The minor leagues have become the traditional pathway for the game’s rising young stars.  With help from their farm systems, teams are now able to make the push to play deep into October.  Young sensations like Evan Longoria and B.J. Upton are now becoming the talk of the league.  With potential to turn the season around and young talent like that, everyone should want to know who the top prospects coming up from the minors are.  Here is a short list of Baseball Factory alums making an impact at the minor league level.

Rick Porcello 2006 Cape Cod High School Classic

Rick Porcello – Selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 2007 Draft.  Rated as the top prospect in the Florida State League by Baseball America.  Currently plays for the Lakeland Flying Tigers.

ERA: 2.66 W-L: 8-6 SO: 72
Baseball Factory Events:  2006 Cape Cod High School Classic

Beau Mills – Selected by the Cleveland Indians in the 2007 Draft.  Rated as a top ten prospect in the Carolina League by Baseball America.  Won the Carolina League MVP award.  Currently plays for the Kinston Indians.

BA: .293 HR: 21  RBI: 90
Baseball Factory Events:  2003 Team One West

Adrian Cardenas – Selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2006 Draft.  Rated as a top ten prospect in the Florida State League by Baseball America.  Currently plays for the Midland Rockhounds.

BA: .279 HR: 0  RBI: 7
Baseball Factory Events:  2003 Team One Florida Tryouts, 2005 Cape Cod High School Classic

Jason Castro – Selected by the Houston Astros in the 2008 Draft.  Rated as the top prospect in the New York-Penn League by Baseball America.  Attended Stanford University and helped them reach the College World Series for the first time since 2003.  Currently plays for the Tri-City Valleycats.

BA: .348 HR: 0  RBI: 2
Baseball Factory Events:  2004 Team One West

Josh Vitters 2006 Cape Cod High School Classic, 2005 Team One National Underclassmen Showcase

Josh Vitters – Selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 2007 Draft.  Rated as the top prospect in the Northwest League by Baseball America.  Currently plays for the Boise Hawks.

BA: .328 HR: 5  RBI: 37
Baseball Factory Events:  2005 Team One National Underclass Showcase, 2006 Cape Cod High School Classic

Tim Beckham – Selected by the Tampa Bay Rays with the number one overall pick in the 2008 Draft.  Rated as the top prospect in the Appalachian League by Baseball America.  Currently plays for the Hudson Valley Renegades.

BA: .333 HR: 0  RBI: 0
Baseball Factory Events:  2007 Under Armour Southeast Tournament, TAKKLE Top 100, powered by Baseball Factory

Mike Montgomery – Selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 2008 Draft.  Rated as the top prospect in the Arizona League by Baseball America.  Currently plays for the AZL Royals.

ERA: 1.69 W-L: 2-1 SO: 34
Baseball Factory Events:  TAKKLE Top 100, powered by Baseball Factory

Aaron Hicks – Selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 2008 Draft.  Rated as the top prospect in the Gulf Coast League by Baseball America.  Currently plays for the GCL Twins.

BA: .318 HR: 4  RBI: 27
Baseball Factory Events:  TAKKLE Top 100, powered by Baseball Factory

Jaff Decker 2007 & 2008 Under Armour Pre-Season All-America Tournament

Jaff Decker – Selected by the San Diego Padres in the 2008 Draft.  Rated as a top prospect in the Arizona League by Baseball America.  Won the Arizona League MVP award.  Currently plays for the Eugene Emeralds.

BA: .352 HR: 5  RBI: 34
Baseball Factory Events:  2007 & 2008 Under Armour Pre-Season All-America Tournament

Kyle Skipworth – Selected by the Florida Marlins in the 2008 Draft.  Rated as a top prospect in the Gulf Coast League by Baseball America.  Currently plays for the GCL Marlins.

BA: .208 HR: 5  RBI: 21
Baseball Factory Events:  TAKKLE Top 100, powered by Baseball Factory

For more information on Baseball Factory’s alumni including college commitments and MLB players, click here.

*All stats are from the 2008 season