Originally Posted by
Scrap Irony
1. Devin Mesoraco C (AAA)
Best catching prospect in Cincinnati since Johnny Bench. Offensive power could mean he's the cleanup hitter the Reds need desperately.
2. Yasmani Grandal C (AA)
If not for Mesoraco, Redszone would be up in arms over Grandal, who's shown more at the lower level than did Mesoraco. The combination of the two is icing on the cake at this point.
3. Daniel Corcino SP (A)
A young Johnny Cueto? Yes, please.
4. Dave Sappelt CF/LF (AAA)
Power is underrated. He could play CF right now for half the teams in baseball. A possible All-Star up the middle with monster numbers for two years now. Problematic injuries keep him this low.
5. Yonder Alonso 1B/LF (AAA)
Looks like a Sean Casey clone to me. That's not bad at all-- but it's not a top prospect at 1B either.
6. Billy Hamilton SS (A)
Major problems early this season with the advanced level, but his bat is coming around. Speed is for real and glove-- though raw-- looks to be solid to Gold Glove level, as his range and arm flash well above average.
7. Yorman Rodriguez CF (A)
Yonder is in the same boat as Slidin' Billy, but without the world class speed. His power might play, but his attitude is reportedly a problem. Worrisome, to say the least.
8. Ronald Torreyes 2B (A)
All he does is hit. And field. And hit with surprising power. Great scouting reports and statistics show well. Small sample size, but all reports look promising.
9. Zack Cozart SS (AAA)
Looks great so far in Cincinnati, but not that good. Will play very good defense and show very good pop. Nice value for this low in the rankings.
10. Juan Francisco 3B (AAA)
Francisco is what he is-- a masher that plays below average defensively and won't walk very much. He'd be a monster bat if used properly. Still very young.
11. Todd Frazier IF/OF (AAA)
Could be flipped with Francisco, but he's older. Love the versatility and the power. Should be in the majors now.
12. Brad Boxberger RP (AAA)
Best season by a Red pitcher in the minor league, IMO. Has a closer-type arm and stuff. Looks like he might be ready as early as September.
13. Juan Duran RF (A)
Moved up in the rankings, but position and K rate are problems that need to be addressed. Still, should be in Billings at best. Nice season so far.
14. Neftali Soto 1B (AA)
Before you question the ranking, look at his numbers. Then remember his wrist and hamate bone injuries. This is how a 1B is supposed to hit.
15. Tucker Brandhardt C (A)
Love the youth and offensive prowess at such a tender age. Already a very good defensive catcher that also looks like he might be able to hit. Three pretty monster catching prospects at three levels.
16. Josh Smith SP (A)
Old for his level, but those numbers look great. Stuff doesn't seem too bad either, though you could say that about many Red pitchers.
17. Donnie Joseph RP (AA)
Really poor numbers this season, but I see that slider and think he could be useful as either a set-up guy or a middle reliever.
18. Sean Buckley 3B (R)
Nice combination of power and hit stick. A little old for the level, but a move to Dayton next season could cement Buckley as the heir apparent at the hot corner. One to watch, certainly.
19. Henry Rodriguez 2B (AA)
Has a 900 OPS as a 2B. 'Nuff said.
20. Kyle Lotzkar SP (A)
Still has that arm. Still has those injury questions. Still in my Top 20.