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Tucker Barnhart makes the list at #17, and I'm still reeling to figure out why. His plate discipline and makeup are far beyond his years, he's done a good job improving at each level, and was the best defensive catcher in the minors last year according to people who keep track of minor league catcher defense. Still with quite a bit to prove with the bat as he goes up the ladder, but he's set himself up well to be a big leaguer.
Be sure to follow Tucker on twitter at @Tucker_Barnhart, as he's one of the best Reds minor league tweeters out there. Also, he'll be on the Reds Caravan which kicks off today, so go out and see him if you're going to be in Huntington (WV) today, Bowling Green (KY) on Saturday, or Lexington on Sunday.
A few new names to add to the list, and the rest of the guys have been so close the past few days I have no idea who'll come out on top. Vote!
Junior Arias, 3B, 20, BA-UR, Sickels-#19
(Billings) .251/.320/.452/.772, 8 HR, 30 RBI
Pros: Toolsy. Will be a monster at the plate if he can get his mechanics together and figures out how to hit. Time is on his side.
Cons: Still really raw. Went up a rookie ball level and numbers didn't improve. Does not walk.
Tim Crabbe, RHP, 24, BA-UR, Sickels-#14
(Dayton) 3.65 ERA, 24.2 IP, 25 K, 7 BB, 1.17 WHIP
(Bakersfield) 3.41 ERA, 111.0 IP, 123 K, 46 BB, 1.29 WHIP
Pros: Two above average pitches, profiles as a solid reliever. Put up good numbers in the Cally League, which is a pitcher's nightmare.
Cons: Needs a 3rd pitch if he wants to be a starter. Kind of old for his level, so needs to go to AA and pitch well.
Amir Garrett, RHP, 19, BA-UR, Sickels-UR
No pro stats yet
Pros: Throws 96. Athletic doesn't even begin to describe him. Chapman-esque delivery.
Cons: Is a basketball player. Very, very raw talent. Needs secondary pitches.
Donald Lutz, 1B, 23, BA-UR, Sickels-UR
(Dayton) .301/.358/.492/.850, 20 HR, 75 RBI
Pros: Lots of power, and had a breakout season this year where he started hitting for average too. German fella.
Cons: Strikeouts a major issue, and doesn't walk enough. A little old for his level after 3 years of rookie ball.
Chris Manno, LHP, 23, BA-UR, Sickels-UR
(Hagerstown) 1.04 ERA, 43.1 IP, 69 K, 15 BB, 0.81 WHIP
(Bakersfield) 0.53 ERA, 17.0 IP, 31 K, 6 BB, 0.71 WHIP
Pros: Amazing numbers since being traded, especially for the league environment. Deceptive delivery, with major league bullpen potential.
Cons: Below average fastball velocity. Secondary pitches need work.
Gabriel Rosa, 3B, 18, BA-UR, Sickels-#17
(AZL Reds) .245/.314/.406/.719, 2 HR, 10 RBI
Pros: Good speed on the basepaths, and scouts love his plate approach.
Cons: Rookie debut wasn't spectacular, still a very raw talent.
Josh Smith, RHP, 24, BA-UR, Sickels-UR
(Dayton) 2.97 ERA, 142.1 IP, 166 K, 33 BB, 1.09 WHIP
Pros: Struck out a lot of hitters last year, was the ace for a playoff team.
Cons: According to most scouting reports, doesn't really project as anything other than a back-of-the-rotation starter at best. Low 90s fastball, and his out pitch is a breaking ball that could get exploited by better hitters at higher levels.
Ryan Wright, 2B, 22, BA-UR, Sickels-UR
(Billings) .298/.348/.522/.870, 7 HR, 32 RBI
(AZL Reds) .318/.375/.636/1.011, 1 HR, 5 RBI
Pros: Showed good power potential. Should advance fast through the system. Versatile in the field.
Cons: Could walk more. Attended a school that jch likes.