Better Know a Prospect: Tigers

Wondering which young players could have an impact in the majors this year? Let MLB FanHouse guide the way in Better Know a Prospect. In this edition we look at three players from the Detroit Tigers system.

Rick Porcello, SP: There's no denying that Porcello is one of the top pitching prospects in the game, but is the 20-year-old right-hander seriously in contention for a big-league roster spot in just his second year as a professional? That's what GM Dave Dombrowksi is telling folks, putting Porcello on equal footing with the likes of Nate Robertson, Dontrelle Willis and Zach Miner heading into spring training.

As odd as it sounds, it's hardly unprecedented -- the Tigers used the same approach with Jeremy Bonderman, who made the jump from Single-A in 2002 directly to the majors in 2003. Of course, the stakes were much lower then; The Tigers lost 119 games in 2003, allowing Bonderman to suffer through growing pains (6-19 record, 5.56 ERA) without any pressure.

This year, it's postseason or bust in Detroit, meaning Porcello would not only have to win a roster spot but also continue to produce in the regular season. Unless he completely blows away the competition, a more likely scenario would be for Porcello to open the year at Double-A, where he'll have a chance to build on last year's remarkable production (2.66 ERA, 1.19 WHIP) in Single-A.

As effective as he was last year, he didn't strike out nearly as many hitters as people expected -- he averaged a modest 5.2 K/9 -- but his dominance should return with more experience. If it does, Porcello should be on Detroit's short-list should the team need a spot start or two at some point during the season.

Jeff Larish, 1B/3B: Larish is already a familiar face in Detroit -- he appeared in 42 games last year, hitting .260/.306/.375 over 104 at-bats. With Miguel Cabrera entrenched at first base and Brandon Inge returning to third, Larish will likely resume his part-time utility role -- hopefully adding a little more punch and better plate discipline this time around.

In four minor league seasons, Larish has posted a .375 OBP and .488 SLG, averaging better than 22 home runs each of the last three seasons. He may never hit for average (he's a career .260 hitter) and will likely continue to rack up the strikeouts, but he could still carve out a productive niche as a left-handed utility man and pinch-hitter this year.

Brent Clevlen, OF: Clevlen is out of minor league options, so if he doesn't win a roster spot out of Spring Training he'll almost certainly be claimed by another team off waivers. He's made cameos in the majors the last three years without impressing a great deal, but his progress at Triple-A last year (.279/.358/.496) gives hope that there might be a bit more pop in his bat than previously thought.

Clevlen may or may not ever develop into an everyday player, but on a team that's rolling the dice with the fragile Carlos Guillen left field, he's not a bad insurance policy to have around. He has a strong arm and can play all three outfield positions. Clete Thomas may be a better all-around option with a better big-league track record (and 22-year-old Wilkin Ramirez will overtake them both once he gets more experience), but Clevlen's lack of options will play a big role in who makes the big league roster.

For comprehensive coverage of the minor leagues, visit John Sickels at Minor League Ball and Baseball America. For minor league statistics, visit Baseball-Reference and Minor League Splits.