Cleveland Indians Top 5

Matt LaPorta -- Saying LaPorta can get it done at the plate would be an understatement. The No. 7 overall pick in the 2007 draft, LaPorta showed plenty of power (.260 IsoP) and patience (11.3% walk rate) in 433 Double-A plate appearances in his first full professional season. Defensively, however, the centerpiece of the CC Sabathia deal has his share of critics, many of whom believe he'll either be a first baseman or designated hitter in the majors. Having seen the 6-foot-2, 210-pounder play the field, though, we believe LaPorta could develop into a replacement-level defensive corner outfielder -- was -28 Runs/150 in Huntsville. Defensive concerns or not, the U.S. Olympian could find his way to Cleveland rather quickly in 2009. When he does, he'll be sure to bring his bat with him.

Carlos Santana -- Top hitting prospects usually have their way with the California League. Santana was no exception. The 5-foot-11, 190-pounder posted a .417 wOBA (432 PA) before being traded by the Dodgers to the Indians for Casey Blake. Santana had more than enough success in High-A after leaving California, though, putting up a ridiculous .447 wOBA in 126 Carolina League plate appearances. The switch hitter had an impressive 16.0% walk rate to go along with his .238 IsoP. Signed as a third baseman/outfielder, Santana started catching in 2006. He's transitioned to the position well, and it appears that he has the tools to develop into an average defender. In short, we see him as one of the top catching prospect in the game -- along with Buster Posey -- who isn't named Matt Wieters.

Nick Weglarz -- Weglarz knows how to find the base paths. After posting a 15.4% walk rate in Low-A (2007), he improved slightly to 15.6% in High-A last season while lowering his strikeout rate dramatically (24.2% in '07 vs. 16.9% in 2008). While the decrease in strikeouts resulted in a power reduction (.221 IsoP in '07 vs. .162 in '08), he still maintained a solid .368 wOBA last campaign. A 2005 third-rounder, Weglarz could develop into an above-average big league corner outfielder.

David Huff -- Huff's 2008 breakout season somehow didn't attract a ton of attention. The 39th overall pick ofthe 2006 draft, Huff displayed excellent control (5.0% BB) and theability to strike hitters out (24.8%) in 146.1 innings between Double-Aand Triple-A last season. His strikeout rate was only 18.5% during an injury-shortened (strained elbow ligament) 2007 High-A campaign. He might not be among the most attractive arms inthe minors, but Huff could still develop into a solidmiddle-of-the-rotation option for Cleveland. The San Diego, Calif. native has a fastball that sits around 90-93 MPH and an excellent changeup -- also offers a curveball and slider. He's had a FIP of 3.43 or better at each stop from High-A through Triple-A, though his BABIP was a likely unstainable .235 last year in Double-A.  

Beau Mills -- While he hasn't obliterated the ball the way the Indians probably hoped he would when they took him No. 13 overall in 2007, Mills has been a productive professional hitter. The 6-foot-2, 220-pounder had a .377 wOBA in 544 California League plate appearances last year in his first full season. Mills posted a strong 9.9% walk rate to accompany his .216 IsoP and 19.3% strikeout rate. Defensively, he set a pace of -4 Runs/150 at first base. Though he now faces the tough task of replicating his High-A success in Double-A and beyond, Mills still has a chance of becoming an average big leaguer.

Hector Rondon (2/26/88) -- Spending the 2008 season as a 20-year-old in the California League couldn't slow Rondon down. After netting a 3.94 FIP in Low-A in 2007, the 6-foot-3, 180-pounder had a 3.61 FIP last campaign. The righty saw both his strikeout and walk rates increase in '08, jumping from 19.6% to 24.0% and 4.7% to 7.0%, respectively. Rondon has a long way to go before he's big league ready, but his Carolina League showing certainly bodes well for the future.

Adam Loberstein can be reached at aloberstein@projectprospect.com.