clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Rob Kaminsky is our No. 5 Cleveland Indians prospect. Who should be No. 6?

In a vote that came down to the final hours, Rob Kaminsky edged Justus Sheffield for the 5th spot on our community prospect list.

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

You waited until the last minute to decide on the #5 prospect in the organization. Would it be Justus Sheffield, the ~6 foot left-hander who has immense upside but is 3-4 years away from the majors, or Rob Kaminsky, the ~6-foot left-hander with groundball tendencies and two very good offspeed pitches but has a lower ceiling? Regardless of the outcome, having these two prospects in the system is a good problem to have.

In the end, Rob Kaminsky eked out the victory, with 81 votes compared to 77 votes cast for Sheffield. And it wasn't just a two horse race: Tyler Naquin, who could play some center field for the Indians in 2016, got 74 votes, while Brady Aiken, last year's first round pick, garnered 72.

The Indians acquired Rob Kaminsky at the trade deadline last year; they received him from the St. Louis Cardinals for Brandon Moss. Moss was under contract through 2016, but the return was such that the Indians pulled the trigger. And at least to this point, the trade has worked out well for both parties, as the deal allowed Lonnie Chisenhall to get playing time in right, and Moss hit better with the Cardinals during their playoff run.

But the key to the deal will be Kamisnky. The  Cardinals drafted him as the 28th overall selection in the 2013 draft (the Indians selected Clint Frazier 5th overall in that draft) out of St. Joseph High School in Montvale, New Jersey. In his first full season (2014), he dominated Midwest League batters to a tune of a .194/.266/.251 batting line, allowing just 2 home runs in 100.2 innings of work. In 2015, Florida State/Carolina League batters hit .239/.309/.272 against him, and didn't allow a home run in 104.1 innings. His velocity tops out in the high-80s/low-90s, but deception and movement has overcome that, at least to this point in his young career.

WHO SHOULD BE THE NO. 5 PROSPECT FOR 2016?

(ages listed are for 2016 season)

Brady Aiken, SP (Age 19)

2015: DNP

Indians first-round pick in 2015, will not see his first minor league action until after the 2016 season starts. Has a ton of potential if he can return to pre-Tommy John form.

Triston McKenzie, SP (Age 18)
2015 (R): 12.0 IP, 0.75 ERA, 1.73 FIP, 39.5 K%, 7.0 BB%

One of two high school pitchers drafted in the first round by the Indians in the 2015 draft. Great fastball that should pick up velocity as he grows into his 6'5" frame. Advanced for his age (19), but not expected to make the Majors earlier than 2019.

Tyler Naquin, OF (Age 25)
2015 (AAA): 218 PA, 6 HR, 6 SB, .263/.353/.430, 127 wRC+

Former first-round pick whose ranking has slid in recent years due to injury. Could be in the Majors in early 2016 if he can stay healthy in Triple-A.

Justus Sheffield, SP (Age 20)
2015 (A): 127.2 IP, 3.31 ERA, 2.99 FIP, 24.9 K%, 6.9 BB%

First round pick in 2014, features a low-90s fastball, curveball, and changeup. Potentially undersized at 5'10", but above average off-speed pitches means it may not be an issue.

Francisco Mejia, C (Age 20)
2015 (A): 446 PA, 9 HR, 4 SB, .243/.324/.345, 99 wRC+

19-year-old catcher had a lot on his plate in 2015, and after a slow April, wasn't overwhelmed by the challenge of full-season baseball. Threw out 34% of potential base stealers, and managed a young and talented pitching staff.