Cleveland Sports Forum

Got my questions in early, so I find that I got some answers:

Elliot (Youngstown OH): Did Luis Lugo impress on the mound? A big lefty some of his numbers were good, but not a lot of strikeouts.

Aaron Fitt: Lugo might have been No. 21 for me -- he was on the short list of guys who just missed the cut. He does have very good size, and he showed promising velocity for a lefty, working at 90-91 at times. He's got some deception in the over-the-top delivery that makes him tough to pick up. The main thing he needs to do is improve his secondary stuff, which will help that low strikeout rate. He has a big 12-to-6 curveball with depth, but he needs to throw it with more power more consistently. The change is still a work in progress, but it shows flashes of being a third solid pitch. He's definitely got a chance -- I like him.

Elliot (Youngstown OH): No love for Nellie Rodriguez? He tailed off at the end, and he did little in full season A at the start of the year, but he showed a lot of power and also patience at the plate.

Aaron Fitt: Another guy (like Lugo) that was in and out and in and then out again when I was putting together these final rankings. He had a great summer and definitely made a name for himself -- he is a prospect. He answered questions about his work ethic, got himself into better shape and improved his approach in the NY-P. He can still get pull-happy and will still get caught out front on offspeed stuff, but he is learning to make adjustments and use more of the field. He's got real power, and his agility at first base isn't bad. But it's still a guy who profiles as a first baseman, so he'll have to hit a ton, and he must continue to progress in that regard.

Elliot (Youngstown OH): I know Kyle Crockett didn't have nearly enough innings to qualify but he didn't at any level as he soared from college to the Eastern League, but did you or the managers see enough of him to rate him as a prospect?

Aaron Fitt: I saw a lot of him in college, and always liked him. John Manuel has heard scouts compare him to Paco Rodriguez, and I think that's pretty good. Paco was a monster this year, but I could see Crockett making a significant big league contribution next year too. He's polished, and he's really tough on lefties.

Then he decided to answer other fans' questions, too! So that should be it on the Scrappers. Pretty positive comments on all 3 of those guys.

For those of you, like me, who don't know Paco Rodriguez, here are his stats.

2.32 ERA 0.92 WHIP 10.4 K/IP I'd take that from Crockett next season!

http://www.baseball-reference.com/playe ... st02.shtml

Bryson Myles

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Around The Farm: Instructs September 30th

By Tony Lastoria

October 2, 2013

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Around the Farm (ATF) takes a quick look at some of the daily performances by Indians prospects throughout the organization. The positions listed below are where the player was playing in the game.

This is a special Instructional League version of ATF that recaps each of the Instructional League games the Indians minor leaguers will play this fall over the next three weeks. All players that played in the game are included in each report. Please note, there is no advanced Instructional League this season.

Game 5: September 30 at White Sox

Indians won 6-3

•Ordomar Valdez (2B) - 0-1, 1 BB, 1 SB. Valdez is small and doesn't have much power, but he's an interesting middle infield prospect in the lower levels worth keeping an eye on because of bat skills, versatility, defense and ability to run.

•James Roberts (2B or 3B) - 0-1, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K. We are nearing the halfway point in Instructs, which means you will begin to see a lot of the timesharing at positions go away, but not completely.

•Erik Gonzalez (SS) - 1-2, 1 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 K. Gonzalez is a guy who went from the roster bubble this spring to a guy the Indians really believe has a future as a middle infielder or utility prospect.

•Dorssys Paulino (SS) - 0-2. Paulino is using his time out in Arizona to get back to where he was last season and in spring training with his timing with his swing and his approach.

•Clint Frazier (CF) - 2-4, 1 R, 1 RBI, 2 K. This guy just continues to hit. So far no matter when he plays or where he plays he just continues to be an offensive force. The defense and baserunning is impressive too.

•Jordan Smith (RF) - 0-4, 2 K. Smith was back in right field for this one. He's been working out some in center field, potentially to see if he can handle the position full time next season or even on a limited basis.

•Bryson Myles (DH) - 2-3, 1 R, 1 2B. 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 BB, 1 K. Myles with a monster game. He showed this season why when he is healthy there are few position player prospects in the system that are more exciting.

•Tony Wolters (C) - 0-2, 1 K. I can't wait to get out to Arizona and see Wolters play in the Arizona Fall League, hopefully at catcher for a game. It will be a huge test for him and to see how far he has come along as a catcher.

•Eric Haase (C) - 0-1, 1 BB. Haase has power, athleticism and a very good arm. Three of the main ingredients you want from a catcher. Now it is about developing the intangibles behind the plate and the approach at it.

•Jeremy Lucas (1B) - 0-2, 2 BB, 1 CS. Lucas is being primed for a potential role as a catcher/first baseman next year in Carolina. He's a guy not often talked about, but I really like his approach to hitting.

•Josh McAdams (LF) - 0-2, 2 K. McAdams really had a tough first full year. This is a learning experience and something he can take away from this offseason in preparation for next year. I still love the power tools.

•LeVon Washington (LF) - 0-2. I may be mistaken, but I believe Washington is now hitless in all five games. That doesn't matter as whether he hits .100 or .500 in 40 at bats in Instructional League, the only thing that matters is he is getting playing time.

•Claudio Bautista (3B) - 1-4, 1 R, 1 K. Bautista is a smaller player, but he is aggressive, athletic, and knows how to really attack a fastball. He is a sleeper prospect for me next year at Lake County.

•D'Vone McClure (DH) - 1-2, 1 2B, 1 RBI. Nice game for McClure. Hopefully he can string a few of these together as he tries to build his confidence at the plate and be more consistent as a hitter.

•Giovanny Urshela (DH) - 0-1. Urshela is still playing, which is something I still find interesting. He played an entire Double-A season and even though it was a so-so year you just rarely see non-injured Double-A guys in Instructs.

•Shawn Morimando (SP) - 2 IP, 1 H, 4 K. Morimando was dominant and needed 35 pitches to wipe out the seven batters he faced. He threw first pitch strikes to 4 of the 7 batters.

•Dylan Baker (RP) - 2 IP, 1 H, 2 K. Baker continued the pace set by Morimando with two stellar innings of his own needing 33 pitches to get through them and threw first pitch strikes to 3 of 7 batters. Ideally, you'd like less pitches over 2 innings (20-25 is the goal) but it is still a great outing.

•Ben Heller (RP) - 0.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R (both earned), 2 BB. Heller struggled in this outing. While he only threw 22 pitches to the 5 batters he faces (2 first pitch strikes) it looks like he reached his pitch count limit as he was removed quickly - or possibly got hurt.

•Kenny Matthews (RP) - 2.2 IP, 4 K. This is an exceptional outing from Mathews as he came in relief of Heller and was perfect setting down all 8 batters he faced (4 first pitch strikes) on just 31 pitches.

•Carlos Melo (RP) - 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R (earned), 1 BB, 1 K. Melo continues to get a lot of work this fall as I believe he has worked in every game or every game but one. He's an older guy and from another organization and the Indians appear to be pushing him to see what he can do.

•Kyle Crockett (RP) - 1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 2 K. Not the sharpest we have seen Crockett this season, but he got out of the inning unscathed. He needed 21 pitches and was just 2-for-5 with first pitch strikes. He might be tired from a long season.

Follow Tony and the Indians Prospect Insider on Twitter @TonyIBI. Also, his new book the 2013 Cleveland Indians Baseball Insider which profiles the Indians' Top 100 Prospects and more is available for sale.

Clint Frazier

Around The Farm: Instructs October 2, 2013

By Arthur Kinney

October 3, 2013

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Around the Farm (ATF) takes a quick look at some of the daily performances by Indians prospects throughout the organization. The positions listed below are where the player was playing in the game.

This is a special Instructional League version of ATF that recaps each of the Instructional League games the Indians minor leaguers will play this fall over the next three weeks. All players that played in the game are included in each report. Please note, there is no advanced Instructional League this season.

Game 6: October 2 at Goodyear

Indians beat the Rangers 10-4

Clint Frazier (CF) - 1-1, 1 R, 1 BB - The stat that most excites me here is the walk. It may sound mundane, but it's what he needs to do more of to improve his plate discipline. Now the key is to see if a) he can maintain a patient approach for a prolonged period and make it a habit and b) transfer it into the world of franchise (non-complex) affiliates where he has to do it front of a crowd that's more than a few people who happened to stumble across the Indians practice facility and found out there was a game going on.

•Ordomar Valdez (2B) - 1-3, 1 R - Valdez continues to get his work in and is showing why he may have a future in this organization.

•Claudio Bautista (2B) - 1-2, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 K - Claudio continues to perform well for the FIL Tribe. I am honestly excited to see what this guy can do in Eastlake for a full year come the 2014 season.

•Josh McAdams (LF) - 4-5, 3 R, 1 2B, 1 E - This is the talent that everybody is talking about with McAdams. The issue is being able to control it so that it shows more regularly and not just in unreliable bits and pieces.

•Bryson Myles (CF) - 1-3, 1 R, 1 3B - Even on a one-hit day, he triples and scores. I'm guessing that, barring injury, this will be the last season he needs instructs.

•Jordan Smith (RF) - 2-3, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 1 K, 1 SB - Smith performs (very) well at the plate. Not sure how much of the is him being back in his right field comfort zone. This was probably his last game as I have heard he is done and has gone home for the winter.

•Giovanny Urshela (3B) - 1-3, 2 RBI, 2 Additional plate appearances (likely Sac Flies) - Not a bad day for Urshela. Admittedly, when you're a non-injured Akron Aero assigned to Instructional League, you can't afford to have too many bad days.

•Francisco Mejia (DH) - 2-3, 1 2B, 2 RBI - Mejia has a solid day at the plate. Speaking of the plate, he should be excited to see some time behind it in games soon.

•Erik Gonzalez (DH) - 1-1, 1 RBI, 1 SB - While Gonzalez didn't get a chance to display his defensive skills today, he made the most of his only plate appearance.

•Nelson Rodriguez (1B) - 0-3, 1 BB, 1 K - Nothing ot get too worried about, just a guy working on his approach at the plate so that he can actually progress when meaningful games come around again next season.

•Tony Wolters (C/SS) - 1-2, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 Additional plate appearance - Wolters has a good day at the plate while bouncing between his two positions. Maybe a preview of how he will be used in the Arizona Fall League?

•Eric Haase (C) - 0-0, 1 BB - If nothing else, the walk is a good sign regarding his plate disciplne. That's the biggest development point for him next season and beyond.

•Dorssys Paulino (SS) - 0-1 - Really nothing you can read into this outing (too short).

•Jeremy Lucas (C) - 0-1, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 1 CS, 1 Additonal plate appearabce (likely a Sac Fly) - No hits, but some offensive production nonetheless. He's an interesting role player for next year where he probably splits time at catcher and first base.

•Yu-Cheng Chang (DH) - 0-3, 1 K, 1 E - This instructs is just about getting used to the North American pro game for Chang. Oh, and, no, I do not have any idea how an error was charged to a DH.

•Will Roberts (SP) - 3 IP, 2 H, 2 R (both unearned), 1 BB, 2 K - A good outing that fell victim to some defensive miscues. Likely Roberts' last start in preparation for his next outing in the Arizona Fall League.

•Luis Lugo (RP) - 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R (earned) - This outing is almost certainly the victim of one bad pitch as he probably gave up both the hit and the run on a solo home run (he only faced four batters in throwing a complete inning).

•Jacob Lee (RP) - 1 IP, 2 H - While it is nice to just see Lee back out there on the mound, it is nice to see a solid outing before he leaves instructs for the offseason. He gave up a few hits, but worked out of the jam.

•Mitch Brown (RP) - 2 IP, 2 H, 1 K - Mitch Brown leaving instructs healthy would be a good start for him. It was definitely a learning year for him and a frustrating one at that, but he will be better for it.

•Elvis Araujo (RP) - 1 IP, perfect, 1 K - Araujo continues to dominate instructs, throwing two first-pitch strikes in a perfect inning.

•Sean Brady (RP) - 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R (earned) - Brady's still struggling to regain his form from the Arizona League proper, but that may very easily be the product of something he is working on in the instructs season and having to be ramped up again.

Kenny Mathews (Photo: Jesse Piecuch)

Scouting the Indians 2013 Draft: Part 5

By Tony Lastoria

October 4, 2013

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Over the course of the past few weeks I have been posting post-draft pieces like this on all of the players that the Indians drafted and signed from the 2013 Draft. The Indians signed 24 players in total and also signed two undrafted free agents, and I have comments on each and every player from Indians Amateur Scouting Director Brad Grant.

In this final piece I once again include comments from Grant and a quick summary on each player as well as any stats from the 2013 season.

Rather than just roll down the list of players in order of when they were picked, I have posted these with players at random and mixed the higher and lower profile prospects together. Five players have been featured in each article for a total of five post-draft capsules, though in this piece there are six since I profile the final four drafted players and the two undrafted players.

Here are the other pieces posted in this series:

Part 1: Clint Frazier, Thomas Pannone, Silento Sayles, Matt Whitehouse, Shane Rowland
Part 2: Kyle Crockett, James Roberts, Grant Fink, Cortland Cox, Mike Giuffre
Part 3: Casey Shane, Adam Plutko, Sicnarf Loopstok, Cole Sulser, Justin Garcia
Part 4: Dace Kime, Trevor Frank, Paul Hendrix, Kerry Doane, Jordan Milbrath

Sean Brady (Left-handed Pitcher): 5th round, Ida S Baker High School (FL)

2013 stats: 10 GS, 0-1, 1.97 ERA, 32.0 IP, 24 H, 11 R (7 ER), 2 HR, 6 BB, 30 K, .205 BAA

Quick Summary:

Brady was the first prep player the Indians selected in the 2013 Draft and had a commitment to the University of Florida. He is in the low 90s with his fastball and gets it up to 93 MPH, and saw a big spike in his velocity from his junior season in high school to this past season. He mixes in a curveball and changeup that could both at least be average offerings - the curveball is a plus offering and his out pitch. He is a smaller left-hander along the lines of Indians’ 2011 draft pick lefty Shawn Morimando, so the small size brings some concern about his ability to start down the road.

Brad Grant:

“He got off to a really good start, and it does mean something to go out and compete right away. It is a big adjustment going from high school to professional baseball learning how to pitch every fifth day and learning how to use all of your pitches and he was able to do that quickly. I think that is one of the biggest things about Sean is he has an advanced feel to pitch and he has an advanced understanding of how to pitch for a high school kid. He also comes with some stuff too as he will throw 88-91 MPH with his fastball, he has a chance for a plus curveball, has a good feel for his changeup, and he can really throw strikes and locate his pitches well. He is a guy for a high school kid who has a chance to move quickly and is very polished for what he does and has a very good understanding for what he does. He is a little bit further ahead than where Shawn Morimando was coming out of high school, but they are very similar in terms of their ability to pitch, makeup and their understanding of what they are trying to do out there. I think Sean is a little more advanced with where his breaking ball was than where Morimando’s was coming out of high school, but both are very similar and have a chance to have some success at the major league level in the future.”

Kenny Mathews (Left-handed Pitcher): 7th round, Riverside Community College (CA)

2013 stats: 12 GS, 0-3, 2.52 ERA, 39.1 IP, 35 H, 15 R (11 ER), 0 HR, 13 BB, 37 K, .233 BAA

Quick Summary:

Mathews had a great start to his college career last year at Cal-State Fullerton, but transferred to Riverside CC this past season. He struggled with a lat injury in college this season and it affected his performance and sidelined him for a short time. He does not throw hard at all as he barely touches the high 80s, but he has a nice build, good pitchability, and has a good breaking ball and a changeup that is a plus offering. He has a good feel for his pitches with plus control, so it will be interesting to see how he translates to the pro game going forward as a command-control pitcher.

Brad Grant:

“He had a really good pro debut. He went out and performed at Mahoning Valley in a league that is tough offensively. He maintained a 45ish type fastball pitching at 88-89 MPH, but he really knows how to locate it and can throw it to both sides of the plate. He is another guy who has an advanced feel to pitch. He has two solid average secondary pitches in his curveball and changeup, and has a good delivery. He is another guy that needs to add some strength as he goes along and as that strength comes we could see a little bit more fastball velocity there. I think he has a very good delivery and some good arm action. He has a lot of things that will allow velocity to come, but even if he doesn’t get the velocity and pitches where he is right now at 88-89 MPH he has a good feel to pitch and a really advanced feel to locate his fastball to both sides and change eye levels with it. He can pitch effectively in that 88-89 range, but at the same time as he advances in our system and gets stronger and adds strength I think he will add some velocity too.”

Ben Heller (Right-handed Pitcher): 22nd round, Olivet Nazarene University (IL)

2013 stats: 21 G, 1-3, 3.13 ERA, 37.1 IP, 37 H, 16 R (13 ER), 0 HR, 14 BB, 39 K, .252 BAA

Quick Summary:

Heller is a college senior signing who is a depth signing that can fill several roles for the Indians. He has been a starter all four years in college but will likely pitch out of the bullpen in the minors due to the lack of a third pitch and more priority to other pitchers in a starting role. Even though he is a depth pen arm at the moment, his fastball is very intriguing as he gets it into the upper 90s. His secondary stuff is inconsistent, but if his slider or changeup come along he could be a sleeper bullpen prospect for the Indians.

Brad Grant:

“He is just a lean right-handed pitcher that was 21-years old and a college senior, but who still has some upside to him. The fastball is obviously what we liked as it is 95-96 MPH with some life to it. The changeup is a split change and is ahead of the slider, and the slider is a pitch he still has to develop. There is still some upside to him, especially if we can develop that slider to be a little bit sharper and harder. But throwing 95-96 MPH is something good to work with. He throws strikes and threw strikes in college too. There are some delivery things that help his deception, but at the same time there are some things we can do delivery-wise to help him. There is something still there especially since he is from a small school in Illinois and only 21.”

Garrett Smith (Infielder): 37th round, Cal Lutheran University (CA)

2013 stats: 20 G, .070 AVG, 8 R, 0 2B, 0 3B, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 7 BB, 11 K, 0 SB, .242 OPS

Quick Summary:

There is some pedigree to the pro game as Smith’s father is former Indians coach Steve Smith. He was not a regular starter until his senior year at California Lutheran. He managed to break in as a starter as a junior and really improved as a senior. While he offers up a lot of versatility, the bat is a big question mark as he has minimal to no power and does not make much hard contact. He is another organizational guy who can be a backup/utility guy for the team.

Brad Grant:

“He is the son of Steve Smith, our third base coach last year, so he has some pedigree with his background. He is a lean switch-hitter and another guy who can move around and play third, short and second. He has some tools to be able to move around the infield and provide some depth around the infield.”

Cody Ferrell (Outfielder): Undrafted free agent, Oklahoma City University

2013 stats: 49 G, .268 AVG, 21 R, 3 2B, 0 3B, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 12 BB, 34 K, 0 SB, .653 OPS

Quick Summary:

When the Indians released Tyler Booth at the end of June, they picked up Ferrell and he did a solid job filling in as a role player in the lower levels. He has some versatility in the outfield as he can play all three spots and while he does not have much power he is a gamer who puts up a quality at bat. He is a guy who accepts his role in the organization, which will make some friends with the player development staff and could help him stick around for a while and potentially provide time for his value to increase.

Brad Grant:

“He is a center fielder, and the primary thing is he can get on base. He can run a little bit and move around to left and right field. He plays the leadoff game to get on base, will take a walk and has a pretty good knowledge of the strike zone.”

Gerald Bautista (Outfielder): Undrafted free agent, George M. Steinbrenner HS (FL)

2013 stats: 41 G, .256 AVG, 18 R, 7 2B, 1 3B, 0 HR, 15 RBI, 18 BB, 36 K, 1 SB, .686 OPS

Quick summary:

The Indians signed him as a non-drafted free agent out of high school and he is the son of former major leaguer Danny Bautista. He is viewed as more of a corner infielder, though could mix in some at second base. Even though he was undrafted out of high school, he has a little bit of pop in his bat and has a little more polish and baseball experience than some of the recent Latin American signings his age.

Brad Grant:

“He is another guy who played all three infield spots. He is a solid average fielder with solid average arm strength. He is an average runner who can move around between second, short and third and provide that utility depth. He has some projection with the bat; it still has to come a little bit but he has a good chance to hit in the future.”

Follow Tony and the Indians Prospect Insider on Twitter @TonyIBI. Also, his new book the 2013 Cleveland Indians Baseball Insider which profiles the Indians' Top 100 Prospects and more is available for sale.

Carolina League Prospect List Provides Tribe with its Second NO. 1 League Prospect of the Year


1. Francisco Lindor, ss, Carolina (Indians)

Age: 19. B-T: B-R. Ht.: 5-11. Wt.: 175. Drafted: HS—Montverde, Fla., 2011 (1).


One year after playing as the youngest position player in the Midwest League, Lindor spent the first half of this season as the second-youngest regular in the CL at age 19. Once again, he looked more like a wily veteran than an overmatched teenager, drawing as much praise for his leadership skills and high baseball IQ as his physical tools.

“He is one of the better defenders at his age that I have seen in a while at shortstop,” Frederick manager Ryan Minor said. “His communication and game-awareness are advanced. You always hear him talk on the field, position outfielders. And at such a young age, you don’t see that very often.”

Lindor can do it all defensively. He has above-average range to both sides, soft hands and a strong arm. He addressed a need by spending considerable time working on improving his backhand with Indians special assistant Travis Fryman, the former big league third baseman.

Lindor’s biggest leap forward came at the plate. A switch-hitter, he has a compact swing and barrels the ball into the gaps from both sides. He ought to hit for high average because he does a good job of taking what pitchers give him. Though not much of a power hitter presently, Lindor could enhance his home-run output as he fills out and improves his pitch recognition. He’s a solid and instinctual basestealer who takes advantage of average speed.

“He puts the barrel on the ball and drives it,” Carolina manager David Wallace said. “Whether he becomes a home run or gap-to-gap hitter, it wouldn’t surprise me to see 15-20 home runs from him.”

AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG
327 51 100 19 6 1 27 35 39 20 5 .306 .373 .410 [/b]



20. Cody Anderson, rhp, Carolina (Indians)

Age: 22. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 220. Drafted: Feather River (Calif.) JC, 2011 (14).

Anderson earned CL pitcher of the year honors after topping the circuit in ERA (2.34) and ranking third in strikeouts per nine innings at 8.17. He impressed league observers with command of a 92-94 mph fastball. His arm slot borders on straight over the top, and he locates his fastball to both sides of the plate.

“He’s not afraid to challenge guys with the fastball,” Carolina’s Wallace said. “He gets in on the guys and can move it around. He’s not just out there closing his eyes and throwing it as hard as he can.”

A reliever in junior college, Anderson lacks experience and is still learning how to set up hitters. His secondary pitches still need refinement, including a changeup that improved as the season went on and became a swing-and-missing offering. He also throws a slurvy slider that features some lateral movement.

The Indians sent Anderson to Double-A Akron in late August and he yielded eight runs over 13 innings.

G GS W L SV ERA IP H R ER HR BB SO AVG
23 23 9 4 0 2.34 123 105 34 32 6 31 112 .236

Carolina League prospect list from 5 years ago is full of Indians. Not too much success from that group, at least the ones near the top:

FIVE YEARS AGO
1. *Matt Wieters, c, Frederick (Orioles)
2. *Jake Arrieta, rhp, Frederick (Orioles)
3. *Gorkys Hernandez, of, Myrtle Beach (Braves)
4. Nick Weglarz, of, Kinston (Indians)
5. Beau Mills, 1b, Kinston (Indians)
6. *Aaron Poreda, lhp, Winston-Salem (White Sox)
7. *Blake Wood, rhp, Wilmington (Royals)
8. Brandon Erbe, rhp, Frederick (Orioles)
9. *Hector Rondon, rhp, Kinston (Indians)
10. *Chris Marrero, 1b, Potomac (Nationals)
11. *Ross Detwiler, lhp, Potomac (Nationals)
12. *Tyler Flowers, c, Myrtle Beach (Braves)
13. *Brandon Hicks, ss, Myrtle Beach (Braves)
14. *Brandon Allen, 1b, Winston-Salem (White Sox)
15. Carlos Rivero, ss, Kinston (Indians)
16. *Brandon Snyder, 1b, Frederick (Orioles)
17. *John Ely, rhp, Winston-Salem (White Sox)
18. *Josh Tomlin, rhp, Kinston (Indians)
19. *Kanekoa Texeira, rhp, Winston-Salem (White Sox)
20. Bill Rowell, 3b, Frederick (Orioles

Notable by his absence on this year's list:

Ben (Leland Grove): Do you believe Tyler Naquin's season was an aberration, and did he get any love for this list?

Josh Leventhal: Naquin could have fit on the back of the list. Great defensively in center field with a strong arm. He impressed at the plate with a line-drive, gap-to-gap stroke. He could take advantage of his plus speed better by improving his bunting skills.

[Must not have impressed all that much, or we would have rated as one of the 20 best in a small 8-team league. Talent still sounds good]

Mike (Utica, NY): Would be it be crazy for the Indians to start Lindor at short on opening day if they can get something good by trade Cabrera?

Josh Leventhal: I wouldn't think Lindor is quite ready for the big leagues after just 21 Double-A games. There was some sentiment that he wasn't driving the ball quite as well in the second half of the season as he did in the first. It may be too early to give up on Cabrera as well.

Mike (Utica, NY): How did scouts view Tony Wolters behind the plate since he converted, does he have a future back there?

Josh Leventhal: The reaction was mixed, though it seems like those who saw him later in the season liked him more. Wolters is athletic enough and has enough arm to make it work behind the plate. He's also determined and a hard-worker with good leadership skills. He spent a good chunk of the season learning the fundamentals of catching. His manager that they had to slow down his throwing motion so that he could get more loft in his throws to second. He'll certainly be interesting to watch next season.

Keith (Manchester, CT): Thanks Josh. Francisco Lindor did well at AA this year, but only got 76 AB. Fo you think Cleveland sends him back to AA in 2014, or does he start at Columbus?

Josh Leventhal: I would think Double-A is where he starts next season. Turns 20 next month, so there is no need to rush.

Kyle (Quincy, CA): Cody Anderson is the top pitching prospect for the Indians. What is his ETA for the big league club. Does he remain as a starter or does he move to the bullpen?

Josh Leventhal: Opposing managers were high on Anderson this year. He's a workhorse of a starter with good velocity and command. He got knocked around in three Double-A starts, but he has the makings of a solid starter.