Pre-Season Top 10 Twins Prospects

This is my pre-season top 10 prospects in the Twins organization. It is a combination of potential and how soon they can contribute. Unlike most years the Twins don't have much for starting pitching in the minors. The two of the best starting pitchers were drafted this past June. The Twins do have so good prospect however. I will update these rankings throughout the 2009 season.

1. Danny Valencia 3b Age: 24
Last year: .311 15 hrs 76 rbi in High A and AA.
This year: Will start in AA but could end up in AAA
When will we see him: Could be the starting 3b opening day in Target Field in 2010.
Best case pro potential: Mike Lowell
Notes: He doesn't have prodigic power but could be a 20 hr guy in the majors. He has hit for good average and will compete with Luke Hughes for the 3b spot in 2010.

2. Aaron Hicks OF Age: 19
Last year: .318 4 hr 27 rbi 12 sb in rookie ball
This year: Will be the everyday CF for Beloit - Low A
When will we see him: 2013
Best case pro potential: Grady Sizemore
Notes: Has the most potential of any Twins prospect. Was the Twins 1st round pick last year. Baseball America labeled him the best player in Rookie ball last year. He only has a half year of experience so this year will be big to see if the hype is real or if he has a lot of work to do still.

3. Jose Mijares LHP Age: 24
Last year: 0.87 ERA with Twins as September call-up in 10.1 IP. 2.70 ERA, 36.2 IP and 41 SO in minors:
This year: Will be in the Twins Bullpen
When will we see him: 2009
Best case pro potential: Eddie Guardado before injuries
Notes: Excelled as a September call-up last year and should get a lot of work this year as a lefty and will see most likely the 7th inning. With Neshek's injury Mijares could be the closer in waiting.

4. Luke Hughes 3B Age: 24
Last year: .309 18 hr 61 rbi with AA and AAA
This year: Starting 3B in AAA
When will we see him: September 2009
Best case pro potential: Mark Reynolds
Notes: This is a telling year for Hughes. He came out of nowhere last year for a breakout year. This will tell if he was a fluke last year or a developing prospect. He will likely be a September call-up this year and will compete with Danny Valencia for 3B next year. Needs to work on defense and cut down on strikeouts.

5. Anthony Slama RHP Age: 24
Last year: 1.01 ERA, 71 IP, 110 SO, 25 Saves with High A
This year: Will be closer in AA New Britain
When will we see him: 2010
Best case pro potential: Joe Nathan
Notes: Dominated the Florida State league last year. Was named the best reliever in Class A. Could follow track similar to Mijares. Will be in AA next year and could be in the bullpen in 2010.

6. Ben Revere OF Age: 20
Last year: .379 1 hr, 43 rbi 44 sb for Low A Beloit
This year: Starting CF for High A Fort Myers
When will we see him: 2012
Best case pro potential: Willy Taveras
Notes: Had a great year last year flirting with hitting .400 before dealing with injuries. His potential is limited though has he has no power and has a limited arm. Plays very similar to Denard Span. I think he will get passed by Aaron Hicks in the organization.

7. Anthony Swarzak RHP Age: 23
Last year: 1.80 ERA, 7 starts, 45 IP, 26 SO in AAA
This year: Starting Pitcher in AAA
When will we see him: September 2009
Best case pro potential: Scott Baker
Notes: Is the first starting pitcher in the rankings which is unusual for a Twins organization. Was struggling in AA but got called up to AAA and excelled. Was a 2nd round pick in 2004. He could go either way has he lack consistency. He won't be a starter until there is an injury or opening in the rotation. Could help the bullpen in September.

8. Shooter Hunt RHP Age: 22
Last year: 3.58 ERA, 11 starts, 50 IP, 68 SO in Rookie and Low A
This year: Starting Pitcher in Low A Beloit
When will we see him: 2012
Best case pro potential: Matt Garza
Notes: Dominated Rookie ball in 4 starts with a .066 Opp batting average. Tired at the end of the year after pitching in college and minors in the same year. Struggled with control in Low A. Could follow the Matt Garza track and fly through the minors. I don't expect him to end the season in Beloit. I want him to succeed just because he has a great name. This name puts Boof to shame.

9. Wilson Ramos C Age: 21
Last year: .288 13 hr 78 rbi
This year: Starting C for AA New Britain
When will we see him: 2011
Best case pro potential: Bengie Molina
Notes: Has very good power for a catcher hitting 13 home runs in the pitcher friendly FSL. He might need to find a new position as it is currently blocked by Joe Mauer. He could replace Redmond or catch if Mauer needs to change position as he hits 30. They will try to find a way for him if he keeps producing.

10. Angel Morales OF Age: 19
Last year: .301 15 hr 28 rbi in 183 Ab in Elizabethtown.
This year: Starting OF in Low A Beloit
When will we see him: 2013
Best case pro potential: Jason Bay
Notes. Hit a home run every 12.2 Ab last year. Still very young not turning 20 until November. Has a long way to go but should be very interesting to watch him and Hicks in the OF in Beloit this year.

Honorable Mention: Chris Parmalee 1B/OF, Carlos Gutierrez RHP, Kevin Mulvey RHP, Deolis Guerra RHP