Most of them go unseen by the masses until they get that final call to the big show, and until then, they're really only exposed to scouts and managers alike.
Obviously not all of them make it to the majors, but the ones that do, you know they really had to put the time in to earn their moment in the sun (however long it lasts).
That said, players do also (whether it's injury related or not), bounce back and forth between MLB and the triple-A ball quite often.
Therefore, this list is comprised solely of the Class Double-A prospects, because they're virtually in the prime of maturing as a person and a baseball player.
And for future references, become very familiar with these players, because they're going to be in the spotlight sooner than later.
30. Cincinnati Reds: Mike Costanzo, 1B Carolina Mudccats
2011 Season Statistics
Batting Average: .279
Homeruns: Eight
Hits: 53
RBI: 31
Just think if Mike Costanzo can really take his batting average to another level.
He'll be playing in the show in no time.
That said, it may be a while before he gets his shot though, since Joey Votto currently is the first base incumbent for Cincinnati.
29. New York Mets: Joshua Satin, 2B Binghamton Mets
2011 Season Statistics
Batting Average: .306
Homeruns: Eight
Hits: 68
RBI: 39
Even though Joshua Satin may not reach the bigs in 2011, he should at least get that next call to Triple-A.
That said, the Mets are expected to be busy as the trade deadline nears, so he'll definitely be under the microscope throughout the end of 2011 and early 2012.
28. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: Garrett Richards, SP Arkansas Travelers
Rob Tringali/Getty Images
2011 Season Statistics
Record: 8-1
ERA: 3.57
Innings: 85.2
Strikeouts: 68
Whether it was college or thus far in the minors, Garrett Richards has been dominating on the mound.
If he keeps it up, he'll be pitching along with Danny Haren and Jared Weaver in no time.
27. Florida Marlins: Luke Montz, C Jacksonville Suns
2011 Season Statistics
Batting Average: .298
Homeruns: 15
Hits: 56
RBI: 40
We know at some point the Marlins will get out of their losing skid, but until then it's not a bad idea to peek at their minor leaguers.
One guy who stands out is catcher Luke Montz, who actually saw some time in the majors late in the 2008 season.
26. Atlanta Braves: Tyler Pastornicky, SS Mississippi Braves
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
2011 Season Statistics
Batting Average: .301
Homeruns: Five
Hits: 78
RBI: 33
The only SS to make this list, Tyler Pastornicky got up to Double-A last season and performed well.
In 2011, he's only added to that, as he's significantly improved and should have a shot a Triple-A ball this season.
25. Houston Astros: J.D. Martinez, LF Corpus Christ Hooks
Al Bello/Getty Images
2011 Season Statistics
Batting Average: .310
Homeruns: Three
Hits: 58
RBI: 37
For only being a 20th round pick in 2009, J.D. Martinez has hit the ground running for the Houston Astros' affiliates.
About a year and a half after beginning in the minors he made it to Double-A ball, so you can tell he's grabbed the bull by the horns (so to speak).
Therefore, it's safe to say he should reach the big show sooner than later.
24. Kansas City Royals: Anthony Seratelli, 2B Northwest Arkansas Naturals
2011 Season Statistics
Batting Average: .308
Homeruns: Six
Hits: 60
RBI: 31
After spending all of 2008 and 2009 at the advanced single-A level, Anthony Seratelli finally got the call-up to Double-A 11 games into the 2010 season.
It definitely was helpful as it easily prepared him for 2011.
You can only anticipate him getting better, so maybe the Royals escort him to the majors in late-2011.
23. Seattle Mariners: Kyle Seager, 2B Jackson Generals
2011 Season Statistics
Batting Average: .312
Homeruns: Four
Hits: 83
RBI: 37
By now, most Mariner fans are quite aware of Dustin Ackley.
Well, they should soon also become aware of Kyle Seager.
It's his first season at the Double-A level and he's producing very well thus far.
22. Boston Red Sox: Chih-Hsien Chiang, Outfielder Portland Seadogs
2011 Season Statistics
Batting Average: .308
Homeruns; 11
Hits: 57
RBI: 40
If experience tell us anything, it's that those who have it will perform as expected when the time comes.
Last season, Chih-Hsien Chiang batted .260, hit 11 HRs, and drove in 65 runs through 121 games at the Double-A level.
He definitely answered the call in 2011 in Double-A by increasing his stats, so he should make the next level by seasons end.
21. Los Angeles Dodgers: Alfredo Silverio, LF Chattanooga Lookouts
2011 Season Statistics
Batting Average: .315
Homeruns: Seven
Hits: 78
RBI: 48
Currently in his sixth season for the Dodgers farm system, Alfredo Silverio is getting some recognition for his efforts.
As long as he can maintain the consistency, he can make the Dodgers lineup very dangerous in a few years with the likes of Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier.
20. Minnesota Twins: Yangervis Solarte, LF New Britain Rockcats
2011 Season Statistics
Batting Average: .322
Homeruns: Three
Hits: 79
RBI: 24
Currently this is Yangervis Solarte's third stint at the Double-A level.
Now, although he only appeared in a total of 35 games through the first two, the third time has proven to be a charm.
And, for as much as the Twins have disappointed in 2011, his name may pop-up prior to the 2012 season.
19. Chicago Cubs: Ryan Flaherty, 3B Tennessee Smokies
2011 Season Statistics
Batting Average: .306
Homeruns: 13
Hits: 70
RBI: 56
It will be difficult for Ryan Flaherty and other third basemen to reach the show for the Cubs with Aramis Ramirez at the spot.
So with his ever-increasing ability, he could be very appealing in a trade.
18. New York Yankees: Craig Heyer, SP Trenton Thunder
2011 Season Statistics
Record: 6-3
ERA: 2.84
Innings: 66.2
Strikeouts: 34
It's intriguing to look at the Yankees rotation with C.C. Sabathia, Bartolo Colon and A.J. Burnett.
And yes, Freddy Garcia and Ivan Nova are playing well.
But, are they the long-term answer in such a demanding market?
If not, we may see Craig Heyer enter the rotation before anticipated.
17. Philadelphia Phillies: Michael Spidale, LF Reading Phillies
2011 Season Statistics
Batting Average: .327
Homeruns: One
Hits: 72
RBI: 17
Well, it's been a long road for Michael Spidale as 2011 marks his fourth appearance in Double-A baseball.
Thing is, the first two years after Double-A ball, he went to play internationally which has really put him on a pedestal.
Last season he batted over .300, and is having a great season thus far in 2011.
Should be fun to watch him once he finally gets that big league chance after bouncing around so much.
16. Milwaukee Brewers: Sean Halton, 1B Huntsville Stars
2011 Season Statistics
Batting Average: .324
Homeruns: Five
Hits: 69
RBI: 34
The only thing keeping any first-baseman in the Brewers farm system from receiving that call to the big show is Prince Fielder.
However, that may all change if Milwaukee decides to deal him.
Which, in turn will make room for players like Sean Halton. Just reloading as opposed to rebuilding.
15. Detroit Tigers: Justin Henry, Outfielder Erie Seawolves
2011 Season Statistics
Batting Average: .337
Homeruns: Zero
Hits: 55
RBI: 18
Despite not having any HRs, Justin Henry has put the ball in play each year.
From 2007-2010 he's averaged over 100 hits per season, even though he only played in an average of 78 games.
Is it too early to call him the next Wade Boggs? Yes. But, is he similar? Yes.
14. Baltimore Orioles: Steve Johnson, SP Bowie Baysox
2011 Season Statistics
Record: 5-1
ERA: 2.16
Innings: 58.1
Strikeouts: 59
As 2011 progresses, Baltimore will most likely move up some of their Triple-A pitchers since only two in their rotation have a winning record.
Therefore, Steve Johnson should make his way to Triple-A, thus preparing himself for 2012.
Next season could be very big for him, just how big, is the next question.
13. Toronto Bluejays: Mike McDade, 1B New Hampshire Fishercats
2011 Season Statistics
Batting Average: .312
Homeruns: Nine
Hits: 82
RBI: 47
Since Mike McDade began his minor league career, his average has increased significantly.
In 2007, he only batted .221. In 2008, he batted .224. 2009 then jumped to .277, and 2010 was .267.
Now as you see, he's at .312 and shows no sign of slowing down.
12. San Francisco Giants: Eric Surkamp, SP Richmond Flying Squirrels
2011 Season Statistics
Record: 4-3
ERA: 1.88
Innings: 71.2
Strikeouts: 80
Through his first three seasons in the minors, Eric Surkamp's best ERA was 3.11 (not counting the 2.70 after two starts in 2008).
He's easily exploded on the Double-A scene in 2011, and should receive some solid recognition from Triple-A scouts.
11. Pittsburgh Pirates: Starling Marte, CF Altoona Curve
2011 Season Statistics
Batting Average: .337
Homeruns: Four
Hits: 86
RBI: 24
The Pirates are currently having their best season in what seems like forever.
However, as the season goes on, and they begin to slip, upgrading Starling Marte to Triple-A is definitely possible.
It's going to be interesting to see how quickly Pittsburgh wants him in the majors.
10. Cleveland Indians: Tim Fredoff, LF Akron Aeros
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
2011 Season Statistics
Batting Average: .352
Homeruns: Two
Hits: 86
RBI: 33
Since coming out of North Carolina in 2008, Tim Fredoff has only been improving for the Tribe's farm system.
Chances are he won't get the coveted call-up until 2012, but late-2011 is not completely out of the question.
9. Colorado Rockies: TIm Wheeler, CF Tulsa Drillers
Harry How/Getty Images
2011 Season Statistics
Batting Average: .315
Homeruns: 17
Hits: 85
RBI: 55
It only took Tim Wheeler two years to get up to the Double-A level, and if he keeps at this pace, the majors will be calling in 2012.
He's lived and has played up to the skill set of his competition, so it's safe to expect continuous improvement.
8. Texas Rangers: Tommy Mendonca, 3B Frisco Roughriders
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
2011 Season Statistics
Batting Average: .328
Homeruns: 14
Hits: 83
RBI: 54
Whether Texas Ranger fans want to recognize it or not, Michael Young can't play forever.
And, although Adrian Beltre is solid at 3B as well, the next man in line (even though it's a few years away) is Tommy Mendonca.
Just be sure to keep him on your radar Ranger fans.
7. Tampa Bay Rays: Matthew Moore, SP Montgomery Biscuits
2011 Season Statistics
Record: 4-3
ERA: 2.43
Innings: 77.2
Strikeouts: 103
103 strikeouts in 77.2 innings is equal to an average of 1.33 strikeouts per inning.
That is a pretty ridiculous stat, which helps in taking a lot of pressure off the defense.
If Matthew Moore can maintain his level of play (if not raise it), Tampa Bay will surely be excited when he debuts.
6. Oakland Athletics: Jermaine Mitchell, CF Midland Rockhounds
2011 Season Statistics
Batting Average: .351
Homeruns: 10
Hits: 92
RBI: 43
The previous five years in the minors for Jermaine Mitchell was time well spent as he currently is dominating in Double-A ball.
So, as you can see he has expectations.
In addition, the A's could use someone like him real soon.
5. St. Louis Cardinals: Matthew Adams, 1B Springfield Cardinals
2011 Season Statistics
Batting Average: .354
Homeruns: 15
Hits: 69
RBI: 47
Two seasons after being drafted, Matthew Adams has made his way to the Double-A level.
Now, there is virtually no chance of him playing first base in the majors since the Cardinals have Albert Pujols and Lance Berkman.
But, for future references, he could be an excellent piece in a trade discussion.
4. Chicago White Sox: Tyler Kuhn, 2B Birmingham Barons
2011 Season Statistics
Batting Average: .367
Homeruns: One
Hits: 90
RBI: 40
I think it's safe to say that Tyler Kuhn is White Sox's minor league version of Paul Konerko.
And yes, obviously it is the minors, but a .367 average after playing in 67 games this season is no joke.
In a few years he will be right along with Konerko and company, so you can expect the Sox offense to be greatly enhanced.
3. Arizona Diamondbacks: Paul Goldschmidt, 1B Mobile Baybears
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
2011 Season Statistics
Batting Average: .329
Homeruns: 21
Hits: 81
RBI: 59
Although it's only his third season in the D-Backs farm system since being drafted in 2009, Paul Goldschmidt has been solid.
Each year he's moved up the street, and each year he's batted over .300, hit more than 15 HRs, and drove in more than 50 runs.
The scary part? 2011 has yet to conclude.
2. San Diego Padres: James Darnell, 3B San Antonio Missions
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
2011 Season Statistics
Batting Average: .350
Homeruns: 15
Hits: 86
RBI: 54
In 101 games at the Double-A level in 2010, James Darnell hit 10 HRs and drove in 50 runs.
It's clear that he has thrashed in 2011, in already surpassing those numbers though 64 games.
And based on the Padres awful offense, they could definitely use him very soon.
1. Washington Nationals: Brad Peacock, SP Harrisburg Senators
2011 Season Statistics
Record: 8-2
ERA: 2.46
Innings: 80.1
Strikeouts: 108
Don't look now, but the Washington Nationals are not in last place.
And, much can be attributed to the pitching staff that sees four starters with ERAs under 4.00.
As they begin to mature, once Brad Peacock gets his call, he can make them a complete rotation.
Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
30 Comments
Loading comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete