:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28461785/20131121_mjr_su5_094.0.jpg)
This week we're going to take a look at the top 20-voted prospects from 2013 and compare them to what we've voted so far in 2014 in the Twins Minor League System (next week, we'll take a look at said prospects and guess where they'll end up playing as the seasons start). It'll be interesting to see the moves some of these players have made, so let's jump right into it, shall we?
|
Player Name
|
Player Rank 2013
|
Player Rank 2014
|
Change in Ranking
|
|
Miguel Sano, 3B
|
#1
|
#2
|
-1
|
|
Byron Buxton, CF
|
#3
|
#1
|
+2
|
|
Oswaldo Arcia, OF
|
#2
|
--
|
MLB appearance
|
|
Alex Meyer, RHP
|
#4
|
#3
|
+1
|
|
Aaron Hicks, CF
|
#5
|
--
|
MLB appearance
|
|
Eddie Rosario, 2B/OF
|
#6
|
#4
|
+2
|
|
Kyle Gibson, RHP
|
#7
|
--
|
MLB appearance
|
|
Max Kepler, CF
|
#8
|
#9
|
-1
|
|
Jose Berrios, RHP
|
#9
|
#7
|
+2
|
|
Trevor May, RHP
|
#10
|
#11
|
-1
|
|
Joe Benson, CF
|
#11
|
--
|
Designated for Assignment
|
|
J.T. Chargois, RHP
|
#12
|
--
|
No appearances
|
|
Jorge Polanco, 2B
|
#13
|
#8
|
+5
|
|
Travis Harrison, 3B
|
#14
|
#16
|
-2
|
|
Danny Santana, SS
|
#15
|
#17
|
-2
|
|
Mason Melotakis, LHP
|
#16
|
--
|
Unranked
|
|
Luke Bard, RHP
|
#17
|
--
|
No appearances
|
|
Hudson Boyd, RHP
|
#18
|
--
|
Unranked
|
|
Michael Tonkin, RHP
|
#19
|
#15
|
+4
|
|
Niko Goodrum, SS
|
#20
|
--
|
Unranked
|
|
Kohl Stewart, RHP
|
--
|
#5
|
--
|
|
Josmil Pinto, C
|
--
|
#6
|
--
|
|
Lewis Thorpe, LHP
|
--
|
#10
|
--
|
|
Adam Brett Walker, RF
|
#25
|
#12
|
+13
|
|
Felix Jorge, RHP
|
--
|
#13
|
--
|
|
Stephen Gonsalves, LHP
|
--
|
#14
|
--
|
|
Kennys Vargas, 1B
|
--
|
#18
|
--
|
|
Ryan Eades, RHP
|
--
|
#19
|
--
|
|
Zack Jones, RHP
|
--
|
#20
|
--
|
It's interesting to see some of the bigger moves from 2013 to 2014 -- especially that Adam Walker 13-spot move up. It's no surprise, really, that Buxton took the top spot, as he was named MiLB player of the year and is a bit of a super-prospect, but he crushed the poll, taking a whopping 86% of the first place vote. I'm trying very hard to refrain from getting too excited about Buxton, in case something doesn't pan out, but from all the analysis and video and plays...it's really hard. THE SAVIOR. Ahem, apologies. Anyway, I'm pleased, and not surprised, to see Tonkin rise a few spots as well. He had a good 2013 and it'll be interesting to see what he can post for the 2014 season.
So what do you think, readers? Are there any big surprises or players you think should be on the list that aren't? Any that you'd personally rank higher or lower for this year based on their 2013 performance? Share your thoughts - I look forward to some great discussion on this!