10 youngsters 'winning' their auditions 

For top prospects like Will Middlebrooks, Jurickson Profar and Wil Myers (and Mike Trout and Bryce Harper, before them), it’s only matter of time before they are given starting positions and become stars in their respective lineups.

Then there are those prospects who must earn their jobs at the major league level and take full advantage of opportunities they are given. In essence, they are auditioning for a job in 2013. And if they fail during the audition, they might never get another chance. And these auditions often only come about because of injuries or underperformance by star players. Those who seize the moment and take advantage of the opportunity can earn a starting spot for next year. Here is a list of 10 players (in alphabetical order) who are doing well in their late-season auditions and might have earned vital roles on their teams next year.


Rob Brantly, C
Brantly and right-hander Jacob Turner were acquired by the Marlins at the trade deadline in what could be Marlins president Larry Beinfest’s best deal. At the plate, the 23-year-old Brantly has easily held his own in his first 20 major league games, batting over .300. Behind the plate, however, he still has work to do against the running game as he’s thrown out only one runner in 12 attempts. But he does show above-average ability to call a game and frame pitches. He’s certainly doing enough to be the Marlins’ No. 1 catcher in 2013 and beyond.

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