Thnis is the first half of the first-ever Chop Country Prospects list. Not solely my opinions; thanks to thethe for putting some things into better context. Prospects 1-15 will be posted within 24 hours.
16. Carlos Salazar, RHP. Going 100 percent on potential here. Retired no one in his second pro appearance. But everyone loves his arm and the Braves paid for the honor, so here he sits for the moment.
17. Victor Caratini, 3B-C. Has seemingly settled on third as his pro position. Done more than his 4-4 debut, but the Puerto Rican is a hitting machine. He's the third and last of this year's picks to be ranked here.
18. Shae Simmons, RHP. Mainly a guy who can place his 96 mp fastball, but his potential to add another pitch. On a pace for 30 saves this year.
19. Carlos Perez, LHP. Once a top 10 guy, he fell off the face of the map in 2011. Reinvented as setup guy/LOOOGY, he has recaptured his mojo and has been unhittable in small doses this year. It's not a big leap to say he could do the job in the majors, but he's only just returned to Lynchburg.
20. Todd Cunningham, CF. On schedule to go onto the 40-man roster next year, if not sooner. A pure singles hitter, has fewer XBH than Bethancourt. But he is a switch-hitter and he has stolen 16 bases and only struck out 47 times.
21. Connor Lien, CF. The youngest player (19) on Danville's roster, he's also the team's leadoff man who has been on a hot streak (10-27 since July 5). Has all the tools except power, and is emerging as a leader as well. Should rise on this list.
22. Aaron Northcraft, RHP. Having a bad year (3-8, 4.30) while his peers are having a good year. Healthy, but looking as if he'll need a second year in Double-A. Strikeouts down, walks and home runs allowed up.
23. Wilson Rivera, RHP. Converted infielder has come into his own in 2013 (5-0, 1.99). In his pro career, Wilson is now 9-0, 2.13 in 80 games with 170 strikeouts in 127 innings. Needs to be pushed through the system from this point forward.
24. Josh Elander, LF. Concerns about his position are fading fast. He hasn't picked up in Lynchburg where he left off in Rome, however; he seemed likely to earn 100 RBis in Rome. Overall, has 37 extra base hits in 84 games, 63 RBIs and is still batting a combined .312.
25. Mark Lamm, RHP. Has continued to be steady after his surprising promotion to Gwinnett. You'll see him in the majors before you see Gearrin again. Was a starter the whole time at Vandy, and has gone through some growing pains as a closer.
26. Robby Hefflinger, LF. Placed himself solidly on the prospects lists with his double-whammy in the all-star game (MVP and HR Derby winner). Was miles ahead of everyone in the SAL, and had power with average (.286). Power followed him to AA (24 total); he just needs to string some small hits together to get on Big Boy radar.
27. Victor Reyes, OF. The mystery man, who is making his stateside debut in style: .351-0-12 in 16 games. The 6-3, 170 Venezuelan is a lefty hitter who is also 2-2 in stolen bases. He doesn't turn 19 until October, so don't expect him to be rushed along.
28. Ian Thomas, LHP. Over on his new site, Gondeee is considering Thomas a prospect now, as his conversion to starter has been as successful as his earlier relief work. A healthy left-hander with live stuff. Of course he is a prospect, and his latest start was his best.
29. Ryan Buchter, LHP. Basing this much more on his 2012 with Miss. (3-1, 4 saves, 1.31) than his initial full season in AAA -- but he has still struck out 65 in 40 innings.
30. Jesus Jones, RHP. I refused to do this list without my new personal saver. In his second DSL season at age 18, the 6-2, 165 Domincan right-hander has pitched in eight games, worked 12 innings with no earned runs, striking out 11 and walking five. He has a streak of 10 straight shutout innings working. Opponents are managing only a .146 average against him.
Just missed: Joe Leonard, 3B. Can play third (or first) in the majors right now. Bat will be his Waterloo.
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