Hello Again!  With some computer problems behind me, I am pleased to bring you my first article in May.  Many things have happened since my last installment, including two major league players starting their rehab assignments in the AAA International League.  Those would be Frank Thomas (Charlotte Knights; Chicago White Sox), and Jody Gerut (Buffalo Bisons, Cleveland Indians).  Frank Thomas will be a welcome sight on a team that has put together one of the worst records in the minors thus far with only 11 wins and 27 losses.  But without wasting anymore time, let’s dive right into the minor leagues, and see who's producing, and who's stone cold.

Brad Eldred -1B (Pit, AAA):  Already promoted to AAA Indianapolis, Brad is hitting a combined .301 for the 2005 season.  He also leads the entire minor leagues in homeruns with 16.  At only the young age of 24, the Pirates could have themselves a great future player who was a steal in the 6th round of the 2002 draft.

Rich Hill - LHP (CHC, AA):  It looks like the Cub's have another great farm hand pitcher on their hands.  In recent years, they have been known as the franchise with the best arms in the minors.  This time it’s in the form of a left-handed strikeout pitcher.  Hill, who has played in West Tennessee all year has a 4-1 record with a 2.64 ERA. The stat that pops out more then anything is his 73/16 K/BB ratio in only 47.2 innings.  Just this past week, he recorded his 4th straight scoreless start.  With little left to prove with the Diamond Jaxx, he should soon be packing his bags for AAA Iowa.

Jake Gautreau - 2B (Cle, AAA):  Here's a name that fell through the cracks and is somewhat of a surprise down in Buffalo.  With Brandon Phillips struggling again this season(.237 AVG, 33Ks & .288 OBP), Jake has risen to the occasion.  This season, he has hit .287 with a surprising amount of power, taking 8 balls yard already in the young season. Jake could become the answer to the 2B hole in Cleveland's future line-up if Phillips continues to struggle. 

Conor Jackson - 1B (Arz, AAA):  Reaching Tucson this year, Conor was supposed to be something special, and so far early on, he hasn't disappointed.  Although his power numbers haven't come yet (Only having 3 HRs), his doubles are up hitting 13 so far this season.  Batting .378 with a .473 OBP, he hasn't drawn a lot of complaints in Arizona's management department.  The most surprising stat I find is his strike zone judgement, only recording 8 strikeouts while walking 27 times.  

Brandon Sing - 1B (CHC, AA):  Brandon crushed the ball last season in High A Daytona, and has carried that right into the 2005 season.  With Felix Pie ahead of him, the two have been a sight to watch in the Southern League this year.  Brandon has already popped 10 Home Runs this season, and has a batting average of .343.  The thing that is impressive about his early home run totals, is that this season he is playing in what could be one of the deepest outfields in the minor leagues (Pringle's Park) and played in Pitcher's Heaven, aka The Florida State League (FSL), last season.  His strikeout rate is high, as he has already struck out 32 times this year, but with 24 walks, I don't think that is too big of a concern at this point in time.  Don't look for him to be rushed by the Cubs however, as I look for him to continue the 2005 season in AA West Tennessee. 

Billy Butler - 3B (KC, High A):  Last year, he was the surprise of the draft being selected in the first round.  Many thought that Kansas City only picked him for signing purposes, and this was supposed to be a joke.  Billy was considered to be one of the rawest talents in the draft, coming straight out of high school.  Well it turns out, the jokes on them.  Billy has continued his domination of Advanced single A pitching, and he is hitting .342 with a .418 OBP.  He combines that with 10 HR, 10 doubles, and 32 RBIs and he has become one of the brightest third base prospects in the minor leagues. 

Justin Verlander - SP (Det, High A):  Talk about dominating opponents, Justin has done just that in the Florida State League this season.  In 7 starts thus far this season, he has already compiled a 5-1 record with 1.43 ERA.  In 44 Innings Pitched, he has put together 55 Strikeouts, while only walking 13 batters.  Detroit could be building quite a pitching staff for years to come when you think about having Bonderman, Sleeth, and Verlander all on the same staff.  

On a side note- Tagg Bozied (1B) of the San Diego Padres farm system made his debut this week.  In his first game he went 3-5, hitting 3 Home Runs for the AA Bay Bears of the Southern League.  For those who don't remember, Tagg was hurt at the end of last season, tearing his Achilles tendon after celebrating at home plate after hitting the game winning grand slam for AAA Portland.  

So far the season has been filled with surprises, coming from the elite prospects and some of the more unknown prospects.  As the season progresses, I will continue to bring you on who is becoming the 2005 version of Jason Kubel.  With a new hard drive in place,  The Prospector looks forward to bringing you a new edition of the Farm Report every Monday.

Ross Keyser is an independent minor league analyst.  His opinions do not necessarily reflect those of rotochamps.com