Every MLB Team's “Prospect to Watch” Down the Stretch

Every September teams call up their top prospects either because they believe that they can help them with their playoff push or because they think that they could benefit from some playing time in the majors.

Regardless of the reason, there are a number of players to keep an eye on this September. These prospects could either make a playoff roster or be players that could put themselves in a position to make their club's MLB team next year.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Paul Goldschmidt

In 2010, Paul Goldschmidt put up outstanding numbers with the Arizona Diamondbacks' High-A team. Many scouts did not think that he could repeat his success this year at Double-A. Goldschmidt proved them wrong and has been in the majors since August.

While the high batting average that Goldschmidt had in the minors has not translated to the majors, his power certainly has. He has already hit two home runs off of Tim Lincecum this year. Goldschmidt will be an exciting player to follow the next few years.

Atlanta Braves: Julio Teheran

Coming into the year, Juilo Teheran was the top pitching prospect in the game according to Baseball America. He has slipped a spot, not because of anything that he has done, but because of the impressive performance of Matthew Moore.

Teheran has already made a few starts for the Atlanta Braves this year and he will get to make a few more in September. With a crowded rotation in Atlanta, September will give Teheran a chance to get a leg up for next year.

Baltimore Orioles: Ryan Adams

Brian Roberts has been struggling mightily and dealing with a number of injuries during the last two years. The Baltimore Orioles may need to find a new second baseman soon.

They might be able to find his replacement internally. Ryan Adams has a good amount of pop for a second baseman and has shown the ability to be decent defensively.

Boston Red Sox: Ryan Lavarnway

Ryan Lavarnway has been drawing a lot of attention recently. The Boston Red Sox's catcher has been showing impressive power in the minors this season.

While Lavarnway may not get that many meaningful at-bats this September, he could put himself in a position to contend for a spot in the Red Sox's starting lineup next season if he has a good month.

Chicago Cubs: Bryan LaHair

Carlos Pena has not exactly been everything that the Chicago Cubs were hoping for when they signed him to replace Derek Lee. It will be very interesting to see if the Cubs bring him back after the year.

Pena's return may depend on the play of Bryan LaHair. He has shown both impressive power and the ability to hit for average in the minors. LaHair could convince the Cubs to let Pena go if he has a good September.

Chicago White Sox: Dayan Viciedo

Dayan Vicideo likely could have started the year in the majors, but the Chicago White Sox decided to have him play in the minors so that he could learn how to play the outfield.

Viciedo is now back in the majors and is looking to show why his bat is so valuable. If he hits at the level that he can, Viciedo will become an important part of the White Sox's lineup in the near future.

Cincinnati Reds: Devin Mesoraco

Devin Mesoraco will likely be a part of the future in Cincinnati and it appears as if the future is starting now. The Reds have called Mesoraco up this September.

Mesoraco has drawn a lot of praise from scouts for his approach at the plate. Some scouts have even mentioned that he could be a potential middle-of-the-order bat in the near future.

Cleveland Indians: Lonnie Chisenhall

Entering the season, Lonnie Chisenhall was rated as baseball's 25th best prospect by Baseball America. He did not live up to that high ranking this year, but he is still an outstanding player.

Chisenhall is still amongst the most promising young players in baseball. September will continue to give the Cleveland Indians a hint about Chisenhall's readiness for a starting spot next season.

Colorado Rockies: Alex White

Alex White entered the year as one of the game's top pitching prospects and he was involved in what was arguably the biggest trade of the year. He was sent to the Colorado Rockies in the Ubaldo Jimenez deal.

White has the potential to be an important part of the Rockies' rotation for years to come. He missed a large chunk of the year as a result of an injury, so September will give the Rockies a great chance to evaluate what they received.

Detroit Tigers: Jacob Turner

Jacob Turner is the most highly touted prospect in the Detroit Tigers' system. He is also amongst the best young pitchers in the game.

Turner is just 20 years old so his September call-up gives him an outstanding chance to gain experience against major league hitters. He may not start next year in the majors, but he will certainly be back in Detroit in 2012.

Florida Marlins: Brad Hand

Brad Hand struggled during his brief stint in the majors earlier this season, but there is still a lot of hope for the 21-year-old. The Florida Marlins believe that Hand can help anchor their rotation for years to come.

Hand will need to build on his minor league success this September if he wants to start the year in the majors. If he does not, then Hand will likely be sent to Triple-A to begin the year.

Houston Astros: Jose Altuve

There is not much to look forward to in Houston other than the team's young prospects. The Astros have had a rough season but do have some promising young players.

Jose Altuve had to hit nearly .400 for the year in the minors to start to draw a lot of attention because of his size. The diminutive Altuve has been able to prove that size is not everything.

Kansas City Royals: Johnny Giavotella

The Kansas City Royals have a number of impressive young prospects who are either in the majors or on the cusp of reaching the big leagues. One of these players who was recently called up is Johnny Giavotella.

Giavotella could be the Royals' second baseman of the future. There is a chance that he is one of the players that helps the Royals turn the tide.

Los Angeles Angels: Mike Trout

Mike Trout is the top prospect who will be seeing playing time in the majors this year. Trout's outstanding performance in the minors led to him being ranked as Baseball America's No. 2 prospect coming into the season.

Trout has continued to impress while he has been in the majors. He is the youngest player in the majors and he will continue to develop as he gets older.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Dee Gordon

After a tough season that was filled with drama, the Los Angeles Dodgers and their fans need something to look forward to. That might be Dee Gordon.

Gordon has tremendous speed and has the potential to be the the shortstop of the future for the Dodgers. He is very exciting to watch and should be on the Opening Day roster next year.

Milwaukee Brewers: Taylor Green

It says a lot that Taylor Green has already received a September call-up while Mat Gamel is still in the minors. Green has the potential to challenge for a spot on the Milwaukee Brewers' Opening Day roster next year.

Green has both power and the ability to hit for average. He can also play multiple positions around the infield.

Minnesota Twins: Rene Tosoni

The Minnesota Twins could potentially have two spots open up in their outfield next season. One of the players that could fill a spot is Rene Tosoni.

A 36th-round draft pick, Tosoni worked his way to the majors earlier this year. He has struggled this year and if he wants to convince the Twins that he could start next year, a good September will be very beneficial to him.

New York Mets: Josh Satin

Playing third base in the New York Mets organization means that there is not likely an opportunity available for you at the major league level. That is exactly why Josh Satin needs to make the most of his chance this September.

Satin has hit well in the majors and a good September will put him in a position to potentially make the Mets as a backup next season.

New York Yankees: Jesus Montero

For the past two years, Jesus Montero has been one of the top five prospects in the minors. He has finally gotten a chance to put his talents on display for the New York Yankees.

Montero's bat has never been questioned but there have been concerns about his defense. He could become a DH in the near future.

Oakland Athletics: Jemile Weeks

Jemile Weeks, the younger brother of Rickie Weeks has drawn a lot of attention since he was drafted 12th overall by the Oakland Athletics in the 2008 MLB Draft. This season, he has reached the majors.

Weeks could be the Athletics' second baseman in the future. He has had a solid season and he should continue to play well in September.

Philadelphia Phillies: John Mayberry Jr.

Since being drafted in the first round of the 2005 MLB Draft, John Mayberry Jr. has failed to live up to his potential. However, this year it appears that Mayberry has finally figured things out.

It was thought that Mayberry was a bust, but there is a chance that he could be a solid third or fourth outfielder. He could have a big impact in the playoffs for the Philadelphia Phillies this year.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Chase d'Arnaud

The Pittsburgh Pirates have struggled to find good infielders the past few years. They may have found one in Chase d'Arnaud.

Although he has struggled a bit in the majors, d'Arnaud still has the potential to be one of the anchors in the Pirates lineup for years to come.

San Diego Padres: Anthony Rizzo

Since trading Adrian Gonzalez, the San Diego Padres have been looking for someone to replace him at first base. They may have found their replacement in one of the players from that deal.

Anthony Rizzo has been absolutely tearing up the PCL this year. He did get a chance in the majors but he struggled mightily. Rizzo will get another chance to show off his skills in September.

San Francisco Giants: Brett Pill

Brett Pill often gets overlooked because of his age. The 26-year-old has gotten his first shot at the majors this September.

Pill could potentially become a power threat for the San Francisco Giants off of their bench. There is also a chance that Pill could start for the Giants at first base next year and a good September would help his chances.

Seattle Mariners: Trayvon Robinson

Trayvon Robinson was one of the key pieces that the Seattle Mariners got back in their deal from Erik Bedard. They have already begun to see what he can do.

Shortly after he was called up, Robinson made one of the best defensive plays of the year. He has not yet produced what was expected from him offensively, but his bat should pick up.

St. Louis Cardinals: Maikel Cleto

Even though he is under 23-years-old, Maikel Cleto has already been a member of three major league organizations. It is surprising that based on his talent level that he has moved so much.

Cleto has reached the majors and could potentially become an important piece of the St. Louis Cardinals' rotation in the coming years. At the moment, he will be pitching out of the Cardinals' bullpen.

Tampa Bay Rays: Desmond Jennings

After seeing what Desmond Jennings has done in the majors, many people must be scratching their heads as to why the Tampa Bay Rays kept him in the minors for so long.

Jennings is looking like the top prospect that many scouts believe that he was. He has the potential to develop into a Carl Crawford type player.

Texas Rangers: Leonys Martin

Leonys Martin could have an impact not only in September, but also during the postseason. He was called up after Nelson Cruz went on the DL.

The Cuban defector could become an integral part of the Texas Rangers' outfield for years to come. He is an outstanding defender and has both speed and the ability to get on base.

Toronto Blue Jays: Brett Lawrie

It seemed as if Brett Lawrie would get a call-up to the majors earlier this season but he was sidetracked as a result of an injury. Lawrie was having an outstanding year in the minors.

When he finally reached the majors, Lawrie has been fantastic. He will be the Toronto Blue Jays' Opening Day third baseman next year and he has a bright future.

Washington Nationals: Tom Milone

During his first game in the majors Tom Milone was incredibly impressive with his bat. He went one for two with a three run home run. That is even more impressive because he is a pitcher.

Milone did not pitch well in his major league debut but he has the potential to be a middle-of-the-rotation starter for the Washington Nationals.