Baseball's Top Prospects for 2010
Remember: This list evolves and changes daily.
OF, LAD
A toolsy outfielder in the rich Dodger system, Xavier Paul is one of the better farm bats that LA could call upon in 2010. While he didn't exactly set the world on fire while filling in for Manny in 2009, he did look awfully good in 31 games at AAA Albequerque, where he slashed .328/.378/.500. Still a young, gifted athlete in a system that could use a little more outfield depth, Paul will get another shot at the Bigs soon.
More Scouting Book Info on Xavier Paul >
251
2B, CHC
A small-framed midwestern shortstop drafted in the 21st round back in 2008, Vincent Logan Watkins has pulled himself up to the top tier of Cubs prospects on the strength of his steady bat. After blowing off rookie ball in 2008, he posted a .326/.389/.391 line at A-level Boise and peppered it with 14 doubles and 14 steals. Obviously, the Cubs would like to see a little more pop, but if he can add just a little power to his already-impressive eye and sweet batting stroke, he has all the makings of an MLB regular-in-waiting.
More Scouting Book Info on Logan Watkins >
252
3B, TB
A one-time Dodger hot prospect, Guzman was shipped to the Rays in the trade for Julio Lugo, which shows you how far he's fallen. While his bat still shows big-league pop, he's a long way away in the discipline department, and Tampa doesn't seem like the sort of place where he'll get much opportunity, either. On the other hand, it is the sort of organization that will leave him to 'develop' in the minors for the next few years, so maybe that'll be good for him, in a bitter pill sort of way.
More Scouting Book Info on Joel Guzman >
253
RHP, TOR
A burly righthander from Kennesaw State, Toronto's Chad Jenkins is a promising workhorse starter who could push his way into the Toronto rotation sooner than some of the bigger names on the farm. A rare talent who possessses four workable pitches, Jenkins throws both a four- and two-seam fastball (the latter with serious sink) and mixes in a strikeout slider and a change that could be a real plus pitch. His projectable body and well-regarded baseball smarts all add up to rapid advancement. He'll spend 2010 trying to push his way into AA, and once he shows he can handle hitters well there, he'll be ready for a date in Toronto.
More Scouting Book Info on Chad Jenkins >
254
OF, TB
Not content to merely outdraft the rest of baseball, the Tampa Bay Rays have also set out to sign every emerging soccer star in the United States. Perez, a superior soccer player who only began mastering the baseball diamond in college, wound up an All-Ivy pick as Columbia's centerfielder in 2004, when he hit .317 and led the League with 18 steals.
More Scouting Book Info on Fernando Perez >
255
2B, OAK
He's not just Rickie's little brother, he's a different kind of player. He's not the strong masher that Weeks is, but Jemile is more patient at the plate and faster on the bases. Like number one pick Tim Beckham, Weeks could see a move to centerfield sometime, where his plus speed would be more of an asset and his so-so glovework wouldn't be a problem.
More Scouting Book Info on Jemile Weeks >
256
RHP, SF
If Brian Wilson's arm ever falls off, the Giants have an acceptable substitute ready in the 100mph cannon hanging from Dominican Waldis Joaquin's shoulder. After bumping past AA and AAA last year, he spent a bit of time auditioning in the SF bullpen with mixed results. He's erratic, and his secondary pitches aren't quite ready for prime-time yet, but coaches who watch him inevitably fall in love with his Zumaya-like power, which means he'll keep receiving opportunities to dominate.
More Scouting Book Info on Waldis Joaquin >
257
3B, SEA
Yes, Matt Tuiasosopo, the baseball player. Got it? Good.
More Scouting Book Info on Matt Tuiasosopo >
258
OF, LAD
A 4th round 2007 pick out of Newberry Park (Los Angeles) high school, first baseman Andrew Lambo fell lower than his talent dictated due to character concerns, but now that he's maturing in his hometown, he's a civilized monster waiting to happen. The Dodgers prefer to use his all-around athletic ability in the outfield, and while he doesn't have the wheels for center, he's just fine at either corner, with a good glove and a strong arm. At the plate, Lambo slashed .288/.346/.462 at A level Great Lakes in 2008, and nearly .400 in a two week callup to AA Jacksonville at the end of the season.
More Scouting Book Info on Andrew Lambo >
259
RHP, TB
A second round pick from the 2005 draft, Chris Mason is a converted outfielder with a low-90's moving fastball and a nasty slider/curve, and a developing changeup. The 23-year-old righthander spent almost the whole 2007 with the Montgomery Biscuits (AA), and led the Southern League with a 15-4 record and a 2.53 ERA in 2007. He ranked fourth with 132 strikeouts, enough to garner the League's Pitcher of the Year Award. The league's most consistent starter, Mason did not allow more than three runs in any of his 13 second-half starts for the Biscuits.
More Scouting Book Info on Chris Mason >
260
251. Xavier Paul
252. Logan Watkins
253. Joel Guzman
254. Chad Jenkins
256. Jemile Weeks
257. Waldis Joaquin
258. Matt Tuiasosopo
251 to 260 of 445
