MiLB: 9 MLB Farm Hands That Should Be Called Up on Needy Squad

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

At this point in the season, MLB franchises look down to their farm systems to bring up players who are ready to contribute.

Roles are different.

On one hand, Wil Myers, playing inside the Kansas City Royals organization, could be called up to get some big league experience as the Royals are out of the race; Billy Hamilton could add a new X-Factor to the Cincinnati Reds as they aim for an NL Central pennant.

There are many farmhands looking to get their break, but here are nine minor leaguers (in no particular order) who should be called up.

No. 9: Mauro Gomez, Pawtucket Red Sox

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

The way this season has been going for the Boston Red Sox, it probably would not hurt to add an infielder (specifically a first baseman) to the mix.

Gomez has seen some time with the Red Sox, but he has spent most of his season wearing a Pawtucket Red Sox uniform.

With the PawSox, Gomez is hitting .309 with 21 HR and 63 RBI.

The Red Sox are needy because of how deep their disabled list is. Granted, Adrian Gonzalez isn't a member of that list as of now, but suffice to say the "injury bug" has made Boston his residence for the 2012 season.

No. 8: Adam Eaton, Reno Aces

Rob Tringali/Getty Images

If Adam Eaton's Pacific Coast League-best .383 BA doesn't excite Diamondbacks fans, not much else will.

Eaton has been widely talked about throughout the minor leagues, and for good reason. For example, in a prior MiLB.com poll, Eaton is one of four candidates fans can choose on to be the most deserving call-up.

Arizona has not had the best offensive swing as they had last year, and Eaton is that perfect answer.

No. 7: Marc Krauss, Corpus Christi Hooks

Rob Tringali/Getty Images

The photo in this slide may be that of the Diamondbacks, but the newest farmhand in the Houston Astros' system could be the hottest hitter in all of the minor leagues.

Marc Krauss pointed out since being traded to the Astros that he likes his new home, that being Double-A Corpus Christi.

"I'm really excited now here with the new organization," said Krauss (via MiLB.com). "They're trying to go young and turn things around. The dream goal of everybody in the Minors is to get to the big leagues and a lot of guys know they have that chance."

His hot hitting may grab the attention of Houston.

In his five games under the Astros' system, he has a .409 BA with 15 RBI and a 1.182 slugging percentage. Prior to being traded, he brought in 62 RBI with Mobile.

Give Krauss a couple weeks to settle into his new home, but Houston might think about moving him up north as the Astros keep moving south in the standings.

No. 6: Martin Perez, Round Rock Express

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

With all the pitching ailments of recent for the Texas Rangers, why did Nolan Ryan send Martin Perez send him down?

He is a southpaw who has had good numbers for Round Rock. So why not keep him there? He could be a better option than Roy Oswalt.

No. 5: Jacob Turner, New Orleans Zephyrs

Leon Halip/Getty Images

When the Miami Marlins have to send a starter to the bullpen, things aren't going well in the pitching department.

Now, while the Marlins will likely miss the playoffs after having a good start to the season, it's time to pass the baton to the younger arms to give them experience—that's where Jacob Turner comes in for the Fish.

Turner has made three appearances this season with the Detroit Tigers, and admittedly, didn't do well. However, this opportunity is the prime time for Turner to grab his confidence back.

The stats say he's a starter, but throwing him out of the bullpen would be a fine option for Ozzie Guillen.

No. 4: Tyler Cloyd, Lehigh Valley IronPigs

Courtesy: MiLB.com

The Philadelphia Phillies are going to front-load a lot of money next season on pitching.

For a team who hasn't played up to their expectations, this would be an opportunistic time to call up a pitcher who has been nothing but dominant in the minors this season.

Tyler Cloyd could be something Philly fans could be talking about if he is given a chance to end the season with the Phillies.

In 22 games with the Reading Phillies and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Cloyd is 14-1 with a 1.91 ERA, making him one of the top pitchers in the tough International League.

No. 3: Zach Duke, Syracuse Chiefs

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Disclaimer: If the Washington Nationals are stubborn enough to sit Stephen Strasburg, then this applies. If not, well, I wasted a slide for nothing.

Zach Duke does not have the sexiest numbers in the International League. However, he does have MLB experience which the Nationals will need if they're able to make it into the postseason.

The top option is Strasburg. If not, call Duke up and hope he can come through in the clutch.

No. 2: Billy Hamilton, Pensacola Blue Wahoos

Hamilton is the player in the back light-blue USA jersey.
Jamie Squire/Getty Images

This. Kid. Can. Fly.

Billy Hamilton is easily going to break the professional baseball record for stolen bases, and he can contribute more than glamor to the Cincinnati Reds. 

He can come in as a pinch runner and give pitchers and defense fits. He can light up the basepaths.

No. 1: Wil Myers, Omaha Storm Chasers

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Wil Myers has been talked about up and down the line since the nation got to see him during the Futures Game in Kansas City during All-Star Week.

And yet, he's still in Omaha playing. Call the kid up now while he's still hot and the Royals are not.