Francisco is basically a younger, cheaper version of current Reds third baseman Edwin Encarnacion. The switch hitter has slugged 48 home runs in the past two seasons and also stole 12 bases in 2007. In Double-A in 2008, Francisco hit .277/.303/.496 and posted rates of 3.6 BB% and 23.8 K%. A more selective approach at the plate may help him hit for a higher average.

Right-hander Daryl Thompson was originally drafted in the eighth round out of high school by the Montreal Expos and his career ascent has been slowed by injuries. He made his MLB debut with the Reds in 2008 and was roughed up by allowing 20 hits and seven walks in 14.1 innings. Thompson also pitched 17 games at Double-A and Triple-A and allowed just 83 hits in 107 innings of work. If a Reds starter falters in 2009, Thompson could be in front of former top prospect Homer Bailey for the first shot at filling in.

Raw Canadian Kyle Lotzkar, 19, has succeeded quicker than just about everyone expected, after he was taken in the 2007 supplemental first round. He has a career 3.40 ERA and has allowed just 51 hits in 66.2 innings, but Lotzkar made just 10 starts in 2008 thanks to an elbow injury. Surgery was not performed, so there remains a risk of it in the near future.

A+/A Prospects:
Todd Frazier was another 2007 supplemental first round pick – but he’s more advanced than Lotzkar, having been taken out of college. Drafted as a shortstop, Frazier is likely to make his MLB debut as a third baseman – or possibly a left-fielder. He split 2008 between A-ball and High-A and hit .281/.357/.451 with an ISO of .169 at the senior level.

Catcher Devin Mesoraco was drafted 15th overall out of high school in 2007 but his bat has been slow to develop in pro ball. He hit just .216 in his pro debut and posted a 2008 line of .261/.311/.399 in 206 at-bats. He also posted rates of 6.1 BB% and 20.9 K%. Perhaps my favorite Reds sleeper prospect, Neftali Soto was selected in the third round of the 2007 draft out of Puerto Rico. In two seasons, the 19-year-old third baseman (originally a shortstop) has hit .327/.360/.522 in 437 at-bats and spent 52 games in A-ball last season after beginning the year in extended spring training. He could open 2009 in High-A ball.

First baseman Yonder Alonso was the club’s first-round pick in 2008 and he could move quickly, despite appearing in just six High-A ball games in 2008 after signing late (He hit .316). Alonso, 21, made up for lost time by playing in the Hawaii Winter Baseball league and he hit .308/.419/.510 with four home runs in 104 at-bats. He also walked 20 times in 29 games.

SS/R Prospects:
Outfielders Yorman Rodriguez, 16, (Venezuela) and Juan Duran, 17, (Dominican Republic) were both signed as amateur free agents. Duran spent 2008 in extended spring training and then appeared in rookie ball and hit just .216, but he displayed plus-power potential and good speed. Rodriguez came over to North America for instructional league after the regular season ended and has the best outfield arm in the system, but he is still learning how to hit breaking balls.

Up Next: Kansas City Royals

These lists do not include all the talented prospects in each system – just a snap shot. Some players have been left out because I have covered them recently and not much has changed (You can link to the older posts from each player’s FanGraphs page) or I am planning a separate post on them in the very near future.