Philadelphia Phillies: 5 Prospects That Are Tearing Up the Minor Leagues

The Philadelphia Phillies farm system continues to produce major league talent. Chase Utley, Cole Hamels, Pat Burrel and Domonic Brown were all developed in-house and have made progress to the major league level.

The Phillies show their depth with the continued progress of their minor league affiliates. The Triple-A Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs and the Double-A Reading Phillies have a boat load of talent that will be making an effect of the big league club in the upcoming year.

The Single-A Clearwater Threshers and the Lakewood Blue Claws carry the youngest of the potential Phillies and also have some players. 

Hear is a list of five players to keep and eye on in the minor leagues that my eventually become everyday players for your Philadelphia Phillies.

Julio Rodriguez

Julio Rodriguez is only 20 years old, and he currently is 8-3 with a 2.41 ERA in the A Advanced Florida State League. He has 58 strikeouts in 67.1 IP. 

Opponents are only batting .185 against him this season.

Jonathan Singleton

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 25: 'Aflac All-American' Jonathan Singleton stands on the field before the interleague game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox at Dodger Stadium on June 25, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers defeat

First baseman Jonathan Singleton's numbers are not exactly out of this world, but he is only 19 years old and already playing in the A Advanced Florida State League and should be up in Double-A Reading by next season.

The Phillies think the 6'2" 215 pound Singleton is a star in the making. Since he is so young he will continue to grow and gain muscle mass.

They have begun to slowly transition him into the outfield, but the coaches felt his hitting is more of a priority and have settled him back into playing first base.

Matt Rizzotti

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CLEARWATER, FL - MARCH 06: First baseman Matt Rizzotti #76 of the Philadelphia Phillies takes the throw at first as Joe Inglett #79 of the Tampa Bay Rays gets back safely during a Grapefruit League Spring Training Game at Bright House Field on March 6, 2

Matt Rizzotti is having another great year in Double-A. The only thing keeping him away from being in the major leagues is Ryan Howard.

At 6'5'' 265 pounds Matt is the picture perfect major league first baseman. If he could possibly learn another position it would make his climb easier.

Matt is batting .302 with 11 HR and 40 RBI through 61 games for the Double-A Reading Phillies.

Rizzotti may be used in a trade to help give the major league club some depth, but it sure would be great to see him develop here in Philadelphia.

Justin De Fratus

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CLEARWATER, FL - FEBRUARY 22: Justin De Fratus #72 of the Philadelphia Phillies poses for a photo during Spring Training Media Photo Day at Bright House Networks Field on February 22, 2011 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Justin De Fratus' name has been lighting up local media in Philadelphia. Everyone believes if things do not work out with Ryan Madson in the closer role, Justin will get a shot.

In the 2011 season he is 4-0 with a 1.91 ERA with 40 strikeouts in 33 innings. Opponents are batting .217 against him.

The Phillies could possibly bring him up to Triple-A before the season ends to get him ready in case the Phillies may need his services in a late season playoff push.

Cody Overbeck

Cody Overbeck is having the best season of any Phillies minor league player by far. He currently leads the entire Double-A Eastern League in home runs with 18 and has a good average to go along with that at .281. He currently has more home runs in any Phillies organization including Ryan Howard.

Cody can play many positions, such as 1B, 3B and even some outfield.

Unfortunately, Cody, as most power hitters do, strikes out a lot. If he can cut down on the strikeouts he may be ready for the big leagues sooner rather than later.

This type of power is going to be hard to ignore for Phillies management and Cody could be advancing up the Phillies food-chain in the next few seasons.