TopProspectAlert.com

By: J.P. Schwartz
@Jaypers413

As we are now halfway into the season and the signing deadline for 2012 draft picks has passed, here is my revised list of top 5 prospects in the New York Mets organization.

Remember, a prospect must have fewer than 130 ABs or 50 IP in the Major Leagues to qualify.
(Stats through 7/30/2012)

1) Zack Wheeler – P
Highest Level: AA Binghamton Mets
2012 Stats:
MILB: 9-6, 3.29ERA, 109.1IP, 39BB, 106K, .227BAA

2) Matt Harvey – P
Highest Level: MLB New York Mets
2012 Stats:
MLB: 1-0, 0.00ERA, 5.1IP, 3BB, 11K, .150BAA
MILB: 7-5, 3.68ERA, 110IP, 48BB, 112K, .233BAA

3) Gavin Cecchini – SS
Highest Level: Rookie League Kingsport Mets
2012 Stats:
MILB: .246, 6(2B), 2(3B), 1HR, 13RBI

4) Wilmer Flores – SS
Highest Level: AA Binghamton Mets
2012 Stats:
MILB: .286, 20(2B), 1(3B), 13HR, 61RBI

5) Michael Fulmer – P
Highest Level: Low-A Savannah Sand Gnats
2012 Stats:
MILB: 6-5, 2.51ERA, 86IP, 31BB, 80K, .195BAA

Send your questions or feedback to J.P. on twitter @Jaypers413

By: J.P. Schwartz
@Jaypers413

As we are now halfway into the season and the signing deadline for 2012 draft picks has passed, here is my revised list of top 5 prospects in the Minnesota Twins organization.

Remember, a prospect must have fewer than 130 ABs or 50 IP in the Major Leagues to qualify.
(Stats through 7/29/2012)

1) Byron Buxton – OF
Highest Level: Rookie League GCL Twins
2012 Stats:
MILB: .203, 4(2B), 1(3B), 3HR, 8RBI

2) Miguel Sano – 3B
Highest Level: Low-A Beloit Snappers
2012 Stats:
MILB: .244, 19(2B), 3(3B), 20HR, 74RBI, 7SB

3) J.O. Berrios – P
Highest Level: Rookie League GCL Twins
2012 Stats:
MILB: 0-0, 4 Saves, 0.64ERA, 14IP, 2BB, 21K, 0.85BAA

4) Oswaldo Arcia – OF
Highest Level: AA New Britain Rock Cats
2012 Stats:
MILB: .318, 25(2B), 5(3B), 12HR, 66RBI

5) Liam Hendriks – P
Highest Level: MLB Minnesota Twins
2012 Stats:
MLB: 0-5, 7.04ERA, 38.1IP, 10BB, 23K, .345BAA
MILB: 7-2, 2.41ERA, 78.1IP, 21BB, 61K, .207BAA

Send your questions or feedback to J.P. on twitter @Jaypers413

By: J.P. Schwartz
@Jaypers413

As we are now halfway into the season and the signing deadline for 2012 draft picks has passed, here is my revised list of top 5 prospects in the Milwaukee Brewers organization.

Remember, a prospect must have fewer than 130 ABs or 50 IP in the Major Leagues to qualify.
(Stats through 7/29/2012)

1) Tyler Thornburg – P
Highest Level: MLB Milwaukee Brewers
2012 Stats:
MLB: 0-0, 5.79ERA, 14IP, 7BB, 12K, .309BAA
MILB: 9-1, 3.04ERA, 80IP, 24BB, 77K, .215BAA

2) Jean Segura – SS
Highest Level: MLB Los Angeles Angels (Traded to Brewers)
2012 Stats:
MLB: .000 (0-3)
MILB: .296, 11(2B), 5(3B), 7HR, 40RBI, 34SB

3) Jimmy Nelson – P
Highest Level: AA Huntsville Stars
2012 Stats:
MILB: 5-5, 2.79ERA, 96.2IP, 41BB, 88K, .223BAA

4) Victor Roache – OF
Highest Level: 2012 Draft Pick – Has Not Played

5) Johnny Hellweg – P
Highest Level: AA Huntsville Stars
2012 Stats:
MILB: 5-10, 3.38ERA, 119.2IP, 60BB, 88K, .245BAA

Send your questions or feedback to J.P. on twitter @Jaypers413

By: J.P. Schwartz
@Jaypers413

As we are now halfway into the season and the signing deadline for 2012 draft picks has passed, here is my revised list of top 5 prospects in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization.

Remember, a prospect must have fewer than 130 ABs or 50 IP in the Major Leagues to qualify.
(Stats through 7/28/2012)

1) Corey Seager – SS
Highest Level: Rookie League Ogden Raptors
2012 Stats:
MILB: .267, 4(2B), 7RBI

2) Zach Lee – P
Highest Level: AA Chattanooga Lookouts
2012 Stats:
MILB: 2-5, 5.60ERA, 80.1IP, 24BB, 72K, .291BAA

3) Garrett Gould – P
Highest Level: High-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
2012 Stats:
MILB: 4-7, 4.90ERA, 101IP, 36BB, 97K, .266BAA

4) Allen Webster – P
Highest Level: AA Chattanooga Lookouts
2012 Stats:
MILB: 4-8, 3.90ERA, 94.2IP, 40BB, 89K, .271BAA

5) Chris Reed – P
Highest Level: AA Chattanooga Lookouts
2012 Stats:
MILB: 1-5, 3.29ERA, 54.2IP, 26BB, 51K, .196BAA

Send your questions or feedback to J.P. on twitter @Jaypers413

By: J.P. Schwartz
@Jaypers413

As we are now halfway into the season and the signing deadline for 2012 draft picks has passed, here is my revised list of top 5 prospects in the Los Angeles Angels organization.

Remember, a prospect must have fewer than 130 ABs or 50 IP in the Major Leagues to qualify.
(Stats through 7/28/2012)

1) Kaleb Cowart – 3B
Highest Level: High-A Inland Empire 66ers
2012 Stats:
MILB: .292, 25(2B), 5(3B), 13HR, 79RBI, 13SB

2) C.J. Cron – 1B
Highest Level: High-A Inland Empire 66ers
2012 Stats:
MILB: .291, 23(2B), 2(3B), 19HR, 101RBI

3) Cam Bedrosian – P
Highest Level: Low-A Cedar Rapids Kernals
2012 Stats:
MILB: 2-7, 5.47ERA, 52.2IP, 37BB, 26K, .245BAA

4) Nick Maronde – P
Highest Level: High-A Inland Empire 66ers
2012 Stats:
MILB: 3-2, 1.74ERA, 67.1IP, 16BB, 69K, .178BAA

5) R J Alvarez – P
Highest Level: Low-A Cedar Rapids Kernals
2012 Stats:
MILB: 0-2, 4.11ERA, 15.1IP, 6BB, 19K, .237BAA

Send your questions or feedback to J.P. on twitter @Jaypers413

By: J.P. Schwartz
@Jaypers413

As we are now halfway into the season and the signing deadline for 2012 draft picks has passed, here is my revised list of top 5 prospects in the Kansas City Royals organization.

Remember, a prospect must have fewer than 130 ABs or 50 IP in the Major Leagues to qualify.
(Stats through 7/28/2012)

1) Wil Myers – OF
Highest Level: AAA Omaha Storm Chasers
2012 Stats:
MILB: .305, 23(2B), 5(3B), 30HR, 80RBI, 6SB

2) Kyle Zimmer – P
Highest Level: Low-A Kane County Cougars
2012 Stats:
MILB: 1-1, 1.29ERA, 14IP, 0BB, 18K, .208BAA

3) Jake Odorizzi – P
Highest Level: AAA Omaha Storm Chasers
2012 Stats:
MILB: 11-3, 3.25ERA, 102.1IP, 33BB, 103K, .250BAA

4) Bubba Starling – OF
Highest Level: Rookie League Burlington Royals
2012 Stats:
MILB: .292, 4(2B), 2(3B), 4HR, 18RBI

5) Yordano Ventura – P
Highest Level: AA Northwest Arkansas Naturals
2012 Stats:
MILB: 3-7, 3.46ERA, 93.2IP, 36BB, 114K, .225BAA

Send your questions or feedback to J.P. on twitter @Jaypers413

By: Andrew Martin
@HistorianAndrew
BaseballHistorian.Blogspot.com

It’s always a shame to see injuries prevent talented young baseball players from achieving their major league dreams. Fortunately the most determined often find a way to persevere and fight their way through the adversity. The Tampa Bay Rays believe they have such a player in their system in pitcher Jesse Hahn, who is finally embarking on his professional career after a lengthy delay. The right-hander was on top of the world as a high school senior. Pitching for Fitch High School in Groton, Connecticut, he went 5-1 with a state record 0.17 ERA, managing to overshadow high-profile teammate Matt Harvey. While Harvey elected to attend UNC, Hahn committed to Virginia Tech. He struggled during his first two seasons with the Hokies, but rebounded to go 5-2, with a 2.81 ERA as a junior in 2010.

With an arsenal that includes a fastball that reaches the upper 90′s, Hahn was projected to be a possible 1st round pick. Unfortunately, just days before the draft, it was determined he needed Tommy John Surgery. Despite the injury, Tampa Bay loved his potential so much that they took him in the 6th round, determined to help facilitate his rehab. Fast forwarding to 2012, Hahn is finally back on the mound and trying to re-establish himself as a top pitching prospect. Prior to a recent game I was able to catch up with him and find out a little more about his journey through baseball.

Did you have a favorite team or player when you were growing up?
Actually, I grew up a Pirates fan because my dad is from Pittsburgh and my mom is from right outside Pittsburgh in Ohio. So, surprisingly I was a Pirates fan. Roberto Clemente was probably my favorite player growing up.

Why Clemente?
Well, he was my dad’s favorite player and I read a lot about him. He just had a great story behind him.

What was your draft experience like?
For me it was real hectic because I had the torn ligament right before the draft; like a couple of days before the draft. I was expecting to go a lot higher, but it didn’t work out. I ended up getting surgery, so it was a long process. I’m glad to be out of it now.

It must have been really frustrating to have that happen right before the draft?
Yeah, it was. It was actually more frustrating these past two years just watching baseball and not being able to play. It was tough.

What did the Rays tell you after they drafted you?
They told me they were going to take me to get the surgery and wanted to sign me. They were really nice about it. Hypothetically, they told me I could take as much time as I needed because they just wanted me to be healthy and be able to pitch again.

What have the past couple of years been like in trying to get back to the mound?
It’s been rough. I’ve had bumps in the road. I had times where I actually though I had tore it again. I didn’t feel good, but I guess that is all just part of the process. It’s a lot to get over, to mentally prepare to pitch again. I dealt with a foot surgery too, so that just made things even worse. It’s all in the past now and I am prepared.

Be sure to check out Jesse Hahn Baseball Cards

By: J.P. Schwartz
@Jaypers413

As we are now halfway into the season and the signing deadline for 2012 draft picks has passed, here is my revised list of top 5 prospects in the Houston Astros organization.

Remember, a prospect must have fewer than 130 ABs or 50 IP in the Major Leagues to qualify.
(Stats through 7/28/2012)

1) Jonathan Singleton – 1B
Highest Level: AA Corpus Christi Hooks
2012 Stats:
MILB: .275, 22(2B), 4(3B), 13HR, 56RBI

2) Carlos Correa – SS
Highest Level: Rookie League GCL Astros
2012 Stats:
MILB: .221, 11(2B), 2HR, 5RBI, 4SB

3) Lance McCullers – P
Highest Level: Rookie League GCL Astros
2012 Stats:
MILB: 0-1, 2.25ERA, 8IP, 1BB, 7K, .219BAA

4) Delino Deshields – 2B
Highest Level: Low-A Lexington Legends
2012 Stats:
MILB: .298, 21(2B), 4(3B), 8HR, 46RBI, 75SB

5) George Springer – OF
Highest Level: High-A Lancaster Jethawks
2012 Stats:
MILB: .331, 18(2B), 8(3B), 20HR, 76RBI

Send your questions or feedback to J.P. on twitter @Jaypers413

By: J.P. Schwartz
@Jaypers413

As we are now halfway into the season and the signing deadline for 2012 draft picks has passed, here is my revised list of top 5 prospects in the Miami Marlins organization.

Remember, a prospect must have fewer than 130 ABs or 50 IP in the Major Leagues to qualify.
(Stats through 7/28/2012)

1) Jose Fernandez – P
Highest Level: High-A Jupiter Hammerheads
2012 Stats:
MILB: 9-1, 2.08ERA, 104IP, 25BB, 121K, .203BAA

2) Christian Yelich – OF
Highest Level: High-A Jupiter Hammerheads
2012 Stats:
MILB: .320, 21(2B), 4(3B), 11HR, 40RBI, 15SB

3) Andrew Heaney – P
Highest Level: 2012 Draft Pick – Has Not Played

4) Jacob Turner – P
Highest Level: MLB Detroit Tigers (Traded to FLA)
2012 Stats:
MLB: 1-1, 8.03ERA, 12.1IP, 7BB, 7K, .321BAA
MILB: 6-4, 2.72ERA, 89.1IP, 34BB, 59K, .221BAA

5) Zack Cox – 3B
Highest Level: AAA Memphis Redbirds (Traded to Marlins)
2012 Stats:
MILB: .254, 23(2B), 9HR, 30RBI

Send your questions or feedback to J.P. on twitter @Jaypers413

By: J.P. Schwartz
@Jaypers413

As we are now halfway into the season and the signing deadline for 2012 draft picks has passed, here is my revised list of top 5 prospects in the Detroit Tigers organization.

Remember, a prospect must have fewer than 130 ABs or 50 IP in the Major Leagues to qualify.
(Stats through 7/28/2012)

1) Nick Castellanos – 3B
Highest Level: AA Erie Seawolves
2012 Stats:
MILB: .360, 27(2B), 4(3B), 9HR, 51RBI

2) Avisail Garcia – OF
Highest Level: AA Erie Seawolves
2012 Stats:
MILB: .289, 11(2B), 7(3B), 11HR, 44RBI, 18SB

3) Casey Crosby – P
Highest Level: MLB Detroit Tigers
2012 Stats:
MLB: 1-1, 9.49ERA, 12.1IP, 11BB, 9K, .313BAA
MILB: 6-3, 3.99ERA, 85.1IP, 50BB, 83K, .233BAA

4) Jake Thompson – P
Highest Level: Rookie League GCL Tigers
2012 Stats:
MILB: 1-1, 1.75ERA, 25.2IP, 10BB, 29K, .133BAA

5) Steven Moya – OF
Highest Level: Low-A West Michigan Whitecaps
2012 Stats:
MILB: .288, 14(2B), 3(3B), 9HR, 47RBI

Send your questions or feedback to J.P. on twitter @Jaypers413