OTM Top Prospects: No. 14

In our last poll, Chris Carter walked away with the No. 12 spot. Carter, 25, found his slot while Josh Reddick earned enough votes to be able to slide in behind him. Here are the leftovers in the poll:

Mark Wagner - 23yo - C - notes: strong defensive catcher, good game-caller
Dustin Richardson - 23yo - LHP - notes: tall, strong lefty with curve, change
Aaron Bates - 23yo - 1B - notes: power potential, amazing OBP ability

Let's add two more names to the list:

Kris Johnson - 23yo - LHP (Profile)
If you look at his numbers in 2007, then you're probably shocked that he'd be suggested to slot in this area. However, he's a very similar pitcher to Justin Masterson. Masterson also had a poor season at Lancaster until he was promoted to Portland where he was lights out for the first few weeks. I think Johnson would do the same thing with a promotion. His Lowell numbers are great, Lancaster horrible, but with a change of scenery he could put up more great numbers.

Jason Place - 19yo - OF (Profile)
I might get some heat for throwing Place in here so early after his poor 2007 season at Greenville, but his numbers weren't really that bad. Place was one of our first round draft picks in 2006 straight out of high school. That's the problem with drafting out of high school: they've got raw talent but they need time to develop. Place needs quite a bit of time to develop. He's not going to hit .350 his first season in the organization. I think this year will be his breakout year. He has all the tools, he just needs to put them all together and become comfortable at the plate. If he goes to Lancaster, expect great numbers.

The poll is attached to this post if you click "Entry Link." Or vote on the right sidebar of the main page.