Who is Redszone's #10 prospect?

[dougdirt]

It is interesting how little attention a guy who just two years ago was named the organization's Minor League Player of the Year (Valaika) is getting in these polls.

Two years ago was a long time ago. Two years ago he hit 18 HR's. The last two years he has 10 combined. Without 15-20 HR power, Valaika isn't nearly as good of a prospect.

[Danny Serafini]

Understand the bloom is off the rose a bit, but when you look at the odds minor leaguers face he's already accomplished more in the Major Leagues than what many people on this poll, or even some voted ahead of him, will.

Part of that stems from the fact that he's been around long enough for us to see his flaws. It's fun to project what the really young guys could possibly do, but at the same time they haven't been challenged enough for us to see them fight through some struggles, so we don't have many real negative images of them. The newest guys tend to have an advantage simply because we haven't seen the downside yet.

[Scrap Irony]

Understand the bloom is off the rose a bit, but when you look at the odds minor leaguers face he's already accomplished more in the Major Leagues than what many people on this poll, or even some voted ahead of him, will.

Of those voted ahead of ten, only Yorman, Grandal, and Hamilton are significantly behind Valaika. Two of the three are likely Top 100 prospects this season and the third will get some love as well.

Chapman, Alonso, and Francisco have all had just as much or more experience as Valaika and acquitted themselves better.

Frazier, Cozart, and Mesoraco are perhaps slightly behind in terms of minor league experience, but even up at the AAA level.

Sappelt just had a great season and plays a demanding defensive position. Plus, he's younger and profiles at a higher level.

Valaika might have a beef later on in the poll, but, right now, he shouldn't say much.