Aaron Hicks, OF, Twins (Double-A New Britain): 1-for-2, HR (12), 2 R, 2 RBI, BB; 2-for-3, 2 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB.

The 14^th selection of the 2008 draft, Hicks has always had tremendous tools, but the numbers never matched. 2012 was not a make-or-break year, but as his first exposure to upper-level pitching, it was certainly a critical one, and he's passing with flying colors.

Manny Machado, SS, Orioles (Double-A Bowie): 2-for-3, R, RBI, BB.

Bryce Harper and Mike Trout has been among the best things in baseball this year. For prospect people, they've been among the worst as they've created ridiculous expectations for every prospect in baseball. Manny Machado is 20 years old, more than holding his own at Double-A, and people yawn because Trout and Harper.

• Matt Adams, 1B, Cardinals (Triple-A Memphis): 3-for-4, 2B, HR (17), R, RBI. Should at least be September call-up as extra bench bat; .342/.373/.649 in 60 games.
• Jesse Biddle, LHP, Phillies (High-A Clearwater): 7 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 9 K. 2010 first-round pick has gotten up to 94 mph with solid secondaries; 3.23 ERA with 116 Ks in 111.1 innings.
• Victor Black, RHP, Pirates (Double-A Altoona): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K. 2009 supplemental first-round pick has found new life in the bullpen; 1.17 ERA with 63 Ks in 46 innings while sitting at 94-97 mph.

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Kevin Goldstein

August 2, 2012

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