Using our Redszone top 40, which Reds prospects do you see taking the biggest leap forward in 2010?
For the pitchers, I'll go with Juan Carlos Sulbaran. We ranked him as our #22 prospect in the Redszone top 40, but I could see him moving into at least the 10-12 range next season, and maybe even higher than that. He struggled some in 2009 but I still love his potential. Despite his struggles, he still struckout 100 batters in 92.2 innings for a strong 9.7 K/9. That tells me his stuff is there, he just needs to locate it better (5.0 BB/9). He just turned 20 in November, so he still has plenty of time to put things together. I think he'll probably begin the season in Dayton and earn a promotion to Lynchburg by midseason.
As for the hitters, I had to think about this one a little harder. Juan Duran crossed my mind, but we ranked him at #16, and while I expect him to play a lot better this season, I don't see him jumping no higher than around 8-12. I considered all of the young shortstops, but Henry Rodriguez and Junior Arias both stuck out the most. We ranked Rodriguez #34 and Arias #37 and based on their tools, if they hit well this year like expected then both will probably jump into the top 20 next offseason. A strong case could be made for Gregorius and Valor too.
So who do you see making a big jump?