After undergoing Tommy John surgery in late 2011 and logging only 28.1 innings last season in the minor leagues last year, Twins right-hander Kyle Gibson is on pace to make his major league debut before the All-Star break.

The 22nd overall draft pick in 2009, Gibson has pitched extremely well recently for Triple-A Rochester in the International League and has now thrown a complete game shutout in two of his last three starts.

There was some speculation that the 25-year-old right-hander might be recalled to start Friday’s game against the Tigers, as manager Ron Gardenhire stated that Gibson was one of three options being considered—P.J. Walters and Sam Deduno the others.

Although the organization ultimately decided to go with Deduno, via Dustin Morse, Twins director of baseball communications, there’s no question that Gibson’s recent success at Triple-A has him on the verge of a big league promotion.

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When it comes to position players in the Major League Baseball draft, the two areas you will see teams reach on a pick are catcher and shortstop. It is so hard to find players who project to be even average at those spots that when a team believes it has found one, it needs to pounce. 

Unfortunately for teams picking in this year's MLB draft, the crop of shortstop talent is really lacking. There appears to be only one sure-fire first-round pick who projects to stay at the position, with a few other supplemental and second-round talents who have a shot to play shortstop in the big leagues. 

As we move closer to draft day, here is a look at the top 10 shortstop prospects in this class. These are only the players who project to play the position in the big leagues or at least have a solid chance to stick. 

No. 1: J.P. Crawford, Lakewood HS (CA)

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How much can a player's stock really change less than two months into a five-month season?

That is the question floating around the minor leagues right now. Given the always-changing nature of scouting and player evaluation, some of the things we thought coming into the season have already changed, both for good and bad. 

Yet there is also trepidation in saying that a player really should be dinged, because the sample size we are judging by is still small. That doesn't mean you can't glean something from seven weeks of games, however. 

As we look at the stock of the top prospects in baseball, as well as a few notable names to keep watch on, it is fascinating to see just where these young stars are at in their development and statistically. Oftentimes, the two line up perfectly, but there will always be an outlier here or there. 

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It’s hard to believe that we’ve already reached the one-quarter mark for the 2013 season.

However, with most teams having played around 40 games, league standings and stats are now relevant and based on something other than a small sample size.

With that being said, it’s only appropriate to take this opportunity to reflect on the performances of the game’s top Rookie of the Year candidates. As you will see, the collection of the talent in the National League is infinitely better than the American’s. Though it may not be long until there’s an infusion of young players through the AL.

So, here’s a look at the respective stocks of the current top rookies in the major leagues.

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Despite leaving his start on May 8 following an awkward slide into second base, Archie Bradley was back on the mound Monday night.

In the third Double-A start of his promising career, the 6’4”, 225-pound right-hander dominated a talented Jacksonville lineup—one that includes the likes of Christian Yelich, Jake Marisnick and J.T. Realmuto. Throwing six scoreless innings, Bradley allowed only two hits and three walks while fanning nine batters.

The 20-year-old is off to an outstanding start this season with a 1.05 ERA and .193 BAA over 42.2 innings between High-A Visalia and Double-A Mobile. Additionally, his 63 strikeouts currently ranks as the highest total in the minor leagues.

Here’s an updated look at the rest of the hottest and coldest pitchers at every minor-league level.

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With just three weeks until the Major League Baseball draft, a lot of things are starting to come into focus. Teams have their boards in order, though far from finalized. Players have spent all spring building up their stock to gain the fame and fortune that comes with being a first-round pick. 

Really, the only thing left to do is put the players to teams. If you follow the MLB draft, you know that this class isn't particularly strong. There are about 15-20 true first-round talents available in this class, led by Mark Appel and Jonathan Gray at the top. 

In an effort to help familiarize you with the talent in the 2013 draft, we are going to tell you which MLB star the new crop of prospects resembles as far as tools. That is not to say these players will turn into the player they resemble, but just that they boast some similar skills and traits. 

So many things happen during the development process that the odds of these players hitting their ceiling is slim. 

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This past week George Springer became the first minor leaguer to reach double-digit home runs and stolen bases this season.

After amassing 24 home runs and 32 stolen bases last season in 128 games across two levels, the 2011 first-rounder (11th overall) is already making a case for an ahead-of-schedule promotion to the major leagues. Although his propensity for striking out remains a lingering concern—and probably will always be part of his game—the toolsy outfielder has showcased improved power frequency so far this season, and currently stands as the minor league leader with 13 home runs.

Here’s a look at the rest of the hottest and coldest hitters at every minor league level this season.

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