Jesus Montero and Every MLB Team's Colossal Hype Machine

Nothing excites baseball fans like a glimpse into what could be the future of their team, and every organization seems to have that one prospect who everyone talks about and whose big league arrival is greatly anticipated.

Be it based on draft position, early minor league success or something else entirely, some prospects simply come with a ton of hype surrounding them.

So here is a look at the one young player from each team who bring with him a tremendous amount of hope for the future and a ton of hype in the present.

Arizona Diamondbacks: RHP Trevor Bauer

2011 Stats

7 GS, 1-2, 5.96 ERA, 43 Ks, 25.2 IP at High Single-A and Double-A

Prospect Overview

The Diamondbacks are loaded with top-end pitching talent after taking two of the best pitching prospects in last years draft in UCLA stud Trevor Bauer and high school phenom Archie Bradley. Those two join Tyler Skaggs, Patrick Corbin and Wade Miley as the future of the Arizona rotation.

However, their most talked about prospect is without question Bauer, who was taken third overall last year and reached Double-A despite making a total of just seven pro starts.

He is perhaps the most big league ready of the entire 2011 draft class, and he could compete for a rotation spot this spring. Regardless, he is a future ace and could be fronting the Diamondbacks staff by 2013.

ETA: Mid-season 2012

Atlanta Braves: RHP Julio Teheran

2011 Stats

24 GS, 15-3, 2.55 ERA, 122 Ks, 144.2 IP at Triple-A

Prospect Overview

Ranked as the fifth overall prospect by Baseball America last season and the top pitching prospect in all of baseball, Teheran was absolutely dominant last season at Triple-A and made his big league debut at the age of 20.

He made five big league appearances, three of which were starts, and posted a 1-1 record and 5.03 ERA. He should only get better and with Derek Lowe gone and Jair Jurrjens on the block, he could be in line for a rotation spot this coming season.

If that happens, he would likely be a front-runner for NL Rookie of the Year, and once he does stick in the Braves rotation, he should quickly become one of the best young pitchers in all of baseball, and a top tier starter for the next decade.

ETA: Early 2012

Baltimore Orioles: SS Manny Machado

2011 Stats

.257/.335/.421, 11 HR, 50 RBI, 48 R, 11 SB at Single-A and High Single-A

Prospect Overview

The third overall pick in the 2010 MLB draft, and the first high school position player taken, Machado has drawn comparisons to his mentor Alex Rodriguez thanks to a big 6'3" frame and fantastic overall skill set.

After playing just nine pro games in 2010 after signing, Machado was rushed a bit last season and his average suffered as a result. But he has already shown good plate discipline (.335 OBP, 45 BB) and is certainly more advanced than most 19-year-olds.

The Orioles won't be contenders in 2012 and after signing J.J. Hardy to a three-year extension through 2014 the shortstop position looks to be occupied in Baltimore for the near future, but Machado will continue to make noise as he continues his rise towards the big leagues.

ETA: 2014

Boston Red Sox: RHP Anthony Ranaudo

2011 Stats

26 GS, 9-6, 3.97 ERA, 117 Ks, 127 IP at Single-A and High Single-A

Prospect Overview

Viewed as the top college starter and a potential early first round pick by many heading into the 2010 season, Ranaudo fell off during his final season at LSU due in larger part to a sore elbow.

Nonetheless, he was still a first round pick as the Red Sox selected him 39th overall and signed him to a hefty $2.55 million bonus.

His first pro season last year was an up-and-down one, but there is still a lot to like about the 6'7" right-hander. He will likely open the 2012 season in Double-A and could be on the fast track to the majors if he impresses there.

ETA: 2013

Chicago Cubs: CF Brett Jackson

2011 Stats

.274/.379/.490, 20 HR, 58 RBI, 84 R, 21 SB at Double-A and Triple-A

Prospect Overview

The Cubs farm system is underwhelming at best right now, but things are heading in the right direction with the new front office committed to building the organization from the ground up, and for the long haul.

One prospect who without question factors in the Cubs future plans is 2009 first-round pick Brett Jackson, a legitimate five-tool prospect who Baseball America views as a future All-Star with plus tools across the boards.

The offseason signing of David DeJesus likely means one more year of seasoning in the minors for Jackson, but Marlon Byrd's contract will be up at season's end and Jackson will undoubtedly step into a starting role in 2013. Here is to hoping he is better than recent Cubs' can't miss center field prospects Corey Patterson and Felix Pie.

ETA: 2013

Chicago White Sox: No One

In all honesty, the White Sox have no prospect in their organization that anyone who is not a baseball nut or a White Sox fan could name.

They have a solid closer prospect in Addison Reed, acquired a decent starting pitching option in Nestor Molina from the Blue Jays for Sergio Santos and have a former LSU two-sport star in Jared Mitchell, but that is the closest they have to a prospect who has been hyped.

Before 2012 is over, more people will know who Reed is as he could wind up closing games as a rookie, but for now no one cracks the list here for the White Sox.

Cincinnati Reds: LHP Aroldis Chapman

2011 Stats

54 G, 3.60 ERA, 71 Ks, 41 BB, 50 IP at Cincinnati

Prospect Overview

After struggling with control problems early in 2011, Aroldis Chapman was demoted in the middle of May after posting a 6.92 ERA and walking 20 in 13 innings of work.

However, upon his return he was dominant as he had a 2.43 ERA and just 21 walks over 37 innings, as he served as one of the Reds primary setup men down the stretch.

With a fastball that consistently tops 100, Chapman will never be pressed to find fan fare, With a move to the rotation seemingly inevitable, there should only be more buzz surrounding the Cuban phenom moving forward.

ETA: Arrived

Cleveland Indians: Lonnie Chisenhall

2011 Stats

.255/.284/.415, 7 HR, 22 RBI, 27 R at Cleveland
.267/.353/.431, 7 HR, 45 RBI, 45 R at Triple-A

Prospect Overview

Among the Indians top prospects since being selected 29th overall in the 2008 MLB draft, Lonnie Chisenhall got a lengthy 66-game audition last season and performed well enough that it looks like the team is ready to hand the starting third base job over to the 23-year-old.

The Indians were surprise contender for much of last season, and if they want to continue to make noise in the AL Central, the play of Chisenhall and how quickly he develops offensively will be a big factor.

Still, he was ranked 31st and 25th the past two seasons by Baseball America and he is among the top third base prospects in the game. It may take him some time to acclimate to big league pitching, but the payoff will be well worth it for the Indians.

ETA: 2012 

Colorado Rockies: LHP Drew Pomeranz

2011 Stats

20 GS, 4-3, 1.78 ERA, 119 Ks, 101 IP at High Single-A and Double-A

Prospect Overview

The key return of the trade that shipped Ubaldo Jimenez to the Indians, Pomeranz made four starts with the Rockies after joining the team and went 2-1 with a 5.40 ERA.

That may not sound great, but for a player to reach the big leagues in his first pro season is no small feat, and a sign of just how far along in his development Pomeranz already is at 23 years old.

He will open the season in the Rockies rotation, and the former fifth overall pick will be given as much slack as any rookie starting pitcher in the league, as the Rockies will likely leave him in the majors all season barring a horrible showing.

ETA: 2012

Detroit Tigers: RHP Jacob Turner

2011 Stats

20 GS, 4-5, 3.44 ERA, 110 Ks, 131 IP at Double-A and Triple-A

Prospect Overview

Taken out of high school with the ninth overall pick in the 2009 draft, Turner made his big league debut last season, starting three games for the Tigers mid-season.

With Brad Penny gone, the Tigers have an open rotation spot and Turner will get every chance to win it this spring, that is if he is still in Detroit at that time.

The team recently made it known that they would be willing to trade Turner if the right deal for a starting pitcher came along, indicating that Detroit is gearing up to win now and would prefer a proven veteran over a high upside young pitcher in their rotation.

ETA: 2012, regardless of where he is.

Houston Astros: 1B/OF Jonathan Singleton

2011 Stats

.298/.392/.441, 13 HR, 63 RBI, 68 R at High Single-A

Prospect Overview

For a team in the middle of a full-on rebuild, the Astros don't have much in the way of top tier prospects, although they do have one player who looks to be a future star in Jonathan Singleton.

Acquired from the Phillies last season for Hunter Pence, Singleton was among the Phillies top prospects but was blocked by Ryan Howard at first base.

He strikes out a ton, and has not yet developed the power of someone like Howard, but at just 19 last season he was a man among boys in High Single-A and given the situation he finds himself in with the Astros he could get a call-up by the end of next season if he hits well enough.

ETA: Late-2013

Kansas City Royals: CF Bubba Starling

2011 Stats

High School Senior

Prospect Overview

The most talented position prospect in the 2011 draft and one of the most hyped prep athletes in recent memory, Starling is the premier five-tool talent in the minor leagues right now and has as much upside as anyone in baseball.

He has a rocket arm that earned him an offer to quarterback for the University of Nebraska, wheels that were clocked at 4.4 in the 40-yard dash and the frame to fill out into one of the game's top power hitters.

There may be no prospect in baseball right now with the God-given talents that Starling has; it's just a matter of him putting it all together and while Gerrit Cole was the No. 1 pick, it is Starling who will be the most scrutinized and most hyped prospect of the draft class.

ETA: Late-2014

Los Angeles Angels: CF Mike Trout

2011 Stats

.220/.281/.390, 5 HR, 16 RBI, 20 R, 4 SB at Los Angeles
.326/.414/.544, 11 HR, 38 RBI, 82 R, 33 SB at Double-A

Prospect Overview

Ranked by some as the top prospect in baseball over Bryce Harper entering 2011, Trout had an amazing 2010 season in which he hit .341 BA, 10 HR, 58 RBI, 56 SB as an 18-year-old in Single-A.

He was equally impressive last season, earning a 40-game audition with the big league club, and while he looked over matched there is little doubt that he will be in the big leagues to stay sooner rather than later.

The Angels outfield is crowded, but after signing Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson the team is clearly looking to win now, so if Trout tears through minor league pitching again don't be surprised if the Angels give him a shot again at a big league job.

ETA: Mid-season 2012

Los Angeles Dodgers: RHP Zach Lee

2011 Stats

24 GS, 9-6, 3.47 ERA, 91 Ks, 109 IP at Single-A

Prospect Overview

Committed to play quarterback for Les Miles at LSU, Zach Lee was a risky selection by the Dodgers when they took him 28th overall in the 2010 draft. But a $5.25 million signing bonus was enough to pry him away from the gridiron.

With that hefty of a bonus, the largest in Dodgers history, comes some inevitable pressure and a tremendous amount of attention on the progression of his career.

He has terrific stuff, and he was solid pitching in the Midwest League as a 19-year-old last season, but it will take a lot more than that to earn his contract, and he will need to continue to impress to avoid quickly turning Dodgers fans against him.

ETA: Late-2014

Miami Marlins: LF Christian Yelich

2011 Stats

.312/.388/.484, 15 HR, 77 RBI, 73 R, 32 SB at Single-A

Prospect Overview

The Marlins farm system is thin right now, with very few players ready to contribute soon and the bulk of the talent in the lower levels of the system.

However, one of those lower level talents has but himself on the fast track is 20-year-old Christian Yelich. He enjoyed a monster first full pro season and is the class of the organization right now after being taken 23rd overall in the 2010 draft.

He has the total package, with his speed being the most surprising as the converted first baseman went 32-for-37 on thefts this past year. He's announced himself to the prospect world, now we'll see how quickly he can rise through the ranks.

ETA: Late-2013

Milwaukee Brewers: No One

Much like the White Sox, the Brewers lack a true marquee prospect at this point after dealing a good deal of their farm system last winter to acquire Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum.

The team drafted a pair of impressive college arms in Taylor Jungmann and Jed Bradley last season and they could both emerge as top flight pitching prospects, but at this point they are better known for their college career than as Brewers prospects.

With Greinke and Marcum both set to hit free agency, don't be surprised if one or both of those guys is dealt this coming season in an effort to re-stock the farm after falling short of the ultimate goal last season.

Minnesota Twins: LF Ben Revere

2011 Stats

.267/.310/.309, 0 HR, 30 RBI, 56 R, 34 SB at Minnesota

Prospect Overview

Revere is seasoned big league veteran compared to the rest of the guys on this list, but he has only begun to scratch the surface of what he could be capable of.

With a .326 average over five minor league seasons, he is not just a speedster but a legitimate table-setting lead-off hitter type who rarely strikes out (1 ever 10.9 at bats in minors) and is above average defensively.

The starting left field job looks to be his this coming season, and if he can prove to be a capable lead-off hitter the Twins could explore trading Denard Span as they did last year when he almost wound up with the Nationals.

ETA: Arrived

New York Mets: RHP Zack Wheeler

2011 Stats

22 GS, 9-7, 3.52 ERA, 129 Ks, 115 IP at High Single-A

Prospect Overview

It is a close call between Zack Wheeler and Matt Harvey as to who the Mets top prospect is, as both young pitchers have a very bright future, but there is little question that Wheeler is the far greater hyped prospect.

Acquired from the Giants for Carlos Beltran, Wheeler was incessantly referred to as the "Giants top prospect" at the deadline when it became clear the team would need to move him if they wanted to upgrade their offense.

He has performed well after being drafted sixth overall in the 2009 draft out of high school, but there will always be a certain amount of pressure and attention given to Wheeler for being part of the Beltran deal.

ETA: Late-2014

New York Yankees: C/DH Jesus Montero

2011 Stats

.328/.406/.590, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 9 R at New York
.288/.348/.467, 18 HR, 67 RBI, 52 R at Triple-A 

Prospect Overview

For all of the rumors surrounding Jesus Montero over the past year or so, he is still around and with Jorge Posada out of the picture he will likely step into the everyday DH role with the Yankees.

While there have always been questions as to whether he remain a catcher, or be moved to first base or DH, his offense has never been a question.

Now, he is set to begin his first full season in the big leagues, playing for a city that dissects every move the Yankees make, so regardless as to whether he does well or not there will be plenty of talk about Montero this coming season. My bet is on him doing well though, and pushing the Rays Matt Moore for AL Rookie of the Year.

ETA: 2012 

Oakland Athletics: DH/1B Chris Carter

2011 Stats

.278/.371/.544, 21 HR, 79 RBI, 58 R at High Single-A and Triple-A

Prospect Overview

There are certainly more talented prospects in the Athletics system, as Michael Choice and Jarrod Parker profile to be future stars, but none is more talked about than Carter.

The 6'4", 245-pound slugger has racked up 144 home runs over the past five seasons in the minor leagues, while hitting a solid .283 with a strong .379 on-base percentage in the process.

However, he has not been able to put it together in the majors with a .167 average over 114 at bats the past two seasons. He also does not have the fielding ability to be anything more than a DH. Still, if it all clicks, he has 50-HR potential, but it is looking more and more like he will be lucky to hold onto a big league job as he will be 25 this coming season.

ETA: 2012

Philadelphia Phillies: RF Domonic Brown

2011 Stats

.245/.333/.391, 5 HR, 19 RBI, 28 R, at Philadelphia
.274/.395/.414, 5 HR, 19 RBI, 26 R at High Single-A and Triple-A

Prospect Overview

The NL Rookie of the Year front runner heading into the 2011 season, Domonic Brown was sidelined in spring training with a hamate bone injury and he never got things going in what was more or less a lost season.

However, he is still only 24 years old, and there was a reason he was ranked as the fourth overall prospect by Baseball America last season.

The position battle of the spring for the Phillies will come in left field, where Raul Ibanez is no longer around and John Mayberry Jr. made a strong case for consideration last season, But Phillies brass would no doubt love to see Brown step in and play his way into a starting job this year.

ETA: 2012

Pittsburgh Pirates: RHP Gerrit Cole

2011 Stats

16 GS, 6-8, 3.31 ERA, 119 Ks, 114.1 IP at UCLA

Prospect Overview

Being selected first overall always comes with some added hype, and while Gerrit Cole is not quite as talked about as recent top picks Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper, he is still a headline grabber.

Coming out of high school, Cole was selected 28th overall by the Yankees but instead opted to head off to UCLA, spurning baseball's most powerful team and creating a name for himself in the process.

While his senior year numbers weren't overwhelming, his stuff is and he was reportedly throwing 100 mph in his pro debut this past October. He, along with 2010 No. 2 overall pick Jameson Taillon, give the Pirates a promising 1-2 punch moving forward as they continue to build towards contention.

ETA: Late-2013

San Diego Padres: 1B Anthony Rizzo

2011 Stats

.141/.281/.242, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 9 R at San Diego
.331/.404/.652, 26 HR, 101 RBI, 64 R at Triple-A

Prospect Overview

The prize acquisition of the deal that sent Adrian Gonzalez to the Red Sox, Anthony Rizzo is among the top power hitting prospects in the game, as he delivered a 26 HR, 101 RBI line in Triple-A last season over just 356 at bats.

However, following the acquisition of prospect Yonder Alonso in the deal that sent Mat Latos to the Reds, Rizzo's future both at first base and in the Padres organization looks cloudy at best.

That has caused Rizzo to be the topic of trade rumors, with some predicting him winding up with the Chicago Cubs, as former Padres GM Jed Hoyer is now part of the retooled Cubs front office.

ETA: Late-2012 if still with Padres, Early-2012 if traded.

San Francisco Giants: 1B Brandon Belt

2011 Stats

.225/.306/.412, 9 HR, 18 RBI, 21 R at San Francisco
.320/.461/.528, 8 HR, 36 RBI, 35 R at High Single-A and Triple-A 

Prospect Overview

A fifth round pick in the 2009 MLB draft, Brandon Belt exploded onto the prospect scene with a .352 BA, 23 HR, 112 RBI, 22 SB line in his first pro season in 2010, as he climbed from High Single-A all the way to Triple-A.

He opened the season in the big leagues last year, but struggled mightily in his 63-game stint as he hit just .225. He was dominant upon returning to the minors and will be given every chance to lock down a starting job this spring.

With another year under his belt, look for him to bounce back and enjoy a breakout season, although he is no longer rookie eligible.

ETA: 2012

Seattle Mariners: LHP Danny Hultzen

2011 Stats

18 GS, 12-3, 1.37 ERA, 165 Ks, 118 IP at University of Virginia

Prospect Overview

In passing on third baseman Anthony Rendon and multi-sport star Bubba Starling, among others, the Mariners made what appears to be the safest pick in selecting left-hander Danny Hultzen with the second overall pick in last year's draft.

While he does not necessarily have dominant upside, Hultzen should be a solid No. 2 or No. 3 starter for years to come once he reaches the big leagues, and he is already very polished at this point.

A true athlete, he also played first base and DH when not pitching during his senior year, and hit .309 with 35 RBI on the season. He will likely join Felix Hernandez and Michael Pineda atop the Mariners rotation sooner rather than later, and he could play a big part in bringing winning baseball back to Seattle.

ETA: Late-2013

St. Louis Cardinals: RHP Shelby Miller

2011 Stats

25 GS, 11-6, 2.77 ERA, 170 Ks, 139.2 IP at High Single-A and Double-A

Prospect Overview

Miller has been the pride of the Cardinals farm system since the team drafted him 19th overall in the 2009 MLB draft, and he posted the numbers to back that distinction up last season.

With a blazing fastball and plus curveball and changeup, Miller has the stuff to not only be a big league starter but to anchor the Cardinals staff once he reaches the big leagues.

He is still just 21, and will spend at least one more season in the minors. With Chris Carpenter signed through 2013, Cardinals fans can expect Miller to be ready to step into the rotation just as Carpenter is likely retiring at 38 years old.

ETA: Late-2013

Tampa Bay Rays: LHP Matt Moore

2011 Stats

5 G, 2 GS, 2-0, 1.86 ERA, 23 Ks, 19.1 IP at Tampa Bay (playoffs included) 
27 GS, 12-3, 1.92 ERA, 210 Ks, 155 IP at Double-A and Triple-A

Prospect Overview

The 2011 Minor League strikeout champion, Matt Moore earned a cup-of-coffee at the end of last season and wound up not only finding his way onto the Rays postseason roster but was the team's Game 1 starter in the ALDS against a potent Rangers lineup.

He responded to the challenge by throwing seven innings of shutout ball, allowing just two hits while walking two and striking out six.

That could only be a taste of things to come, as Moore is the odds on favorite to follow in the footsteps of teammates Jeremy Hellickson this past season and win AL Rookie of the Year. 

ETA: 2012 

Texas Rangers: SS Jurickson Profar

2011 Stats

.286/.390/.493, 12 HR, 65 RBI, 86 R, 23 SB at Single-A

Prospect Overview

A former Little League World Series hero out of Curacao, Jurickson Profar took a huge step forward last season as he went from a fantastic defensive prospect with a questionable bat, to a legitimate five-tool prospect.

He is still just 19 years old, and has should only get stronger as he continues to mature. While he will likely never be a 30 home run threat, he should hit well enough to hit towards the top of the lineup once he reaches the big leagues, as he demonstrated fantastic plate discipline last season with a 65:63 K:BB ratio.

His defense will likely be enough to push another slick fielding shortstop in Elvis Andrus to second base whenever he is ready to step into a big league role, but for now he will continue to develop offensively and work his way up the Rangers organizational ladder.

ETA: 2014

Toronto Blue Jays: 3B Brett Lawrie

2011 Stats

.293/.373/.580, 9 HR, 25 RBI, 26 R, 7 SB at Toronto
.347/.414/.647, 18 HR, 62 RBI, 64 R, 13 SB at High Single-A and Triple-A 

Prospect Overview

Lawrie lost his rookie eligibility after appearing in 43 games for the Blue Jays last season and logging 150 at bats (130 at bats is the cut-off), but for the sake of argument here he is still a prospect.

Acquired from the Brewers in the deal that sent Shaun Marcum out of Toronto last offseason, Lawrie reached the majors last season at the age of 21 and looks like he'll be there for many years to come.

He has transitioned from second base to third, and looks to have the glove and the power to make the switch a permanent one, and in an already potent Blue Jays lineup he should get plenty of chances to be a top tier run producer.

ETA: Arrived

Washington Nationals: RF Bryce Harper

2011 Stats

.297/.392/.501, 17 HR, 58 RBI, 63 R, 26 SB at Single-A and Double-A

Prospect Overview

Just when the hype surrounding Stephen Strasburg seemed like it could not be topped, the Nationals selected baseball prodigy Bryce Harper first overall in the 2010 MLB draft.

Really, can an athlete be more hyped up than appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated at the age of 16 and being dubbed "Baseball's Chosen One," as Harper was?

He certainly has some growing up to do, but he didn't miss a beat last season in advancing all the way to Double-A in his first pro season, and while the Nationals managed to control themselves last season don't be surprised if the 19-year-old sees his first big league action sometime in 2012.

ETA: Late-2012