Hello everyone,

The first farm report from Ross Atkins revealed the following:

- Looking for ML protection at AAA Buffalo; really came in handy last year.  Have much protection at Buffalo this year, especially in the rotation and with position players.  Laffey and Sowers, along with Adam Miller.  You also have Francisco and Barfield.

- AA Akron and High-A Kinston have several power-hitters and many good offensive players; the position-player front for both teams is strong.  You have athleticism and a quality prospect at almost every position.  Hodges, Rodriguez, Mills (who will start at Kinston,) Goedert, Todd Martin, Crowe (who will start at Akron.)

- Good, young pitching prospects; 5 exciting ones at Low-A Lake County, including 6'5", 19-YO LHP Kelvin De La Cruz and RHP Santo Frias.

- Looking forward to getting "under the lights" after spending a week in Spring Training games for the Minor Leagues and 6 weeks in Spring Training total. 

- Buffalo, Akron, and Lake County begin Thursday, while Kinston begins Friday.