Scouting Book: The Best Baseball Prospects for 2008-2009 (Sleepers Too!)

Baseball Prospect Rankings for 2009

Now updated for 2009's Most Likely Top Prospects

Scouting Book's Top Prospects list is different than other prospect lists: we're not in a bubble, and we never sit still. We show you not just our own rankings, but also rankings from some of the other major ranking lists for each player. You can now sort, for example, by Baseball America's rankings, or view the top prospects as chosen by the wizards at Baseball Prospectus, or compare our rankings to those from Sports Illustrated. Also, unlike most lists, we don't publish a book! Our lists are updated often during the offseason, and updated daily during the pre-season to show the latest situations and adjusted for spring results. This means we're always a work in progress. We also think this means our lists are much more useful for fantasy draft purposes. If you notice a mistake or have a suggestion feel free to let us know by mailing mistakes (at) our domain name. For more on our methods, see this blog entry.

Baseball's Top Prospects for Early 2009

1. David Price

LHP, TB

Before the Rays made him the first pick of the 2007 Amateur Draft, David Price had already run up a polished resume, beginning with the 0.43 ERA he posted as a high school senior. The Dodgers drafted him in the 19th round in 2004, but Price chose to attend Vanderbilt on scholarship instead, where he became a powerful (if overworked) anchor to the school's very strong rotation. A surprise star during the last weeks of Tampa's championship run in 2008, Price was used primarily in long relief from the bullpen, though his future is in the starting rotation. Since he remains eligible, he has Rookie of the Year potential for 2009.

While his fastball has been clocked at 95mph a few times, Price works more in the 90-91 range, relying on a high quality, high-80's slider with a very sharp bite. He has a good changeup, and rather than relying on power, he adds and subtracts with consistent, solid arm action. While he has always been able to throw strikes, Price has always had command problems within the strike zone, and has been known to tip his changeup by dropping his arm angle. If this flaw sticks while he faces major leaguers, he could give up more than his share of long balls. But if the Rays manage to polish these shortcomings, he could be a front-line starter this season.

More Scouting Book Info on David Price >

SB #1 | BA #10 | BP #6 | ML #11 | SN #24 | ES #16

2. Cameron Maybin

OF, FLA

He might not be the second coming of Ken Griffey Jr., but this potential five-tooler has a place in the everyday lineup in the very near future, perhaps even this spring. Look for a good mix of average, steals and power to continue to grow, if slowly, as he nears the big lights.

More Scouting Book Info on Cameron Maybin >

SB #2 | BA #6 | BP #10 | ML #3 | SN #3 | ES #13

3. Matt Wieters

C, BAL

A switch-hitting catcher with good plate discipline, Wieters might be the most polished hitter in the minor leagues today. Baseball America 2008 Minor League Player of the Year, Wieters can hit for both average and power, and he seems to be showing the defensive skills necessary to remain behind the plate. His award-winning minor league season also helped further polish his already natural leadership skills, which should help him with a young pitching staff like Baltimore's.

Of course, if Baltimore's bullpen keeps falling apart the way it has for the last few years, the Orioles may look to Wieters other abilities. In college, he served double duty as GT's closer, taking off his catching gear for the ninth inning and bringing a 98mph fastball to the table.

Ramon Hernandez is still the Orioles catcher of the present, but Wieters isn't far behind. Expect him to break into MLB in mid-2009, and while he won't be an everyday player just yet, he's unlikely to go back to the minors, either.

More Scouting Book Info on Matt Wieters >

SB #3 | BA #12 | BP #12 | ML #21 | SN #46 | ES #14

4. Travis Snider

OF, TOR

Snider is a very young, very strong, and very promising prospect in the Blue Jays system who's pushing hard on the system's ceiling. Snider's rise through the Toronto system is impressive: at Lansing (Low-A) in 2007 he hit .313 with 16 home runs in 118 games, and he looked even better in the Fall League, hitting .316 and slugging .541 in Arizona.

He's still very young, and if his defense develops a little more he could be a viable OF or 1B. More likely, though, he'll enter MLB as part of the new generation of young, full-time DHs. He should taste the majors in 2009, and could start to contribute everday numbers by 2010.

More Scouting Book Info on Travis Snider >

SB #4 | BA #11 | BP #7 | ML #15 | SN #37 | ES #7

5. Matt LaPorta

OF, CLE

He might have been better off going to an AL team in the first place, but now that he's an Indian instead of a Brewer, at least he'll soon have a chance to settle in as a DH for the next 20 years. LaPorta should produce big numbers in MLB in the near future, and Cleveland's interest solved the blocking problem he had back in Milwaukee. The fact the Indians pursued him so hard also shows how little confidence they have in Travis Hafner's ability to return to effectiveness.

One of college ball's best sluggers the last couple of years, he wasn't the shiniest prospect in the bin, but LaPorta's ridiculous .579 OBP in college is impossible to ignore. A power hitter who also has an exceptional batting eye, he ended the college season last year in the country's top 20 in almost every category, from batting average to homers, slugging percentage to runs scored.

He could break camp with the Indians this year, but even if he doesn't he's worth holding onto, because he'll be in the major leagues before 2009 is done.

More Scouting Book Info on Matt LaPorta >

SB #5 | BA #23 | BP #31 | ML unranked | SN #43 | ES #37

6. Carlos Carrasco

RHP, PHI

An under-the-radar phenom last year, Carrasco won't be able to sneak past anyone this time around. He'll enter 2009 as one of baseball's top pitching prospects, with a very high chance of breaking into MLB this season.

Despite putting up a so-so 4.38 ERA at AA in 2008, Carrasco did nothing to dimish his standing as the Phillies' premium pitching prospect. He looked better in the six AAA starts he finished up with, and there's not much more he can do other than wait for a shot with the big club: he's already got three solid big-league ready pitches, he's shown durability and endurance needed to be a front-line starter, and he's got the brains to outsmart sluggers from outing to outing and at-bat to at-bat. If Philly gives the kid a shot, expect some highlight-reel performances.

More Scouting Book Info on Carlos Carrasco >

SB #6 | BA #54 | BP #68 | ML #28 | SN unranked | ES #53

7. Andrew McCutchen

OF, PIT

One of the best outfield prospects still in the minors, Pirate super-youth Andrew McCutchen has done nothing but hit since his debut in the summer of 2005. He jumped on the fast track with an impressive leap to Double-A at the end of 2007, and pressed hard during 2008 for a big league opportunity. His power has come faster than people expected, too, which means he has a shot in the deep but talent-poor Pittsburgh field right now.

More Scouting Book Info on Andrew McCutchen >

SB #7 | BA #14 | BP #24 | ML #8 | SN #8 | ES #12

8. Colby Rasmus

OF, STL

While often lost among the Prince Fielders and Cameron Maybins of hitting peers, Rasmus possesses a polish that few have at his level, a refinement that extends to his offensive approach, baserunning and defense. He strikes out a bit too much, but when he makes contact it's almost always solid contact: he's often compared to J.D. Drew. Of course, the Cardinals hope he comes with a less fragile set of bones.

They received a lot of heat for leaving Rasmus in the minors last year, but the youngster really didn't put up the numbers to show he deserved a big-league position. He may enter 2009 with the determination he needs to get over the last hump, and the extra year of seasoning won't hurt either.

More Scouting Book Info on Colby Rasmus >

SB #8 | BA #5 | BP #8 | ML #7 | SN #17 | ES #5

9. Reid Brignac

SS, TB

While one has to be careful with the way Tampa manages their prospects (it seems that most of them stay in the minors until they're thirty), it's possible we'll see Brignac on opening day, especially now that Upton seems to have stuck as an outfielder.

More Scouting Book Info on Reid Brignac >

SB #9 | BA #39 | BP #25 | ML #32 | SN #33 | ES #49

10. Jarrod Parker

RHP, ARZ

Jarrod Parker, one of the most highly-touted prospects in the 2007 draft, fell to the Arizona Diamondbacks with the 9th overall pick, and they did not hesitate. While he's still young, he shows exceptional character and makeup, which means he may be destined for the big leagues sooner than most.

He draws comparisons to 2007 super-phenom Tim Lincecum, since he produces tremendous power from a smaller-than-average build. Though he doesn't have quite the same freakish ability or 102mph stuff as Lincecum, he'll likely follow a similar path anyway, as Arizona's farm managers decide quickly whether they're dealing with a future ace or future closer, and move him along accordingly. He should spend 2009 in AA, with a shot at testing the Arizona waters late in the year. Relief work will get him to the majors sooner than later.

More Scouting Book Info on Jarrod Parker >

SB #10 | BA #46 | BP #20 | ML unranked | SN unranked | ES #36

11. Jason Heyward

OF, ATL

Say Heyward, but don't say it just yet. A real treasure for the Braves as 2007's 14th overall pick, the left-handed Heyward has been lauded for his developing plate discipline and 30-homer power potential for a couple of years now. He could have a future in right field for Atlanta, but with Jeff Francoeur locked in there for a long time to come, it's more likely that he'll go to left field or first base, both positions where the Braves lack a viable long-term prospect.

More Scouting Book Info on Jason Heyward >

SB #11 | BA #28 | BP #36 | ML unranked | SN unranked | ES #33

12. Trevor Cahill

RHP, OAK

Oakland's second round pick in 2006, righthander Trevor Cahill is one of a dozen strong pitching prospects in the Oakland system. He might also be the best one. He delivers a sinking 92mph fastball with command and authority, but his loopy curveball is even better. Cahill should get a late-2008 audition in Oakland, and could be pitching every fifth day as early as 2009.

More Scouting Book Info on Trevor Cahill >

13. Fernando Martinez

OF, NYM

When the Mets assigned Martinez to be the youngest prospect to attend the Arizona Fall League, many were left skeptical of the Mets' chances at maximizing their value with the phenom. After all, in his final 15 games in the Florida State League, Martinez had gone 9-for-57 with three extra-base hits and 13 strikeouts.

However, injuries had kept Martinez inactive for much of his first full season, so the AFL presented an opportunity for consistent playing time. Martinez significantly responded, displaying huge power potential from the left side.

It appears the Mets know how to handle the teenager, who could use some time in the weight room and some improvements against southpaws to take the next step in 2008. The idea of Martinez and crosstown phenom Tabata reaching New York at the same time almost seems too good to be true, but the Mets haven't been this excited about an outfielder in a very long while.

More Scouting Book Info on Fernando Martinez >

SB #13 | BA #20 | BP #51 | ML #17 | SN unranked | ES #10

14. Dexter Fowler

OF, COL

Models do it. Actors do it. Why don't baseball players with impossibly unfortunate names just change them? It's not that hard. In any case, Fowler's a highly-regarded kid -- comparisons abound to other lanky outfielders with power (Andruw Jones, Andre Dawson, Torii Hunter), and he's shown flashes of five-tool greatness. With Matt Holliday shedding purple pinstripes, look for Fowler to get an extended opportunity in spring 2009.

Fowler has fantastic speed and good contact skills, but needs to add some polish to his baserunning and defensive skills. In coming years, Fowler's role will need to be determined, whether he's a middle-of-the-order hitter with power to come, or an improved baserunner destined for gap power and the top of the order. He's already very strong for his size, and a power breakout could be looming.

More Scouting Book Info on Dexter Fowler >

SB #14 | BA #74 | BP #92 | ML #50 | SN #45 | ES unranked

15. Josh Vitters

3B, CHC

The Chicago Cubs made Vitters the third overall pick in the 2007 draft, and the hope in Hopeland is that he'll develop 25-homer power in time to replace the declining Aramis Ramirez. In 2008, he put up impressive numbers in (low-A) Boise (.328/.365/.498), though he hit only five dingers in more than 250 at-bats. Still, he was moved up to high-A Peoria on the strength of his bat control, and could crack the AA roster in 2009.

In addition to wishy-washy discipline (he strikes out four times as often as he walks), one cause for concern is that he might need to move from third base to left field, but if he continues to maintain his overall offensive numbers at higher levels of play, the Cubs will find room for him in 2010 or 2011.

More Scouting Book Info on Josh Vitters >

SB #15 | BA #43 | BP #45 | ML #30 | SN unranked | ES #17

16. Nick Adenhart

RHP, LAA

Slow but steady, righthander Nick Adenhart has grown into the most successful (so far) of many Anaheim rebuilding projects. Overcoming some early career wildness, Adenhart now shows great control of his mid-90s two-seamer and has mixed in two offspeed pitches added by Angels' coaches.

The Angels projected him to blossom into an ace for 2008, but it looks like they might have been a bit too optimistic. Even early 2009 looks unlikely, though he could be a midseason flower. While he might not have the best stuff in the minors, he does have exceptional makeup and seems ready to play: no right-hander (other than the Twins' Garza) has shown such composure when being tossed into the fire at a young age.

More Scouting Book Info on Nick Adenhart >

SB #16 | BA #24 | BP #27 | ML #18 | SN #38 | ES #23

17. Chris Tillman

RHP, BAL

Seattle's second round pick in the 2006 draft, Tillman was the Mariners' Minor League Pitcher of the Year for 2007, when he rung up 139 strikeouts in 135 innings split between low-A Wisconsin and high-A High Desert. A tall, hard-thrower with a smooth, carbon-copy motion, Tillman complements a mid-90's fastball with a plus 12-to-6 curve that he uses as his out pitch. He was traded to Baltimore as part of the 2008 package deal that sent Erik Bedard out west, and put up acceptable numbers in the Oriole system: In 28 starts for AA Bowie, Tillman was with a 11-4 with a 3.18 ERA, while maintaining a high (154) strikeout rate.

While his durability and work ethic remain question marks, Tillman's build and easy motion means he still projects as a middle of rotation starter somewhere, though there is also bullpen potential in his easy heat.

More Scouting Book Info on Chris Tillman >

SB #17 | BA #67 | BP #44 | ML unranked | SN unranked | ES unranked

18. Brett Anderson

LHP, OAK

Anderson, who went 11-5 with a 3.39 ERA in 105 innings split between A and double-A innings last year, was once projected to be a part of the Diamondback rotation as early as 2008. His trade the much deeper Oakland system, however, made a quick rotation spot less likely, even though he's always been one of the minor league's best left-handers. In our view, only Tampa's David Price has a glossier sheen this spring.

A more traditional lefthander than Price, Anderson works with a fastball that doesn't ever leave the low 90's, though he controls it better than Tampa's phenom. His best pitch, though, is a Kershaw-esque hammer that can be devastating. Anderson uses the deuce to frightening effect: his K-BB ratio in AA ball was over five to one (!).

While he's still very very young, Anderson really has nothing much left to prove in AA, which means that while he'll start in the minors again, it's quite possible he will see action in Oakland sometime before 2009 is over, even though he'll be only 21 years old. 2010 is the year in which he should become a fixture by the bay.

More Scouting Book Info on Brett Anderson >

SB #18 | BA #36 | BP #50 | ML unranked | SN unranked | ES unranked

19. Scott Elbert

LHP, LAD

The Dodgers passed up Phil Hughes for Elbert (maybe foolishly, maybe not) but there's nothing foolish about Elbert. One of the minors' best left-handed pitchers, the first round pick Elbert has power stuff with an exploding 93-95 mph fastball and a sinker/slider that's best in class.

However, Elbert's delivery is unconventional, often leading to some disastrous walk numbers in 2006 and a few fingers pointing him to the Instructional League. His control looked more in hand before his 2007 season was shut down for some (minor) cleanup surgery, which makes him an intriguing prospect for 2008. He may be ranked much too low on many lists because of his lost season and recovery time, but there's no legit reason for a downgrade. Those are all signs of under-rating.

Elbert's arm quality is very very high, and he seems to have the mental makeup to survive some bumps along his path to the majors. Since the combination of the surgery flag and his odd delivery may scare too many people into ranking him quite low, he's an excellent sleeper candidate for 2009-2010. Chad Billingsley and Clay Kershaw might get a lot of the attention in LA right now, but Elbert just might be the real future ace of the Dodgers.

More Scouting Book Info on Scott Elbert >

SB #19 | BA #88 | BP #66 | ML #36 | SN unranked | ES unranked

20. Yonder Alonso

1B, CIN

In addition to having the best name in the 2008 draft class, Yonder Alonso is also one of the strongest power hitters of his generation, probably the premium 1B slugger in the minors right now.

He's no great shakes with the glove, though, which means he's probably locked at first base. Why the Reds chose him in the draft, with Joey Votto just settling in for the next decade, is anyone's guess, but if he lives up to his history, Alonso will force Votto into the outfield, or onto a different MLB roster, very very soon. He's one of 2009's hottest tickets, and the young Cuban must be drooling at the thought of breaking loose in Great American.

Helping you track baseball prospects, sleepers and rookies. (Closers, too!)

Baseball Prospect Rankings for 2009

Now updated for 2009's Most Likely Top Prospects

Baseball's Top Prospects for Early 2009

1. David Price

2. Cameron Maybin

3. Matt Wieters

4. Travis Snider

5. Matt LaPorta

6. Carlos Carrasco

7. Andrew McCutchen

8. Colby Rasmus

9. Reid Brignac

10. Jarrod Parker

11. Jason Heyward

12. Trevor Cahill

13. Fernando Martinez

14. Dexter Fowler

15. Josh Vitters

16. Nick Adenhart

17. Chris Tillman

18. Brett Anderson

19. Scott Elbert

20. Yonder Alonso

Closing the Book on 2008 and Looking Ahead to Next Year

Seven Teams are Taking an Early Look at 2009 Closer Options

Adam Dunn Traded for Dallas Buck, Others

Prospects, Relievers and Throw-ins are Often Keys to Deadline Deals

As the Second Half Starts, New Top Prospects Emerge

Midseason Cleanup Underway for Second Half Prospects

In trading Rich Harden, the A's continue to load up on prospects

CC is Traded, We Survey the Prospects Included

In the NL, a Number of Closer Situations in Flux

Rising and Falling

Recently-Changed Rankings

ScoutingBook's Top Early 2009 Prospects