TSP Cleveland Indians Top 10 Prospects
by Paddio
With the influx of talent from multiple trades, the Indians have gone from a middle of the pack farm system to a top 5 system in regards of talent. This list is based on players that will not start the season in Cleveland. That eliminates outstanding talents like Matt LaPorta and Michael Brantley, as both of these players project as regulars for the Tribe this year.
1. Carlos Santana*****
Age 23
Catcher
ETA:2010
Carlos Santana is a sweet swinging, switch hitting catcher who reminds many of a young Victor Martinez. Santana does it all on offense. He hits for high average, power and has a good plate discipline. Santana is top notch on offense, but only average on the defensive side. He has the tools to be slightly above average if he keeps progressing as he should.
2. Hector Rondon*****
Age 21
RHP
ETA:2010
Rondon uses a 92-95 mph fastball to set up an above average slider and changeup. Rondon is a fastball pitcher first and he tends to rely on it in sticky situations. As he gets more confidence in his secondary pitches his path the the big leagues will be complete.
3. Lonnie Chisenhall*****
Age 20
3B
ETA:2011
Chisenhall was a first round draft pick for the Tribe in 2008. He has progressed very fast as he ended the 2009 season at AA Akron.Chisenhall is a line drive hitting machine. He has a sweet left handed hitting stroke that continues to gain more power. Chisenhall not only is adding power he also has fine discipline at the plate and a very high obp%. While the offense is very impressive, the defense at 3B still has to improve for him to be a solid major league 3rd basemen.
4. Nick Hagadone****
Age 23
LHP
ETA:2011
Hagadone came over to the Indians from the Red Sox in the Victor Martinez trade. The 6'5 230 pound lefty has a fastball that ranges from 93-97 mph. He has a devastating slider that is nearly unhittable for left handed hitters. If Hagadone is to be a starter he must upgrade the changeup. Hagadone has the ability to be a top of the rotation starter, or a late inning bullpen guy.
5. Nick Weglarz****
Age 21
OF
ETA:2011
Weglarz draws comparisons with his 6'3 255lbs frame to Adam Dunn and Jim Thome. Weglarz has unlimited power potential and a great eye at the plate. He also strikes out too much and needs to get his batting average up, but the upside is very evident. Defense is very average.
6. Jason Knapp****
Age 19
RHP
ETA:2012
Knapp is coming off shoulder surgery, but by all accounts all Knapp uses a fastball that is a plus pitch in the 94-98 mph range. He also has big breaking curveball and change that needs refinement. The development of Knapp's secondary pitches and gaining better control are keys to his future.
7. T.J. House****
Age 19
LHP
ETA:2013
House has an above average 92-94 mph fastball, and an outstanding late breaking slider. The key to House will be the development of his changeup. House has a great makeup and projects as a starter as he develops.
8. Carlos Carrasco****
Age 22
RHP
ETA:2010
Carrasco has a 92-95 mph fastball and an excellent change. The key for Carrasco is the development of his curveball. The curveball would be considered average at best right now. He needs that 3rd pitch to be an effective starter in the big leagues.
9. Alex White****
Age 20
RHP
ETA:2011
White was the Indians first round selection in the 2009 MLB draft. White was a very accomplished pitcher at North Carolina. White has a fastball that sits in the 92-95 mph range. He also has an excellent slider that is considered an out pitch. If White is to be a starter he will have to develop a changeup as currently it is a below average pitch for him. Many consider White a future closer in the making.
10. Jason Kipnis***
Age 22
OF/2B
ETA:2012
Kipnis is a line drive hitting machine. He projects a high average and high on base% guy. He projects a player that could develop into 15-20 hr's a year player. Kipnis is very advanced so he should move through the system very quickly.
Others to watch
Kelvin De La Cruz LHP
Rob Bryson RHP
Beau Mills 1B
Carlos Rivero SS
Kyle Bellows 3B
Josh Tomlin RHP
Wes Hodges 3B
Jordan Brown 1B
Josh Rodriguez 2B
Jeanmar Gomez RHP
Cord Phelps 2B
