So it begins- the annual top 40 prospects poll

psuinpgh21 · Post by **psuinpgh21** » Mon Dec 31, 2018 4:35 pm

Happy new year's eve. I started this poll with 12 players, all of whom showed up in a top 10 prospect list so far this year. Granted, some of them won't get a vote for several rounds, but it was a place to start. I am always up for suggestions who to add next, but if they haven't appeared state-side (take a Juan Pie or Shendrik Apostel, for example), I will not consider them.

Just for reference, Keller was #1, Tucker #3, Hayes #5, Newman #7, Reynolds #8, Kramer #13, Escobar #14, Martin #18, Cruz #19, Mitchell #23 last year. Swaggerty, of course, was a draft pick.

OrlandoMerced · Post by **OrlandoMerced** » Mon Dec 31, 2018 6:06 pm

Pretty clearly between Hayes and Keller.

I went Hayes. He boosted his prospect status a ton with his jump to Altoona. His hit tool looks very strong and if he were to just add a bit more power, his ceiling would be massive.

While Keller was decent last year, I think that his ceiling came down a bit. He looks like he'll definitely be in the majors, but he's looking less like a top of the rotation ace to me.

I'd maybe add Braxton Ashcraft to the list.

MaineBucs · Post by **MaineBucs** » Mon Dec 31, 2018 6:33 pm

I too went with Hayes. He was young for AA and more than held his own with the bat and in the field.

Hoping to see him continue to develop this year and to be in Pittsburgh soon. Moran should be taking some reps at 1st.

At present, Keller and Hayes seem to best quality prospects that remain in the organization.

OrlandoMerced · Post by **OrlandoMerced** » Mon Dec 31, 2018 6:46 pm

Those two are in the top tier of the system. Then below them, I'd put Cruz, Swaggerty and Tucker. Then the next tier I'd have Kramer, Mitchell and maybe some other guys. They have a lot of young pitchers that could break out, so that's what I'm keeping my eye on as the minor league year starts.

mouse · Post by **mouse** » Mon Dec 31, 2018 8:31 pm

I went Hayes as well, on the theory that he would be affecting games every day (although not to the degree a pitcher affects a given game).

pghpaulatl · Post by **pghpaulatl** » Tue Jan 01, 2019 10:37 am

I went with Keller and believe they had him working on his "change up" last year, so his stats don't look as good as they will this year.

I feel he's in the JT, GC, class for potential and will be starting in September!