1. Clayton Kershaw, SP (AA-Dodgers) - Dodgers 1st pick in '06 (7th overall) tearing up the Southern League (31.2 IP, 19 H, 39 K, 1.13 ERA). Prolonged struggles by Esteban Loaiza or Hong-Chih Kuo could pave the way for Kershaw's debut.
2. Jay Bruce, OF (AAA-Reds) - Baseball America's '07 Minor Leaguer of the Year picking up right where he left off in Triple-A (20 G, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 6 SB, .928 OPS), but still strikes out too much (2.8 K/BB). When new manager Dusty Baker realizes a Patterson/Freel/Hopper platoon won't work in center, Bruce could get a shot.
3. Max Scherzer, SP (AAA-Diamondbacks) - Nobody can touch Arizona's '06 1st-rounder (14.9 K/9 is the best in the minors). His 1.17 ERA in 23 IP will quickly put to rest all those durability concerns. Could be the first from this list called up if Edgar Gonzalez struggles.
4. Homer Bailey, SP (AAA-Reds) - Once thought to be the best pitching prospect in baseball - now overshadowed by Johnny Cueto and Edinson Volquez. Even after Bailey's first flawed start of the year (4 ER in 6 IP on Friday), he still sports a miniscule 1.95 ERA. Still just 21 years old, he could steal a rotation spot from Matt Belisle or Josh Fogg.
5. Colby Rasmus, OF (AAA-Cardinals) - Least likely candidate from this list to be called up soon, but could be the most complete player of the five. This highly-rated prospect is not forcing first-year GM John Mozeliak's hand (.213 avg, 1.3 K/BB after hitting .275 last year). Still only 21 years old, will be a 20/20 player when he arrives in the bigs. When he straightens himself out, the Cards could use his bat.
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