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In 2006, some pretty big named hitters were among the top 10 in their AA leagues in the home run category. Ryan Braun (MIL), Alex Gordon (KC) and Hunter Pence (HOU) are three of those names that just bounce off of the page. Let’s look at the [tag]AA home run leaders from 2007[/tag] and see what we can find.

1.  Colby Rasmus | Texas League Springfield (STL) | 29 Home Runs
2. Jeffrey Larish | Eastern League Erie (DET) | 28 Home Runs
3. Michael Costanzo | Eastern League Reading (PHI) | 27 Home Runs
4. Brenden Katin | Southern League Huntsville (MIL)| 24 Home Runs
5. Ray Sadler | Texas League Corpus Christi (HOU) | 24 Home Runs
6. David Smith | Eastern League New Hampshire (TOR) | 24 Home Runs
7. Brett Harper | Eastern League Binghamton (NYM)| 24 Home Runs
8. Charlton Jimerson | Southern League Tacoma (SEA) | 23 Home Runs
9. German Duran | Texas League Frisco (TEX) | 22 Home Runs
10. Luis Antonio Jimenez | Eastern League Bowie (BAL) | 22 Home Runs

In 2006, players like Ryan Ludwick (STL), Carlos Pena (TB) and Jack Cust (OAK) were among the home run leaders in AAA. They went on to have productive MLB seasons in 2007. Well, here’s a look at the [tag]2007 minor league home run leaders[/tag] at the AAA level.

1. Valentino Pascucci | Albuquerque PCL | 34 home runs
2. Craig Brazell | Omaha PCL | 32 home runs
3. Rick Ankiel | Memphis PCL | 32 home runs
4. Scott Seabol | Albuquerque PCL | 32 home runs
5. Scott McClain | Fresno PCL | 31 home runs
6. Mike Hessman | Toledo IL | 31 home runs
7. Pete Laforest | Portland PCL | 29 home runs
8. Cody Ransom | Round Rock PCL | 26 home runs
9. Nate Gold | Oklahoma PCL | 26 home runs
10. Geovany Soto | Iowa PCL | 26 home runs

In response to a group writing project over at problogger, I wanted to put together a top 5 list of [tag]minor league ballplayers[/tag] who should get called up to the big leagues in ‘07, but who haven’t had their cup of coffee yet. Now, before I start getting e-mails about your favorite prospect and how I left them off this list (go ahead and fire off your email’s, I can take it), let me tell you that I am ranking this list on current statistics, not overall upside. These five guys have terrific upside, but they may not be the best prospects available. They’re just doing the best so far in 2007. Keep an eye on these guys and grab them when they come up. For those of you in really deep mixed leagues, some of these players are available now on Yahoo.

1. [tag]Ryan Braun[/tag] | AAA Nashville | Milwaukee Brewers - Braun is absolutely crushing the ball so far in ‘07. He’s averaging .358/.426/.716 with 8 home runs and 17 RBI with 3 stolen bases to boot. Braun’s bat has never been the question for the Brewers, it’s his glove. When his defense if MLB ready, you can expect he’ll find his way to the hot corner in Milwaukee.
2. [tag]Yovani Gallardo[/tag] | AAA Nashville | Milwaukee Brewers - It’s a race of sorts to see who the Brewers call up first, Gallardo or Braun (My guess is Gallardo). Gallardo is 4-1 with a 2.19 ERA so far. But these next numbers are what really impress me. His WHIP is 0.86 and he has a strikeout to walk ratio of 51:11. Wow!
3. [tag]Kevin Slowey[/tag] | AAA Rochester | Minnesota Twins - With a name like Slowey, you’d better be something special on the mound. Well, Kevin is just that. He’s 3-1 so far this year with a 1.38 ERA, a 0.71 WHIP and a 31:2 strikeout to walk ratio.
4. [tag]Adam Miller[/tag] | AAA Buffalo | Cleveland Indians - With the way Miller is hurling this year, the Tribe has been sending out trade feelers to the Yanks regarding Paul Byrd. Miller is 4-0 with a 2.43 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP. His strikeout to walk ratio is 37:13.
5. [tag]Evan Longoria[/tag] | AA Montgomery | Tampa Bay Devil Rays - With the emergence of Akinori Iwamura in Tampa, the team can give Longoria some extra time to develop in the minors. But, if he continues to kill AA pitching he’ll be promoted quickly. He’s hitting .315/.446/.541 with 6 home runs and 23 RBI.