All 30 MLB Teams' Top Prospects Ready to Make an Impact in the Majors in 2012

Now that the 2011 MLB season has come to a close, a very important countdown has already gotten underway for those most rabid of baseball fans, and for them, six words come to mind—pitchers and catchers report Feb. 19.

On that day, the 2012 MLB season officially begins, and each team will be preparing for what lies ahead in the following seven or eight months. And for each team, there will be many prospects who will be looking to make an impression in that six weeks of spring training, with the goal of making the roster and impacting their teams during the regular season.

Bleacher Report will take a look at which prospect for each MLB team is most likely to make an impact on the upcoming 2012 season.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Jarrod Parker

At just 23 years of age, young right-handed pitcher Jarrod Parker has made an impression for the Arizona Diamondbacks at every level in the minors, and the 2011 season was no exception.

Making 26 starts for Double-A Mobile, Parker was 11-8 with a 3.79 ERA, and with his magnificent MLB debut on Sept. 27, Parker’s performance that day (5.2 innings, four hits, no runs) was enough to convince manager Kirk Gibson to add Parker to the roster for the NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Parker will be given every opportunity during spring training to become the fifth starter in the D-Backs’ rotation, and if his late season debut was any indication, the 2012 season could turn out pretty well for Parker.

Atlanta Braves: Julio Teheran

With the trade of Derek Lowe to the Cleveland Indians, and the rumors swirling about Jair Jurrjens, the Atlanta Braves will have quite a battle going on for the final spots in the starting rotation, and top prospect Julio Teheran will be primed and ready.

Teheran received three starts last season for the big club after he dominated at the Triple-A level, going 15-3 with a 2.55 ERA in 24 starts for the Gwinnett Braves. With Lowe now out of the picture, Teheran will likely be competing for the fifth spot in the rotation with Randall Delgado.

Baltimore Orioles: Kyle Hudson

It’s not often that a prospect jumps all the way from Advanced Single-A to the majors in one season, but that’s exactly what 24-year-old outfielder Kyle Hudson did for the Baltimore Orioles in 2011.

Hudson easily handled every level last season, earning a September call-up for the O’s. While Hudson’s major league debut wasn’t spectacular (.143 average in 14 games), his rapid ascension through the system last year clearly showed that Hudson is ready for prime time.

Boston Red Sox: Ryan Lavarnway

The Boston Red Sox may have been eliminated from the postseason on the last day of the regular season, and they may have gone through a tremendous amount of change in the last couple of months, but they certainly found a young man who could very well be a star for them in the very near future—catcher Ryan Lavarnway.

After hitting 32 HR and 93 RBI between Double-A and Triple-A ball, Lavarnway earned a promotion in mid-August and again with the September call-up, even helping the Red Sox extend their playoff aspirations on the second to last day of the regular season with a two-home run night against the Baltimore Orioles.

Lavarnway will still be behind Jarrod Saltalamacchia on the depth chart, but with the uncertainty of David Ortiz returning to Boston, the Red Sox will no doubt have someone who can also fill the role as DH in Lavarnway.

Chicago Cubs: Brett Jackson

Drafted in the first round of the 2009 MLB Draft, 23-year-old outfield prospect Brett Jackson has rapidly ascended through the Chicago Cubs’ minor league organization each year, and in 2011, Jackson again impressed, easily handling the promotion to Triple-A Iowa and responding with a .297 batting average, 10 HR and 26 RBI.

With a new management team in place in Chicago, Jackson will be given every opportunity to show that he is ready for prime time in Chicago, and if he continues doing what he has done at every level thus far, Jackson could very well be making an impact at Wrigley Field in 2012.

Chicago White Sox: Dayan Viciedo

You can’t keep a good man down for long, and in the case of Chicago White Sox prospect Dayan Viciedo, there may be no way the White Sox can keep him down any longer.

The biggest problem facing Viciedo at this point is where to play. With Paul Konerko at first base and Carlos Quentin in right field, Viciedo doesn’t appear to have a regular position at this point. However, with the recent rumors that GM Kenny Williams is listening to offers regarding Quentin, Viciedo could very well be shining for the White Sox in 2012.

Cincinnati Reds: Yonder Alonso

After hitting .330 with five home runs in 88 at-bats for the Cincinnati Reds in limited action in 2011, first baseman/left fielder Yonder Alonso has clearly shown that he is ready to take on major league pitching. However, much like Chicago White Sox prospect Dayan Viciedo, Alonso’s problem is just where he will play.

With Joey Votto manning first base, Alonso will likely be in a competition with Chris Heisey for the the starting left field job during spring training. However, if Alonso’s bat continues to do the talking for him, Heisey might be the one looking for playing time.

Cleveland Indians: Zach McAllister

When the Cleveland Indians acquired Zach McAllister from the New York Yankees in exchange for Austin Kearns in 2010, they were getting a pitcher that didn’t have dominant stuff, but showed the potential to be an innings-eater, middle of the rotation-type pitcher.

McAllister took a major step forward in 2011, sparkling at the Triple-A level with a 12-3 record, 3.32 ERA and 128 strikeouts in 154.2 innings. McAllister made four starts for the Tribe in 2011, and while they weren’t lights-out performances, McAllister will clearly get a chance to crack the starting rotation for the Indians in spring training.

Colorado Rockies: Wilin Rosario

The Colorado Rockies may have Chris Iannetta behind the plate, however he may just be holding the position temporarily if 22-year-old prospect Wilin Rosario has anything to say about it.

Rosario, one of the elite catching prospects in the major leagues, hit 22 home runs at Triple-A Tulsa in 2011, earning a late call-up to the Rockies as a result.

 Rosario’s defense has been terrific, throwing out 41 percent of runners attempting to steal in his minor league career thus far. Combined with the power he possesses, Rosario won’t be held back by the Rockies much longer.

Detroit Tigers: Jacob Turner

Taken by the Detroit Tigers with the ninth overall pick in the 2009 MLB Draft, 20-year-old right-handed pitching prospect Jacob Turner has impressed at every level thus far, and was impressive in his major league debut on July 30 against the Los Angeles Angels, giving up just two runs on three hits in 5.1 innings, striking out six and walking three.

Turner could very well round out an excellent rotation for the Tigers that already features Justin Verlander, Doug Fister, Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello, making them one of the more formidable rotations in the American League.

Houston Astros: Jarred Cosart

The Houston Astros suffered through some horrible draft years in the 2000s, and while scouting director Bobby Heck has done a decent job recently, the trades of Hunter Pence to the Philadelphia Phillies and Michael Bourn to the Atlanta Braves brought back a great cache of prospects, including 21-year-old pitching prospect Jarred Cosart.

Cosart instantly became the Astros' best pitching prospect after the trade of Pence, and while the Astros may be hesitant to rush him, Cosart's abilities and tremendous repertoire may have him pitching at Minute Maid Park at some point in 2012.

Kansas City Royals: Mike Montgomery

There's an awful lot to like about 22-year-old Kansas City Royals pitching prospect Mike Montgomery, even if he did take a step back in his development last season.

Montgomery struggled at the Triple-A level, with a 5-11 record and 5.32 ERA in 27 starts for the Omaha Storm Chasers. However, the Royals love Montgomery's makeup, and he will absolutely be competing for a spot in the starting rotation during spring training.

Los Angeles Angels: Garrett Richards

Los Angeles Angels fans got their first look at right-handed pitching prospect Garrett Richards on August 10, debuting against the New York Yankees. Richards would start three games for the Angels during 2011, and with the Angels unlikely to retain starting pitcher Joel Pineiro, Richards will get an opportunity to crack the starting rotation during spring training.

Richards was 12-2 with a 3.15 ERA in 21 starts with the Double-A Arkansas Travelers, and while he isn't overpowering like Jered Weaver or Dan Haren, Richards is capable of being a solid middle of the rotation, innings-eater type of guy.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Nathan Eovaldi

The Los Angeles Dodgers are faced with uncertainty regarding their starting rotation for the 2012 season, with Hiroki Kuroda considering a return to Japan and Rubby de la Rosa out for most of the season following Tommy John surgery.

However, the Dodgers certainly liked what they saw in 21-year-old prospect Nathan Eovaldi. After posting a 2.62 ERA in 19 starts for Double-A Chattanooga, Eovaldi posted an impressive 3.63 ERA for the Dodgers in 10 appearances, six of them starts.

While the Dodgers would probably prefer Eovaldi to play in Triple-A to start the season, he may be called upon to continue his progression at the major league level.

Miami Marlins: Matt Dominguez

When the Miami Marlins were set to open the 2011 season, many expected prospect Matt Dominguez to be manning the third base bag. However, an awful spring training followed by an injury derailed Dominguez, and his debut with the big club was delayed until a September call-up.

The Marlins have been courting free agent shortstop Jose Reyes, and if they are successful in signing him, Hanley Ramirez would likely move to third. However, if Reyes signs somewhere else, Dominguez could finally get his shot to shine at the major league level.

Milwaukee Brewers: Mat Gamel

If the Milwaukee Brewers are unsuccessful in signing first baseman Prince Fielder to a long-term contract, they may have a fall-back plan with 26-year-old power hitter Mat Gamel.

Gamel, who has been called up in four consecutive seasons, has had nowhere to go with Fielder in the lineup. However, after hitting .310 with 28 HR and 96 RBI with Triple-A Nashville, Gamel could become the go-to guy at first base for the Brew Crew in 2012.

Minnesota Twins: Chris Parmalee

There is a lot of uncertainty in Minnesota concerning the health of veteran first baseman Justin Morneau. Morneau played in only 69 games in 2011, suffering from a rash of injuries, including concussion symptoms that ended his season in late August.

If Morneau continues having problems at the beginning of the 2012 season, the Twins may turn to 23-year-old prospect Chris Parmelee. Parmrelee had a monster September, hitting .355 with four homers and 14 RBIs in 21 games.

GM Terry Ryan may look to bring in a veteran first baseman, however if he is unable to fill the void, Parmelee could be the man.

New York Mets: Jeurys Familia

New York Mets right-handed pitching prospect Jeurys Familia took tremendous strides in 2011, posting a 2.90 ERA in 23 starts between Advanced Single-A and Double-A ball, with 132 strikeouts in 124 innings of work.

Familia has a tremendous four-seam fastball with movement, and his secondary pitches are developing nicely as well. While he will likely start the 2012 season in Triple-A ball, Familia could very well impact the Mets at some point during the season.

New York Yankees: Jesus Montero

There appears to be no question whatsoever that New York Yankees catching prospect Jesus Montero will be playing in the major leagues in 2012, however if rumors persist, it may not be with the Yankees.

GM Brian Cashman loves Montero, and in a press conference earlier this month, he left almost no doubt at all that Montero would be impacting the Yankees roster in 2012.

“He could be a catcher, he could be a DH, he could be a bat off the bench, depending on how the roster looks,” Cashman said.

However, if Cashman is approached with an offer that blows him away, such as an elite pitcher, Montero could find himself out of Gotham and helping another team.

Oakland Athletics: Sonny Gray

When 22-year-old pitching prospect Sonny Gray debuted in the Oakland Athletics minor league organization after his selection in the first round of the 2011 MLB Draft, he made one start in the rookie league before his promotion to Double-A Midland, where he sparkled in five starts, posting a 0.45 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 20 innings.

The problem lies in where Gray's role will be with the A's when he ascends to the big league roster. While some scouts project him as a middle-of-the-rotation starter, others project him as a valuable bullpen guy. Wherever he ends up, Gray could very well impact the A's at some point in 2012.

Philadelphia Phillies: Justin De Fratus

24-year-old right-handed pitching prospect Justin De Fratus did little to discourage enthusiasm in his September call-up with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2011, posting a 2.25 ERA in five relief appearances after a stellar season between Double-A and Triple-A, posting a 2.99 ERA in 51 appearances, striking out 99 batters in 75.1 innings.

With several Phillies' relievers likely to be going elsewhere via free agency, De Fratus will get every opportunity to help Philadelphia full time in the bullpen during the 2012 season.

Pittsburgh Pirates: None

The Pittsburgh Pirates have stockpiled quite a few excellent draft picks in the last two years, however none of them appear to be ready to impact the Pittsburgh Pirates during the 2012 season.

Gerrit Cole, Jameson Taillon, Josh Bell, Kyle McPherson and others show a lot of promise for the future, however that future doesn't include the 2012 season.

San Diego Padres: Casey Kelly

Casey Kelly, the San Diego Padres' top pitching prospect, had his struggles at the beginning of the season with the Double-A San Antonio Missions, however finished the year strong, posting an 11-6 record and 3.98 ERA in 27 starts.

Kelly will get a long look during spring training, and could very well nail down a spot on the Padres roster with a strong showing.

San Francisco Giants: Eric Surkamp

The San Francisco Giants will have a battle going on during spring training for the fifth spot in the starting rotation, and left-handed prospect Eric Surkamp will get a long look.

With Barry Zito returning from a rash of injuries in the 2011 season, he will be pressed by Surkamp for the final spot. Surkamp started six games for the Giants late in 2011, posting a 2-2 record and 5.74 ERA.

Seattle Mariners: Danny Hultzen

When the Seattle Mariners selected left-hander Danny Hultzen with the second overall pick in the 2011 MLB Draft, they envisioned him in a rotation along with Felix Hernandez and Michael Pineda as a southpaw whose stuff would work well in pitcher-friendly Safeco Park.

Hultzen was outstanding in the Arizona Fall League, and even though he has no minor league experience, Hultzen will be given a long look by the Mariners in spring training for a spot on the starting rotation.

St. Louis Cardinals: Shelby Miller

St. Louis Cardinals top pitching prospect Shelby Miller took tremendous strides in the 2011 season, posting an 11-6 record and 2.77 ERA in 25 starts between Advanced Single-A and Double-A ball, striking out 170 batters in 139.2 innings.

Miller will be in spring training for the Cardinals in 2012, and could very well land a spot in the starting rotation with an impressive showing. There is no doubt that the Cards see Miller at the top of their rotation in the foreseeable future.

Tampa Bay Rays: Matt Moore

After the performance turned in by left-handed prospect Matt Moore in Game 1 of the ALDS against the Texas Rangers (seven innings, no runs, two hits), there should be no doubt whatsoever that he belongs in the big leagues.

The problem is whether or not can find a place in the starting rotation for the Tampa Bay Rays. With James Shields, David Price, Jeremy Hellickson, Jeff Niemann and Wade Davis already in place, Moore will have to bump one of them in spring training in order to crack the starting five. However, with recent rumors swirling regarding Shields and Davis, Moore may not have to worry.

Texas Rangers: Leonys Martin

The Texas Rangers committed $15 million to Cuban outfielder Leonys Martin, and despite just 73 games in the minors, Martin will be given every opportunity to compete for the starting center field position during spring training.

Martin hit hit .348 in his brief stint in Double-A, then put up a .389 on-base percentage and .905 OPS in the Arizona Fall League, where he also dazzled with his speed and defense.

Toronto Blue Jays: Henderson Alvarez

The Toronto Blue Jays may not have opened the 2011 season thinking that young pitching prospect Henderson Alvarez would be a key contributor, but they’ll certainly head into the 2012 season with that frame of mind.

Alvarez started the season at Double-A New Hampshire, posting an 8-4 record and 2.86 ERA in 14 starts. The Jays called Alvarez up in early August, and the results were indeed impressive. Despite a record of 1-3, Alvarez posted a nice 3.53 ERA in 10 starts, with 40 strikeouts against just eight walks in 63.2 innings.

Alvarez will no doubt be in the rotation for the Blue Jays in 2012, and with his surprising development this year, his future certainly looks rosy.

Washington Nationals: Brad Peacock

The Washington Nationals certainly have an abundance of talent in their farm system, and with young stars Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmermann at the top of the rotation, the future is indeed bright. Right-handed prospect Brad Peacock is part of that promising future as well.

Peacock was impressive in his two starts during his September call-up last season, giving up just one run and seven hits in 12 innings of work. Peacock was outstanding between Double-A and Triple-A, with a 15-3 record and 2.39 ERA in 23 starts, striking out 177 batters in 146.2 innings.

Doug Mead is a featured columnist with Bleacher Report. His work has been featured on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, SF Gate, CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Times and the Houston Chronicle. Follow Doug on Twitter, @Sports_A_Holic.