As we approach the All Star Break, I thought I would offer a midyear assessment of the Reds farm system and the prospects to watch going forward. I provided both a ranking system as well as a grade assigned to each prospect. The criteria is a combination both of ceiling as well as results to date. So while a Drew Stubbs may have a higher ceiling, Justin Turner's performance thus far merits him a slightly higher ranking.
GRADE A PROSPECTS
1. Jay Bruce OF 20 AA
One of the very best prospects in all of the game, Bruce looks to be the Reds #3 hitter and starting RF for many, many years. ETA: late 2008
2. Joey Votto 1B/OF AAA
Votto has done nothing but perform, and will be a Reds regular by the end of the month, as soon as Krivsky can find a taker for Hattenine. ETA: Any day
3. Johnny Cueto 21 AA
With Homer in the majors, Cueto takes the reigns as the organization's top pitching prospect. With his stunning debut in AA (1-0, 0.69 ERA, 19K's in 13 IP) every outing he has from here on out will be under the microscope. Hopefully he pairs with Bailey to fill out the rotation for years to come. ETA: late 2008
GRADE B PROSPECTS
4. Travis Wood 20 LHP A+
Coming off injury, Wood ranks high as the organization's sole premier left handed pitching prospect. He has been very inconsistent since returning, yet remains very young for his level. ETA: 2010
5. Sean Watson 21 RHP A+
Watson has had some shaky outings since being promoted from Dayton, yet remains as the prize thus far from 2006's draft class. He should get back on track as he adjusts to the competition, and with a strong finish to the year could even start 2008 at AA. ETA: late 2009/early 2010
6. Juan Francisco 20 3B/OF A
Francisco is a very intriguing prospect, yet he remains extremely raw. He has perhaps the best power of anyone in the low level minors, yet his defense and his plate discipline leave alot to be desired. He should move to a corner OF spot in the next year. ETA: 2010/2011
7. Chris Valaika 21 INF A+
Valaika has much better discipline and defense than Francisco, and plays a more premium position, yet lacks Francisco's upside. He will most likely move to either 2B or 3B in the next year, but has done nothing but perform since being taken in the 3rd round of last year's draft, thus earning a promotion this week to Sarasota. ETA: 2010
8. Devin Mesoraco 18 C Rookie
Mesoraco's quick signing after the draft will hopefully get him the seasoning he needs to adjust to professional ball. He ranks this high because of his high upside potential as an athletic catcher with a bat. He is the farthest from the majors of anyone on this list, yet remains one of the most interesting players to watch, especially as the organization's only true catching prospect. ETA: 2011 or beyond
9. Todd Frazier 21 3B/OF (still unsigned)
Frazier is the only unsigned player to make the list, although rumor has it that he won't be unsigned for long. He probably will be moved quickly to either 3B or a corner OF spot, but with his bat and athleticism it should not be a tough adjustment. Look for him to start in Dayton. ETA: (still unsigned)
10. Daryl Thompson 21 RHP A+
The only prospect the Reds received in The Trade, Thompson has been very solid since coming over to the Reds. Once heralded as a young Dontrelle Willis, Thompson has already had Tommy John surgery. He is the third member of the trio of pitching prospects now in Sarasota (along with Wood and Watson). ETA: 2010
GRADE C PROSPECTS
11. Sam LeCure 22 RHP AA
12. Carlos Fisher 24 RHP AA
13. Richie Gardner 25 RHP AAA
14. Justin Turner 22 2B A
15. Rafael Gonzalez 21 RHP A
16. Calvin Medlock 24 RHP AAA
17. Chris Dickerson 25 OF AAA
OTHERS TO WATCH
18. Drew Stubbs 22 CF A
19. Adam Rosales 24 INF AA
20. Tyler Pelland RHP 23 AA
21. Carlos Guevara 25 RHP AA
22. Chris Heisey 22 OF A
23. Neftali Soto 18 SS Rookie
24. Camilo Vazquez 23 LHP AA
25. Tzu Kai-Chiu 19 LHP Rookie
26. Josh Ravin 19 RHP Rookie
27. Kyle Lotzkar 19 RHP (still unsigned)
28. Josh Roenicke 21 RHP AA
29. Zack Cozart 21 SS A
30. Justin Reed 19 OF Rookie
31. Phil Valiquette 20 RHP Rookie
32. Craig Tatum 24 C AA
33. Pedro Viola 24 LHP A+
34. Brandon Waring 21 3B Rookie
35. Daniel Dorn 22 OF A+