7. Adrian Salcedo, RHP, 18 years old

2009 stats: 1.46 ERA, 61.2 IP, 58/3 K/BB, 1.022 WHIP
Last year’s rank: Not ranked
Acquired: Un-drafted acquisition from the Dominican Republic in December 2007

Much isn't known about a prospect until he hits the national stage or is on the verge of being called up. Neither of those scenarios apply in Adrian Salcedo's case, and as a result, precious little is known about the teenage right-hander who is tearing through the Gulf Coast League.

The Gulf Coast League is known to be a pitcher's league, so any great numbers must be taken with a grain of salt. Also, the statistical performance of minor leaguers at levels this low usually don't translate well to the major leagues. Statistics aren't usually how 18-year old pitchers are evaluated, anyway, but for Salcedo an exception could be made.

How can you not pay attention when an 18-year old puts up two consecutive seasons with a sub-1.65 ERA and a walk rate lower than three percent? Salcedo absolutely dominated Gulf Coast League batters this past season, and walked just over one percent of the 259 batters he faced.

Some people have claimed that Salcedo and BJ Hermsen have grown relatively close. GCL coach Jake Mauer says that Salcedo is modeling his pitching style after the 2008 draft pick, which, if you've been following this series for a while you've read about Hermsen and know that that can bring nothing but good things for Salcedo.

Scouting reports on Salcedo are limited, but it is known that he has a 90-94 mph fastball that includes some late movement. This sinking fastball, when coupled with a hard slider that sits at around 84 mph, induces many groundballs. Salcedo has given up just two homeruns in his 127 career innings.

Salcedo also has a changeup that he can deliver with deception that has the potential to be a plus pitch.

What the Twins' brass knows for sure, though, is that Salcedo has plus plus command, a plus fastball/slider combination, and the ability to throw strikes. His status as an elite prospect hinges on his outstanding command. Without the acute ability to throw strikes, Salcedo will shrink into the realm of minor league anonymity.

Ideal scenario: Salcedo spends the majority of 2010 with the Beloit Snappers, and steadily advances through the system after that. He could be with the Twins in 2014.

Path to the majors: Assuming he maintains his spectacular command, Salcedo could be a very solid No. 2 starting pitcher. Very few could get in his way, and when Salcedo is deemed ready for the major leagues, the Twins will be as accommodating as possible.

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