Earlier this spring I listed 10 mid-lower tier prospects to watch this year as I expected breakout seasons from each of them. This is an update on eight of them (Nate Roberts is on the DL and Angel Mata is in extended spring training) as well as an introduction to two more players off to strong starts this season.

BELOIT:

JD Williams, OF (Age: 21.5, SH): Williams is off to a slow start with the bat, but is still getting on base. Stats: 26 AB, .115/.324/.154, 1 2B, 0 3B, 0 HR, 7 BB, 8 K, 3 SB, 4 SBA.

Tyler Grimes, IF (21.10, RH): Grimes is also starting slowly this year playing SS for the time being. Stats: 32, .188/.333/.313, 4/0/0, 4/5, 1/2.

Tim Shibuya, RHS (22.8): Shibuya had a rough first outing, but got it together for 5 scoreless frames in his second start. Stats: 8.2 IP, 3.12 ERA, 4 K, 3 BB.

FORT MYERS:

Danny Santana SS/2B (21.6, SH): Santana got off to a blazing start and has cooled somewhat. He has split time equally between SS and 2B. I still think his OBP is too weak to be at the top of the lineup. Stats: 48, .313/.327/.417, 2/0/1, 1/6, 2/4.

Lance Ray, LF/RF (22.8, LH): Ray has started better than last season and is really slugging the ball so far. He has split time between the two corner outfield positions. Stats: 38, .237/.295/.500, 4/0/2, 4/11, 0/0.

Matt Hauser, RHR (24.1): Hauser has been up and down so far, but has been OK after a poor first appearance. Stats: 7, 6.43 4/2.

Pat Dean, LHS (22.11): Dean has started 2012 pretty well, though the strikeouts are not there yet. Stats: 11.2, 1.54, 6/2.

Addition:

A guy who was injured a significant portion of 2011 and whose prospect status dropped somewhat:

Angel Morales, CF (22.5, RH): It is very good to see Morales hitting well early. He has been in CF exclusively, but that would likely change if he is promoted to New Britain, which should happen if he can trim his strikeout rate. Stats: 44, .409/.460/.545, 1/1/1, 5/12, 3/4.

NEW BRITAIN:

Logan Darnell, LHS (23.3): Darnell is picking up where he left off in 2011. Stats: 10, 0.90, 5/3.

Addition:

A guy losing momentum the past two seasons, but who has rebounded so far:

Evan Bigley, RF (25.1, RH): Bigley is not on hardly any Twins prospect lists, even those extending to 50 players. He did have some promise a few years ago. This year he is starting strong. Stats: 45, .311/.360/.467 2/1/1, 4/7, 1/3.