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As the season progresses, so does the talent in the minor leagues. Here are five players from the International and Pacific Coast Leagues that should be on your radar due to their five-tool ability.

International League

Jay Bruce: He is obviously the highlight of the article as he, as of this writing, is moments away from his major league debut. Through Saturday, Bruce has simply demolished minor league pitching. Batting an impressive .364 with 10 home runs, 34 runs, 37 runs batted in, and eight stolen bases, he is on his way to a very productive career in the majors.

Andrew McCutchen: Finally coming around from his early season slump, McCutchen has raised his batted average to an impressive .297 while stealing a league leading 16 bases. Andrew McCutchen is road blocked from the majors by a litany of talent in the outfield of the Pirates organization. With seven home runs, 33 runs, and 23 runs batted in, he is an injury away from a call-up.

Dewayne Wise: Third on this list is Dewayne Wise. The 30-year old minor league player has seen time with three other organizations as a big league player. With Juan Uribe on the disabled list, Wise gets the call to join the White Sox and show what he can do alongside Carlos Quentin, who is absolutely hammering the ball in Chicago. Through his call-up, he has lead the league in on-base percentage (.420), has stolen 12 bases, knocked in 18 batters and crossed the plate 31 times himself. With a .338 batting average, there is no doubt that he deserves a shot.

Kevin Thompson: A perennial minor leaguer, Kevin Thompson appears to be having a breakout season for the Pirates Triple-A Affiliate. Through 46 games for the Indianapolis Indians, Thompson has four home runs with 29 runs, 13 runs batted in, and an impressive 12 stolen bases to date.

Justin Ruggiano: With 10 stolen bases, four home runs, 21 runs, 22 runs batted in, all while posting a .340 batting average, Ruggiano is playing like he wants back in to the big league roster. After a very brief stint, a taste of the big leagues, Ruggiano appears to have become more intense at the plate and in the field. There is something to be said for getting a little taste of something that you want more of. Only time will tell if he ultimately ends up there.

Pacific Coast League

Nelson Cruz: It is hard not to notice a statistical lineup like Cruz’s. With 14 home runs, 41 runs, 40 runs batted in, .342 batting average, and my statistic, 14 stolen bases, he is clearly one of the most dominant players in the Pacific Coast League. Unfortunately for Cruz, with David Murphy, Milton Bradley, and Josh Hamilton tearing up the big leagues right now, it puts this 28-year old minor leaguer in a hold pattern. With the history of Bradley, there could be a late season call-up.

Reggie Abercrombie: Here is another player that appears to never be that far ahead of the bell curve, therefore, never really capitalizing on his big league opportunities. Known as a “tweener,” Abercrombie has had difficulty showing that he has all the tools necessary to take the jump to the majors. He has the capabilities to steal you 40 bases in a season and knock in somewhere between 15-20 home runs; however, in his last major league stint, he hit a very poor .191 and was quickly sent back down. Think of Rajai Davis of the Oakland Athletics. Sure he can steal a bag, if he can get on base.

Seth Smith: Brad Hawpe on the disabled list, it is time for Seth Smith to shine. Heading into his major league call-ups from Colorado Rockies Triple-A affiliate to “the show,” Smith had demonstrated the ability to put together all five categories to raise some recognition in the organization. Do not be surprised if you find him being picked up in many leagues around the nation. With 11 stolen bases, six home runs, 36 runs, and 30 runs batted in all while swinging an impressive .321 at the plate, there is no doubt this player can make some noise in the big leagues.

Nate Schierholtz: With players like Rajai Davis leaving San Francisco, Fred Lewis hitting .178 over the past 14 days, and Dan Ortmeier still unimpressive, it may be time to call up this potential five-tool athlete. Schierholtz has a .304 batting average with 26 runs, 29 runs batted in, knocked in five home runs, and even stolen eight bases for the Giants Triple-A affiliate, The Fresno Grizzlies. There is no doubt that he should be considered on all keeper leagues, especially the NL-Only formats.

Brad Nelson: Are we concerned about Prince Fielder’s job? No. But with talent like Brad Nelson in your minor league system, it is time to figure out what you are going to do with him. Nelson is the only corner infielder to make the stolen base article in the minors. With seven stolen bases and power to go with it, there is much abuzz in the Brewers’ organization. Eight home runs, 34 runs, 31 runs batted in, with a .327 batting average. Did I mention that he is a first baseman with eight stolen bases? Not bad for a fourth round selection in the 2001 draft. Nelson will likely be added to the 40-man roster when the Brewers make the playoffs…Notice I did not say “if” they make the playoffs. {That prediction is based on them actually getting a closer}.