NL Central Minor League All Stars
Pittsburgh Pirates
Matt Hague 1B (United States) AAA (.309, 12, 75) - There must not have been a lot of slugging first basemen in the AAA International League. At 26 he does not appear to be part of the Pirates future.
Alex Presley OF (United States) AAA (.330, 8, 41) - He will eventually settle as a fourth outfielder type. Not enough power to be a regular starter at the corner or the range to play center.
Tim Wood RHP (United States) AAA (2-0, 2.84, 23 saves) - He is a 6′0″ 29 year old closer in AAA who finished with a 5.63 ERA when given an opportunity to pitch in the major leagues. That does not portend for a bright future.
Starling Marte OF (Dominican Republic) AA (.332, 12, 50) - If the Pirates are fortunate enough to sign Andrew McCutchen to a long term contract he may have to move to LF to make room for Marte in 2013.
Elevys Gonzalez 3B (Venezuela) High A (.322, 6, 83) - His RBIs were generated by the 36 doubles that could turn to homeruns as the 21 year old matures.
Robbie Grossman OF (United States) High A (.294, 13, 56) - Currently going on a homerun tear in the AFL with six in 19 games. His 104 walks and .418 OBA is pretty impressive as well.
Cincinnati Reds
Zack Cozart SS (United States) AAA (.310, 7, 42) - Ready to take over the Reds shortstop job next year.
Devin Mesoraco C (United States) AAA (.289, 15, 71) - Add Devin to the major league team behind the plate. That will be two rookies playing the middle defensive positions.
Denis Phipps OF (Dominican Republic) AA (.328, 7, 38) - Hit .380 in a 150 plus at bats after his promotion to AAA. At 26 his prospect status would not be high but the numbers show he can hit.
Billy Hamilton SS (United States) Low A (.278, 3, 50) - His arm is probably a bit short to play short, but anyone who steals 100 bases will be given an opportunity to succeed somewhere defensively. Look for him as a second baseman.
Drew Hayes RHP (United States) Low A (2-2, 1.35, 22 saves) - At 24 he needs to advance more quickly.
Juan Perez 2B (United States) short season (.346, 2, 21) - Lefthanded bat was 12 for 13 in stolen bases.
Sean Buckley 3B (United States) short season (.289, 14, 41) - Shows some excellent pop at the hot corner.
Chicago Cubs
Bryan LaHair 1B (United States) AAA (.331, 38, 109) - If the Cubs don’t want the free agent, there are plenty of Japanese teams lining up to sign him.
Rafael Dolis RHP (Dominican Republic) AA (8-5, 3.22, 17 saves) - His walk to whiff ratio (35/48) needs to be improved
Justin Bour 1B (United States) High A (.277, 23, 85) - Showed a lot of pop for the pitcher friendly Florida State League.
Evan Crawford OF (United States) High A (.307, 2, 50) - The 2009 ninth round pick stole 32 bases.
Frank Batista RHP (Dominican Republic) High A (5-3, 2.36, 26 saves) - More than halved the number of runs he gave up when compared to last year and he worked just about the same number of innings.
Gioskar Amaya SS (Venezuela) short season (.377, 0, 36) - Will have to eventually move from short as he bulks up.
Rafael Lopez C (United States) short season (.316, 6, 37) - At 24 he needs to advance quickly.
Paul Hoilman 1B (United States) short season (.252, 17, 44) - 2011 19th round pick struck out 105 times in just 71 games. More experienced pitchers will carve him up if he doesn’t improve his contact.
Milwaukee Brewers
Taylor Green 3B (United States) AAA (.336, 22, 88) - Could be playing a utility role for the Brewers next year.
Scooter Gennett utility (United States) High A (.300, 9, 51) - A Scooter who bats leadoff is certainly appropriate for any lineup. His best position is second base.
Manuel Ruiz LHP (Dominican Republic) short season (4-1, 3.56) - At 23 his first year stateside. His 6′5″ frame is what scouts look for in pitchers.
Yadiel Rivera SS (Puerto Rico) short season (.248, 8, 38) - A 14/91 walk to whiff rate in 74 games does not spell success at the higher levels, unless you are a pitcher. Yadiel plays shortstop.
Houston Astros
J.D. Martinez OF (United States) AA (.338, 17, 72) - Has hit over .300 at every minor league level. Will be limited to left field because of lack of speed and arm.
Dallas Keuchel LHP (United States) AA (9-7, 3.17) - Opportunities exist everywhere for the Astros with continued success.
Chase Davidson 1b (United States) short season (.335, 11, 44) - A .646 slugging will get someone’s attention.
St. Louis Cardinals
Victor Marte RHP (Dominican Republic) AAA (2-4, 1.44, 31 saves) - Despite the performance no September callup for the 30 year old relief pitcher. He may need to return to Japan where he pitched for three years.
Matt Adams 1B (United States) AA (.300, 32, 101) - Not bad for a 23rd round pick in 2009. Can he replace Pujols?
Ryan Jackson SS (United States) AA (.278, 11, 73) - Good offensive numbers for a shortstop.
Shelby Miller RHP (United States) AA (9-3, 2.70) - The ace in waiting could see the Cardinals rotation in 2012.
Tyler Rahmatulla 2B (United States) short season (.314, 6, 39) - 27 doubles in only 58 games. More than 50 percent of his hits went for extra bases.
Kyle Hald LHP (United States) short season (7-0, 1.84) - Refused to lose.
Willy Paulino RHP (Dominican Republic) short season (1-0, 2.30, 12 saves) - Allowed opponents to only hit .193 against him.