Players

Tony chimes in with another notebook with some updates on several players in minor league camp for the Indians. He talks about LeVon Washington's big start yesterday, provides an update on how long Austin Adams may be out, recaps Steven Wright's day, likes what he sees in Chin-Lung Hu, gives a sleeper alert about an unknown prospect, and more!

Indians outfield prospect Bryson Myles is already a well known prospect that is in the Indians Top 20 prospect ranking this year. Even with the good standing he is not the type that rests on his laurels, and he wants to continue to strive and do what it takes to increase his value to the Indians even more.

We roll on with the 2012 IPI Indians Top 50 Prospect countdown with #17 second baseman Cord Phelps. He had another very good season last year for Triple-A Columbus and also made his Major League debut. While he struggled a lot with his offense and defense in his short time in the big leagues, Tony believes he is a good handcuff to Jason Kipnis at second, the bat is legit and that there is some potential for some added versatility.

The 2012 IPI Indians Top 50 Prospect countdown rolls on with #18 right-handed pitcher Jake Sisco. He is a high profile selection from last year's draft that has a lot of talent and potential where he could some day be a Top 5 prospect in the Indians' system. Tony profiles him and shows why he has so many people excited about him.

Last season Kyle Blair did not deliver on the expectations set on him after being a high profile draft selection and signing in 2010, but if his knee injury that significantly impacted his effectiveness for most of last season is behind him he may be ready to get on a roll and repair his prospect standing.

The 2012 IPI Indians Top 50 Prospect countdown continues with #19 outfielder Thomas Neal. He was acquired at the end of July last year for Orlando Cabrera and was limited by a wrist injury the rest of the way, but he was a higher profile prospect in the Giants' system going into the season. Now that he is healthy Tony thinks he could help answer the Indians' need for a young, productive right-handed bat.

We roll into the Top 20 in the 2012 IPI Indians Top 50 Prospect countdown, and right-handed pitcher Clayton Cook kicks things off at #20. He is a good, young pitching prospect that has been both a performer and shown a lot of development in his minor league career to date, and Tony has the details on what kind of pitcher he may end up being.

The 2012 IPI Indians Top 50 Prospect countdown continues with #21 left-handed pitcher Matt Packer. He is a pitcher that came on strong in 2010 and last season really solidified himself as a Major League starting pitching prospect. He had a very strong finish at Double-A Akron last season, and Tony gives the details on if that can continue in 2012 and what his future may hold.

The 2012 IPI Indians Top 50 Prospect countdown rages on with #22 catcher Chun Chen. With the Indians in need of offense, particularly from the right side, Chen is an important prospect for the organization in the upper levels. Tony looks at his potential with the bat and if he is making any strides with his catching.

We continue on with the 2012 IPI Indians Top 50 Prospect countdown with #23 T.J. McFarland. He is a left-handed starting pitching prospect, and one of the last prospects that could still potentially become something from a very disappointing 2007 Draft. Tony looks at what McFarland needs to do to go to the next level as a prospect and if he is on the Major League radar.

The 2012 IPI Indians Top 50 Prospect countdown moves on with Tyler Holt coming in at #24. The speedy, high energy outfielder had a solid season last year at High-A Kinston, a better year than the raw numbers indicate. His game is about getting on base, creating havoc on the basepaths, and playing solid defense. Tony gives the 411 on his potential and if he can continue to progress in the upper levels of the minors.

We begin the front half of the 2012 IPI Indians Top 50 Prospect countdown with Jake Lowery at #25. He is a powerful catching prospect the Indians picked up in the 4th round of last year's draft and has a lot of potential with his bat. Tony looks at what type of offensive player he could become and where he may fit on the field as a defender.

The first half of the 2012 IPI Indians Top 50 Prospect countdown wraps up with right-handed pitcher Michael Goodnight at #26. He is a strong starting pitching prospect with a delivery you can dream on and has potential as a middle of the rotation starter in the big leagues. Tony provides the details on what he improved in 2011 and what he needs to continue to work on in 2012.

The 2012 IPI Indians Top 50 Prospect countdown continues with right-handed reliever Tyler Sturdevant coming in at #27. He took a sizable jump in prospect stature last season and is now a legitimate big league bullpen option. Tony talks about his improved velocity, performance, and just what he may become as a big league reliever.

The 2012 IPI Indians Top 50 Prospect countdown continues with right-handed pitcher Trey Haley coming in at #28. He has yet to live up to his draft promise and some may question his ranking in the Top 30, but there is no denying his talent as he has one of the top two or three arms in the system. After some velocity gains and mechanical changes last year, Tony believes he is ready to make a big step forward this season.

We move into the 20s of the 2012 IPI Indians Top 50 Prospect countdown, and coming in at #29 is right-handed pitcher Robbie Aviles. He spent most of last season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, but now that he is healthy and ready to go this season he could begin to live up to his promise as a top two round pick going into the 2010 Draft. Tony gives the details.