Top Seven Prospects According to Bowden

Jim Bowden discussed the top seven prospects of major "buyers" in the trade market recently. Bowden split the prospects into different tiers (Top, 2nd, 3rd, 4th). The Cincinnati Reds were the only team who had all of their top seven prospects in the top two tiers. Here is Bowden's list along with their current levels and comments from :

1ST TIER

1. Devin Mesoraco, C (Louisville Bats): "With his power, he's going to hit third someday in their lineup someday."

2. Yonder Alonso, 1B (Cincinnati Reds): "He needs to play first, not left, but he’s going to hit. And (with Joey Votto in the way) he’s going to be traded."

3. Billy Hamilton, IF (Dayton Dragons): "An athletic player, his bat will take time."

4. Yasmani Grandal, C (Carolina Mudcats): "A top catching prospect, but behind Mesoraco on the Reds’ depth chart."

2ND TIER

5. Yorman Rodriguez, OF (Dayton Dragons): "Has a quick bat with above-average power, but when will he hit a breaking ball?"

6. Juan Francisco, 3B (Louisville Bats): "The power is there, the bat is coming, but his defense at third needs to improve."

7. Kyle Lotzkar, P (Dayton Dragons): "Throws 90-94 mph heat and throws curveballs at two different speeds. He’s had significant elbow surgeries but would eventually make it to the middle of the Reds’ rotation someday."