Baseball's Top Prospects for 2010
Remember: This list evolves and changes daily.
3B, CLE
Drafted as a shortstop out of Georgia Tech in the 2nd round of the 2006 draft, Hodges is a professional line-drive hitter with a very quick bat and an explosive, level swing. He has good hands and a plus arm at third base, with acceptable range for the corner, which means he's likely to stay there as the Indians continue to groom him for the MLB duty that was once Andy Marte's destiny. He'll probably start 2010 back at AA, but if he keeps slamming the ball, it's possible the Indians will give him an in-season look upstairs.
More Scouting Book Info on Wes Hodges >
261
RHP, PIT
The 49th overall selection in the 2009 draft, high schooler Zachary Von Rosenberg was a high-upside pick for the Pirates, who went well over their usual budget to sign him and keep him away from LSU. A big, strong player with good overall athleticism, he projects as an innings-eating workhorse, as long as he can stay healthy. He's already quite well-developed, with three pitches that look like they could play in the majors quite soon: a 90mph fastball with movement that should get harder as he grows, an already-advanced curve, and a changeup that's quite a bit ahead of average. Don't press too hard just yet, but you can pencil him into the middle of the Pirate rotation come 2014 or so.
More Scouting Book Info on Zack Von Rosenberg >
262
RHP, LAA
The 2009-10 Gatorade National Baseball Player of the Year, Kaleb Cowart is a switch-hitting two-way player that the Angels seem to prefer as a right-handed pitcher... or at least that's how they're describing him so far. Blessed with easy heat in the 92mph range, he can also touch 95mph on occasion. His curve is of the tight and hard variety, and his change is developing at the usual (slow) rate. As a fielder, he's a plus defender quick feet and the expected cannon arm. At the plate, he's stronger from the right side with a long swing but good bat speed. His overall balance of two-way skills has drawn comparisons to Ethan Martin and Casey Kelly. He's probably a better hitter than either, though he may not be quite the pitcher yet.
More Scouting Book Info on Kaleb Cowart >
263
OF, MLW
A compact and powerful outfielder with great raw athleticism, Kentrall Davis is a member of a rich prospect stable on the Milwaukee farm. He makes up for his fireplug frame with superior raw power and above average speed. While he's currently viewed as a corner outfielder, a move to third or second base is possible in the future.
More Scouting Book Info on Kentrail Davis >
264
RHP, MLW
A big, strong righthander from Illinois, Brewer pitcher Cody Scarpetta is one of a half-dozen cogs grinding away in the minors while working his way higher in the prospect machine. He doesn't look much like his wiry teammate Wily Peralta, but his results at A-level Wisconsin were near identical: a 3.43 ERA, a 1.31 WHIP, and 116 strikeouts versus 55 walks in 105 innings.
More Scouting Book Info on Cody Scarpetta >
265
OF, MIN
He might have a name from the generic baseball player naming machine, but Twins outfielder Angel Morales isn't your typical prospect. After hitting .266/.329/.455 last year in the Midwest League, the teenager will move to high A-ball in 2010, and expectations couldn't be much higher. He's small but still growing, fast and getting faster, a plus fielder who's sharpening his skills every game, and did we mention the bat? He's only 19, and he'll lurk in the shadows of Revere and Hicks for a bit longer, but his 40 extra-base hits homers in 376 at-bats last year are already opening eyes. With a shot at being a truly elite five-tool player, he's one of the highest-ceiling speed-power threats in the Twins' stable. But keep your horses in check: with all the talent ahead of him, he probably won't see Minnesota before 2013.
More Scouting Book Info on Angel Morales >
266
RHP, TOR
A righthanded power arm from The Citadel (South Carolina), Asher Wojciechowski is a strong, solid pitcher whose 94mph fastball comes with some nice natural sink. His secondary pitches need work, of course, but he's already impressing scouts with his overall gamesmanship and baseball skills. A hard worker with plus smarts, Wojo's been getting a lot of hard second looks from scouts. He'll need minor league seasoning, but if his command continues to improve as it has recently, he could slot in as an innings-eating workhorse for the Blue Jays as early as 2012.
More Scouting Book Info on Asher Wojciechowski >
267
OF, CHW
Jordan (yes, John's brother) is a prospective centerfielder of the future in Chicago. Drafted by the White Sox in the 7th round of the 2008 MLB Draft. Danks projects as a quality defender in center, with plus speed and a solid arm. At the plate, he has a quick bat and what the White Sox hope is developing power. He popped eyes at Winston-Salem in 2009, raking to a .322/.409/.525 clip, but stumbled a bit when promoted to AA Birmingham. He'll probably get a shot to play everyday there again in 2010. He's still a year or two away from joining his brother, if he can keep on developing and refine his strike-zone discipline.
More Scouting Book Info on Jordan Danks >
268
SS, MLW
The best overall athlete in the Milwaukee system, Brent Brewer turned down a football scholarship (wide receiver) for baseball when he was drafted by the Brewers in 2006's second round. He must have considered it fate.
More Scouting Book Info on Brent Brewer >
269
RHP, ARZ
A flameout as a starter due to recurring elbow issues, R-Rod has ascended to top reliever status in the Angels' minor league system. The strikeout artist should open the season in the bullpen for the club's AAA franchise in Salt Lake, and will probably end it as their closer. He's one of a half-dozen arms vying to be the long-term answer to Francisco Rodriguez's departure, and one of the most interesting from a risk/reward standpoint.
More Scouting Book Info on Rafael Rodriguez >
270
261. Wes Hodges
262. Zack Von Rosenberg
263. Kaleb Cowart
264. Kentrail Davis
266. Angel Morales
267. Asher Wojciechowski
268. Jordan Danks
270. Rafael Rodriguez
261 to 270 of 484
