The fellas over at The Hardball Times listed their Top 10 prospects for 2011, with a pull from their summation (click the link for the full article):
1. Jordan Lyles - He has a chance to be the next Oswalt-level Houston hurler.
2. Jiovanni Mier - He is still one of my favorite players in the minor leagues but needs to bounce back.
3. Delino DeShields - I like him but don't love him.
4. Mike Foltynewicz - The tools are likable, but there is so much to prove.
5. Tanner Bushue - His curveball has shown promise, but his overall command has been inconsistent.
6. Jonathan Villar - Villar's strikeout rate and fielding percentage don't inspire much confidence, but he is 19 years old, has some speed to work with, and a nice line-drive swing.
7. Jimmy Paredes - Whether or not his power develops could be his make-or-break factor.
8. Austin Wates - Some say his power could take off, while others think his plate discipline could separate him.
9. J.D. Martinez - His displayed home run power is pushing Martinez up prospect boards, but his flat swing makes me think it won't show at higher levels.
10. Jay Austin - Austin has game changing speed, but his strikeout-to-walk ratio isn't doing him any favors.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
