Minor League Monitor: Eric Hosmer is Money, Sleeping Giant Chris Carter, Pacific Coast League Review

Eric Hosmer - Royals  1B  DOB: 10/24/89

Hosmer just might be major league ready sooner than anyone imagined. He is DESTROYING PCL pitchers. In his past 7 games he is 16 for 26 with 7 walks, 2 home runs and 2 steals. On the year he is hitting .430 with a .518 OBP after 111 plate appearances.

Mike Montgomery - Royals  SP  DOB: 07/01/89

The lanky lefty is doing everything in his powers to earn a call-up this season. He has a 2.67 ERA after 5 starts and has recovered nicely after a shaky debut this year.  If you're in need of a solid WHIP/ERA contributor it might be a good idea to monitor the Royals pitching situation. Montgomery could help in those areas immediately once called-up.

Brett Lawrie - Blue Jays  3B  DOB: 01/18/90

Lawrie has hit only .255 with a .340 slugging percentage over the past 10 games, but his overall numbers still look fantastic. He is batting .357 with 9 2B, 2 3B, and 4 HR. He is also 6 for 6 in stolen base attempts. I wouldn't count on Lawrie being called up this year but I also wouldn't be surprised by it.

Charlie Blackmon - Rockies  RF  DOB: 07/01/86

Prior to 2011 Blackmon hit for AVG and stole some bases but that's about it. He seems extra motivated this year after just missing out on a roster spot in spring training. He has a .337 AVG with 6 HRs, 8 2B, 3 3B. Blackmon could emerge as a solid option in fantasy as he is good bet to hit for AVG and has amped up the power. He also has 20 SB potential.

Dustin Ackley - Mariners  2B  DOB: 02/26/88

It's still too early to write off Ackley but I for one am not a believer. The #2 pick from 2 years ago is hitting just .211 with 6 extra base hits in 26 games. He is also 4 for 7 in stolen base attempts. The lone bright spot is the 20 walks he has taken but even that is accompanied by 20 Ks. Now might be a good time to try and sell Ackley based on name value because he may not pan out as the star fantasy second baseman many had hoped for. Even if he does it's likely a few years away. Sell, sell, sell.

Dee Gordon - Dodgers  SS  DOB:  04/22/88

Gordon is doing just what he has always done, get to first base then take second. He has a .343 OBP and 11 steals in 13 attempts. He never has and never will hit for power but it's the speed you are after with him. He is on target for a 2012 debut and would become one of the top SB threats at shortstop.

Chris Carter - A's  1B/LF  DOB: 12/18/86

One of the top power hitters in the minors, Carter has struggled to get his bat going in 2011. He has just 2 home runs and a .173 AVG. He has averaged nearly 34 home runs a season the past 3 years so a hot streak could be right around the corner.

Eric Thames - Blue Jays  LF  DOB: 11/10/86

Thames had his fair share of skeptic last season after bashing 27 dingers and driving in 104. He is doing a nice job quieting his doubters early in 2011. He has hit for a .333 AVG with 10 doubles and 3 home runs.

Brandon Belt - Giants  1B/LF  DOB: 04/20/88

Belt has been on fire since being demoted to Fresno. In 10 games he is hitting .500 with 4 2B, 2 HR, 3 SB and 10 walks. I don't think this kid has anything left to prove in the minors and should be re-called soon.

Simon Castro - Padres  SP  DOB: 04/09/88

The Padres star pitching prospect has not had an easy go of things this season. He holds a 9.00 ERA after 5 starts and is the owner of an ugly 19/16 K/BB ratio. Opposing hitters are batting .321 against him and he has allowed 5 long balls. So far in 7 career PCL starts he has allowed 34 earned runs in 35.1 innings.