MLB Farm Report 2011: Power Ranking Baseball's Top 10 A-Ball Prospects

The journey begins in the rookie league, and (for these players) has continued to the Class-A Advanced level.

To this point in their careers, they have proven to be even more elite than their minor league brethren.

And, as they wait for the call-up to Double-A, it only increases their chances of playing in the bigs.

So, with all this being said, here are the top 10 minor league players to look out for.

Side Note: All players are those that finished the 2010 season with a Class-A Advanced ball-club. Those that advanced onto Double-A and above were not considered.

10. Starling Marte: Outfielder, Bradenton Marauders

Despite only playing in 60 games for Bradenton in 2010, Short made the best of his time.

He initially began the year in the Gulf Coast League of the rookie level with the Pirates, but got called up after eight games.

For the Marauders he batted .315, drove in 33 runs, hit 16 doubles and swiped 22 bases.

Defensively, he mostly played center field, but also put some work in at right field.

Given 116 chances, Marte only had six errors for a 94.8 fielding percentage.

He's been in the minors since 2007 and has been slowly working his way upward.

This year, however, could be a breakout season. 

9. Cole Figueroa: Infielder, Lake Elsinore Storm

After three successful seasons in the minors, Cole Figueroa has the ability to at least get called up to Triple-A in 2011.

Last season he batted .303, while driving in 66 runs and swiping 26 bags.

Defensively, however, he spent most of his time at second base (105 games), but also put in work at SS (19 games).

On the year he had 435 chances with only our errors for a 99 percent fielding percentage.

For the Padres to get back on pace with the San Francisco Giants, Figueroa could be a good contributor in the near future.

8. Stephen Vogt: DH-In/Out Fielder, Charlotte Stone Crabs

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FT. MYERS, FL - FEBRUARY 22: Stephen Vogt #60 of the Tampa Bay Rays poses for a portrait during the Tampa Bay Rays Photo Day on February 22, 2011 at the Charlotte Sports Complex in Port Charlotte, Florida. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

One of the most dynamic players on the list, Vogt has spent the past two seasons in the advanced level, but was a significant contributor last season.

At the plate he batted .345 with 47 RBIs and 31 doubles.

Now, although he only appeared in 68 games on defense, he rotated between catcher, left field and first base.

Also, out of 423 chances, he only made seven errors for a 98 percent fielding percentage.

His versatility could go a long way, how far will be up to him.

7. D.J. LeMahieu: Infielder, Daytona Cubs

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OMAHA, NE - JUNE 22: D.J. LeMahieu #17 of the Louisiana State University Tigers celebrates after he scored the game winning run against the Texas Longhorns during Game 1 of the 2009 NCAA College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium on June 22, 2009 in Omah

After spending his first two years in the minors in the rookie league, and Class-A level, LeMahieu made a deep impact in 2010 at the advanced level.

In 600 plate appearances he still batted .314, drove in 73 runs, hit 24 doubles and swiped 15 bags.

With the glove LeMahieu had 532 chances combined between SS, second-base, and third-base.

He only committed 13 errors for a 97 percent fielding percentage, which included 56 double plays.

Since he debut in 2009, he has quickly made a name for himself and don't be surprised if he's in the bigs sooner rather than later.

6. Brandon Short: Outfielder, Winston-Salem Dash

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GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 26: Brandon Short #76 of the Chicago White Sox poses for a photo on photo day at Camelback Ranch on February 26, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

A versatile athlete who has had to take the scenic route to reach the advanced minor league level.

In 2008, he began with the rookie league Bristol Sox, continued through Class-A with Kannapolis Intimidators and finished 2010 in Wiston-Salem.

Last season he batted .316, drove in 79 runs and hit 15 HRs.

Out on the green, he was like a defensive back in football playing both CF and RF, but also has experience at LF.

While playing in 117 games in 2010, he had 209 chances with only five errors for a fielding percentage of 97 percent.

5. Paul Goldschmidt: First Baseman, Visalia Rawhide

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SCOTTSDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 21: Paul Goldschmidt #63 of the Arizona Diamondbacks poses for a portrait at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on February 21, 2011 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Batted .314 while playing in 128 games (10 as a DH) and drove in 108 runs with 35 HRs.

In the field, he only had 13 errors out of 1,265 chances which equals a 99 percent fielding percentage.

After a strong rookie campaign in 2009 with the Missoula Osprey, Goldschmidt hit the ground running in 2010.

Look for even more improvement from him in 2011 as his potential has no limit.

4. Erik Komatsu: Outfielder, Bevard County Manatees

Prior to 2010, Erik Komatsu has gradually worked his way into the Class-A Advanced by paying his dues in the rookie league and then the Class-A level.

As the competition improved, however, so did Erik.

Last summer he batted .323, drove in 63 runs, had 31 doubles and stole 28 bags.

On defense his balance/versatility as an outfielder really shined.

He put in 22 games at left field, 29 games at right field and 75 games at center field.

Between all three, he had 163 chances with only four errors for a fielding percentage of 99 percent.

3. Johermyn Chavez: Outfielder, High Desert Mavericks

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GOODYEAR, AZ - MARCH 11: Johermyn Chavez #70 of the Seattle Mariners gets ready in the batters box against the Cleveland Indians at Goodyear Ballpark on March 11, 2011 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

In 2006 and 2007 he put time in the rookie league.

2008 and 2009 were spent at the Class-A level.

Each year, however, he has done nothing expect improve, which bodes well for the future.

As we now see, he spent 2010 at the Class-A Advanced level.

Batted .315 while driving in 96 runs with 32 HRs, 30 doubles and seven triples.

Defensively, he was mainly in right field and had 301 chances with only eight errors, for a fielding percentage of 97 percent.

His kind of improvement is what the Mariners need, and he could be an even more valuable asset real soon.

2. Kevin Thomas: Pitcher, Palm Beach Cardinals

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JUPITER, FL - MARCH 06: Pitcher Kevin Thomas #75 of the St. Louis Cardinals throws against the Florida Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium on March 6, 2011 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Since his rookie year in the rookie league in 2008, Thomas has been moving up each year and doing well.

Last season, however, was his best of the three, which gives potential to 2011.

He finished with a record of 10-2 and an ERA of only 2.27, including 94 strikeouts in 107 innings pitched.

With the pitching injuries the St. Louis Cardinals have already dealt with this spring training, Kevin Thomas could see himself in the big league very soon.

1. Joseph Gardner: Pitcher, Kinston Indians

If there is one thing the Cleveland Indians need, it's pitching.

Joseph Gardner could be the man to be of much needed assistance.

As a rookie in 2010, Gardner finished the Class-A Advanced level with a record of 12-6 with a 2.65 ERA.

In 122.1 innings pitched he also had 104 strikeouts while starting 22 games.

To come in as a rookie and play this well is what the Tribe needs. So, get ready Cleveland because you may see Gardner at Progressive Field in 2011.

Reference

Statistical Reference:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/