Just read the article below via TGP and thought it was good.
John Sickels is a pretty good minor league evaluator. He has an early top 20 list that's pretty interesting. The Phils' prospects are really impossible to rank with any certainty after the top few guys. The have a bunch of guys with all sorts of potential but who are far away from the big leagues. And they have several relievers who are ready or near ready now. But where you rank relievers on a top prospect list is a matter of personal taste.
Anyways here's the full article:
http://www.minorleaguebal...pects-for-2012#storyjump
Here's his top ten with comments:
1) Trevor May, RHP, Grade B+: I almost went with an A- here and may revise this. Command remains erratic, but huge strikeout rate is a big positive and he's made progress with his secondary pitches. Looks like a workhorse.
2) Jesse Biddle, LHP, Grade B+: Not as overpowering as May currently, but has a high ceiling of his own and can develop into a number two starter in my view. I'd like to see him lower the walk rate, but overall he's doing just fine. Reports of improved curveball are promising.
3) Sebastian Valle, C, Grade B-: Scouting reports remain more impressive than the numbers and his plate discipline needs work, but he's got good potential on both sides of the ball and is just 21.
4) Brody Colvin, RHP, Grade B-: Went backwards in 2011, dogged by mechanical problems and a back injury, but upside remains quite high and I will cut him some slack for now.
5) Larry Greene, OF, Grade B-: Huge power, although reports differ about how polished the rest of his bat is and we have no pro data yet. Wanna dream? Think Ryan Howard with enough mobility to play the outfield. Stock will shoot higher next year if that is remotely accurate.
6) Justin De Fratus, RHP, Grade B-: Grading relievers is always problematic, but he's overpowering and ready to help now.
7) Phillippe Aumont, RHP, Grade B-: Command still needs some work, but between Aumont and De Fratus there are two potential closers here.
8) Julio Rodriguez, RHP, Grade B-: Scouting reports remain mixed and he doesn't have the physical upside of the pitchers ahead of him, but his statistics are outstanding. This is not some college guy tricking younger hitters: he didn't turn 21 until late August. I'm a believer.
9) Michael Schwimer, RHP, Grade C+: Between Schwimer, De Fratus, and Aumont, the Phillies have plenty of right-handed relief options. The others guys are younger so they rank a tad ahead grade-wise.
10) Maikel Franco, 3B, Grade C+: His .287/.367/.411 line at Williamsport may not look that great, but his OPS was 14 percent better than league average, he was just 18 years old, scouts give him good reviews, and he has a sound glove. He could break through in a big way in '12.
