Every Tuesday, Minor Matters will run down the top 10 players from the Thunder's 2010 season. In a year that saw eight of Baseball America's 16 pitchers (excluding Mike Dunn and Arodys Vizcaino, who were out of the organization) in their top 30, not to mention Austin Romine and Brandon Laird, there were plenty of good choices to go around.

No. 6b - Manny Banuelos

Why he's here: One of the most hyped prospects in the organization, Banuelos, who missed a good chunk of the early season after an emergency appendectomy, debut along with Dellin Betances toward the end of August. He made three starts before the postseason, none particularly overwhelming.

Biggest moment of the season: In his first playoff start, and arguably the biggest game of his career, Banuelos absolutely blew away the New Hampshire Fisher Cats for seven strong innings. He blanked New Hampshire on five hits -- only one of which went for extra bases -- and three walks.

Here's what he had to say afterward: “At the beginning of the game, it was a little tense. I was a little bit nervous about it. Once I started throwing my stuff, I knew my stuff was good and I kind of relaxed and just let it go.”

Outlook for 2011: If the Fisher Cats liked him the first time around, then they'll love him once April rolls around. If he's not dealt before the season, Banuelos should be on track to start on either the first or second game, which will be played at Manchester's Merchantsauto.com Stadium.