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Carlos Villanueva

With Yo Gallardo, Zach Jackson, Carlos Villanueva and Dana Eveland all pitching very well in the minors and really not too far from the majors, the future looks bright for the pitching staff. Gallardo might not get a cup till late '07, but the other three should vie for what will probably turn out to be just one spot in an '07 rotation featuring Sheets, Cappie, Ohka, and Davis, or maybe Bush fits in there if Ohka leaves in free agency (which would be a shame).

Monday's Prospect Hotsheet from BaseballAmerica.com (sort of a who's hot in the minors) has Carlos Villanueva coming in a #10.

The PCL has been a piece of cake for Villanueva who is now 3-0, 0.43 in 21 innings for the Sounds. His last start was his best as he struck out eight over seven shutout innings.

Not bad! Especially considering he started the year in Huntsville. He's come a long way this year. I'd say it's Carlos' spot to lose next year at this pace. Keep it up Carlos!

Now, with Capellan coming back, who gets dumped from the bullpen? Could be Dan Kolb who started the season as the number #2 guy in the bullpen, was downgraded for awhile and recently promoted to closer. Pitching spots are suddenly quite hard to come by.

Good thing we didn't acquire a pitching prospect in the Carlos Lee trade, don't you think?