It’s been a few weeks since we checked in on the prospects from our first Prospect Report, so let’s get updated on how the first six are doing (click here for the original Prospect Tracker on these players).  The second half of this group will get looked at early next week.

Carlos Santana – Cleveland Indians – Catcher
Triple-A: .313 (47-150), 10 HR, 40 RBI, 30 R, 5 SB
It’s just a matter of time.  We’ve all known it but his success thus far just cements the fact.  The Indians current starting catcher, Lou Marson, is hitting .200 with 0 HR and 3 RBI in 105 AB.  Once the deadline passes for super-two status, Santana should certainly not only be up, but playing everyday in the middle of the Indians lineup (they are in the bottom five in the league in runs scored).  If you need help at the catching position, stash him now if possible.  Once he’s up, you are not likely to get another chance.  (For more on Santana, read my preseason article on him by clicking here)

Dustin Ackley – Seattle Mariners – First Base
Double-A: .203 (28-138), 1 HR, 12 RBI, 19 R, 5 SB
The hope of him making an impact in 2010 appears nil at this point, doesn’t it?  He’s hitting .192 in his last 10 games with just 2 RBI (both came in one game) and 3 R.  The one positive you can point to is that he’s walked (29) more then he’s struck out (25), but that’s clearly not enough.  He’s had some bad luck (.245 BABIP), so there is room for improvement, so stay patient.  In his first career year, however, the Mariners are not likely to rush him.  If he heats up he should see time in Triple-A, but I wouldn’t expect him to land in the major leagues before September.  (For more on Ackley, read an article I wrote on him in April by clicking here)

Pedro Alvarez – Pittsburgh Pirates – Third Base
Triple-A: .251 (42-167), 10 HR, 42 RBI, 26 R, 2 SB
Arbitration eligibility may have been the only reason he wasn’t recalled earlier this week, with Neil Walker instead being summoned.  It appears to just be a matter of time, as he clearly is producing and driving in runs, something the Pirates desperately need.  The strikeouts are a concern (45) and could lead to a low batting average, but as long as he’s producing HR and RBI, it’s easily overlooked.

Jeremy Hellickson – Tampa Bay Rays – Pitcher
Triple-A: 2.79 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 60 K, 12 BB, 7 W
If he were pitching for any other organization it would be assured that he was up in the majors in the not too distant future.  Unfortunately for him and fantasy owners, he pitches for the Rays, who may have the most young starting pitching depth in baseball.  It could be that he eventually supplants Wade Davis, or an injury opens a spot, but that’s the only way we are going to see him in the rotation.  Stay tuned at this point.  (For more on Hellickson, read my preseason article on him by clicking here)

Dee Gordon – Los Angeles Dodgers – Shortstop
Double-A: .295 (52-176), 1 HR, 9 RBI, 24 R, 18 SB
He certainly can run and appears to be the perfect long-term replacement for Rafael Furcal, doesn’t he?  He had five stolen bases in a three game span prior to yesterday.  What he needs to learn to do is get on base more often, as he rarely draws a walk (8).  If he wants to maximize his potential, it’s something that needs to be improved.  It’s something to watch as the 22-year old continues to mature throughout the year.  Don’t look for him in the majors before September 1.

Anthony Slama – Minnesota Twins – Pitcher
Triple-A: 1.69 ERA, 0.76 WHIP, 31 K, 8 SV
When Joe Nathan went down prior to the season there was some thought that Slama could sneak in and steal the closers role.  At this point, despite his success, that doesn’t appear to be on the agenda any time soon as Jon Rauch has been solid.  Still, Slama is likely the closer of the future in Minnesota, so he is a prospect that warrants monitoring.  The one big concern is his control, having walked 10 batters this season.  As long as he can limit that, he should have success.

What are your thoughts on these prospects?  Who is the most likely to make an impact in 2010?  Which are you highest on?

For more looks at prospects, you can check out the following articles:

• Dustin Ackley
• Yonder Alonso
• J.P. Arencibia
• Jake Arrieta
• Phillippe Aumont
• Josh Bell
• Jason Castro
• Starlin Castro
• Allen Craig
• Aaron Crow
• Kyle Drabek
• Todd Frazier
• Christian Friedrich
• Jeremy Hellickson
• Daniel Hudson
• Jay Jackson
• Desmond Jennings
• Mike Leake
• Martin Perez
• Buster Posey
• Gaby Sanchez
• Carlos Santana
• Michael Saunders
• Anthony Slama
• Brett Wallace