Kernels' Cowart named among top Midwest League prospects

Baseball American magazine released its top 20 prospects from the 2012 season Tuesday, with Cedar Rapids Kernels third baseman Kaleb Cowart listed at No. 8.

Cowart hit .293 with 54 RBIs in 66 games for the Kernels, before receiving a promotion to advanced-Class A Inland Empire. He hit .259 with 49 RBIs in 69s games there.

Peoria Chiefs shortstop Javier Baez (Cubs) was named the league's top prospect, followed by Beloit third baseman Miguel Sano (Twins) and Lake County shortstop Francisco Lindor (Indians).

Fort Wayne (Padres) had five of the top 20 prospects. League champion Wisconsin (Brewers) had none.

Here is the list:

1. Javier Baez, ss, Peoria (Cubs)

2. Miguel Sano, 3b, Beloit (Twins)

3. Francisco Lindor, ss, Lake County (Indians)

4. Archie Bradley, rhp, South Bend (Diamondbacks)

5. Noah Syndergaard, rhp, Lansing (Blue Jays)

6. Aaron Sanchez, rhp, Lansing (Blue Jays)

7. Austin Hedges, c, Fort Wayne (Padres)

8. Kaleb Cowart, 3b, Cedar Rapids (Angels)

9. Matt Wisler, rhp, Fort Wayne (Padres)

10. A.J. Cole, rhp, Burlington (Athletics)

11. Justin Nicolino, lhp, Lansing (Blue Jays)

12. Eddie Rosario, 2b/of, Beloit (Twins)

13. Jorge Bonifacio, of, Kane County (Royals)

14. Tyrell Jenkins, rhp, Quad Cities (Cardinals)

15. Drew Vettleson, of, Bowling Green (Rays)

16. Kyle Smith, rhp, Kane County (Royals)

17. Travis Jankowski, of, Fort Wayne (Padres)

18. Adys Portillo, rhp, Fort Wayne (Padres)

19. Jace Peterson, ss, Fort Wayne (Padres)

20. Stephen Piscotty, 3b, Quad Cities (Cardinals)