2011 MLB Futures Game: The Eight Most Big League-Ready Prospects

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Everyone knows who the top prospects in baseball are, but it is rare to see many of them play before they reach the majors.

The MLB Futures Game during All-Star weekend gives fans a chance to see these players while they are still in the minors.

All of the players selected to the Futures Game are incredibly talented, but some are much closer to the major leagues than others.

In fact, two of the players selected to play in the Futures Game this year, Mike Trout and Chase D'Arnaud, have already been called up to the majors.

The game is broken down into a USA vs. the World format. Each team has a few players who will likely be in the majors either later this year or early next season.

Yonder Alonso (Cincinnati Reds)

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2011 Stats: .299/.373/.468 with 11 HR, 48 RBI, 5 SB in 79 games at AAA

Alonso started his career as a first baseman. The Reds prospects' only problem is that the position is blocked in Cincinnati by superstar Joey Votto. In 2010, the Reds moved Alonso to left field and he has performed fairly well there.

The Reds may finally have an opening in their outfield. Jonny Gomes is starting to lose playing time. Cincinnati is currently give Chris Heisey a chance to win the spot, but Alonso could be called up to play soon.

Alonso has given the Reds reason to try to get his bat into their lineup.

Dayan Viciedo (Chicago White Sox)

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2011 Stats: .324/.372/.537 with 16 HR, 62 RBI in 86 games at AAA

The White Sox have struggled to find a starting third baseman this year. Mark Teahen and Brett Morel have both been playing there but neither has put up great numbers. Viciedo, whose nicknamed the Cuban Tank, appears to be a viable solution.

Viciedo has been outstanding this year and it is just a matter of time before the White Sox call him up. He has proven over the past season and a half that he can handle Triple-A pitching. At this point, there is little reason for the White Sox not to call him up.

Julio Teheran (Atlanta Braves)

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2011 Stats: 9-1, 1.79 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 81 K in 95.2 innings at AAA

Teheran has been one of the best pitchers in the minors this year and is one of the best prospects in baseball. He has already been up in the majors this year, but he struggled a bit in his two starts, giving up five runs in eight and two-thirds innings

However, as evident from his Triple-A numbers, there is little left for Teheran to prove in the minors. He is ready for the majors and now the only thing holding him back is the Braves trying to find a spot in the rotation for him this year.

The Braves will also likely limit Teheran's innings this year.

Chih-Hsien Chiang (Boston Red Sox)

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2011 Stats: .316/.371/.625 with 28 2B, 14 HR, 60 RBI in 70 games at AA

Chiang has been overshadowed by many of the other Red Sox prospects, but he has put together a very good season. The Red Sox have two of their outfield spots figured out with Jacoby Ellsbury and Carl Crawford, but the third spot has been a problem for them.

The could have found their answer in Chiang. However, he is not ready for the majors at the moment. He still needs a little bit more seasoning in the minors, but Chiang could be called up by the end of this season.

Chiang's bat and defense could help the Red Sox as they compete for a playoff spot this year.

Paul Goldschmidt (Arizona Diamondbacks)

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2011 Stats: .315/.432/.633 with 25 HR, 77 RBI, 7 SB in 85 games at AA

Goldschmidt had an impressive 2010 campaign where he hit .314 with 35 home runs at High-A ball, but there were still many scouts and fans who questioned his abilities and believed that his performance was a fluke.

After half a year at Double-A, Goldschmidt has proven everyone wrong. He looks like he will be a solid major league player.

The Diamondbacks may call upon Goldschmidt very soon. They have yet to find a solution to their problems at first base, and Goldschmidt may be their answer. He has tremendous power and could be a big part of the Diamondbacks' lineup for years to come.

Jason Kipnis (Cleveland Indians)

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2011 Stats: .302/.385/.515 with 9 3B, 11 HR, 51 RBI, 11 SB in 82 games at AAA

Orlando Cabrera has played 74 games for the Indians this season. The team is looking to compete and Cabrera has not performed at the level that has been expected of him.

Jason Kipnis, baseball's 54th best prospect according to Baseball America, should get an opportunity to replace him soon.

Kipnis is proving that he is ready for a bigger challenge than the minor leagues currently has to offer. He has been fantastic offensively, but has had a few issues defensively.

If the Indians want to make the playoffs this year, they would be wise to call up Kipnis.

Kyle Gibson (Minnesota Twins)

2011 Stats: 3-7, 4.57 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 86 K in 86.1 innings at AAA

The Minnesota Twins have failed to meet their expectations this year. At the moment, they do not have a spot open in their starting rotation, but with the focus soon to be on the future, they might create one for righty Kyle Gibson.

Gibson has struggled a bit in the minors this year, but that does not mean that he is not still an outstanding prospect. While his Triple-A numbers are not as impressive as the ones he has put up in the past, Gibson still has the talent to be a top-of-the-rotation starter.

Photo Credit: Project Prospect

Brad Peacock (Washington Nationals)

2011 Stats: 10-2, 2.01 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, 129 K in 98.2 innings at AA

After being selected in the 41st round of the MLB Draft in 2006 out of Palm Beach Community College, not much was expected from Peacock.

However, he has slowly risen up the Nationals prospect list and has become one of the top players in a system that includes Bryce Harper.

Peacock leads the Eastern League in strikeouts, is tied for the lead in wins, and is second in ERA. It is clear that Double-A hitters are not challenging Peacock.

With the Nationals likely out of contention this season, it would not be surprising if they bring up Peacock later this season to give him a taste of the majors.

Photo Credit: MiLB