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Third baseman Yandy Diaz enters our top Cleveland Indians prospect list at number 12; the highest third baseman overall and the third-highest infielder behind Bobby Bradley and Francisco Mejia. Diaz won the vote for the 12th spot with a whopping 60 percent of the votes (117 votes), compared to Nellie Rodriguez who came in at a distant second with 18 percent (35 votes).
Most of Diaz's 2015 season was spent in Double-A where he dominated the Eastern League with a .315/.412/.408 slash (143 wRC+). He obviously does not have the flashy power of a Bobby Bradley, but Diaz makes up for his lack of raw strength with a great approach at the plate. He has maintained a double-digit walk rate at every level in the minors where he has at least 20 plate appearances, and in Double-A last year he only struck out in 11.5 percent of his plate appearances.
Partially because of his lack of big home run totals, Diaz has flown under the common fan's radar until 2015. Now, after a third-straight solid season under his belt, Diaz looks to be the future third baseman for the Tribe if Giovanny Urshela does not figure it out at the plate in 2016. His arm strength is only average, according to Baseball Prospectus, but he makes up for it with a quick release and above-average range. Diaz should easily start the season in Triple-A and he could find his way to the Indians sometime during the season, depending on how well he performs and how much (if at all) Urshela struggles.
Baseball Prospectus and Baseball America did not list Diaz in their top prospect lists for 2016, but MLB.com had him at No. 28 and Minor League Ball had him at No. 17 overall with a C+ grade.
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WHO SHOULD BE THE NO. 12 PROSPECT FOR 2016?
(ages listed are for 2016 season)
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.
Mike Papi, OF (Age 23)
2015 (A+): 505 PA, 4 HR, 6 SB, .236/.362/.356, 117 wRC+
Supplemental pick of the 2014 draft who showed a great approach at the plate after a slow start in 2015.
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.