In a close vote, Yorman Rodriguez edged Todd Frazier for the 7th spot on this list. His numbers from last year don't jump out at you, but you have to consider that it was his first full season and that he's still a very raw and young product. I'm expecting to see an improvement as he gets more confidence in his swing and (hopefully) moves to the turbo-charged run environment in Bakersfield.
Two more pitchers to add to the list today, in two very different points in their career. Vote now, and let us know if there's anyone else you want to see on this list. With the system the way it is right now, there are plenty of guys that some people like more than others, so let me know.
Tony Cingrani, LHP, 22, BA-NR, Sickels-#6
(Billings) 1.75 ERA, 51.1 IP, 80 K, 6 BB, 0.80 WHIP
Pros: Fastball sits around 93-94, but can reach back and get 97. Long, consistent delivery. Lots of strikes, doesn't walk many.
Cons: He was a reliever in college, so questions still remain whether or not he can be a starter through a full season. Secondary pitches are promising (slider, changeup), but not even close to being finished products.
Todd Frazier, UT, 26, BA-#7, Sickels-#8
(Louisville) .260/.340/.467/.807, 15 HR, 46 RBI
(Cincinnati) .232/.289/.437/.726, 6 HR, 15 RBI
Pros: Shown an ability to hit for power, lots of XBH too. Versatile on defense. Good clubhouse guy. Cool nickname and at-bat music.
Cons: Doesn't really have a set position, and isn't above average anywhere. Plate discipline is suspect.
Mariekson "DiDi" Gregorius, SS, 21, BA-#6, Sickels-#7
(Bakersfield) .303/.333/.457/.790, 5 HR, 28 RBI
(Carolina) .270/.312/.392/.704, 2 HR, 16 RBI
Pros: Excellent athlete, has the tools to be a well above average defensive SS. Very good contact skills.
Cons: Very aggressive plate approach, little in-game power so far. Still young, but needs his athleticism to translate into offensive numbers.
Kyle Lotzkar, RHP, 22, BA-NR, Sickels-#15
(Dayton) 4.32 ERA, 66.2 IP, 72 K, 25 BB, 1.14 WHIP
Pros: Throws 3 pitches, with a fastball in the mid-90s, a good curve and a developing changeup. Gets lots of strikeouts and doesn't allow many baserunners.
Cons: Injuries. Tommy John survivor, and his mechanics haven't changed much to help alleviate that risk
Henry Rodriguez, 2B, 22, BA-UR, Sickels-#10
(Bakersfield) .340/.378/.513/.891, 8 HR, 44 RBI
(Carolina) .302/.367/.432/.799, 5 HR, 37 RBI
Pros: Good contact hitter. Doesn't strike out a ton, and will grab you a few stolen bases.
Cons: Unfortunately, the defense. Doesn't walk much, very much a free swinger.
J.C. Sulbaran, RHP, 22, BA-#9, Sickels-#12
(Bakersfield) 4.60 ERA, 137 IP, 155 K, 50 BB, 1.39 WHIP
Pros: Very solid 3-pitch repertoire, with an above average FB and a solid CH and CU. Above average stuff leads to high Ks, and he significantly improved on his previously spotty control in 2011.
Cons: Some question about his unorthodox mechanics remain, although he smoothed them out in 2011. Somewhat of an injury history. Mainly, he needs to repeat his strong season in AA in 2012.
David Vidal, 3B, 22, BA-UR, Sickels-#13
(Dayton) .280/.350/.498/.848, 20 HR, 85 RBI
Pros: Very lively bat, hitting for both average and power. Good defense.
Cons: Still questions about his size (he's listed at 5'11"), and struck out way too much (111 in 454 AB).