Baseball's Top Prospects for 2010
Remember: This list evolves and changes daily.
OF, CIN
A 17th round pick from an obscure college, Reds outfielder Chris Heisey has made slow but relentless progress through the system, playing solid defense and hitting better and better at each higher level of play. At AA Carolina lasyt year, Helsey rocked a .347/.426/.572 line, for an eye-popping OPS of .998. He held his own in AAA during the end of the year, too, opening the question about when he'll get his first taste of big league ball. We're betting the end of 2010, or sooner if injuries strike the Reds' outfield.
More Scouting Book Info on Chris Heisey >
191
RHP, MIN
The ex-Miami Hurricanes closer throws a 98mph fastball that could get even faster as he comes back from TJ surgery. His breaking ball is still a bit sub-par, but if any coaching staff can coax secondary pitches from power arms, its the wizard's guild in Minnesota. Gutierrez is still a year or two away from being completely ready, but the Twins work in mysterious ways, which means he could see opportunities as a setup man as early as 2010, with the closer's mantle for Minnesota's post-Nathan days still within reach.
More Scouting Book Info on Carlos Gutierrez >
192
RHP, TEX
A two-way player and 2004 Little League star who some prefer as an infielder, righthander Jurickson Profar was signed as an international free agent in 2009. Blessed with a 94mph heater and a slider that could mature into a real plus pitch, the teenager is an ideal late reliever right now, but could go in any direction in the years to come. If he moves to the field, he has the hands and arm strength to work at shortstop, though his hitting ability isn't looking quite as promising just yet. A deep talent in the Rangers system, Jurickson is one to watch in the years to come.
More Scouting Book Info on Jurickson Profar >
193
C, STL
A converted pitcher, Robert Stock is getting a chance behind the plate for the Cardinals in order to mainstream his plus batting eye and lefthanded power bat, so that's how we'll treat him for now.
More Scouting Book Info on Robert Stock >
194
LHP, SD
Pick number 63 in the 2007 Draft, Cory Luebke went 11-4 with a 2.78 ERA and a shimmering 1.10 WHIP at two levels of play in 2009. His 112-32 strikeout to walk ratio is another number worth some yellow highlighter. A tall, lanky pitcher who lives in the low 90s with great two-seam movement, he leans on a reasonable change and a real plus slider as his strikeout pitch. He also shows off one of the best pickoff moves to first base seen in the minors since the days Andy Pettitte pitched at Columbus. He lacks some of the explosive upside of other Padre starters, but his mix of quality pitches and overall polish probably put him closer to the Bigs. He'll open 2010 in AA ball but could see at least a look-see start in San Diego before the end of the year.
More Scouting Book Info on Cory Luebke >
195
RHP, CLE
Where does Tampa find these kids? Over a statistically significant 500 innings pitched, Talbot's strikeout ratio is over 4, his WHIP is under 1.3, and his potential to break into a major league rotation is very very high, especially for such a young pitcher. His recent trade to Cleveland only accelerates his likely arrival, though the less-magical coaching and development staff could hinder his potential.
More Scouting Book Info on Mitch Talbot >
196
SS, SEA
A big, strong middle infielder with soft hands and an offensive mindset, Gabriel Noriega came to Seattle by way of his native Venezuela and childhood Mexico. In his first taste of pro ball, he slashed .311/.360/.456 in 206 Rookie League at-bats. Scouts have been impressed by his exceptional hand-eye coordination, and most expect him to hit for a high average even if he never develops real power. His defensive chops have already arrived, though, and his combination of soft hands, quick feet and a strong arm suggest that he can stick at shortstop. He'll need to learn to take a walk sooner or later, but once he sees a few more years of pro pitching, he'll be ready to make in impact in the bigs.
More Scouting Book Info on Gabriel Noriega >
197
OF, PHI
A two-way player in high school, the lefthanded Gose has electric breaking stuff that should encourage the Phillies to leave him on the mound until he plays his way back into the outfield... but these are the Phillies, so it's anyone's guess how they'll deploy this high-maintenance talent.
More Scouting Book Info on Anthony Gose >
198
SS, FA
The Red Sox's Cuban shortstop prospect Jose Iglesias gets a lot of ink, but 2009 defectee Hechevarria (pronounced and sometimes spelled Echevarria) is probably the superior player. In MLB terms, Hechevarria is an 'offensive-minded' shortstop in the Cal Ripken mode: a high-average hitter with above-average power. At the plate, his spray chart looks a little more like Ichiro Suzuki: he has a knack for finding infield holes and hitting behind runners. He'll command a high signing bonus and start in the minor leagues, with 2012 or 2013 looking like a possible MLB arrival date.
More Scouting Book Info on Adeiny Hechevarria >
199
2B, OAK
Baseball America's High School Player of the Year for 2006 is still a bit raw, but his development has been very strong. As a 20 year old in 2008, Cardenas blew through three levels of the minors, hitting .278, .308, .279 in Stockton, Clearwater and Midland. He's hitting an even .300 across his two full minor league seasons, and has maintained great discipline with a career 108 walks against only 174 strikeouts.
More Scouting Book Info on Adrian Cardenas >
200
191. Chris Heisey
192. Carlos Gutierrez
193. Jurickson Profar
194. Robert Stock
195. Cory Luebke
196. Mitch Talbot
197. Gabriel Noriega
198. Anthony Gose
199. Adeiny Hechevarria
200. Adrian Cardenas
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