Written by Tony Lastoria

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Over the past two months on this site we counted down the Indians Top 50 Prospects from #50 to #1, with #1 being unveiled a few days ago (I am sure the suspense in regard to who was #1 was killing you).

Anyway, here is a quick recap of the Top 100 listing. Yes, I said Top 100. While the site countdown was the Top 50, my book actually ranked the Top 100 and included an additional 65+ reports. For details on the new book, go here.

Who are the biggest helium candidates to watch out for this year?

In the Top 25, keep an eye on left-handed pitchers T.J. House and Scott Barnes, two young pitchers who I think are going to take a big leap in value this year and jump as many as 5-10 spots in next year’s listing. In the 26-50 range, right-handed pitcher Danny Salazar and outfielder Delvi Cid have serious helium potential. In the 51-100 range, look for shortstop Argenis Martinez and right-handed pitchers Nick Sarianides and Alexander Morales to make the biggest move up the rankings by the end of the season.

 

Who are some lower level upside guys to watch out for?

Keep an eye on right-hander Santo Frias as if he is healthy this year he still makes for an interesting relief pitching prospect. Catcher Roberto Perez is a guy who improved by leaps and bounds last year, so it bears watching how he does this season. Right-hander Carlos Moncrief has been converted from a pitcher back to an outfielder, a position he drew high praise at prior to the draft, so it will be interesting to see how his season goes.

Who could stumble this year?

This is always tough to predict, but if I had to make an educated guess as to which players in the Top 25 might struggle this year and fall some in next year's listing, I would say my two biggest concerns would have to do with right-handed pitchers Jeanmar Gomez and Jess Todd.  Gomez has never really impressed me, though he is viewed much more highly by the Indians, their fans, and by other publications.  I don't know exactly what it is, but I think it is just that he doesn't show anything special or have great stuff.  I hope I am wrong.  Also, with Todd, I think he could struggle this year going back and forth between Columbus and Cleveland.  Again, it's tough to pick anyone who I think could struggle as ultimately injuries are what typically play a huge part in struggles, and you can never predict injuries.

Who could impact the big league team the most this year?

Obviously outfielder Michael Brantley and left-handed reliever Tony Sipp will both have a big impact on the big league team in some way this year.  But as for minor leaguers yet to make their major league debut, you obviously have to consider catcher Carlos Santana as once he makes it to Cleveland by mid-season he should become a staple in the middle of the lineup for years.  Right-hander Hector Rondon could impact the big league team in some way this year, be it in the rotation or bullpen.  If the Indians find themselves in a situation where they are contending, don't be surprised to see Rondon pitching out of the bullpen to break him into the big leagues.  If first baseman/outfielder Jordan Brown is given a shot, he could add a lot to the lineup, and right-handed relievers Zach Putnam and Josh Judy could be late season additions and become fixtures in the bullpen for years.
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Here is the full Top 100 listing as well as a listing showing the top prospects by position.  As a reminder, the scouting reports for #51-100 plus an additional 65+ players are only available in the new 2010 Cleveland Indians Top 100 Prospects & More book.