Baseball America ranks Bailey at #1 and Votto at #7 prospects in the Southern League

Baseball America just released its top 20 prospects in the Southern League, where the Chattanooga Lookouts play. Like the Midwest League and Florida State League, the Reds placed just 2 prospects in the top 20 of each league, but had the top prospect in all 3 leagues (Homer Bailey was #1 in 2 different leagues, Jay Bruce in the MWL). For the second time in 3 days, Homer Bailey was honored as the top prospect in a league. Bailey is a former 1st round pick and came into the league after the all-star break promotion he got from the FSL. He went 7-1 with a 1.59 ERA in his time with the Lookouts. Joey Votto came it as the #7 prospect in the league, where he hit .319/.408/.547 with 46 doubles (led the entire Minor Leagues) and 22 Home runs. Joey also added in 24 stolen bases. He made a legit run at the Southern League Triple Crown through August before tailing off in the RBI category. Joey struggled in April, posting just a .231 batting average, but then hit .351, .310, .303 and .538 in the months after April. Votto and Bailey are the two closest to ready Major League prospects the Reds have, with Votto being a little closer than Bailey, although Bailey will see the Reds sooner. Both could start the season in Louisville next season with the Bats, but Homer could break Spring Training in the rotation if he has a good spring.