For the past decade, the Texas League has been a pipeline of talent to the Big Leagues – 2014 is no exception.

Here are some names to remember as Opening Day is right around the corner.

 

Aledmys Diaz – Shortstop – Springfield Cardinals

On March, 9 the Cardinals signed the sweet-swinging Cuban who can play both second base and shortstop to a 4-year, $8 million dollar contract. It as an interesting signing as rookie and former Hammons Field resident Kolten Wong has settled in at second and Jhonny Peralta just inked a four-year deal with the Redbirds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jorge Bonifacio – Outfielder – Northwest Arkansas Naturals

The No. 4 prospect of the Kansas City Royals sprays the ball all over the field and hit .301 in a short stint with the Naturals last season. Many believe his swift progress is the reason Kansas City felt comfortable dealing Wil Myers last year to Tampa Bay. Right-handed starter Kyle Zimmer, the Royals No. 1 prospect will join the Naturals after a stint in extended spring training in late May.

 

 

   

Jonathan Gray and Eddie Butler – Pitchers – Tulsa Drillers

These two rocket arms are the No. 1 and 2 prospects for the Colorado Rockies and will give the Drillers as dynamic a one – two punch at the top of a rotation as I can remember to begin a season. Gray’s fastball reaches 100 mph and is above average in every pitching category including a nasty slider. Butler played in three different leagues last year finally ending the campaign in Tulsa where he posted a 0.65 ERA in six starts. Both hurlers were sent down on March 15 and both could be in the Rox rotation by seasons end.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rougned Odor – Second Base – Frisco RoughRiders

It seems as though the prospect gusher that is the Texas Rangers will never go dry. Rougned Odor will begin the season at second base for Frisco and is the No. 1 prospect for Texas. In 134 at bats last season for the RoughRiders, Odor hot .306 and slugged 6 home runs. Offense has never been a problem – Profar and Andrus blocking his way to the bigs might be.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Addison Russell – Shortstop – Midland Rockhounds

Russell is MLB.com’s No. 12 overall prospect. in his first full season, the 24th overall pick in last seasons draft posted a .377 on-base percentage with 17 homers and 21 stolen bases. This 20-year old has excitement written all over him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Austin Hedges – Catcher – San Antonio Missions

Baseball America has tabbed the talented backstop as the Padres No. 1 prospect. Hedges returns to the Missions in 2014 after a short stint in San Antonio last season after dominating the Cal League. The California native is equal parts hitter and cannon-armed catcher.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael G. Foltynewicz – Pitcher – Corpus Christi Hooks

The No. 4 Astros prospect (Baseball America)went 5-3 in 16 starts for the Hooks in 2013 and sported a minuscule 2.87 ERA. The 6-4 right-hander fanned 95 but also gave 52 free passes. Control issues make his final position – starting pitcher or reliever a question mark. We can revisit the Hooks later in the summer when righty Mark Appel and shortstop Carlos Correa (Astros No. 1 prospect) come to the Mission City.

Dave Barr (@daveabarr)