Next 5 (May 18) Update #2

Brief update on our predicted "Next 5 to Contribute":

When last we left you, Baker had been called up to the Twins and Votto was learning the outfield (presumably to give the Reds some idea as to whether he could plug into the OF).

The latest news out of Minnesota is that Ortiz is being shifted to the pen, and one of the Redwings will be taking his place on Friday. Rumor has it Slowey will be making the jump to Minnesota, which makes sense given his performance at AAA this year.

Remember when Milwaukee assured us all that there was absolutely no time table for Braun to get a shot with the big club? Yeah, he's up and hit his first HR on Saturday. He should be up to stay.

That's three of five so far for PnR. I still feel Gallardo will be up sooner rather than later, especially with the current six-game losing streak. Votto is another matter. If he progresses in the outfield, he could certainly see time come July/August.

We'll take a look and get our Next 5 out again once we see that Slowey is indeed up this Friday.

Next 5 (May 18) Update

Baker Called Up:
Baker got the call for Saturday's start and picked up a win in his first start of the season. Congrats from PnR.

Game Stats: 8.1 IP, 2 ER, 6H, 0BB, 5K, W

Votto Now Learning the OF:

Joey Votto is now getting playing time out in LF for the Louisville Bats. This is a good sign if, like PnR, you anticipate the Reds will move some players to make way for the young prospect. A late-July deal and early August call-up seems the most likely.

Apologies to Jay Bruce:

In the "Next 5" last week, PnR incorrectly labelled Votto is the second most highly rated prospect in the Reds organization. As most of you know, that distinction belongs to Jay Bruce, the young OF currently raking in Sarasota for the High A club. Bruce was motivated by this snub, going 5-15 with 3BB and 3 2B since being overlooked. His current season line is impressive, and he figures to get a call up to Chattanooga -AA some time this season (although we'd like to see fewer Ks before he makes the jump).

Stat Line: .350/.404/.644/1.048, 9 HR, 33 RBI, 15 2B, 5 3B, 177 AB, 43K, 18BB

Next Five Up?

Keep an eye on these five minor leaguers. They are PnR's current picks for the next five to make an impact with their big clubs:

1. Scott Baker, SP, Minnesota Twins

Baker figures to be the first called up to replace Ponson. While Slowey has been slightly more dominant at Rochester, the Twins seem to be convinced Baker should get the first shot.

Current Stats:

3-2, 3.16, 0.89, .219, 42.2 IP, 41 SO, 4 BB

2. Kevin Slowey, SP, Minnesota Twins

With Ramon Ortiz struggling as well, Slowey should follow quickly behind Baker. While neither he nor Baker has better "stuff" than Garza, both have had a better start at Rochester and both have more minor league experience. Slowey should follow quickly behind Baker.

Current Stats:
4-2, 1.46, 0.69, .176, 49.1 IP, 44 SO, 3 BB

3. Ryan Braun, 3b, Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers insist there is no timetable for promoting Braun, but his numbers are impossible to ignore. The problem facing Braun is the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" attitude of the organization right now -- and who can blame them? My gut tells me it will take very little to scare the Brewers into getting his bat into the lineup (DHing in interleague would be the perfect opportunity).

Current Stats:

.358, .426, .716, 1.142, 8 HR, 95 AB, 9 SO, 11 BB

4. Yovani Gallardo, SP, Milwaukee Brewers

With Lincecum up with the Giants, there's an argument to made for Gallardo as the most dominant starter in the minors. His stuff as been downright filthy, and he has shown no signs of slowing anytime soon. Like Braun, Gallardo may find it tough to break in with the Brewers while the club is rolling. Essentially, he is an injury or a small Brew Crew losing streak away from making his debut. Once he's up, he's there to stay.

Current Stats:

5-1, 2.22, 0.88, .161, 48.2 IP, 66 SO, 16 BB

5. Joey Votto, 1B, Cincinnati Reds

Votto started off slowly, but has raked as of late. With the Reds reeling and Josh Hamilton performing reasonably well, they may look to deal some talent for pitching. That would open the door for Votto, who is the second highest prospect in the system, behind Homer Bailey.

Current Stats:
.271, .399, .421, .820, 4 HR, 133 AB, 34 SO, 27 BB