Baseball's Top Prospects for 2010
Remember: This list evolves and changes daily.
LHP, TOR
The Blue Jays didn't give up when 22nd round pick Brad Mills failed to sign in 2006. Instead, the drafted him again in 2007's fourth round, and this time the lanky pitcher signed on the dotted line, becoming one of Toronto's best lefty prospects overnight. He moved all the way to AA in his first full season of pro ball, striking out 159 batters with a confusing array of curves, changes, and 90mph fastballs all coming from the same awkward-looking delivery. While he slipped a bit in 2009, he still has solid #4 starter potential.
More Scouting Book Info on Brad Mills >
281
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 >
282
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 >
283
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 >
284
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 >
285
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 >
286
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 >
287
RHP, PHI
A 38th-round selection from Clear Creek Texas, Phillies talent Jarred Cosart has zoomed up the depth charts over the last two seasons. As a pitcher, he displays a consistent, balanced delivery, with a mid-90's fastball and a polished 11-5 curve that he uses as an out pitch. His change, while a bit rough, also looks to be a potential plus offering. In the field, he shows above-average range in the outfield and an 'unbelievable' arm strength. At the plate, his short, compact swing benefits from very quick wrists and a level swing, giving him line-drive power to all fields. If there's one question about Cosart, it's wondering whether any part of his game will ever show enough weakness to allow him to focus on his other skills.
More Scouting Book Info on Jarred Cosart >
288
3B, SEA
Yes, Matt Tuiasosopo, the baseball player. Got it? Good.
More Scouting Book Info on Matt Tuiasosopo >
289
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 >
290
281. Brad Mills
282. Xavier Paul
283. Logan Watkins
284. Joel Guzman
286. Jemile Weeks
287. Waldis Joaquin
288. Jarred Cosart
289. Matt Tuiasosopo
281 to 290 of 484
