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In a very close race, you chose Francisco Mejia (44%, 106 votes) over Yandy Diaz (41%, 100 votes) as the #11 prospect in the organization. Diaz was in the lead heading in the final day, but Mejia overtook him just before the deadline.
The Indians signed Mejia out of the Dominican Republic in 2012 and took the unusual step of sending him to Arizona for his first professional experience. Usually, clubs have Dominican prospects spend at least one year playing in the Dominican Summer League to acclimate themselves to minor-league baseball. But in Mejia's case, the Indians thought strongly enough about Mejia's skills and development to send the 17-year-old to directly to the US.
Mejia responded to the challenge by hitting .305/.348/.524 in 113 Plate Appearances, all while handling a pitching staff and adjusting to a new language and culture. He spent 2014 in Mahoning Valley, then made his full-season debut in 2015, starting 94 games as a catcher. His offensive output dropped (.670 OPS), but at the same time, the tools and skills are still there. He threw out 34% of potential base stealers in 2015, a percentage that has improved each year in professional ball. As a starting catcher, he's also had to manage the pitching staff, in 2015's case a rotation full of prospects (Justus Sheffield, Sean Brady, among others). So while the recent results aren't as impressive as his debut was, I think the future is still as bright as ever. Age is still on his side (he turned 20 in October), and his defensive skills have if anything improved over the last three seasons.
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WHO SHOULD BE THE NO. 12 PROSPECT FOR 2016?
(ages listed are for 2016 season)
Yandy Diaz (Age 24)
2015 (AA): 564 PA, 7 HR, 8 SB, .315/.412/.408, 143 wRC+
Shows a great eye at the plate and draws walks at a prolific rate. Emerged last season as a potential future option for the Indians at third base. Power is still underwhelming.
Juan Hillman (Age 18)
2015 (R): 24.0 IP, 4.13 ERA, 3.15 FIP, 19.4 K%, 4.9 BB%
Indians second-round pick in 2015 out of Olympia High School. Fastball sits in the high-80s to low-90s but there is room to improve as he ages and gains strength. Also features a curveball and a changeup.
Shawn Morimando, SP (Age 23)
2015 (AA): 158.2 IP, 3.18 ERA, 3.64 ERA, 19.5 K%, 9.9 BB%
Has been a dependable starter his entire professional career, and young for his league at each stop. Still waiting for that big breakout season. Added to the 40-man roster this winter.
James Ramsey, OF (Age 26)
2015 (AAA): 503 PA, 12 HR, 3 SB, .243/.327/.382, 107 wRC+
Once a promising future outfield for the Indians (or at least a trade piece), but may be a dreaded "AAAA" player as he has struggled to make it out of Triple-A. Potential fourth outfielder who could debut as soon as 2016.
Nellie Rodriguez, 1B (Age 22)
2015 (A+): 460 PA, 17 HR, 1 SB, .275/.357/.495, 147 wRC+
First baseman with impressive power, and has reached AA after an impressive season in Lynchburg. As with many young prospects who hit for power, his high strikeout rate is worth monitoring.