Philadelphia Phillies: 5 Prospects Who Will Make the Big Leagues in 2012

With the start of the 2012 Major League Baseball season in full effect, much of the spotlight has been on the top prospects.

The Philadelphia Phillies have already been hit with injuries that may cause a few of their prospects to move up to the big leagues earlier than expected. Chase Utley and Ryan Howard are both on the disabled list for Opening Day.

Prospects in Philly now have a chance to show fans what they've been working on in the minor leagues. Freddy Galvis has went from likely spending the season in Triple-A to possibly becoming the Phillies' Opening Day starter at second base.

Galvis and other prospects are finally ready for their Major League debuts in 2012.

Freddy Galvis

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 5'10", 170

DOB: 11/14/1989

Bats/Throws: S/R

Drafted/Signed: July 2, 2006

2011 Stats: 

Double-A: .273/.326/.400, 19 SB, .114 ISO

Overview: With Chase Utley out and no timetable for his return, the Phillies have looked to Freddy Galvis as his replacement. Galvis has not played second base before, but he is learning on the job. He is adapting to the double play and other changes from his shortstop position.   

While he's never been much of an offensive threat, Galvis is an incredible defensive shortstop who can do just about everything with his glove. His good instincts and strong arm should carry over well to the second base position. 

Trevor May

Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 6'5", 215

DOB: 09/23/1989

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2008, fourth round (Kelso HS)

2011 Stats: 

High-A: 151.1 IP, 3.63 ERA, 12.4 K/9, 4.0 BB/9, 0.5 HR/9

Overview: May has topped the Phillies in strikeouts for two years in a row. In 2011, he finished third overall in the Minor Leagues with 208 strikeouts. 

Over the last year, May has started to develop into a more complete pitcher. His incredible fastball is up to 95 mph and it has plenty of sink. His above-average curve and changeup add to his ability as a pitcher. May has also considerably lowered his number of walks. 

With the development and better overall command that May displayed in 2011, look out for him to quickly rise up the ladder.  

Phillippe Aumont

Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 6'7", 260

DOB: 01/07/1989

Bats/Throws: L/R

Drafted/Signed: 2007, first round (Quebec)

2011 Stats: 

Double-A: 31.0 IP, 2.32 ERA, 4.56 K/9, 1.22 BB/9

Triple-A: 22.2 IP, 3.18 ERA, 4.11 K/9, 1.56 BB/9

Overview: It has been a bumpy road for Aumont since arriving in Philadelphia from the Mariners in the Cliff Lee deal. He's started and relieved, but has finally found his groove in the bullpen role.

The power pitcher sports a fastball that is regularly clocked from 96-98 mph. He also has a strong curveball, impressive split and sinker.

Aumont thrives under pressure and has shown his aggressiveness during big league spring training. With the skills to become a key contributor of the bullpen, look for Aumont to make his Major League debut in 2012. 

Sebastian Valle

Position: C

Height/Weight: 6'1", 205

DOB: 07/24/1990

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: Oct. 10, 2006

2011 Stats:

High-A: .284/.312/.394, .109 ISO, 95 wRC+

Overview: Valle is an excellent all-around catcher. He is very agile behind the plate and throws well. His good defensive ability and solid arm give him the skills to be a starting catcher for the Phillies.

Though Valle shows tremendous bat speed, he needs to show better discipline at the plate. Even though he is still learning the catcher position, he is developing rapidly. By the time he reaches his peak, he should be well-above average from behind the plate. 

Justin De Fratus

Position: RHP

Height/Weight: 6'4", 220

DOB: 10/21/1987

Bats/Throws: S/R

Drafted/Signed: 2007, 11th round (Ventura College)

2011 Stats:

Double-A: 34.1 IP, 2.10 ERA, 4.78 K/9, 1.56 BB/9, 0.11 HR/9

Triple-A: 41.0 IP, 3.73 ERA, 6.22 K/9, 1.22 BB/9, 0.33 HR/9

MLB: 4.0 IP, 2.25 ERA, 0.33 K/9, 0.33 BB/9, 0 HR/9

Overview: De Fratus has been on a faster track since making the move from starter to reliever. He pitched at two levels in both 2010 and 2011 before finishing off the year in the big leagues.

What makes De Fratus stand out from other relievers is that he's aggressive and goes right after hitters. He also has an excellent slider that is now a plus pitch.

De Fratus is expected to miss the first few weeks of the minor league season due to elbow soreness. Once he's healthy, expect him to set up new Phillies closer Johnathan Papelbon.