New 21-25 Top Prospects

With the Reds trading away Alonso, Grandal, Boxberger, Torreyes and Sappelt the Reds lost 5 of their Top 25 prospects in my rankings. Here are the new guys ranked #21-25 now that those guys have departed (For full scouting reports on these guys and about 85 more guys, click on that link above and buy the 2012 (Reds) Prospect Guide):

21.  Donnie Joseph – LHP – 23 years old – AA

Background: 2009 Draft – 3rd Round

The good: Improved his fastball velocity, throwing as high as 96 and has a plus secondary pitch.

Needs to work on: Throwing his slider for strikes. When he couldn’t throw it in the strikezone, hitters sat on his fastball and hit him hard.

22. Junior Arias – 3B – 19 years old – Rookie Ball

Background: NDFA – 2008

The good: Above average power today and a good hit tool.

Needs to work on: Plate discipline is an issue, as was his defense at third base in his first season there.

23. Juan Duran – OF – 19 years old – Low A

Background: NDFA – 2008

The good: Has plus raw power and good power to all fields today, arguably the best current power in the system.

Needs to work on: Cutting down on the strikeouts and his athleticism as he gets more and more acclimated with his size.

24. Pedro Villarreal – RHP – 23 years old – AA

Background: 2008 Draft – 7th Round

The good: Above average fastball, good slider and a solid change up with good control.

Needs to work on: Despite the stuff and good control, he doesn’t miss many bats.

25. Nick Christiani – RHP – 23 years old – AAA

Background: 2009 Draft – 13th Round

The good: Above average fastball with good movement and a good slider.

Needs to work on: Went to AAA and his strikeout rate was nearly cut in half. He has the stuff, just needs to figure out how to make it work at the next level.

Here is the updated Top 25 Prospect List, with links to the original post with write-ups for each player.