The 2011 minor league season begins either today or tomorrow (I'm simply refusing to look that up).
The Texas Rangers will see a little change.
No longer is the Triple A affiliate in Oklahom City. Instead, they took over the Houston Astros' franchise in Round Rock.
Also, the Bakersfield Blaze is no longer part of the equation as the High-A affiliate. Instead, we go east to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. They, of course, are owned (co-owned) by former Ranger doer Chuck Greenberg.
Anyway, it's an exciting time. You have the guys with the pedigree and the hype that will improve. You have the guys coming out of nowhere.
Bottom line: There are always guys that make huge jumps. Guys that turn heads.
Here are 10 prospects that I think might turn some heads:
10. Luis Sardinas -- SS
The kid was all up in the trade rumors last summer and fall. Still 17 years old. Made his debut in Arizona last summer and could stick there this year again.
9. Shawn Blackwell -- SP
His ERA didn't reflect his solid overall numbers. He's a big 20-year-old kid (6-5), who might jump a little due to his logging innings a year ago.
8. Randol Rojas -- SP
Was good with a bump to Hickory and will start there this year complementing a really good rotation there.
7. Tomas Telis -- C
Injury was supposed to eat up his 2010. He came back anyway. He'll be at Hickory. Still extremely young.
6. Christian Villanueva -- 3B
A 19-year-old third baseman played at Arizona a year ago. He's starting 2010 at Hickory
5. Carlos Melo -- SP
Made an emergency start in Low-A a year ago. Will start at Hickory this season.
4. Neil Ramirez -- SP
NeRam corralled his control and started throwing strikes a bit more. I think the Rangers have high hopes for him this season.
3. Rob Erlin -- SP
Begins year at Myrtle Beach. Struck out 125 and walked 17 last year. Jiminy.
2. Jared Hoying -- OF
Joins the fantastic outfield in Myrtle Beach with Jared Bolden and Jared Prince. Skips Low-A. Deserves it. Hit .325 with a crapload of extra-base hits. Prediction: He'll be at Frisco sooner than later.
1. Mike Olt -- 3B
A first rounder. Expections are high and he's already skipped Arizona and Low-A. Starting at High-A Myrtle Beach. I think he's a quick riser this season.
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