Chapman, Alonso in IL Top 20

   Baseball America ranked Aroldis Chapman as the No. 3 prospect in the International League. BA pegged Yonder Alonso No. 12. Cleveland catcher Carlos Santana and Tampa Bay RHP Jeremy Hellickson rank 1 and 2, respectively.  
   BA writer John Wagner noted that not only did Chapman feature the league's best fastball, but also it's top breaking ball in his mid-80s slider. The only knocks were that Chapman needs to improve his control and be quicker to the plate. Still, Chapman's "electric" stuff has the makings of at worst a dominant closer and at best a front of the rotation starter.

   In 39 IL games, 13 starts, Chapman was 9-6 with a 3.57 ERA. In 96 IP, he allowed 77 hits, struck out 125 and walked 52. Foes batted .218.

   Alonso is lauded for his short stroke, power to all fields, strength and hand-eye coordination. Knocks on him are that he actually puts the ball in play too often, rather than waiting for a better pitch to hit, and his lack of position versatility.  He is regarded as average defensively at first base.

   Alonso went 12-56-.296/.335/.470 with 31 doubles and two triples in 406 at bats. He batted .332 with nine home runs in his final two months in AAA. Alonso batted .269/.318/.429 against left-handers, showing more promise against southpaws than he had in the lower minors.