It looks like Juan Francisco fans finally found their slot, as he handily takes the #6 spot on the list.  Now we move on to #7 with a list that is heavy on pitching right now.  I think we're probably due for a pitcher to fall into place, but maybe Dorn or Mesoraco will catch your fancy.  Let us know your reasons in the comments.

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Chris Valaika closes out a top 5 that ultimately had very few surprises.  I think it's safe to say that while the Reds may not have a clear superstar in the top 5, they've got a solid group there, all of whom could be important pieces for the next 5 to 10 years.

Now we start to move into some gray area.  I think it is unclear what order the next tier of prospects fall in.  Juan Francisco has drawn a few more eyes this off-season, but how much weight should we put on the improvements he appears to have made in the DWL?  Kyle Lotzkar and Zach Stewart have put up impressive numbers, but they are a lot farther from success than Daryl Thompson, so who knows how they should fall.  I'm interested to see how you all see the next set of prospects line up.

Let me know if you think there is somebody else we should be voting on at this point as well.

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It looks like Drew Stubbs has the 4th spot in the system locked up, so let's move on to spot #5.  I have added everybody that appears in the top 10 for either Doug or John SIckels.  Let us know if you think someone is missing.  I have a feeling the direction the next two votes will go, but I don't want to be leaving someone off the list if you think we should have them as an option.

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Frazier takes the 3 spot, in pretty much a landslide.  I have a feeling this next one will be much closer.  If it stays as close as I think it will, we could run this all the way through the holidays.  The candidates will be the same as the last vote, minus Frazier of course, just because I don't think there's anyone else you could put in that could make a case to be better than the rest of those guys.  Vote below.

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The race for the 2nd spot was a tight one, but Neftali Soto pulled ahead on Saturday and never relinquished the lead over Todd Frazier.  I've added two more names to the list today, Zach Stewart and Juan Francisco.  The two are the only remaining players that both Doug and John Sickels agree are in the top 10 for Reds prospects. 

I'm interested to see how today's vote could go.  If it's close by the evening, we'll leave the poll open an extra day.  Otherwise, we'll take a look at spot #4 tomorrow.

Vote early and often!

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Round two of the prospect ranking is starting today.  It was a decisive victory for Yonder Alonso as the team's #1 prospect, probably because I endorsed him and you all are sheep and not because every other site has him as the #1 prospect too.

Today we add Kyle Lotzkar to the list as we vote for the second best prospect in the Reds system.  I expect this vote to be a lot closer than yesterday's vote and therefore it may have to run all weekend before it is called.  I think anyone of the 4 remaining players from yesterday's vote could make a case as the team's #2, and given how closely bunched together they were behind Alonso, it should be interesting to see who steps up into the spot.

Post your argument for your man in the thread.  This is a crucial decision, so make it wisely.

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Here's a new idea for the site (shamelessly ripped off from Brew Crew Ball, the SBNation Brewers blog (who do a fantastic job, seriously)).  There's plenty of top prospect lists for the Reds out there, but not one that reflects the diverse community here at RR.  So we're making our own list!

The way this is going to work, is that every few days, a list of players will be voted on by you, the community, and one by one, we'll find the top 40 (or another number) best prospects in the Reds organization, which will hopefully go on a list on the side of the front page.  The format should be pretty self explanatory as we move along.

Here are the first 5 prospects under consideration for the number 1 spot.  If there's someone else you think deserves it, say so in the comments, otherwise, vote for who you think is number 1.  Also, feel free to make a pitch for who you voted for, and maybe spark some discussion about the future of our beloved team in the offseason.  Without further ado, the nominees for the Reds #1 prospect:

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