Thursday's Three Around the Corner

Each week on Thursdays, we take a look at three prospects that have potential to make an impact at the next level

Darin Ruf, 1B Philadelphia Phillies

Darin Ruf led the minor leagues last year with 38 home runs while maintaining a .317 batting average. It is reminiscent of the slugger he is replacing in Philly, Ryan Howard. With Howard tearing his meniscus, Ruf will have a chance to shine in the majors playing Howard's position. Both have similar stories as late bloomers (age 26 season) but seem to be on the same path. If Ruf produces anywhere near what Howard was producing he will be hailed in Philadelphia. Expect a .270 batting average and 12 home runs from Ruf the rest of the year.

Kelly Olynyk, PF Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics went into complete rebuild mode when they traded away franchise icons Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, but we can see another one looming in 7 footer Kelly Olynyk. He debuted with a 25 point effort in summer league and he hasn't looked back. A stretch four is his position and he uses his wide array of offensive talent to score. He has been solid at rebounding and distributing the ball and we expect that he will be in Boston's starting five when the season begins. He is looking more and more like the steal of this year's draft. Expect 14 points/6 rebounds/2 assists a game from the big man. He reminds us a lot of a young Brook Lopez, as in his shooting ability as a big man. He like, Lopez lacks a little on defense but makes up for it with tremendous offensive potential.

Montee Ball, RB Denver Broncos

A team doesn't just cut its leading ball carrier from the season before and invests a second round pick into a guy who is going to be on the sidelines. After using a second round pick in 2012 on Ronnie Hillman, the Broncos went ahead to draft Ball in the second round and cut Willis McGahee. In camp, he has been receiving first team reps and don't be surprised if Ball and his tendency to score touchdowns (22 touchdowns last year) assume the role of the lead back in the 2013 campaign. Expect at least 700 yards and 8 touchdowns from Ball this upcoming season. He will have to beat out Hillman and Knowshon Moreno, but Ball has the talent to do so. Like Steven Jackson, Montee Ball has some catching ability mixed with excellent ball carrying and we expect him to be a successful running back.