Key prospects and overachievers added to 40-man rosters across MLB

Being named to the 40-man roster of any professional team is a benchmark accomplishment for prospects hoping to one day play in the major leagues.
The decision means that they will either have the opportunity to compete for a spot on the final 25-man roster that is finalized at the end of spring training. It also means the player is eligible to be called up by the major league team during the season even if the player does not initially make the 25-man roster out of spring training.
Conversely, if a player is not on a team's 40-man roster they cannot be called up to the major leagues regardless of how successful they have been in the minor leagues. With fast rising prospects and annual overachievers, it is increasingly important for a team to be selective when putting together the 40-man roster, being careful not to miss players who could be on the verge of being ready for the next level.
Here are a few key names that were added to 40-man rosters across the MLB earlier this week, several of which could have significant impacts with their respective clubs in 2012.

1. Josh Vitters/3B (Cubs)

• If Aramis Ramirez signs elsewhere, Vitters could step in as Chicago's third baseman of the future in 2012. Hit .283 with 14 home runs and 81 RBIs for Tennessee (AA) in 2011.

2. Rymer Liriano/OF (Padres)

• Stole 66 bases between two levels of the Padres organization in 2011, also flashed pop with 12 home runs and 68 RBI. Speedy outfielder could be in the San Diego mix with impressive spring.

3. Tyler Moore/1B (Nationals)

• Has crushed everything thrown his way the last two years, hitting 31 home runs in each of the past two seasons. Drove in 111 in 2010, 90 more RBIs in 2011 moving from (A) to (AA).

4.Wilmer Flores/SS (Mets)

• Still just 20 years old, Flores may be the eventual replacement for Jose Reyes in New York, who appears he will sign with either the Marlins or Brewers. Flores hit .269 with nine home runs and 81 RBIs in 2011 for St. Lucie (A) and could get a look in spring training for the Mets at SS.

5. Cesar Puello/OF (Mets)

• Another 20-year old in the Mets system, Puello projects as a power hitting outfielder with above average speed. Stole 45 bases in 2010 and likely will develop more power than his 10 home runs last season indicate.

6. Oswaldo Arcia/OF (Twins)

• Jumped on the Twins radar after hitting .375 in 2010, followed up with a solid 2011 season that was capped by a September call-up. Very close to being an everyday outfielder in Minnesota.

7. Stephen Vogt/C (Rays)

• Had 105 RBIs between two levels in the Rays system in 2011. Added a .298 average with 17 home runs, finished the season in Durham (AAA). His bat could earn him a spot in Tampa soon.

8. Travis D'Arnaud/C (Blue Jays)

• Hit for average and power for New Hampshire (AA), blasting 21 home runs while hitting at a clip of .311 in 466 at-bats. With J.P Arencibia tabbed as the catcher of the future in Toronto, D'Arnaud may have to switch positions for the Jays to utilize his bat.

9. Derek Norris/C (Nationals)

• Another catcher who has a talented youngster ahead of him in Washington (Wilson Ramos). Purely a power hitter who has struggled to hit for average, Norris could serve as late inning pop off the bench and spell Ramos once or twice a week if he wins the backup job in spring.

10. Phillippe Aumont/P (Phillies)

• Posted a 2.68 ERA in 53 2/3 innings pitched between two levels in 2011. Finished the season in Lehigh Valley (AAA) and could be a part of the bullpen in Philly as soon as 2012.