Around the Farm: April 16, 2011

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(Photo:  Lianna Holub)

? Around the Farm takes a quick look at some of yesterday's performances by Indians prospects throughout the system. The positions listed below are where the player was playing in yesterday's game.

Jason Smit-RF, Lake County: 3-for-5, 3R, 2B, HR, 2 RBI, K, 1 Outfield Asst:
Have I mentioned how hot this kid has been all season? Smit is a 21-year-old fringe prospect from Australia who has never really found his place since signing with the Indians as a 16-year-old. His raw ability has always been there: a strong arm, good offensive instincts and tons of potential. The Tribe has moved him around during his young career, and have finally settled on the outfield. Smit seems to have settled on finally connecting the potential to reality. Smit is breaking out in a big way, hitting .500 on the season, with five doubles, two homers and nine RBI in only 10 games played. His .500/.565/.825 with a 1.390 OPS is absolutely ridiculous, and will likely make this fringe prospect the breakout star of the 2011 season.

• Tyler Cannon-SS, Lake County: 2-for-4, BB, K. This 2010 12th round pick continues to take advantage of his first full season, hitting .385 so far.
• Giovanny Urshela-3B, Lake County: 2-for-4, 2R, 2B, BB: Urshela is only 19-years-old, but may be the best defensive third baseman in the organization.  Now, he's hitting .421 for the season.  That's just icing on the cake.
• Alex Lavisky-DH, Lake County: 2-for-5, 1 R, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 1 K:  Lavisky has struggled all season, but this output is a promising sign for the young catcher.
• Anthony Gallas-LF, Lake County: 3-for-4, 1R:  Gallas continues to run up good numbers, bumping his average up to .364.
• Abner Abreu-CF, Kinston: 2-for-6, 1 R, 1 3B, 3 K:  Abreu keeps trying to kick it into high gear, but his lack of selection just kills him.
• Tyler Sturdevant-RP, Kinston: 2 IP, 3K:  The fireballer had his best outing of the short season with this perfect outing, and second good outing in a row.
• Ezequiel Carrera-CF, Columbus: 3-for-5, 1 R, 1 2B, 3 RBI:  Carrera is a bit of a sleeper for the Tribe, but if this is his play, the Indians may find themselves loaded with outfield prospects.
• Jason Kipnis-2B, Columbus: 3-for-4, 2 R, 1 2B, 1 BB:  What a difference a weekend makes.  Kipnis has raised his average 50 points in two days.
• Jerad Head-LF, Columbus: 3-for-5, 2 R, 1 2B, 1 RBI: Head, like the rest of his teammates, continues to roll out the big lumber.  Yet another Tribe outfield prospect knocking on the door early.

Follow Tony and the Indians Prospect Insider on Twitter @TonyIPI. Also, his latest book the 2011 Cleveland Indians Top 100 Prospects & More is available for purchase for $20.95 to customers in the US (shipping and handling extra).

Jim is currently the co-site editor, the ATF/Carolina Mudcats/Indians/General Site Columnist, and the co-host of IPI's weekly online radio show, Smoke Signals. You can follow Jim on Twitter @Jim_IPI, or contact him via e-mail at jpete@indiansprospectinsider.com.