Well, Since Phil Hughes got his first start less than a week ago, I get to slide him into this post too.

It’s been a great week to be a baseball fan, although its wreaking havoc on my keeper league team since the market just got flooded with top-notch talent. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, it’s been a week to remember, at least for me, because of the number of prospects that got callups this week.

First there was Phil Hughes, who was toying with a no-no before he hurt his leg in his second game up, and after watching his first game I decided that this guy throws some filthy stuff. Tonight, Jarrod Saltalamacchia is going to be the most recent callup, and is a guy that is going to force the hand of the Atlanta Braves to do something with Brian McCann (I think the most likely option is to slide him down the line to first base… but then again they could get a lot for him in a trade).

Also making appearances were Ryan Sweeney (CHA) and Billy Butler (KC). Sweeney is just getting a taste before getting sent down… he’s not ready yet. As for Butler, I can’t see any logic in holding him down any longer. I know that AAA is a great place to develop, but I also just have to throw the 2006 Marlins out there into the conversation, and it might be good for Butler to play alongside Alex Gordon, Mark Teahen et al since that is the cast and crew he will be playing with for quite a few years to come.

There’s also Hunter Pence, probably the best prospect in the Houston organization and hopefully my new center fielder if he clears waivers. And who can forget Brandon Wood; the Angels gave him a taste late last week and then promptly sent him back down. Going past one week, Cubbies center field prospect Felix Pie has been playing for the club since April 17th, and has seen some playing time since it looks like Soriano’s move to left field is permanent, and Pie will probably be expected to take over center in 2008.

What a week. It’s been fun, and after his 14 strikeout (no walks by the way) performance in AAA this week, I think Tim Lincecum can only be a phone call away to add to the week of the prospect.