via cincinnati.com
In a turn of events that should surprise no one, Billy Hamilton is the RR 3rd ranked prospect. Personally, I had him at #2, due to his blazing speed and switch hitting ability. He's still essentially a lottery ticket at this point, but if he gets it together, isn't he a less powerful Jose Reyes? I think I'd take that.
I'm expecting a tighter race today to close out the week. No new choices today, go and get it done!
Daniel Corcino, RHP, 21, BA-#4
(Dayton) 3.42 ERA, 139.1 IP, 156 K, 34 BB, 1.163 WHIP
Pros: Excellent fastball-slider combo, elite strikeout numbers, and excellent control, especially for a young pitcher
Cons: Slightly undersized (5'11", 165), needs to prove durability by throwing over 150 innings
Todd Frazier, UT, 26, BA-#7
(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
(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.
Yorman Rodriguez, OF, 19, BA-UR
(Dayton) .254/.318/.393/.711, 7 HR, 40 RBI
Pros: Tool shed--Chance for above average power, speed, contact skills, and defense.
Cons: Durability--has only played 122 games total the last 2 seasons. Very raw both at the plate and in the field.Very aggressive plate approach.
Neftali Soto, 1B, 23, BA-#8
(Carolina) .272/.329/.575/.904, 30 HR, 76 RBI
(Louisville) .412/.444/.588/1.032, 1 HR, 4 RBI
Pros: Breakout season last year, finally showing the bat to profile at 1B. More raw power than anyone in the system not named Juan Francisco. Still relatively young given his level.
Cons: Strikes out a lot, doesn't walk a lot. Didn't get going until about July last season. Can he sustain that production for a whole year?
J.C. Sulbaran, RHP, 22, BA-#9
(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.
Robert Stephenson, RHP, 18, BA-#5
No Professional Stats
Pros: Good size, outstanding velocity (has hit 97), good control, and a potential plus curveball. Supposedly has a very good makeup.
Cons: As a high school pitcher with no pro experience, he's about as risky of a prospect as there is. Can he avoid injury, develop his secondary pitches, and consistently get professional hitters out?