by Jason Martinez
*Players who may be on the verge of a big league call-up are considered to be 'Knocking Down the Door'.
Brad Brach, RHP - Triple-A Tucson (SD): I know. The guy was just promoted from Double-A and has yet to throw a pitch for Triple-A Tucson. But considering that the Padres could trade 2 or 3 relievers in the coming weeks - Heath Bell and Chad Qualls are almost certainly to be traded, Mike Adams might be traded - Brach may only be a few good outings away from the big leagues. He's already dominated four different levels on his way to Tucson, posting a career 1.98 ERA, 101 saves, 32 BB, and 253 K along the way. The 25 year-old has yet to hit any bumps along the road but the Pacific Coast League will be his stiffest challenge. It may also be a quick test, however, because he'll be needed in San Diego if the Padres trade Bell or Adams.
Ryota Igarashi, RHP - Triple-A Buffalo (NYM): He may have given up four unearned runs over his last two appearances but there's no question that the 32 year-old Igarashi is a much-improved pitcher this year. And since the Mets are paying him $3 million for his services (2010-2011) thru the end of the year, you have to figure they'll want him back on their major league roster as soon as possible. After a disastrous 2010 season with the Mets (7.12 ERA, 30.1 IP, 29 H, 18 BB, 25 K in 34 appearances), the right-hander has spent most of 2011 with Buffalo, posting an 0.93 ERA and holding opponents to a .131 BA. Most importantly, he's walked only eight batters in 29 innings. I'd expect to see him back in New York in the next week or two.
Tom Milone, LHP - Triple-A Syracuse (WAS): The 24 year-old is the fourth Nationals minor league pitcher to make this list - Brad Peacock, Brad Meyers, and Ross Detwiler are the others. While Milone will never be mistaken for a top prospect like Detwiler once was and like Peacock will probably be next season, he has to be considered a good bet to be a solid #4 or 5 starter in the big leagues. Ready for the ridiculous stat of the season? The former 10th Round pick out of USC has just 5 BB in 96 IP while striking out 101 batters. He is one of those guys that doesn't have much room for error but he also seems capable of putting the ball where he wants most of the time.
Knocking Down the Door (Position Players)
Click HERE for the 2011 archive
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