I thought since April is almost over and the minors has been playing for about a month, it would be a great time to check in on the top prospects not in the majors:

 1. Jay Bruce OF CIN - Mr. "almost starting center fielder for the Reds" is current mashing the ball at AAA Louisville hitting .333, with 4 HRs, 6-6 in SB attempts and a .928 OPS.  You have to think with Dusty Baker trying out Patterson and now Jerry Hairston Jr. and them failing, Bruce has to be getting close to be getting called up. 

 I think Jay Bruce could be this year's Ryan Braun.  A late callup and then taking the league by storm.

2. Colby Rasmus OF STL - The good news for Rasmus is that he has walked 13 times vs. 18 strikeouts in his first 22 games.  The bad news is that he is hitting .213 and has an OPS of .648.  With St. Louis's cadre of Barton, Ludwick, Schumaker, and Ankiel hitting .333, .328, .310, and .247 respectively, the Cardinals won't hesitate to give Rasmus more seasoning until he heats up.

3. Cameron Maybin OF FLA - Maybin is currently doing his best impression of Rob Deer striking out 31 times times in 20 games in AA.  However, he is hitting .257 has an OPS of .831.  I predict he will be moved up to AAA in June and possibly see the majors sometime after the All Star break.

4. Clayton Kershaw P LAD - This pitcher who impressed in Spring Training is dominating AA with 31 Ks in 25.2 IP and a 1.40 ERA and 1.05 WHIP.  This guy is ready for AAA and even the majors.  If I were the GM of the Dodgers, I see no reason why not to work him in as a reliever now.  I'm thinking this guy gets to LA after the All Star break or sooner depending on their pitching health.

5. Homer Bailey P CIN - After getting hammered after getting called up last year, Bailey is getting ready for Part II of his major league career.  He is doing great in AAA with 1.95 ERA and a WHIP of .99.  This guy is ready now, he just needs a chance.  I see Cincy calling up this guy soon so that he can be their 5th starter with no pressure before the playoff race really gets going.

Keep an eye out for Homer Bailer, his second crack at the bigs should be much more successful than the first.

6. David Price P TBR - Looks like he is currently injured and is still to play this year.  He gets an incomplete but he is major league ready and he should join the Rays by the end of the season.

7. Travis Snider OF TOR - He started the year hitting the ball well at a .279 clip with a .890 OPS at A.  He is currently strugging at AA in his first 5 games.  I would say he may see a cup of tea in September but he needs to work on his strikeout/walk, which even at A ball was 22/5.

8. Matt Weiters C BAL - Just drafted last year, he is currently playing for the Single A Frederick Keys.  He is pounding the ball with a .393 average and a 1.150 OPS.  This guy is at least a year away, but keep an eye on him because he looks like a good one at a weak position.

9. Andrew McCutchen OF PIT - McCutchen is doing great at AAA hitting .294 with an OPS of .951 and a strikeout to walk ratio of 9/12.  In short, he should be in the majors right now.  Unfortunately, Jason Bay, Nate McLouth, and Xavier Nady are currently entrenched in the outfield.  I'm predicting he gets a call if there is a serious injury to one of their outfielder, but otherwise he is currently blocked and maybe he will see some time in September.

10. Jake McGee P TBR - He is currently continuing where he left off last year, AA.  He is doing well with 21 Ks in 19 IP, a 3.32 ERA, and a 1.05 WHIP.  He probably will see some time in September and gets a shot to make the team next spring.