6) Levon Washington OF AZL Indians
The speedy Washington was the top pick of Tampa in 2009 and was unable to come to a contract agreement with the Rays.
In order to enter the 2010 draft,Washington attended a junior college instead of a four year school and lasted to the Indians second round selection due to the risk of being able to sign him.
Washington earned comparisons to Carl Crawford as far as his skill set before the draft and signed for 1.2 million on the bonus scale.
Washington played very little after signing and scouts are mixed on his future.
I'll risk rating him this high for now with next year having more data to rate him on.
I would bet that Washington starts at Low A Lake County....
7) Jason Knapp RHP AZL Indians/Low A Lake County
Another example of gambling on a rating,the fireballing Knapp was super impressive when I saw him pitch for Lakewood (Phillies) against the Hagerstown Suns and could be the only player with impact potential left from the Cliff Lee trade.
Knapp came to the Indians with shoulder trouble that shut him down for the end of 2009 after the deal and missed most of 2010 after cleaning the shoulder up.
At his best Knapp can touch the high 90's (If not 100) with the fastball and the curve had Suns hitters befuddled.
This is a key year for Knapp health-wise.
If he is healthy,I think he will quickly pass through the system as either a possible front end starter or the Indians closer of the future....
Knapp will possibly start at High A Kinston,although a few early season starts at Lake County isn't out of the question.
8) Joe Gardner RHP Low A Lake County/High A Kinston
The 6'4 Gardner dominated the Carolina League last season with his ability to get groundouts.
Gardner has a very relaxed motion and throws in the low 90's,although he doesn't touch much higher than that.
The sinker is his best pitch and he needs to add something else to the mix to succeed at higher levels.
If he can do that,Gardner could be a mid rotation starter,if not the sinker could make him middle relief fodder.
Gardner will start at AA Akron in 2011.
9) Tony Wolters SS-AZL Indians
Wolters was the Indians third rounder and had to be bought out of a commitment to San Diego with a bonus check of 1.35 million,which was higher than LeVon Washington in the second.
Wolters is thought to have leadoff or second slot of the order potential and the Indians think he could mature to average power.
Wolters is projected to stay at shortstop for the long term defensively.
Wolters will be the shortstop for the Low A Lake County Captains this season.
10) Nick Hagadone LHP High A Kinston/AA Akron
The prize of the Indians trade of Victor Martinez,Hagadone has been treated with kid gloves by the Red Sox and Indians for the last two years and Cleveland should truly see what they have this season.
Hagadone's velocity was down a bit last season,although still touching the mid 90's and his slider was inconsistent as well.
The Indians want to give Hagadone every opportunity to be a starter,but some see him as a late inning reliever with his injury history and power stuff.
Hagadone will most likely return to the Akron rotation,although depending on training camp he could be assigned to AAA Columbus.....
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