1) Archie Bradley, RHP, Grade B+/Borderline A-. Age 22, posted 4.45 ERA with 75/49 K/BB in 83 innings between Double-A, Triple-A, and one rehab outing in rookie ball. Hampered by elbow problems early, both command and stuff suffered as a result. Still looks impressive at his best with blistering fastball, big-breaking curve, change-up and a new cutter/slider. Obviously a disappointing season but still has very high upside.
2) Aaron Blair, RHP, Grade B+: Age 22, posted 3.56 ERA with 171/51 K/B in 154 innings at three levels. Other lists have Shipley ahead of Blair and I understand that, but I will play contrarian here and go with Blair due to his superior dominance numbers. Good progress with curveball and already had excellent fastball/change combination. Future number three starter.
3) Braden Shipley, RHP, Grade B+: Age 22, 3.86 ERA with 127/42 K/BB in 126 innings at three levels. Paired with Blair, more of a pure athlete than Blair, also projects as a number three starter, similar stuff to Blair with low/mid-90s heat, good changeup, good curve. Not quite as overpowering but has better command.
4) Brandon Drury, 3B, Grade B/Borderline B+: Age 22, hit .300/.366/.519 in 430 at-bats in High-A, then .295/.345/.476 in 105 at-bats in Double-A, proving that he wasn’t just a creation of the Cal League. Built on 2013 success, solid defender, I think he is for real. May wind up at B+.
5) Yasmany Tomas, OF-3B, Grade B: Age 24, Cuban defector. Everyone agrees that he has impressive power, but opinions on pure hitting skills and ability to handle advanced pitching are quite mixed due to erratic track record. Will he max out like Yasiel Puig(who was also doubted)? Kendrys Morales? Dayan Viciedo? It all depends on who you ask. After studying everything I can find on him, I don’t pretend to know the answer, so let’s slap a B on there until we get to see how he looks in spring training.
http://www.minorleagueball.com/2014/12/27/7455207/arizona-diamondbacks-top-20-prospects-for-2015
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