Prospects I will be watching

Now everyone knows the big name prospects. People will be watching Chase D'Arnaud and Alvarez and others like that. But I will be watching some other prospects that are not at the top of the radar, but I think say a lot more about the potential the Pirates have and the ultimate success of their long term plan.

1. Robbie Grossmann. This young man had a rough year last year. Not a bad one, just one where he tired visibly as the season went along. He had some clear things to work on. Grossmann is one of the first large pay more than the slot picks from 08. Will he pan out? Will he get better from season 1 to season 2? This is worth watching.

2. Colton Cain. This young pitcher was in the 8th round (9th pick for the Pirates), and was paid a lot to come to the Pirates. Unlike some of his other draft picks, he did not log any time in the minors last year. Some said he had the greatest potential of the bunch. He is one to watch to see how deep last years crop of pitchers will go.

3. Brian Friday. If the Pirates hope to have a middle infield option any time soon it may be up to Brian Friday. So might as well watch him.

4. Jordy Mercer. With all of the attention that Chase D'Arnaud has garnered, it is easy to forget about Jordy Mercer. He was originally put in High A last year by the Pirates. That means they thought he was a better prospect than D'Arnaud. It may have been a little much, and he got tired. Now he will be back. Let us see how he bounces back this year.

5. Ramon Aguero. This man was placed on the 40-Man Roster this offseason to protect him. This was done while people like Jim Nygrech were left off. It looks like he might start at Altoona. Why the Pirates protected him is a bit of of a mystery to me. The risk of him on the 40-man is enough to make me watch.