Each year, the Futures Game highlights some of the best young talent the minor leagues has to offer, giving fantasy players a small glimpse into what lies ahead. Many of the game's stars have been highlighted in previous editions of Minor Developments. So let's take a look at some of the other impressive names we have not yet profiled.
WORLD TEAM
Alcides Escobar, SS, Brewers: He collected two hits in the Futures Game, and showed why the Brewers are discussing possible deals for J.J. Hardy. Escobar is an outstanding defender, and would be an immediate upgrade to a below average Brewers infield. Offensively, he doesn't have much pop (18 minor league homers in 2,486 at bats), but has tremendous speed (30 steals in '09) and ability to hit for average (.296). With an improving walk rate, he profiles as a solid leadoff hitter.
ETA: September 2009
Jesus Montero, C, Yankees: He's a monster at the plate, hitting .287 and already clubbing five home runs since his promotion to Double-A in only 105 at-bats. His plate discipline is clearly an asset — 11/15 BB/K ratio with Trenton. The biggest concern is defense, as many scouts don't feel he'll be able to stick behind the plate. As long as he continues to rake, his bat will find it's way into a Big League lineup soon enough.
ETA: June 2010
Jhoulys Chacin, P, Rockies: He's been solid in Double-A this season, going 7-6 with a 3.43 ERA and 7.63 K/9 rate. Chacin's greatest tool is his low 90s sinking fastball that generates ground balls in bunches, a great weapon in Coors Field. He doesn't profile as a high strikeout pitcher in the majors, but could be among the league leaders in GB percentage in his prime, making him a potential No. 2 workhorse starter.
ETA: April 2010
U.S. TEAM
Brett Wallace, 3B, Cardinals: He can just flat out hit, posting an average of .303 with six home runs since his promotion to Triple-A earlier this season. Strikeouts could be a bit of a problem (20 percent Ks), but he's made improvements in his plate discipline. Defensively, he isn't the most athletic player and may be forced to move to the left field given his portly physique. His bat should carry him wherever he plays, as he projects as a high average, 30-plus homer hitter.
ETA: September 2009
Tyler Flowers, C, White Sox: Just recently called up to Triple-A, Flowers posted a line of .302/13/43 during the first half. He's another questionable defender, although most scouts are saying he's improving. His high strikeout (76) and walk (57) totals, coupled with elite power, make me wonder if he is going to be a three outcomes guy. His average likely is inflated due to his .390 BABIP. He's a nice catching prospect, but verdict is still out on how nice.
ETA: June 2010
Brian Matusz, P, Orioles: His minor league debut has been stellar, especially since his promotion to Double-A, as he's gone 4-0 with a sparkling 0.34 ERA and 32/6 K/BB ratio. His arsenal features a low 90s fastball (touching 94), a plus curveball and slider, and an above average change-up. His approach and stuff reminds me a bit of another lefty, Cole Hamels. He could be the 2010 version of Matt Wieters for the O's, a guy who gets left down on the farm in 2010 to protect him from ?super two status," delaying salary arbitration essentially by a year.
ETA: June 2010
