Now that my personal top four are the group’s top four, I have been convinced to vote for Wilson Ramos over my choice for #5 when I ran it last week, Anthony Swarzak. Ramos is a catcher with potential both offensively and defensively. Also, he’s listed at just 20 years old and put up very solid numbers in the Florida State League, so that should be exciting! Swarzak was horrific at AA before being excellent (without Ks) in Rochester. You also have to question why he would have been so bad in AA.

And, I just can’t put a reliever this high. See my postings in the previous prospect poll (#4) comparing Mijares and Delaney. That’s why.

I’d like someone to explain the vote for Mijares at this early stage of the rankings… again, why Mijares over Delaney who clearly was better all year.

But I’m kind of torn. I’m excited about this top five, but I’m also excited about the young outfielders and the excellent catcher the Twins already have. I know these guys are a ways off, but Young/Span/Gomez and Mauer are all pretty young, and will be in their prime when these guys (if they really are this good) are ready for their shot. So I dread the discussions four years from now where we debate whether or not to extend Gomez or Span or Young or whether the Twins should go young again.

Or, even worse, have to trade someone as see them star somewhere else. Too much of a good thing makes me insecure, I guess.

I said it a couple of polls ago… my definition of “prospect” is anyone who still has rookie eligibility. That is the official definition. BA and Aaron and others subscribe solely to the 130 AB or 50 IP limits. Either is fine. But yes, Mijares is definitely still a ‘prospect.’

I voted Mijares. He has had some success at the highest level. To me he is someone who will likely succeed at his position with the Twins. While Ramos is still very young for his league. He is still in A ball.