The first prospect report of 2013 featured upper level prospects who were likely to make their Major League debuts this year. They weren't necessarily the prospects with the highest ceiling however. This is the first top ten based on stats from the 2013 season. Only a few of the teams are in season now, so just Columbus Clippers, Akron Aeroes, Carolina Mudcats and Lake County Captains will be included in this list. As always, a player is not considered a prospect once they have played a single game in the Majors and players are only eligible to be ranked once per season. Special notice should go to Jesus Aguilar who was ranked 5th in the first set of ten prospects and now leads all Indians minor leaguers with 22 RBI for Akron.

1. Francisco Lindor - SS - Advanced A Carolina - Drafted Round 1 in 2011

Lindor is considered not just the Indians top prospect, but one of the best short stops coming up in all of Minor League Baseball. He is so good, the Indians are already considering moving Dorssys Paulino (another great short stop prospect) to second or third so they can both play on the same team together. This also pushed another top infield prospect, Tony Wolters to be switched to catcher. 

So far early this Spring, Lindor is batting .321 with 3 triples and 7 steals (stats through 4/21) If he continues his progression at this pace he could finish the year in Akron and be starting in Columbus as early as 2014. As of now he definitely seems the heir apparant for Asdrubal Cabrera. I've saw him play in a few games in Spring Training and he is definitely Major League ready defensively and is closer than his current level would make him seem with the bat. 

2. Cody Anderson - SP - Advanced A Carolina - Drafted Round 14 in 2011

Anderson was the ace for the Lake County Captains lase season and has been even better so far this year in Akron. This is his third season with Cleveland and he looks to be one of the Indians top starting pitching prospects. In three starts he has allowed just four runs (2.25 ERA) and is 2-0. While the Indians have a glut of middle infield prospects, they aren't very deep in starting pitching at the minor league level, so Anderson should be particularly exciting. He will likely spend the entire season in Carolina, so he is still a few years away from the pros, but will be one to watch over the next few years.

3. Joseph Wendle - 2B - Advanced A Carolina - Drafted Round 6 in 2012

Just drafted last season, Wendle is yet to play a significant amount in the minors, but is already an exciting prospect. So far this year he is batting over .400 in a very impressive Mudcat offense, most of which is also on this top ten list. He has been a productive member of that offense, knocking in and scoring ten runs each. In 75 MiLB games since being drafted last season, he has a .342 average and 100 hits. He has played some at third base as well as second over the past two seasons, but is significantly better defensively at second.

4. Matt Langwell - P - AAA Columbus - Drafted Round 11 in 2008

The only member of the Clippers to make this month's list, mostly because the rest of the team is ineligible as they have already played in the Majors. Langwell started in the starting rotation, but was bumped out after injuries and roster moves stacked the Columbus rotation. In 5 games (8 innings), he is yet to allow a single run, and has only allowed 6 base runners (3 walks, 3 hits). With at least four starters ahead of him on the depth chart (Daisuke Matsuzaka, David Huff, Carlos Carrasco and Trevor Bauer), he is unlikely to see the Majors this year as a starter, but could be used as a short term reliever if an Ubaldo Jimenez start forces the Indians to use 8 innings of relief pitching in a single game.

5. Tyler Naquin - OF - Advanced A Carolina - Drafted Round 1 in 2012

Similar to Wendle, Naquin was drafted last season and is now a big part of the Mudcats offense. He is batting just over .300 this season with 10 RBI and 10 runs of his own. Naquin played well this Spring for the Indians and should see an early call-up to AA as the most advanced player from the 2012 draft.

6. Michael Peoples - RP - A Lake County - Drafted Round 14 in 2012

Peoples has come up quick as a right handed reliever, holding an ERA of 1.65 in 32 career innings (0.00 ERA in 9 this year). Most impressively, he has struck out 12 batters already this year, giving him a K/9 of 12 (do the math on that one). He has also walked just two, giving him 6-1 K-BB ratio. He did have some issues defensively last season with three errors out of six fielding chances, but so far he fielded two balls in 2013 and is yet to make an error.

7. Toru Murata - SP - AA Akron - 2011 International Free Agent

Murata is going into his third season with the Indians at the ripe old age of 27 and has become a starter after initially being used in relief. This has been his best season (at least early on) at his highest level, averaging almost 6 innings and 5 strike outs per start. At his age, he will need a quick promotion to AAA before he gets to far past his prime to be a real Major League prospect.

8. Giovanny Urshela -  3B - AA Akron - 2008 International Free Agent

Urshela is one of the Indians top third base prospects at this point. He was the starting third baseman for his home country of Colombia in the 2012 World Baseball Classic qualifier and is now one of the top hitters on the Aeroes. Through less than a month he already has 5 doubles and 8 RBI. To go along with his production he has a line of .300/.333/.433, one of the best on the team. 

9. Eric Haase - C - A Lake County - Drafted Round 7 in 2011

Haase is having the best year to this point of his minor league career, batting almost .300 with 7 early season RBI. This is also the highest level Haase has played at. The Indians are incredibly weak at catcher below the Yan Gomes level, so any positive is huge for the organization.

10. Jacob Lee - SP - Advanced A Carolina - Drafted Round 9 in 2012

Lee was used mostly as a reliever in his first half season last year, but has been moved to the starting rotation and has impressed. He leads all Mudcats with his 16 strike outs and in his two years has struck out 63 in just 60 innings pitched.  The large amount of recent draft picks (from 2011 and 2012) on this list are from a combination of a weak upper level of the Indians system and great draft picks over the last two years. 

Last season, Burning River Baseball did a month by month ranking of the top minor league prospects (which can be found here, here, here and here). This year there will be even more with a top ten list coming out each month after the season starts in addition to today's. Like last season, players are only eligible to be ranked once per year and are not considered prospects once they have played a game in the Major Leagues (Chris McGuiness is also disqualified this season because for him to remain on the Indians he needs to start the season on the Major League roster). This first top ten contains the players most likely to make their Major League debuts during the 2013 season. Last season, Cody Allen, Juan Diaz and Thomas Neal each made their debuts and saw varying amounts of success. Here are a few that may do the same this year.

1. Chen-Chang Lee - RP - AAA Columbus - 2008 International Free Agent

An injury shortened 2012 season is the only thing keeping Lee from competing for a spot in the bullpen straight out of Spring Training. In more than 150 innings at the upper minor league levels, Lee has always maintained an ERA under 3.00 and has already struck out 286 minor league batters. C.C. Lee will be in camp this year as a member of the 40 man roster, but is more likely to break onto the team mid-season if he can stay healthy.

2. Danny Salazar - SP - AA Akron - 2006 International Free Agent 

Salazar pitched just 34 innings at Akron last season, but only allowed 7 runs and less than a single base runner per inning. Salazar is a very exciting young starter, possibly the best in the entire Indians minor league system. He will likely spend most of 2013 in AAA and may not make his debut until 2014, but he is already on the 40 man roster and could be a September call up this year.

3. Cole Cook - RP - AAA Columbus - Drafted Round 5 in 2010

Cook flew through the Indians minor league system last year and excelled the entire way. Combined over four levels, Cook held a 2.64 ERA through 78 innings. He looks to be a solid starter in the future and could definitely be used by the Indians this season if the starting rotation struggles. He could also be used in the bullpen early on, but the Indians should remain wary of that as he is a much more valuable player as a starting pitcher and shouldn't get used to pitching in short inning situations. If he makes the pros this year he will likely be the second player (after Drew Pomeranz) from the Indians 2010 draft to make it to the Majors.

4. Tim Fedroff - OF - AAA Columbus - Drafted Round 7 in 2008

Fedroff is the Indians top outfield prospect and could easily see time in the Majors this year as the roster works itself out. After having some struggles base running early last year, Fedroff went 9 for 9 in steals after being promoted to AAA. The greatest part about Fedroff is that he hits for a high batting average, something no Indian has been able to do since Victor Martinez left town. Having a utility outfielder who can reach base more than three out of every ten at bats could be extremely useful, so expect to see Fedroff very soon.

6. T.J. House - SP - AA Akron - Drafted Round 16 in 2008

House had a fantastic 2012, placing himself among the Indians top starting pitcher prospects, but don't expect to see him in Cleveland this year unless things go very badly. He has yet to pitch in AAA and should need at least a full season there before he is ready for the bigs. There is a chance he could be called up this September and is definitely one to watch this Spring.

7. Trey Haley - RP - AA Akron - Drafted Round 2 in 2008

Haley played at three levels last season, ending in Akron, but only threw 38 innings. He is very efficient, striking out more than 13 batters per 9 innings at his highest level while maintaining an ERA of 2.33. He was originally meant to be a starter but has been converted to relief pitcher in recent years. The Indians protected him from the rule five draft this year by placing him on the 40 man roster and brought him to Spring Training as well. He has been assigned to Columbus this year and has little chance to see the Majors until 2014 or later.

8. Eric Berger - SP - AAA Columbus - Drafted Round 8 in 2008

Berger has a much lower ceiling than the other starting pitchers listed above, but is further advanced in his development and has had fewer injury issues. Berger performed on the World stage last fall playing for team Israel and will look to lead the 2013 Clipper staff. He is unlikely to break the Indians' starting rotation this season, but could be an option at long reliever at some point during the year.

9. Chun-Hsiu Chen - C - AA Akron - 2007 International Free Agent

Chen is the Indians top catching prospect, but has yet to play above the AA level. After two years of dominance in Akron (.285 AVG and 21 home runs in 221 games) he is certainly ready for Columbus this year and could eventually (think 2014 or later) be the future back-up catcher of the Cleveland Indians.

10. Mike McDade - 1B - AAA Las Vegas - Drafted Round 6 in 2007 

McDade was a minor league, Spring Training invitee in 2013 after playing his entire career to this point in Toronto's minor league system. He had the best Spring of any Indians batter for the time he spent with the team, including an impressive walk-off hit in the Indians first game against the Reds. He is a serviceable defensive firstbaseman and has a decent amount of power. He has already hit 76 career minor league home runs, despite being just 23 years old. If the Indians tire of Jason Giambi and would like a pinch-hitter/DH/first baseman who can actually play the field, McDade could be a good fit.

This is just the upper crust of the Indians farm system. Unless the Indians pull a random player from AA this year (like they did with Juan Diaz in 2012), any new rookie is likely to come from this list. Look out for the next list of ten prospects coming out at the end of the first month of minor league play.

The 2012 Indians amateur draft seemed like a good one, especially the top few picks. The Indians are already reaping the rewards from the 2011 draft with Cody Allen pitching extremely well at a very young age for the Major League Indians. The Indians did a great job picking players with high sign-ability and actually bringing them on. They signed 25 players from the 2012 draft including their first 16 picks and 22 of their first 24 picks. When reading this keep in mind that the vast majority of these players will never sniff the Majors.

1. OF Tyler Naquin - Round 1 - Highest Level: A Lake County

The Indians first pick did not disappoint at all in 2012. He was thrown directy into the highest level of all this years class and spent the whole season in Mahoning Valley (.270 AVG/.379 OBP/.380 SLG). He was so successful there he was asked to be part of the Lake County Captains playoff run. In those five games, Naquin knocked 6 hits and scored 6 runs. He started each game in center field and certainly can't be blamed for the Captains series loss to the TinCaps.

2. SP Mitch Brown - Round 2 - AZL Indians

In what is mostly a hitters league (and a bad defensive league) Brown was a really bright spot in the AZL Indians rotation. As the best pitcher on the squad (2-0, 3.58) Brown struck out 26 hitters in just over 27 innings while just allowing 30 base runners.

3. SP Kieran Lovegrove - Round 3 - AZL Indians

Lovegrove, the first professional player from South Africa, must have found the Arizona heat a little too much for him (0-2, 6.00 ERA). I had the honor of watching Lovegrove pitch one of his 7 starts in person and he struggled from the very start. His biggest concern needs to be limiting base runners after giving up a WHIP of 1.76 mostly coming from his 28 hits allowed. Lovegrove is currently slated to participate in the World Baseball Classic with the South African team.

4. OF D'vone McClure - Round 4 - AZL Indians

 McClure was the AZL Indians fourth outfielder behind Anthony Santander, Booth and McAdams (more on the two of them later), and his stats show why he wasn't able to crack that group (.211/.305/.289). Next season he should get more regular at bats and will hopefully produce at the level the Indians believe he is capable of. The young leftfielder is just 18 years old, so he has plenty of time to develop.

5. SP Dylan Baker - Round 5 - AZL Indians

Baker was one of the 5 starters for the AZL Indians, but was only able to average 3 innings per start (0-1, 4.13 ERA). He was hurt by the Indians defense, as he gave up 8 unearned runs to go with his 11 earned. He did strike out 30 batters in those 24 innings, showing a major potential once he can get into a league where the fielders are able to catch the ball.

6. 2B Joseph Wendle - Round 6 - A Lake County

Wendle was fantastic for the Scrappers all season (.327/.375/.469). He lead all Scrappers in doubles, triples, RBI, runs scored and total bases so it was a no brainer to bring him up for the Midwest League Playoffs with Lake County. Although he had a slow start, Wendle did end up hitting an RBI triple in game 2 of the TinCaps series, scoring a run as well in a game the Captains won by three.

7. OF Joshua McAdams - Round 7 - AZL Indians

McAdams was a decent part of the Indians offense this year (.225/.356/.258), scoring 20 times and knocking in 20 despite being homerless through the summer. McAdams is also one of those AZL Indians who are unable to catch a baseball as referenced earlier. He had 8 errors while playing just 31 games in right field.

8. RP Caleb Hamrick - Round 8 - AZL Indians

Hamrick played less than any other 2012 draft pick making his numbers (0-1, 3.24) especially insignificant. He only pitched 8.1 innings, all with the Arizona Indians.

9. SP Jacob Lee - Round 9 - SS Mahoning Valley

Lee split his time with the Scrappers, starting 8 games and coming in for relief 8 times. Overall he had a successful first year (4-2, 3.12 ERA), most impressively he struck out 47 batters in just 43.1 innings. If there is one thing to be excited about in the Indians minor league system, it's these amazing short stops (Dorssys Paulino and Francisco Lindor) if there are two things, it is pitchers like Lee and their great strike out ability that has been missing from the Indians pro team for years.

10. P Josh Martin - Round 10 - A+ Carolina

Martin spent most of his time pitching for Mahoning Valley after being drafted, racking up 45.2 innings, mostly in relief. His promotion to A+ seemed unwarranted after a 4.14 ERA in SS, but it was probably just a roster filling move as the Indians pulled a lot of relievers from the AAA team around that time, forcing the whole minor league system to make moves. He only pitched 5 innings there (4-2, 4.24 ERA overall) and will probably be demoted to start next season.

11. OF Logan Vick - Round 11 - SS Mahoning Valley

Vick (.181/.302/.222) will definitely benefit from another season in Mahoning Valley or possibly a drop down to the AZL in 2013.

12. C Jeremy Lucas - Round 12 - SS Mahoning Valley

It really is hard to judge players after less than 30 games played, but I'll keep doing it anyway. Lucas showed a little power during his time with the Scrappers (.250/.384/.386) with 8 extra base hits including two home runs. Lucas caught 27 games and was error free, but will have to work on his caught stealing percent of 21% (33 SB, 9 CS).

13. OF Tyler Booth - Round 13 - AZL Indians

Booth has great range in center and also impressed with the bat in the Arizona League (.268/.287/.420). Booth had 16 extra base hits, including 3 home runs and knocked in 22 runs. Booth has the pure speed talent that you can't learn, he just needs to work on his plate discipline and honing in his game over the next couple years. If all goes well, Booth could definitely be the next Trevor Crowe.

14. RP Scott Peoples - Round 14 - SS Mahoning Valley

Another full time reliever, Peoples looked strong in his first half season (1-1, 2.28 ERA) throwing 23.1 innings in the New York-Penn League. 

15. C Nelson Rodriguez - Round 15 - AZL Indians

If Tyler Booth has Trevor Crowe type of talent, then Rodriguez (.229/.375/.459) is definitely on the Einar Diaz level. The Indians do need catchers throughout the system (at least two on each team), but it doesn't seem like Rodriguez is going to be anything special.

16. RP Cody Penny - Round 16 - A Lake County

Penny was used as a relief pitcher starting off in Mahoning Valley and moving up to Lake County after just 13 games. He pitched very well at both levels (4-3, 2.39 ERA), but especially in single A, where he allowed just three runs and struck out 16 in 17 innings. He was also a member of their playoff squad and threw a single perfect inning in relief in the clinching game of the Hot Rods series.

17. RP Louis Head - Round 18 - A Lake County

Another stellar reliever, Head followed the same path as Penny. After pitching 22 games in relief for the Scrappers he moved on to the Captains (2-2, 3.28 ERA). He even trumped Penny, striking out 15 in just 13.1 innings while still allowing three runs. He pitched twice in relief in the playoffs, allowing 2 unearned runs in 3.2 innings during the clincher against the Hot Rods and pitching 3 scoreless innings while earning the win in the Captains only win in the second round.

18. P Nicholas Pasquale - Round 20 - A Lake County

Pasquale was started in Short Season, but was dropped to the Rookie level after struggling through just four relief appearances. Despite also struggling in Arizona, he was then promoted to Lake County where he came into his own, earning a 2.17 ERA over 29 innings. Overall (4-1, 3.58 ERA) Pasquale should consider this season a successful one, especially since most of his success came after being changed to a starter. He pitched two games in the playoffs, winning a game in round one after pitching five innings in relief and losing a game to the TinCaps by giving up 6 runs (4 earned) in 3 innings pitched.

19. 2B Joe Sever - Round 21 - SS Mahoning Valley

Sever's 20 RBI in 46 games for the Scrappers are fairly impressive, but numbers dependent on others are the least accurate predictors of future performance. His more important numbers (.275/.368/.366) aren't bad and he was a big part of the Scrappers offense this year.

20. RP James Stokes - Round 22 - SS Mahoning Valley

Stokes first 25 innings (1-4, 5.61 ERA) weren't that impressive, but he will have plenty of time over the next few years to develop his talent. The most alarming stat is the fact he walked (17) almost as many batters as he struck out (18) and held a WHIP of over 1.75.

21. C Richard Stock - Round 23 - SS Mahoning Valley

The third catcher on the list is quite possibly the least impressive player out of the entire draft (.295/.345/.385). Somehow he only managed 4 RBI in 22 games while managing to strike out 17 times. He didn't impress on defense either, causing 6 errors and catching just 14% of attempted stealers.

22. RP Thomas White - Round 24 - AZL Indians

White pitched well in his limited time with the Indians (2-0, 2.70), but he only threw 13.1 innings in 7 relief appearances.

23. IF Nick Hamilton - Round 35 - AZL Indians

Nick Hamilton is the son of Tom Hamilton and went to Kent State, there are few players more Cleveland than Hamilton (.240/.387/.300) so the Indians likely overvalued him in the draft to take advantage of the potential situation. While he was drafted as a second-baseman, he only fielded a single ball from that position as an Indian. He played mostly at third base, but as the picture shows, he played some first base as well. His versatility could definitely be an asset during his rise through the system as he shouldn't get kept down by any one player ahead of him. 

24. P Benny Suarez - Round 36 - A+ Carolina

Like most of the AZL Indians pitching staff, Suarez pitched poorly in the desert heat. He allowed 9 runs in just under 20 innings, but was promoted to Carolina for the last week of the season. Once there, he struggled more (not surprising for a player who skipped two levels) and  finished with a below average season (1-1, 4.50) compared to the rest of the players in this draft.

25. RP Joshua Nervis - Round 38 - A Lake County

Nervis pitched 23.2 great innings for the AZL Indians, allowing just 4 runs in relief in 13 games. He was then moved directly to Lake County, bypassing Short Season, where he struggled. Overall (1-0, 2.34 ERA) he did pitch well, but he should probably start next year in one of the lower levels. In the playoffs, Nervis pitched one perfect inning in relief in the Captains final game.

This will be the second to last installment of the Minor League rankings for the 2012 season. The players listed are technically 31-40 on the Indians Minor League prospect list according to this site. No players from the 2012 draft have been included in any lists so far, but instead will be featured in their own article later on. The same standards have been used for this month as in May, July and August.

1. Cole Cook - P - AAA Columbus - Drafted Round 5 in 2010

With the Indians in desperate need of young pitching at a high level, Cole Cook has been thrown into the light. Moves taking starting pitchers from Columbus and moving them to Cleveland have opened up spots in AAA allowing Cook to show the amazing stuff he has been throwing all season. Breaking some of the Indians conservative standards, Cook has jumped four levels in 2012, playing in Lake County, Carolina, Akron and Columbus. Overall he held an ERA of 2.64 (78.1 IP) across 43 games mostly in relief. This was Cook's first season as a reliever and once he made it to Columbus, he was used as a starter again. He is the kind of talent that shouldn't be wasted in the bullpen unless he proves inable to pitch deep into games as a starter. Cook could possibly see time with Cleveland as early as late 2013, but will more likely advance in 2014.

2. Anthony Vizcaya - P - R DSL Indians - 2011 International Free Agent

This 18 year old Venezuelan has stood out in a very impressive DSL rotation. Vizcaya has started 12 games allowing a total of seven runs. His WHIP of 0.851 is even more impressive than his ERA of 0.94. While there is certainly some adjustments that have to be made for the league he played in, he still finished second among all DSL pitchers in ERA, so his numbers are legitimate in that way. Vizcaya is just in his first professional season, but is already showing some promise. With any luck he could be the next Fausto Carmona and the Indians need one of those, because there is no Fausto Carmona anymore. 

3. Enosil Tejada - P - A Lake County - 2009 International Free Agent

Tejada has been extremely successful in each of his first three years with the Indians organization. Since his first season he has been used exclusively as a reliever, this year holding a WHIP under 1.00 and an ERA of 1.39. In his one starting season he struck out 78 batters in just over 70 innings. While he has been used as a closer, picking up 23 saves over the past two years, he still averages more than an inning a game, so it is not inconceivable that he could be transitioned back into a starter. He was so successful in his half a season at Lake County this year, it would be hard to believe that he won't spend most of 2013 with the Mudcats in Advanced A ball.

4. Rob Bryson - RP - AA Akron - 2008 Trade with Milwaukee (C.C. Sabathia)

Bryson has been around a long time (drafted in 2006), but has finally gotten to the next level, dominating for the Western Division champion Aeoros from the bullpen. Bryson pitched in a career high 43 games and threw 65.1 innings, the most since 67.1 in at A level the year he was traded. If Bryson can make it to the Majors and produce, there will be no way to look at the Sabathia trade other than as a complete win for the Indians. Michael Brantley is a starting centerfielder, who could some day be an All-Star and win multiple Gold Gloves, while the Brewers only had Sabathia for one season and they didn't win the World Series. The Indians had no chance at the playoffs that year and C.C. was going to sign with the Yankees after the season no matter what. If Bryson makes it to the top it will just be a little extra icing on the cake.

5. Rafael Homblert - RP - SS Mahoning Valley - 2009 International Free Agent

If there is one thing the Indians have in excess it is relief pitching. Homblert is another great reliever coming up, who after two years in the Rookie Leagues has finally gotten control of his command and is ready to move. Homblert spend the entire Short Season with the Scrappers holding a 2.34 ERA in just over 30 innings. On the season he only walked eight while striking out 21, a huge step up after walking 42 over his past two seasons. He should be moving to Lake County for 2013 and could possible skip a level at some point seeing as he played three full seasons at the lower levels. He is still just 21 so he has a few years to work with before he is considered an old man in the minors.

6. Jordan Cooper - P - A+ Carolina - Drafted Round 9 in 2010

In his third year with the Tribe, Cooper set career highs in wins, games played and strike outs while setting career lows in ERA, WHIP and home runs allowed. Cooper was used primarily as a reliever in Carolina, but did start seven games. Cooper has been right on schedule to this point and should play for Akron next year. Assuming he can continue his present rate of success, he could be in Cleveland as early as late 2014.

7. Matt Lawson - 2B - AA Akron - 2011 Trade with Seattle (Aaron Laffey)

Lawson is in his sixth season in the minors and his second since coming over during the offseason for lefthanded starter Aaron Laffey. He is another player that vastly benefited from a second season at one level. This year in Akron he crushed opponents, running a slash line of .327/.408/.459 each of those numbers being at least 60 points higher than his last season at that same level. Lawson also brought his counting stats up this year, scoring 20 times and knocking in 23 during just 60 games. Most importantly, he has just 13 errors in his last 158 games at a prime defensive position over the past two seasons. His promotions at the minor league level will be directly tied to Cord Phelps, the regular starting second baseman in Columbus. Because there is no room on the Indians roster for Phelps, whose position is in the firm grasp of Jason Kipnis, Phelps has been stuck in AAA. With the block of Kipnis being entrenched at second, these players will need to find some more versatility to make it to the Major League level.

8. Anthony Santander - OF - R AZL Indians - 2011 International Free Agent

Santander was signed the same day as star infielder Dorssys Paulino, so he may have been overlooked, but he definitely deserves respect on his own merit. In the short Arizona Summer League, Anthony batted .305 and knocking in 32 (second on the team behind Jorge Martinez). Santander also showed some power on a team almost completely devoid of it. He was third on the team in extra base hits with 20 and fourth in home runs. Santander is the third offensive player to watch from this years AZL Indians team following the two listed last month (Paulino and Martinez).

9. Breily Puerta - RP - R AZL Indians - 2010 International Free Agent

The AZL Indians definitely had some pitching issues this year, but Puerta was a bright spot. He threw 35 innings in relief, striking out 35 and allowing just 14 earned runs. Used often when the starting pitcher struggled early, he pitched almost two innings per outing and managed to grab four wins by keeping the Indians in games that they otherwise wouldn't have been. This is his second year with the Indians and both have been tremendous. It will be very interesting to see if his prowess can continue at the next level in 2013.

10. Delvi Cid - CF - A+ Carolina - 2006 International Free Agent

One thing that is lacking in the Indians minor league system is speed in a prospect that has any chance of making it big and here Cid looks like a bright spot. Playing the entire season for the Mudcats, he tallied 32 steals (down from 71 in 2010 with Lake County) while just being caught 10 times. Most impressively during his second season at advanced A Cid has improved all the other parts of his game. In less than 20 more games Delvi raised his batting average by 84 points (to .281) and his slugging percent by .179 (to .431). These improvements along with career highs in doubles, triples and home runs show a great upward trend. Although he is still years away, defensive minded, speed outfielders are always in demand and we will hopefully be seeing Cid in Cleveland in the future.

The third in a four part series covering the Indians minor league players. Here are part one and part two. Players are excluded if they have as much as an at bat in the Majors. Here are another ten young Indians to keep a look out for.

1. Jared Goedert - 3B/RF - AAA Columbus - Drafted Round 9 in 2006

Goedert has been around for a very long time by minor league standards as can be seen by the fact that his next home run will be his 100th as a minor leaguer. Disappointingly, Goedert has played in AA each of the last 4 seasons, but has yet to make it stick in AAA. This has been his best season so far as he has been destroying AAA pitching, but that is to be expected from a 27 year old. The only players ahead of him in home runs (11), RBI (49) and runs (44) are players with significant Major League playing time who are just biding their time while waiting for a call-up. Before Lonnie Chisenhall was drafted Goedert was considered the thirdbaseman of the future, but since Chisenhall has made his debut, the Indians have been trying to make Goedert into a versatile utility player. He has seen time at first, third, left and right field this season in an effort to make him a better fit for the Major League team. Because he is not currently being protected by the 40 man roster, he is eligible to be taken in the rule 5 draft at the end of the season and the chances are good that he will be. If the Indians want to actually give Jared a chance, they will at least have to bring him up as a September call-up and place him on the 40 man.

2. Thomas Neal - OF - AA Akron - Traded from San Francisco for Orlando Cabrera in 2011

Thomas Neal is in a very similar situation to Goedert. He was designated for assignment before the start of 2012 season, but was not claimed by any other teams. He has spent the entire season in Akron to this point after spending all of 2011 in AAA with Fresno and Columbus. Like Goedert, this is his seventh season, but he is two years younger, so there is a little more upside. This year he is hitting .312/.398/.463 with 22 doubles, ten home runs, 49 RBI and 69 runs. The fact that he is still in AA while the Indians have signed the likes of Vinnie Rottino and Lars Anderson and placed them above him in AAA makes it seem unlikely that he has any future with the Tribe. The disappointing part about this is that he was one of the Giants top prospects and the Indians got him for almost nothing.

3. Shawn Armstrong - RP - AA Akron - Drafted Round 18 in 2011

While he is AA Akron and playing well right now, Armstrong has done most of his damage in Advanced A Carolina. Combined over three levels, he has gone 2-3 with a 1.61 ERA in 39 games. Most impressively he has thrown 61.1 innings and struck out 72 batters. This is basically his first professional season as he only threw two innings after being drafted last season. The 2011 draft looks especially impressive as five players have already been featured in these reports, one of whom, Cody Allen, has already made his Major League debut and is dominating there. In his short time in Akron, he has allowed a single run in 11 games. Of course he has continued to get some swings and misses with 16 strike outs in 14 innings. The bullpen mafia looks to be set for a long time in the future. Seeing how fast Allen has risen, look for Armstrong as early as September 2012 with a more likely entrance sometime in mid 2013.

4. Danny Salazar - SP - AA Akron - 2006 International Free Agent

The 22 year old right hander has spent most of the season in Carolina and was just recently promoted to Akron. Overall, he is 2-2 with a 2.84 ERA and 56 strike outs in 63.1 innings. This has been his most successful season since pitching in the Dominican Summer League in 2007. It is also his first year he has pitched beyond Lake County and he has spent the whole season in Advanced A and AA. Salazar will likely start 2013 in Akron, but could advance during the season as he did this year. His expected debut should be in 2014 at the earliest.

5. Charlie Valerio - C - SS Mahoning Valley - 2009 International Free Agent

Valerio is spending his first season above rookie ball and has been very successful. The Scrappers have transitioned him from being the firstbaseman he was signed as to being primarily a catcher this year. This year he has hit .296/.371/.456 with 16 extra base hits in 46 games. Most players see an offensive relapse when they are changing positions, but Valerio has taken well to it, posting his highest average in his three professional seasons. At 21 Charlie is still a few years away, but could be as far as AAA by 2014.

6. Luis Gomez - P - R DSL Indians - 2011 International Free Agent

This is Gomez's first professional season and he is sure making it a good one. So far he has allowed three runs in 40.1 innings across six starts and six relief appearances. He has also struck out 38 and holds a WHIP of 0.74. All that still didn't make him the best pitcher on the DSL Indians, but their best starter, Juan Nivar, was just suspended 50 games for substance abuse (steroids), so he has also been suspended from this list. Gomez is 19 (or so he says) and will likely pitch in the AZL or Mahoning Valley next year.

7. Mason Radeke - RP - A Lake County - Drafted Round 35 in 2011

Another relief pitcher from the class of '11, Radeke has spent the majority of 2012 confounding single A hitters. He has struck out 95 in 86 innings and allowed just 36 earned runs. Radeke did make one start in Akron and 8 in Lake County in addition to his relief appearances and holds a record for 2012 of 6-7. The Indians strategy of drafting hard throwing, swing and miss college pitchers last year seems to be working and Radeke will likely spend 2013 with the Aeros. It's completely possible that the bullpen could consist almost entirely of 2011 draft picks as early as 2014.

8. Alexis Paredas - RP - R AZL Indians - 2009 International Free Agent

Paredas has taken well to his first season of American baseball. The 20 year old has had no trouble dealing with the 18-19 year old hitters in the Arizona League and has thrown 32 innings in 14 games. He has only allowed 9 earned runs so far for an ERA of 2.53 and has struck out 34 keeping his K/9 above nine and his K/BB at almost 4. Paredas has had many chances to pitch multiple inning games as the Indians starting rotation has struggled some in the Arizona heat. This should be his last season in Rookie ball as most players are moved onto Lake County or Mahoning Valley at this point in their careers.

9. Victor Cabral - LF - R DSL Indians - 2011 International Free Agent

Cabral is the hottest hitter for the Dominican Summer League Indians, putting up a slash line of .301/.381/.417. He already has 30 RBI in just 58 games and has 17 extra base hits with 8 steals. Cabral is just 18 years old and has played both right and left field this season, only making one error to this point. He has played some DH as well as the Indians make sure everyone gets playing time in the field, while also keeping Cabral's bat in the lineup. Hopefully he will be leading a different Indians offense next year as he should be making the move to Goodyear for 2013.

10. Luigi Rodriguez - CF - A Lake County - 2009 International Free Agent

The Indians don't have very many power hitters currently in their system, but Rodriguez has a chance to be one of them. Although his batting average has slipped this year, he has found some strength that was missing the past few seasons, hitting 20 doubles and 9 home runs in 104 games in Eastlake. Most impressively he has 102 runs created (R+RBI-HR) and still has managed 20 steals. Did I mention that he plays centerfield? While he still has some things to work on (119 strike outs in 417 at bats and 6 errors as an outfielder), he could definitely be a player to watch for in the future. He will likely play for Carolina and possibly Akron as well next year after spending two seasons with Lake County. He is only 19, so he still has a few years to work with before he ends up like Jared Goedert.

Same rules as last time, here are another 10 outstanding Indians minor leaguers. Included this time that were not in May are players from the Dominican Summer League Indians, Mahoning Valley Scrappers and the Arizona League Indians who had not started play yet when the last one was written.

1. Chun-Hsiu Chen - C/1B - AA Akron - International Free Agent 2007

Chen is currently second on the Aeros in RBI behind only 8 year semi-pro Nick Weglarz. Unlike Weglarz however, Chen is on his way up, rather than going back down. Chun-Hsiu is currently in his second season with the Akron and has been working this season on transitioning from his original position of catcher into becoming a full time first baseman. The added time in AA has aided Chen offensively as well as he raised his batting average in 2012 to .317 from .262 in 2011. If Chen continues his progress this season he will likely reach career highs in runs (currently has 49), hits (99), doubles (25), steals (4) and walks (45). In addition to all that, he will likely make his way to Columbus by seasons end and could be in Cleveland as early as September 2013 depending on their need.

2. Jeremie Tice - OF - AA Akron - Drafted Round 6 in 2008

Jeremie Tice played well enough in Advanced A to make the All-Star team, but wasn't going to stop then. Before the game was played Tice had moved on to Akron and has picked up his game even more. Combined between the two levels Tice has 36 extra base hits and 58 RBI this year. Most impressively he has actually hit at a higher rate in AA (.333 in 52 games) than he did in A+ (.282 in 52 games). Tice has played some at first base, right field and left field, but has seen the majority of his at bats at designated hitter. He will likely finish out 2012 and begin 2013 in AA. The earliest Indians fans should expect Tice would be late in 2014.

3. Jesus Aguilar - 1B - A+ Carolina - International Free Agent 2008

Aguilar was one of just two Indians farm hands in the Future's Game, the other one being Francisco Lindor (who was covered in the May edition) and it was well deserved. He leads the Mudcats in doubles (21), hits (83) and runs (50) and is second in batting average (.305), RBI (45), and home runs (11). His rate stats (OBP and AVG) are his highest since he was in the Dominican Summer League in 2009. With Jeremie Tice moved on to Akron, Aguilar is the most dominant offensive force left in Carolina. 

4. Preston Guilmet - RP - AA Akron - Drafted Round 9 in 2009

The Aeros closer has arguably been the best in the Indians organization outside of Pure Rage himself. Guilmet has earned 11 saves already even though the Aeros have tended to spread around the opportunities with 6 other pitchers earning a total of 14 saves. Preston has only allowed 7 runs in 30.2 innings (2.05 ERA) and has kept runners off the bases with a WHIP under 1.00 as well. He also has a very impressive K/BB rate of 26/9. Guilmet has finished 20 of the 28 games he has pitched in and will look to start finishing games in Columbus by the end of 2013. 

5. Jorge Martinez - 2B - R AZL Indians - International Free Agent 2010

The Arizona League Indians have just recently started playing, but Jorge Martinez has started just about as hot as you can. The Indians second-baseman slash stats are .415/.456/.717 and he has knocked in 11 runs in 12 games to boot. The 19 year old is in his third year in Rookie ball, but will likely advance soon as he has finally figured something out. He is just one home run away from his career high at this level and is about half way to most of his other highs at just a quarter of the way through the season. Martinez is still a long way away, but he is still very young and could develop into something good.

6. Luis DeJesus - SP - A(SS) Mahoning Valley - Drafted Round 11 in 2011

Dejesus started 2012 in 'A' ball with the Lake County Captains and didn't impress, but joined the Scrappers as soon as their season started and has dominated. DeJesus had only pitched in 13 professional games prior to this season so he probably should have been in Single A the whole time. So far in Mahoning Valley he is 2-0 in four starts with an ERA of 0.82. In his short career across three levels, Luis has struck out 71 batters in just 80 innings pitched. While he is still far away from the bigs, it is promising to see such a late round draft pick doing so well already.

7. Dorssys Paulino - SS - R AZL Indians - International Free Agent 2011

This promising young (17) shortstop has already started excelling in his first professional season. Paulino has already hit a couple home runs and is batting .327 through 13 games. While he has had some struggles defensively (5 errors), it is unlikely he will ever be a starting short stop for the Indians. Between Asdrubal Cabrera and Francisco Lindor after him, the Tribe is pretty set up the middle for the next decade. The Indians however, are not deep at some other positions like second base and third base that could be possibly fits for the young up comer.

8. Carlos Diaz - SP - R DSL Indians - International Free Agent 2011

In 5 games pitched (4 starts), Carlos Diaz leads all Dominican Summer League pitchers with a 0.90 ERA. Through 20 innings Diaz has 21 strike outs and has only allowed 2 runs on 11 hits. Unbelievably his WHIP of 0.95 is fourth on among the incredibly strong pitching staff for the DSL Indians. Every starter on the team with more than three starts holds an ERA under 3.00 and a WHIP under 1.15. Diaz and any of the other pitchers who perform beyond expectations will likely see their way to either the AZL Indians or Mahoning Valley by 2013.

9. Cody Allen - RP - AAA Columbus - Drafted Round 23 in 2011

Cody Allen has moved faster up the Indians minor league system faster than any other player in recent memory. The extremely late round draft pick from just last year passed through four MiLB levels in just 46 games during his first season. This year he has seen time in Carolina, Akron and Columbus and has combined for a 2.01 ERA in 29 relief outings. Most impressively he has struck out 51 batters compared to only 9 walks. Seeing how fast he has already risen combined with the Indians struggles with the lower part of their bullpen, Allen could possibly see time in Cleveland this season and more likely in 2013. There are quite a few pitchers in Columbus right now with Major League experience, but the only pitcher that has been better than Allen (Chris Ray) was just released.

10. Jordan Smith - RF - A Lake County - Drafted Round 9 in 2011

Smith is in just his second professional season for the Indians and has excelled at two levels. In 65 games last season for Mahoning Valley, Smith knocked in 47 runs and scored 36. This year he has increased his power output, hitting a team high five triples along with four home runs and 16 doubles. He has also knocked in another 33 runs and scored another 36 in 2012 while keeping a very consistent .301 batting average. Jordan Smith could be just the left handed light hitting outfielder the Indians need. Look for Smith in Akron next season.

There are a few players who deserve mention for their minor league exploits, even though the Indians have removed their prospect titles and changed them to pros. Juan Diaz was considered good enough to take Asdrubal Cabrera's role in Cleveland while the All-Star was out with an injury, but he isn't good enough for AAA as he was sent back down to Akron following the call up. He has 7 home runs and 37 RBI already this year despite the interruption. Matt LaPorta also deserves recognition as he will likely set career highs in home runs and RBI this year in AAA as the prototypical AAAA or replacement player can't seem to earn a spot on the big league club.

#9 is #5 on this month's list.

The Indians Minor League system is filled with talented players. You hear about these players when they are drafted or traded for, but then they disappear from the mainstream media until they get to the Majors. How will you know the Indians of next year before they actually become Indians? I'm here to help you out with the Indians top ten Minor League players of 2012 so far. There will be four of these throughout the season. Once a player has been featured he will no longer be eligible for the list, so we will feature 40 different players. Players that have played in the Major Leagues are also ineligible as they cannot really be considered prospects anymore. This will keep this article from featuring the 2011 Cleveland Indians who are currently in AAA.

1. T.J. McFarland - SP - AA Akron - Drafted Round 4 in 2007

T.J. McFarland's complete dominance over all of AA has been an integral part of the machine that is the Akron Aeros. Akron currently leads all Eastern League teams with a 23-13 record. Seven of those wins belong to McFarland. He has only started 8 games and has a decision in each. T.J. currently holds a 1.86 ERA with a WHIP of just over 1.07 in 48.1 innings pitched. He has never pitched higher than AA, but look for him to make the jump later this season. This is McFarland's fifth professional season.

2. Chen Lee - RP - AAA Columbus - International Free Agent 2008

Chen Lee is the best example of an improved international scouting department in the Indians organization. Lee was signed out of Taiwan in 2008 and is currently in his fourth season in the Indians farm system. Lee has only thrown 7 innings out of the bullpen this year for the Clippers, but his consistency has not wavered since he got to Columbus. In parts of two seasons with Akron and Columbus, Lee holds a 2.80 ERA (so far this year with Columbus it is 2.57). His K/9 has been over 10 for every single MiLB season so far reaching as high as 12 strike outs per nine innings in Columbus last year. He needs some more time in AAA to make sure he can sustain his success, but he is definitely on the horizon for the Bullpen Mafia. Look for Lee as early as late 2012 and to be a competitor for a spot on the 25 man roster next Spring Training.

3. Steven Wright - SP - AA Akron - Drafted Round 2 in 2006

If it wasn't obvious before it should be now. The Indians are very deep in starting pitching at the mid to low Minor League levels (they are an Ubaldo Jimenez trade away from being deep at the upper level). Steven Wright is absolutely dominating AA hitters so far this season. In his 6th professional season Wright has struck out 38 batters over the course of 43.1 innings. Even more impressively he holds a 1.87 ERA over this time. This is the most successful he has been throughout his Minor League career with a career low in ERA and the highest K/9 rate at any level above Lake County. Wright definitely looks like one of the next starting pitchers to make the trip from Akron to Columbus.

4. Francisco Lindor - SS - A Lake County - Drafted Round 1 in 2011

In just 33 games at single A, Lindor has already hit 13 extra base hits including 3 triples. He also has stolen 11 bases making him look like the rarity that is the speed player with some power. He is only 18 and in his first full season with the Indians, but will hopefully move quickly through the system over the span of the next two years. He may still have some defensive issues to work out, but he has plenty of time for that. Look for him in Columbus by 2014. 

5. Adam Abraham - 3B - AA Akron - Drafted Round 13 in 2008

Abraham has moved slowly up the system, but it is probably for the best as it has allowed him to increase his power output during the last couple of seasons culminating in 17 home runs and 72 RBI in 2011(Kinston). This is his first season in AA and while it may look like he has struggled (.256 AVG), he has maintained in the more important categories of getting on base and hitting for power. His 20 walks have kept his OBP afloat at .393 and his extra base power has his slugging percent at .467, the highest of his career at any level. This is Abraham's 5th season in the minors and he is already 25, but at the least we can expect him to be the eventual replacement of Lonnie Chisenhall in Columbus when the Indians realize they need him in Cleveland.

6. Beau Mills - 1B - AAA Columbus - Drafted Round 1 in 2007

The Indians struggled with early round draft picks for a few years in the early 2000's and looked to come out of it with the selection of Beau Mills in 2007. Since then, only Lonnie Chisenhall and Francisco Lindor remain as first round picks. The Indians have high hopes for Mills as first base is not a deep position for the team at the Major or Minor League levels. This is his 6th season and his .231/.279/.436 line doesn't give much reason for the Indians to move him along any further. If he doesn't step up his game soon he may be could be traded or end up as a rule 5 player at the end of the season. Of course if he doesn't play any better, why would any other team want to take a risk with him.

7. Jose Flores - RP - A+ Carolina - International Free Agent 2005

The Indians have taken it slow with this reliever, pitching him two seasons in the Dominican Summer League before allowing him to pitch in the U.S. Flores is currently having his best season yet as the closer for the Mudcats. He has finished 11 of his 15 games pitched in and has struck out 21 in only 17.2 innings. His 1.02 ERA is extremely impressive and his 7 saves show he can take the pressure of being a low level minor league closer. At his current pace he will be ready to leave Columbus sometime in 2016, but his talent level should allow him to move up a little faster than that. Instead, look for him to be in Columbus within the next two years.

8. Cody Anderson - SP - A Lake County - Drafted Round 14 in 2011

In just his first full Minor League season Cody Anderson is already showing some promise. In the 43 innings he's pitched since he was drafted last season he has only allowed 9 runs for an ERA of 1.88. He has won 4 of his 6 starts and struck out 31 compared to 9 walks. The basics are there for Anderson, it will just take some more time to see what kind of pitcher he will really be. After the routine AA broken finger and AAA Tommy John surgery, how much will he have left in the tank? Assuming none of those things happen, Anderson could be expected to be at a pro level by late 2015 or 2016.

9. Eric Berger - SP - AAA Columbus - Drafted Round 8 in 2008

The best mustache in baseball has jumped around a lot since joining the Indians system in 2008. In 5 years with the Tribe he has played for 5 different teams including time in Akron in 4 separate seasons. He started this year in Akron, but was quickly moved back to AAA, where he has pitched admirably. In 2 starts Berger has struck out 10 and only allowed 3 runs. Berger may be a pleasant surprise to most Indians fans as he hasn't seen much press as an 8th round draft pick, but most people hadn't heard of Zach McAllister before last season either. Berger could be Major League ready by season end and should definitely be in mind as a possible deep rotation starter or long reliever in 2013.

 10. Tim Fedroff - OF - AA Akron - Drafted Round 7 in 2008

Tim Fedroff spent last season at AAA, but has been demoted back to AA for the start of 2012. This probably has more to do with the glut of outfielders the Indians aquired before the season this year. New this season were Trevor Crowe (back from injury), Ezequiel Carrera (demoted from Cleveland) and Ryan Spilborghs (Minor League Free Agent). Since the beginning of the season Crowe has hurt himself again and Spilborghs has been traded, possibly leaving an opening for another outfielder on the Clippers' roster. Fedroff has played well enough for the promotion with a line of .333/.422/.468. His 5 steals with 3 times caught do leave some room for concern however as the Indians would like him to be a speed-type player. Fedroff does have 3 triples already, so he is probably just picking some bad places to run.

There are your top ten Indians Minor Leaguers through May. They are not specifically the best ten in the system right now, just those athletes that I felt should be recognized at this point in the season. Look out for ten more sometime around the beginning of July.

5. Tony Wolters, SS
DOB: 6/9/92
Height/Weight: 5-10/165
Bats/Throws: L/R
Drafted/Signed: Third round, 2010, Rancho Buena Vista HS (CA)
2011 Stats: .292/.385/.363 at Low-A (69 G)
Player Profile: He’s solid across the board and has an impressive bat.

Year in Review: This 2010 third-round pick broke a bone in his hand during spring training, but he impressed New York-Penn League scouts.
The Good: Wolters can do a little bit of everything. He has an advanced approach for his age, plenty of bat speed, and projects to hit for a high average with a good on-base percentage as well. His average speed plays up due to his instincts, and he’s a steady shortstop with a plus arm.
The Bad: Wolters is on the small side and will likely never have more than gap power. His speed limits his range a bit at shortstop.
Fun Fact: Wolters was at his best in his first at-bat of the game; he hit .331/.507/.525 in those plate appearances.
Projection: He could be an everyday up-the-middle player who can hit at the top of the order.
Fantasy Impact: He’ll bring a good average, on-base skills, and a handful of stolen bases, but find your power elsewhere.
Road to the Show: With so many young, pure shortstops in the system, Wolters might have to move to second base sooner than the Indians would like. Wolters, along with Lindor, the Captians could be part of one of the best middle-infield combos in the low minors .
Estimated Debut Year: 2015

(Scouting Reports courtesy of Indians Prospect Insider)

Tony Walters

6. Nick Hagadone, LHP
DOB: 1/1/86
Height/Weight: 6-5/230
Bats/Throws: L/L
Drafted/Signed: First round in 2007, University of Washington
2011 Stats: 1.59 ERA (22.2-14-7-24) at Double-A (12 G); 3.35 ERA (48.1-42-15-53) at Triple-A (34 G); 4.09 ERA (11-4-6-11) in MLB (9 G)
Tools: He has a late inning-worthy fastball/slider combination.

Year in Review: He was part of the Victor Martinez deal in 2009. Hagadone had his second straight healthy season and missed bats during his short yet effective big-league debut.
The Good: Hagadone is an intimidating presence on the mound who comes at hitters with a mid- to upper-90s fastball that misses bats. His slider gives him a second plus power offering. He's made strides in his command and control, to the point they project as average.
The Bad: Hagadone has had Tommy John surgery and there is still considerable effort in his delivery. He had trouble falling behind in the count with the Tribe last year, and needs to throw more strikes with his slider as opposed to using it solely as a chase pitch. He's 26 years old, so there is little projection left.
Fun Fact: More than 50 pitchers have been selected out of the University of Washington.  They've combined for only 85 wins in the majors and Tim Lincecum accounts for more than 80 percent of them. Can Hagadone be as effective out of the bullpen as Lincecum is in the rotation?
Projection: He’ll be a set-up man with some chance to close.
Fantasy Impact: It’ll be minimal, unless he's getting saves.
Future Outlook: Hagadone will compete for a big-league bullpen role in spring training.

(Scouting report courtesy of Tony Lastoria at Indians Prospect Insider)

7. Dorssys Paulino, SS
DOB: 11/21/94
Height/Weight: 6-0/175
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 2011, Dominican Republic
2011 Stats: DNP
Tools Profile: He has an outstanding hit tool, but he’s probably not a shortstop long-term.

2011 in Review: Paulino was one of the top players in the Dominican, and signed in July to a $1.1 million bonus.
The Good: Paulino's bat was among the most impressive on the international market last summer. He has fantastic bat speed, an excellent feel for contact, and enough strength to project for average power once he fills out. He's an above-average runner, and his arm is plus.
The Bad: In a system filled with impressive young shortstops, Paulino is behind them defensively. He's fast but not quick, and his instincts are below average. However, he could be an above-average second baseman, and might have the bat for third base.
Cool Fact: The first internet radio broadcast, which took place at the University of North Carolina, occurred four days before Paulino was born.
Projection: He has the tools to be a star infielder.
Fantasy Impact: He's eons away from the majors, so there’s no real feel for what he is.
Path to the Big Leagues: Paulino will make his debut in the complex league this summer.
Estimated Debut: 2016