Note: The top 12 fantasy prospects (players currently in the minor leagues) for 2012 are below. These rankings are a bit different from other prospect rankings, as they are strictly for 2012 fantasy purposes. Not only do talent and recent performance play a role, but potential paths to the big leagues also factor in. All young players in the minors are eligible, including those in "prospect purgatory," those who have exceeded rookie status but are still young, unproven commodities.
The Top 12 for '12 lost two more in the past week, with Josh Vitters joining the Chicago Cubs and Adeiny Hechavarria heading to the Toronto Blue Jays. The big miss was the surprising move by the Baltimore Orioles to bring up top prospect Manny Machado, who I profiled Thursday. At this point of the season, we're in long-shot mode, but let's shake up the list a bit by including some potential September call-ups.