MLB.com has released its ranking of the top 50 prospects in baseball. The Twins have two among the top 50 - outfielder Aaron Hicks at 39 and righthander Kyle Gibson at 40.

I think those rankings are fair. Some Twins fans would have Gibson in front of Hicks - Baseball America has Gibson as the No. 1 Twins prospect with Hicks second - but I think Hicks still deserves the edge because of the five-tool potential he has. Gibson is pretty good - he's got a very good sinker and very good slider - but most projections have him as a No. 2 starter in the majors.

MLB.com has Miguel Angel Sano ranked 60th. The story pointed out how current overall No. 1 prospect Mike
Trout (he can really run) just missed the Top 50 last year but made a big jump during the year. This will be an interesting year for Sano, who got his feet wet in the U.S. last year. He's still growing and will likely end up at third one day. But the Twins are going to have him play plenty at short as much as they can because he'll be better off learning the game from that position.

Sano is one reason whythis guy thinks the Twins have a farm system worth keeping an eye on.

I'll reveal my rankings during spring training. And I'm lobbying the bosses to resume running the weekly minor league report in the newspaper. It was internet-only last year. Keep your fingers crossed.

BANQUET UPDATE

I just received this e-mail from Julian (yes, THAT Julian).

Juan Berenguer has been added to the line-up for Ballpark Tours 3rd Annual Last Hot Stove League Banquet & Charity Auction scheduled for this Friday Jan 28th – Carpenter's Hall 710 Olive Street in St. Paul. Senor Smoke will join Jim Kaat at the podium as our keynoters. In addition, local author Pete Schilling will chat about the art of heckling & a couple of media usual suspects (not sure who yet) will take part in our Q & A. The focus of the event is to raise money for the Dunning Little League baseball program & this anti-dome crowd will be able to bid on an auction item sure to 'bring down the roof'!!!! The Ballpark Tours gang has raised over $50,000 for the fields at Dunning over the years. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at Anodyne Coffee, 43rd and Nicollet, 612-824-4300 and St. Paul: Golden Thyme Coffee, 921 Selby, 651-645-1340. Pitchers and catchers report in 22 days....pitchers and catchers report in 22 days....