Minor League Monitor - AA Texas League

Garrett Richards - Angels  SP  DOB: 05/27/88

Richards has had a couple of rocky outings in a row but his record remains at 10-1. He has a 3.33 ERA which ranks 5th in the TL. He is the league leader with 119 innings, made all the more impressive by the fact that he holds the league's third best whip at 1.15. He has only 85 strikeouts so he doesn't have the same upside as other top prospects, however, he should be a major league innings eater and provide 160+ Ks.

Shelby Miller - Cardinals  SP  DOB: 10/10/90

Shelby had his first shaky outing on Wednesday when he issued 5 walks. He came out of it unscathed, allowing just a single run in 5.1 innings. Miller's dominance in such a hitter's league suggests he may be able to hold his own in the majors. The Cardinals don't want him to merely "hold his own" so they will continue to season him in the minors, but don't be surprised if he makes his MLB debut at 21.

Jedd Gyorko - Padres  3B   DOB: 09/23/88

Gyorko is storming up the Padres depth chart, earning 3 promotions in just over a year's time. He has yet to show much weakness at any level and AA is no exception. In 15 games he is hitting .298/.391/.456 with 3 doubles and 2 home runs and a very nice 9/14 BB/K. For 2011 he is hitting .355 with 38 doubles, 20 home runs and 47/78 BB/K. Chase Headley is going to have to peek behind him at Gyorko steadily gaining on him. Gyorko should finish 2011 in AA and could be a 2012 September call-up. When Brett Lawrie is eventually called-up by the Blue Jays it may leave Gyorko as the best 3B fantasy prospect in the minors.

Jaff Decker - Padres  LF  DOB: 02/23/90

The first two weeks of the season had Gyorko looking like a potential breakout player of the year candidate. He ended April in a slump that would last nearly a month and a half. June saw improvement but July has been all out hell. In his past 10 games he has been especially bad with a .053/.234/.053 triple slash. He is one of the youngest position players in the league so you have to cut him some slack. His .384 OBP and .189 ISO are both above league average.

Wilin Rosario - Rockies  C  DOB: 02/23/89

Rosario's bat is getting back to old form and he has 4 home runs in his last 5 games. Over his past 10 games he is hitting .333/.391/.667. In 144 Texas League games he has 35 home runs with a .272 AVG. His OPS is .115 lower in his 71 Texas League games this year compared to his 73 games last year.

J.D. Martinez - Astros  LF  DOB: 08/21/87

The Astros farm system was considered an empty cupboard heading into the season but it has proven to be quite fruitful in 2011. Jordan Lyles has fit into the Astros rotation nicely and Jose Altuve was recently summoned from AA. Martinez adds his name to the list of success stories and was recently honored with Player of the Week. In 79 games he is hitting .339 with 23 2B, 11 HR, 40/48 BB/K.

Tim Wheeler - Rockies  CF  DOB: 01/21/88

Wheeler has 6 home runs in his last 8 games and is tied for the minor league lead with 28 longballs. His baserunning efficiency has dwindled this year with 15/9 SB/CS. He should still provide some steals to his fantasy profile. With his power output and .312 AVG he could be a positive in all 5 categories. His strikeout count is at 101 and that could pose a problem when in the majors.

Grant Green - A's  SS  DOB: 09/27/87

Green has been moved to Center Field and his fantasy value takes a major hit. He isn't hitting a lot of home runs this year but is still pounding out doubles. It appears that he may be a 15-20 HR a year player which would be infinitely more valuable at shortstop.