Bobby Borchering

Borchering fared well in the hitter-friendly California League, improving his plate discipline over the course of the season and tying for third in the league with 24 homers. The D-Backs flew through 2011 without a permanent solution at third base, but he struggled defensively while splitting time at the corner-infield spots with fellow prospect Matt Davidson. Look for Borchering to spend his age-21 season at Double-A Mobile, where further improvement to his plate discipline would go a long way toward firming up his place in the team's future plans.

As a 19-year-old in the Midwest League, Borchering fared well in his first full season as a professional. Skeptics will immediately point to his defensive shortcomings and suggest that a position switch from third to first base or left field is inevitable, but you're more interested in his bat anyway. For a switch-hitter drafted out of high school, Borchering showed ample plate discipline (54:128 BB:K) along with good pop in a league that is considered pitcher friendly. Barring something unforeseen, his stock will rise in 2011 as his power numbers should be even better at High-A Visalia, but don't be surprised if the lack of clarity regarding his eventual position persists.

In an attempt to address their dearth of young power hitters, the D-Backs selected Borchering 16th overall in the 2009 draft. Considered by some as the best hitting prospect in the entire class, Borchering's defense may not be good enough for him to stick at third base for the long haul, but he's a switch-hitter with excellent bat speed. If he progresses as expected with the bat, his offensive production should justify a move over to first. Look for the 19-year-old to open up the 2010 season at Low-A South Bend, where he'll likely remain at third base in hopes that his glove work will become ample. More than likely, Borchering won't be a candidate to make his debut in Arizona until 2012, but the D-Backs have shown in recent years that they're not afraid to be aggressive with their prospects.