Two D-backs prospects rank among top RHP

It’s no wonder the Diamondbacks’ brass is turning to their elite farm system in search of their fifth starter.

Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com highlighted the top 10 right-handed pitching prospects and two D-backs’ hurlers made the coveted list.

According to MLB.com, former UCLA phenom Trevor Bauer was chosen fourth-best among the up-and-coming right-handers.

4. Trevor Bauer, D-backs: Bauer spent most of his college career in Gerrit Cole’s shadow, but he’s ahead of his UCLA teammate on this list and should get to the big leagues faster. He made it to Double-A in his first summer, and there was even some talk of him getting a September callup, though cooler heads prevailed. Using an unorthodox delivery and conditioning methods (he’s a big proponent of long-tossing), the somewhat undersized right-hander elicits comparisons to Tim Lincecum. As interesting as that all is, his stuff is even more exciting. He’ll throw as many as five pitches, grading out from average to plus across the board. He should get a very long look in Spring Training and will be a part of the D-backs’ rotation for years to come.

Also bestowed with the honor of the ninth spot on the list was Bauer’s teammate Archie Bradley of Oklahoma high school.

9. Archie Bradley, D-backs: The second of two Oklahoma high school pitchers taken in the top 10 of the 2011 Draft, he’s no less impressive than state-mate Dylan Bundy. A three-sport standout in high school, Bradley signed with Arizona rather than play quarterback at the University of Oklahoma. He has a very exciting combination of size and stuff, with a plus fastball, a power curve and a changeup he didn’t need in high school, giving him the chance to have three above-average pitches. And though he played other sports, he has a good idea of what he’s doing on the mound, meaning he may not move as slowly as some prep pitchers do, starting with full-season ball in 2012.

Ironically, former D-backs’ prospect Jarrod Parker — who was dealt to the Oakland A’s in the Trevor Cahill deal — finished 10th.

It’s quite a testament to the organization for cultivating three incredibly talented and powerful arms. What is even more remarkable is the depth of the D-backs’ Minor League pipeline affording the club the ability to trade one of those pieces (Parker) to better their chances to win now.

The key to success in the interim and long-term often stems from being able to rely on a club’s farm system for talent. The D-backs not only have no shortage of arms, but their pitchers are in a class that’s second to none.

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