There's no question that hitting is what will get Mills to the majors. On top of his good year in 2008, Mills hit an NAIA record 38 home runs in 2006 while playing for Lewis-Clark State.
Mills' biggest fault is his defense, which is said to be well below-average. He was drafted as a third baseman, but that experiment quickly ended and he spent this past year as a first baseman, where he reportedly wasn't much better.
He should begin 2009 with Akron and profiles best as a designated hitter at the major league level. He could debut in September.
4. Nick Weglarz, OF, 12/16/1987
This native of Ontario, Canada was a third rounder in 2005 and has advanced well for his age.
He played exclusively for Kinston in 2008 and had a line of .272/.396/.432 in 375 AB (105 games). He had 35 XBH (20 2B, 5 3B, 10 HR) though his overall power output took a step back from 2007 levels. He also went 9-for-14 in stolen base attempts.
His 828 OPS ranked eighth in the league and the seven ahead of him were at least 13 months older than he was.
Weglarz' best asset may be his patience at the plate. He drew 71 walks in only 105 games, fourth most in the entire Carolina League and the three ahead of him played in at least 12 more games.
In 2007, he struck out 129 times in 125 games. Last year, while playing at a higher level, he only fanned just 78 times in 105 games.
Weglarz, a former member of the Canadian National Team, figures to return to Kinston to begin 2009. But a fast start could earn him a promotion to Akron.
Weglarz could arrive in Cleveland in mid-to-late 2010, and while he may not hit for a great average, he should get on-base at a high clip with good power numbers to boot.
5. David Huff, LHP, 8/22/1984
Huff was drafted out of UCLA and went 39th overall in the 2006 draft.
He split last season between Akron and AAA-Buffalo. He appeared in 27 games—26 starts—and racked up a career-high 146.1 innings. He gave up just 112 hits and 29 walks while striking out 143—all outstanding ratios.
Huff did miss a sizable chunk of 2007 with a sore elbow, but there was no indication it caused any problems last year and he appears to be healthy.
Huff profiles as a No. 3 starter at the major league level. He doesn't light up the radar gun—his fastball tops out around 90. But it plays up due to his command, which ranks with just about anyone in the system and he has several offerings at his disposal.
Besides the fastball, his best pitch is a changeup that elicits swings-and-misses. He'll also throw a slider and a curve.
He should have a chance to break camp in the big league rotation. If he doesn't, he'll head back to Buffalo and will be among the first names called when a need arises.
He's a better bet than guys like Scott Lewis, Jeremy Sowers and Aaron Laffey.
NOTE: Only players with no more than 130 AB/50 IP in the majors qualify for this list.
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