Most of the D-Backs’ top prospects are a few years away, but three of them could have a shot at breaking through for them in 2012. Here is a look at the talented trio:

Wade Miley: 25-year old lefty Wade Miley is currently the D-Backs’ #6 starter and their #8 prospect according to Baseball America, so he’s likely going to start the 2012 season and be the first guy called up if a starting pitcher is needed. Miley pitched in 8 games (7 starts) for the D-Backs at the end of last year and he was 4-2 with a 4.50 ERA and a 1.65 WHIP. Miley also pitched in 22 games (all starts) in AA+AAA-ball last year for the Diamondbacks and he was 8-3 with a 4.30 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP. He has now pitched in 80 games (73 starts) in his first four years in the minors and he is 24-21 with a 3.69 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP.

A.J. Pollak: 24-year old righty swinging CF A.J. Pollak comes into this season as the D-Backs’ #5 prospect according to Baseball America. Pollak played in 133 games in AA-ball last year for the Diamondbacks and he was 169 of 550 (.307 avg, .801 OPS) with 103 runs scored, 8 homers, 73 RBIs and 36 stolen bases. Pollak has now played in 196 games in his first two years in the minors and he is 238 of 805 (.296 avg, .768 OPS) 139 runs scored, 11 homers, 95 RBIs and 46 stolen bases. Pollak could get a call to the Diamodbacks if one of their starters get hurt in 2012.

Adam Eaton: 23-year old lefty swinging CF Adam Eaton comes into this season as the D-Backs’ #12 prospect according to Baseball America. Eaton played in 121 games in A+AA-ball last year and he was 145 of 456 (.318 avg, .897 OPS) with 85 runs scored, 10 homers, 67 RBIs and 34 stolen bases. Eaton has now played in 189 games in his first two years in the minors and he is 232 of 682 (.340 avg, .956 OPS) with 133 runs scored, 17 homers, 104 RBIs and 54 stolen bases. Eaton is in the same boat as Pollak, as he would need a starting OF to get hurt to get a shot in 2012.

The Diamondbacks have released 36-year old lefty swinging 1B/OF Daryle Ward. Ward played in 28 games in AA-ball for the D-Backs this year and he was 27 for 85 (.318 avg, .916 OPS) with 12 runs scored, 2 homers, 18 RBIs and 1 stolen base. He also showed impressive plate discipline as he walked 22 times while only whiffing 9 times in AA. I’m a little bit surprised that the D-Backs cut him loose as he could have helped them as a pinch hitter in September.

The Diamondbacks have released 24-year old righty starting pitcher Wes Roemer. Roemer pitched in 28 games (27 starts) in AA+AAA-ball this year and he was 8-8 with a 4.39 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP. He pitched in 114 games (103 starts) in his first five years in the minors and he is 32-37 with a 4.44 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP. This is not a big loss for the Diamondbacks as Roemer hasn’t shown much improvement as of yet in his minor league career.

20-year old lefty starting pitcher Tyler Skaggs came into this season as the D-Backs’ #3 prospect according to Baseball America. He was the key to the Dan Haren trade with the Angels last year at the trade deadline. Skaggs has pitched in 23 games (all starts) in A+AA-ball so far this year and he is 8-6 with a 3.13 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP. He has only given up 109 hits in his first 132 1/3 innings this year while whiffing 166 batters as he has been overpowering. He has now pitched in 51 games (43 starts) in his first three years in the minors and he is 17-11 with a 3.14 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP. The Diamondbacks might decide to bring him along a little quicker now.

The Diamondbacks have signed 31-year old righty reliever Brian Stokes.  Stokes hasn’t pitched anywhere this year.  He pitched in 16 games (0 starts) for the Angels last year and he was 0-0 with a 8.10 ERA and a 2.52 WHIP.  Stokes has now pitched in 173 games (0 starts) in his first five years in the majors and he is 6-11 with 1 save, a 5.27 ERA and a 1.69 WHIP.  He has always had a strong right arm, so the D-Backs might give him a shot when rosters expand on September 1st, if he looks good in the minors.