Prospect Report Vol. V -- SHORTSTOP

AAA – Ugueth Herrera (21) Houston Astros

Barely edging out Yankees top prospect Luther Callaway, Herrera projects to be one of the best young Shortstops in recent memory. Not only is he a solid overall defender, but he can flat out smash the ball. Herrera is on the cusp of hitting the majors, although his debut could very well find him somewhere other than SS until he hits his potential. Look for Ugueth in Houston come September callups.

AA – Domingo Sosa (20) Houston Astros

This spot once belonged to Cardinal Damion Scarsone, but his recent promotion and move to 2B gave Sosa the coveted spot of top AA Shortstop. Sosa hasn’t quite hit the ball as expected, but then again, he’s only appeared in 39 games (and 53 RBI in 39 games ain’t too shabby). His .311 average is sure to rise as he adjusts to the American game, and he is absolutely going to be a stalwart in the Astros organization for years to come (even if it ends up at 3B).

HiA – Al Martinez (20) Pittsburgh Pirates

A power hitting dynamo, many overlook the defensive prowess Martinez brings to the table. Sure, he’s hit 90 HR and knocked in 327 in only 243 career games, but at the raw age of 20, he is also already one of the better fielding SS’s in the minors. Look for Martinez to rocket up the ranks and hit the big time in a couple years. (He has recently been promoted to AA)

LowA – Omar Carrasco (19) St. Louis Cardinals

Any international signed for under $10 million is considered a steal nowadays, but when Carrasco was signed, he seemed to be receiving a fortune. Although he was recently promoted to High A, Carrasco spent the first part of the year at Low A, and simply raked the ball. Between the two, he has hit .379 with an OPS of 1.148 in 43 Season 3 games. With the inherit ability to smash to ball to all fields, Carrasco is going to be a superstar when he hits the majors in 2 to 3 seasons.