Baseball's Top Prospects for 2010
Remember: This list evolves and changes daily.
RHP, CLE
A promising righthander with strikeout stuff, Bryson was buried a little too deep in the Brewers' system until the orbit of CC Sabathia pulled him out of Milwaukee and into Cleveland. A flamethrower with a 96mph fastball and an electric if erratic slider, Bryson put up an 84:26 K:BB ratio in the Sally League, and should find better traction in the shallower Indians' system.
More Scouting Book Info on Rob Bryson >
301
RHP, CLE
One of the best college closers of recent years, Rice righthander Bryan Price was a fireball threat buried deep in the Red Sox Nation before the Victor Martinez acquisition sent him him Cleveland. There are some questions about his health and the durability of his shoulder, which makes the comparisons to Joel Zumaya especially poignant.
More Scouting Book Info on Bryan Price >
302
OF, SEA
A two-time minor league player of the year in the Blue Jays' system, Seattle outfielder Johermyn Chavez came to Seattle as part of the Brandon Morrow trade during the 2009 offseason. He'll be 21 years old when 2010 season begins, and he's already looking like a quality asset on the farm. The young Venezuelan hit .283 at A-level Lansing in 2009, adding 21 homers. He takes the place of Wladimir Balentine as Seattle's enigmatic maybe-slugger.
More Scouting Book Info on Johermyn Chavez >
303
RHP, CIN
USC righthander Brad Boxberger was the 43rd player selected in the 2009 draft. The strong, stout Boxberger projects as a middle-of-rotation arm for the Reds in the near future, thanks to his pro-level collection of above-average pitches and his ability to survive under pressure. He works with a 92-94mph fastball that he'll work in on hitters quite fearlessly, and he complements it with a decent-and-improving curve. Most interestingly, though, he features a nifty sinking change that could be a real strikeout pitch for him once he learns to command it a bit more consistently.
More Scouting Book Info on Brad Boxberger >
304
C, OAK
Chicago's first supplemental round pick in 2007, Josh Donaldson is a converted third baseman, which means he has a plus arm from behind the plate. Overshadowed by Matt Wieters in that draft class, he's only a notch behind the Georgia grad when it comes to actual tools. Josh is an offensive force with both pull and opposite-field power: he's a legitimate middle-of-the-order threat. He's still learning the ins and outs of game calling, though, so unlike the all-around Wieters, Donaldson is a couple of years away from having any impact.
More Scouting Book Info on Josh Donaldson >
305
2B, SEA
An on-again/off-again prospect, Crabbe's chances of breaking into major league ball increased slightly with his pickup by Seattle, who could probably benefit from some infield depth.
More Scouting Book Info on Callix Crabbe >
306
OF, TEX
The Phils' first round pick back in 2004, Golson is the kind of sexy power/speed threat that teams cherish. A natural centerfielder with corner pop, he could be a franchise player a few years from now.
More Scouting Book Info on Greg Golson >
307
C, SF
A high-school catcher with a tantalizing power bat (15 homers in 27 games in his senior year), the double-named Tommy Joseph was scooped up by the Giants out of Tim Alderson's old high school in 2009. In addition to his terrific raw power, ToJo displays a very strong throwing arm and shows signs of excellent leadership and discipline on the field. While the catcher's position in San Francisco would seem to be locked up for the foreseeable future, Joseph can also play a reasonable first base, and is athletic enough to learn third if necessary. He's some way away from the big leagues, but he shows every sign of being well-equipped to get there eventually
More Scouting Book Info on Tommy Joseph >
308
C, Japan
A strong offensive catcher in his last year of commitment to Japanese baseball, Tasuku Hashimoto slashed .311/.404/.536 for Bobby Valentines Chiba Lotte Marines last season. He's thought to be considering a move to MLB next season.
More Scouting Book Info on Tasuku Hashimoto >
309
RHP, OAK
A fireballing righthander with a 96mph heater, De Los Santos has a good future ahead of him, likely in the bullpen. While his secondary pitches are acceptable, an even slightly-improved change would help him get better results with his fastball, making him a potent late-inning option. DLS is on a long road back after 2008 TJ surgery, but all reports have been positive on his recovery. He remains an interesting arm on a system that tends to develop them well, which means his future is a lot brighter than it was last year.
More Scouting Book Info on Fautino De Los Santos >
310
OF, FA
One of the most intriguing new wave of Cuban prospects, outfielder Jorge Padron is a stocky contact bat who hits from the lefts side. As Pinar del Rio's left fielder, Padron was among the league leaders with a .345 average. A spray hitter with gap-to-gap power, his performance against lefties makes him iffy to stick as everyday player in MLB, but his dominance of righthanded pitching and some hard work in the minors for a year or two should be enough to get him some serious looks. Kendry Morales wasn't as polished at the same age, after all.
More Scouting Book Info on Jorge Padron >
311
1B, BAL
A product of the same high school draft class as Jay Bruce and Colby Rasmus, the less-decorated Brandon Snyder was drafted as a catcher before losing most of a year to a torn labrum. Transplanted to first base, he may have found his long-term home. He's come along slower than his classmates, but the .315 and 80 RBIs he posted last year in A ball makes him a prime candidate to step up to the AA Baysox in 2009. A power hitter who will strike out a lot, he can still contribute serious numbers with his ability to hit both fastballs and breaking pitches to all fields. If he continues to hit well at the higher level this spring, look for him to get a taste of the big leagues come September, or sooner if injuries open the way.
More Scouting Book Info on Brandon Snyder >
312
RHP, LAA
Angels prospect Fabio Martinez went 4-2 (3.35 ERA / 1.31 WHIP) in sixteen starts at Rookie-level Orem in the Pioneer League in 2009. That's not a blazing season, but Martinez is raw enough that the overall game results don't matter that much just yet.
More Scouting Book Info on Fabio Martinez >
313
RHP, SEA
A prospect more famous for his MySpace pictures and public urination than his talent (go Google it yourself, lazy reader), Dan Cortes is a very young and very strong righthander who's already with his third organization. Originally a 7th round selection by the Chicago White Sox in 2005, he has been until recently a one-pitch power arm. His previously-serviceable curve took a leap forward last year, when he used it effectively for the first time.
More Scouting Book Info on Daniel Cortes >
314
OF, CIN
Ah, Dorn. Sometimes the gods of baseball just make the names too good to be true. While he's currently buried deep in the Reds system, Cal State's Danny Dorn is a respectable offensive prospect in his own right, and now that guys like Bruce and Votto are in the bigs to stay, he should get a little more attention. The left-hander with the sweet swing split time last season between high A and double A (Sarasota and Chattanooga), and ended up with an OPS of .906 with the Lookouts. Most notably, he smashed 21 homers in only 336 at-bats, a number that lines up nicely with his 30-homer big league potential.
More Scouting Book Info on Daniel Dorn >
315
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 >
316
RHP, KC
Timothy 'Magoo' Melville is a bit of a sleeper prospect in the Royals system, where he doesn't get quite as much attention as he perhaps deserves. Drafted out of high school in 2008's fourth round, he's already blossoming as a starter. He uses a mid-nineties fastball to set up his strikeout curve, while his change is a better-developed pitch than any teenager deserves to have. Another year or two with the pitching coaches in KC and he should be ready to step into the Royals' rotation. It's not as if he needs much help, either: he struck out 96 in 97 innings at A-level Burlington in 2009, and he looks almost ready to step up to AA sometime in 2010.
More Scouting Book Info on Tim Melville >
317
RHP, LAA
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 >
318
1B, ARZ
From fifth round draft pick to Organizational Player of the Year, Diamondbacks prospect Ryan Wheeler sure had a wild ride in 2009. The rising first baseman led the Yakima Bears with a .363/.461/.538 batting line, adding 28 extra base hits. That OBP tied the all-time franchise record. Brandon Allen might have an impact in MLB sooner, but Wheeler will make the bigger splash when he lands in 2011 or so.
More Scouting Book Info on Ryan Wheeler >
319
3B, NYM
Which is worse, being a shortstop prospect in the Mets system, or being a third base prospect in the Mets system? Either way, promising young Jefry Marte probably isn't making long-term plans in Brooklyn just yet, despite his high-ceiling talent. Signed as a 16yo International Free Agent, Marte destroyed the GCL at the age of 17, 328/.408/.639. He's a long way off, but he might be the best bat in the system.
More Scouting Book Info on Jefry Marte >
320
SS, DET
Dominican shortstop Gustavo Nunez, in the words of manager Dave Dombrowski, is 'a switch hitter who can run and made some outstanding defensive plays.' While he's a bit raw at the plate, his bat looks like a viable asset as well. Playing for West Michigan (A) last year, Nunez hit .315 with 5 homers and 10 triples while stealing 45 bases in 112 games. His skills on the bases weren't the greatest, however, as he was caught stealing more than one third of the time.
More Scouting Book Info on Gustavo Nunez >
321
RHP, TEX
Beavan is a huge, powerful righthander who at the tender age of 20 is already showing a 96mph fastball. He also brings a polished slider that acts more like a slurve, with big, loose movement that keeps batters off balance. Even his third pitch, a more traditional changeup, is better than average. (His arsenal resembles no one as much as Francisco Rodriguez, and that's a pretty good comp.)
More Scouting Book Info on Blake Beavan >
322
LHP, BAL
Yet another in a wide field of pitching prospects developed by the Astros before being shipped elsewhere, Patton has demonstrated remarkable consistency, maintaining a 2.75 ERA in almost 300 minor league innings with very few blowouts or meltdowns. His walks are a bit high, but during stretches last year he showed improved command and an ability to adjust mid-game. If he maintains that ability this season, expect Baltimore to give him a hard look for the rotation.
More Scouting Book Info on Troy Patton >
323
2B, SEA
The son of ex-major leaguer Tim Hulett, junior is an offensive-minded second baseman in the Dustin Pedroia fashion. While he lacks serious power, he has shown excellent discipline and occasional pop while maintaining an OBP over .400 for most of his young career. He's also been a team leader and is considered a good clubhouse personality, which bodes well for his future.
More Scouting Book Info on Tug Hulett >
324
1B, DET
A huge, hulking lumberjack of a first baseman, right-handed slugger Ryan Strieby made pretty short work of AA Erie in 2009, mashing 19 homers in 86 games and posting a .303/427/.565 line on the season (that's a .992 OPS). The average may take a bit of a dive as he moves up to the big leagues, but the power should play in Comerica. He's more than a little blocked by Miguel Cabrera in Detroit right now, so the Tigers have him working out in left field. Time will tell if he's got the skills to stick there. A hot start this spring could get him a full-time MLB job before the end of the year.
More Scouting Book Info on Ryan Strieby >
325
OF, PHI
A tall, projectable hitter with a long but easy swing, Domican Domingo Santana has right field written all over him. An average runner and a strong-armed thrower, he's still learning to handle breaking pitches, but for such a young talent, he's already looking like one of the best athletes in the Philly system.
More Scouting Book Info on Domingo Santana >
326
3B, CIN
Puerto Rican prospect Neftali Soto is a toolsy infielder who's growing up fast in the Reds' power-packed farm system. After embarassing rookie ballers, he was moved up to A-level Dayton last year, and promptly slashed .326/.343/.500 with seven homers in just over 200 at-bats.
More Scouting Book Info on Neftali Soto >
327
2B, FA
Not much of a rookie following eight years in the Twins system. Maza is still a valuable spare part who can play all seven fielding positions. He may finally break into MLB, at least for a time, in 2010, but he's probably already peaked as a prospect.
More Scouting Book Info on Luis Maza >
328
RHP, MLW
A supplemental first round pick for the Brewers, this tall righthander has a smooth and easy delivery that portends well for his future in the system. He's a few years away from serious attention, but he's worth keeping an eye on.
More Scouting Book Info on Jacob Odorizzi >
329
C, FLA
Buster Posey got a lot of attention in the 2008 draft, but Skippy might be a better bet, at least offensively. A left-handed and more power-hitting type of catcher, he lags behind Posey in the defensive and especially game-calling parts of the game, which means he might end up a bigger producer, but not right away. Of course, if his bat stays as hot as it's been in recent years, it'll be impossible to keep him in the minors for long.
More Scouting Book Info on Kyle Skipworth >
330
RHP, PIT
The Yankees selected Daniel McCutchen in round 13 of the 2006 Draft. A product of the University of Oklahoma, McCutchen's rapid rise to the bigs was derailed by a 50-game steroids suspension near the beginning of his pro career. Following that interruption, he burned through A-level ball and was promoted to AA in the summer. In 2009, he went 13-6 with a 3.47 ERA and a 22 WHIP at AAA Indy.
More Scouting Book Info on Daniel McCutchen >
331
LHP, PIT
The latest in a long line of lefthanders grown on the Atlanta farm, willowy Jeff Locke's 94mph fastball is a definite plus pitch, with late movement that he can command at will. His curve ball is also well under control and projects as a second plus pitch. Acquired by the pitching-poor Pirates in June 2009, 'The Redstone Rocket' has a terrific opportunity to step up as a rotation candidate in the very near future.
More Scouting Book Info on Jeff Locke >
332
3B, ATL
Campbell doesn't walk much, but his power is significant, and he projects to whiff less than 17% of the time, so that'll help the old averages. He looks like a younger Rocco Baldelli, which is not a bad similarity to have.
More Scouting Book Info on Eric Campbell >
333
OF, MIN
A combination OF-1B bat who will probably end up at DH, Parmelee has been one of the best pure power hitters in the minor leagues for more than a couple of seasons now. He has a smooth, lofty swing that puts breaking pitches into the bleachers as fast as pitchers can curse. He's got a plus arm, but lacks the speed or range to hold down right field. A definite work-in-progress, Parmelee today is a sort of poor man's Lars Anderson: a big barrel of booming potential, with underdeveloped collateral skills. The bat is so monstrous, though, that the Twins are unlikely to move him or abandon his training: the Twins refuse to lose another David Ortiz.
More Scouting Book Info on Chris Parmelee >
334
1B, ATL
A player who showed unmatchable power at the high school level, John Johnson Jr. is a raw but fascinating prospect in the Braves system who scouts call a southern version of Justin Morneau. As a prospect, he fits into the Lars Anderson / Chris Parmalee frame of reference: a player who could be a superstar if he learns the finer points of the game, but who might also fade into obscurity if he relies on nothing but home run swings.
More Scouting Book Info on Cody Johnson >
335
OF, OAK
A mature graduate of San Diego State who enjoyed a breakout minor league year in 2009, Oakland's Grant Desme is a tough and multi-talented right-handed hitter. Splitting the 2009 season between A-level Kane County and and High-A Stockton, Desme found his potential, swatting 31 home runs and stealing 40 bases. He was the only such 30/40 player in the minor leagues that year. To top off his breakthrough, he was awarded the AFL MVP award for an Autumn in which he added 10 more home runs in 11 AFL games between October 14th and 28th.retiring from baseball in order to enter the Catholic priesthood. Should he decide to return to the Church of Baseball in the future, we think he'll find the Oakland flock more than accommodating, starting with the congregation in AA Midland, who would dearly love to watch his outfield sermons all season long.
More Scouting Book Info on Grant Desme >
336
RHP, NYY
Originally signed by the Dodgers, Dominican Romulo Sanchez made a stop in Pittsburgh on his way to the Yankee bench in 2009. Once seen as a future closer despite his so-so strikeout numbers, he's more of a swingman in Yankee plans. To succeed at high levels, he still needs to learn how to refine his control a little while not losing too much of his velocity. His secondary pitches still grade out as average.
More Scouting Book Info on Romulo Sanchez >
337
RHP, BOS
The Red Sox best Latin American pitching prospect, righthander Stolmy Pimentel is only 19 this year, but he's already showing signs of a solid four pitch arsenal. His 94mph fastball has good late life, and he uses it well, balanced against a curve, change and developing sinker that could all be serious pitches in another couple of years. The change, in particular, is nightmarish when delivered on target, and has the potential to embarrass a lot of AL hitters come 2013 or so.
More Scouting Book Info on Stolmy Pimentel >
338
RHP, STL
A tall, lanky righthander with a nice moving fastball and a deceptive delivery, pitcher PJ Walters is one of the high-upside but low-spotlight players developing in the Cards' system. St Louis's 2007 Minor League Pitcher of the Year, he slipped a bit in 2008 and 2009, when his ERA and WHIP jumped sharply. On the other hand, he also seemed to rediscover his strikeout pitch, increasing his K/9 to almost exactly 9.0. He's not the best raw talent in St. Louis, and he looked positively overmatched in a late season cup of coffee, but he might be the most big-league ready pitcher available, and opportunity can do wonders for a young man.
More Scouting Book Info on PJ Walters >
339
OF, TOR
Toronto outfield prospect Jake Marisnick is a multitalented athlete with real defensive prowess: the plus range and strong arm he brings to center field is exactly what the Blue Jays need, and with his quick wrists and quicker feet, he could blossom into a serious on-base and steals threat. A late signee, he'll start his pro career in the GCL in 2011. He's a few years away, but he could rise to the top of the prospect pool as early as next season.
More Scouting Book Info on Jake Marisnick >
340
RHP, STL
Selected 30th overall by the Cardinals in the 2006 draft, Ottavino dominated hitters at Northwestern University with a K/9 rate over 10 and a notable ability to handle tough left-handed hitters. He projects a promising mix of confidence and stuff, and scouts see him as a future middle-of-rotation starter. He's had a rocky time in the minors so far, but his advanced mental game and advanced skills should come together sooner or later.
More Scouting Book Info on Adam Ottavino >
341
1B, TEX
A big slugger with 35+ HR potential, he's also a little old for a 'prospect', as he'll turn 27 this year. Still, his massive, bone-rattling swings should be able to connect in a depleted Texas system soon, even if he's just a stopgap until Justin Smoak is ready.
More Scouting Book Info on Joe Koshansky >
342
OF, SD
A toolsy outfielder who is often compared to Michael Bourn, Padres' outfielder Everett Williams has a little more pop in his bat and a little less nitro in his legs, but is a similar contact hitter from the left side with all-around smarts. Drafted out of McCallum (Texas) High in 2009, Williams will need to show patience at the plate and with his career: he's several years away from a possible big league debut.
More Scouting Book Info on Everett Williams >
343
OF, SF
A speedy outfielder in the Giants' system, Dominican Francisco Peguero is a solid defender with developing on-base skills. After a frustrating attempt at A-ball in 2008, Peguero started 2009 back in low-A Salem before getting another crack, but when he returned to Augusta he put on quite a clinic, slashing .340/.359/.437 in 58 games, and tossing in 15 steals at the same time. A line drive hitter whose build doesn't suggest future power (he's shaped more or less like Eugenio Velez, though he hits exclusively from the right side), Peguero will have to keep reaching base at a high clip in order to contribute. He's got some distance to close, too: despite the improving batting average, his walk rate dropped in 2009... from 21 down to only eight bases on balls.
More Scouting Book Info on Francisco Peguero >
344
LHP, CLE
Kelvin de la Cruz is a skeletal left-handed strike machine buried in the Indians' farm system. A fastball specialist who rose through three levels of minor league play in one season,he's expected to be a mainstay of the AA Akron rotation again for 2010, and his track record certainly suggests he can be an anchor: he's struck out more than a batter per inning in his young minor league career. While he does walk a few too many, he also surrenders only the rare long bomb. The recently-reloaded Indians system is deep in pitching, which means de la Cruz should be left alone to develop further in 2010.
More Scouting Book Info on Kelvin de la Cruz >
345
2B, SF
A solid contact hitter with good speed, Noonan is one of many Giants' prospects who will fight over middle infield duties in the years to come. He's a bit raw, and he'll need to add a lot of polish in high and double-A over the next two years, but right now he has the tools and makeup of an everyday second baseman with the good power that the modern position seems to require.
More Scouting Book Info on Nick Noonan >
346
OF, ARZ
A fifth round pickup by the Diamondbacks back in 2008, Cowgill is a small-framed but solidly-built slugger in a Diamondback system chock full of mashers. Hitting right and throwing left (sic), the potent corner slugger is probably best-known for swatting 10 home runs for low-A Yakima over a two-week period back in 2008. His power is real, but he'll need to work on his defense and discipline before he's ready to break into higher-level ball.
More Scouting Book Info on Collin Cowgill >
347
RHP, Japan
Saitoh is a tall, lanky pitcher who, like many Japanese pitchers, makes use of his lower body to generate most of his velocity.
More Scouting Book Info on Kazumi Saitoh >
348
RHP, STL
A fifth-round pick in the 2005 draft, Boggs is a durable righthander in the Cardinal system. Working primarily with a 95mph fastball and a splitter-slider that he's still learning to master, Boggs is still working to find pitches that he can throw with movement and for strikes at the same time. While Mitch could probably do a fine job in the bullpen very soon, using nothing but his heat, the Cardinals want to keep developing Boggs as a starter in the hope that he can become a major league workhorse. He projects as a middle-to-back-end starter, but a reliable one, in the Joe Blanton category.
More Scouting Book Info on Mitchell Boggs >
349
3B, MLW
A smallish shortstop currently working as a third baseman, Taylor 'Red' Green was a draft and follow pick who broke out as the surprise Minor League Player of the Year for Milwaukee in 2007. A smart player with gap power and great plate discipline, Green is a Casey Blake-style player who will need to work hard to stay on top of the prospect lists.
More Scouting Book Info on Taylor Green >
350
LHP, PIT
A big hardthrowing lefty in the Randy Myers vein, Moskos was drafted fourth overall by the Pirates in 2007, despite concerns about whether he'd be able to stick as a frontline starter. He's a quality arm with great stuff, including a 94mph heater and plus slider, but he still has quite a lot to learn about pitching, based on his so-so 2009 results. If Moskos ends up in the bullpen, the Pirates are going to spend a lot of time thinking how they might have better spent that draft pick: catcher Matt Wieters was still on the board when the team selected Moskos.
More Scouting Book Info on Daniel Moskos >
351
SS, CLE
A native of the same city as Phillies pitcher Carlos Carrasco, Rivero is the kind of hitter you expect from a shortstop, a line-drive hitter with hustle. Carlos hit .282 .342 .411 last year at high-A Kinston, striking out 84 times in 411 but also drawing 36 walks, which suggests he already has the patience, if not the eye, to be a high-percentage player. He's a less-than-average runner, though, and he won't ever have the power numbers to be any kind of elite player. He might be a better fit in a pirahna-style Twins offense, he does give the Indians some extra depth for the future.
More Scouting Book Info on Carlos Rivero >
352
CF, BAL
A pure tools selection by the Orioles in the 2008 draft, high school centerfield star Xavier Avery will probably be the fastest player in baseball if his bat can get him there. We won't know for quite a while, though, which is probably good, since we'll need practice saying his name quickly without hurting our tongues.
More Scouting Book Info on Xavier Avery >
353
OF, Japan
A free-agent-eligible outfielder for NPB's Fukuoka (SoftBank) Hawks, Hitoshi Tamura is a lifetime .282 hitter who hit 40 home runs for the Hawks in 2004.He's staying in Japan for 2010, but his reputation for playing solid defense and providing power from the right side of the plate makes him a tempting target for MLB teams in 2011.
More Scouting Book Info on Hitoshi Tamura >
354
RHP, FLA
A high-ceiling righthander who's often come up as a 'future closer' name in Florida, Brett Sinkbeil has had his development hampered by a series of injuries. When he can take the mound, though, he's an impressive kid: the combination of plus fastball and nasty slider could be just what the 9th-inning doctor ordered, if the Marlins commit to Sinkbeil as a reliever.
More Scouting Book Info on Brett Sinkbeil >
355
SS, COL
A power-hitting infielder whose development was hampered by Tommy John surgery, Nelson is back to mashing balls and eyeing the roster in Colorado. Since he's blocked by phenom Troy Tulowitzki upstairs and by the rapidly-developing Hector Gomez from below, Nelson is a likely candidate to be moved to second base in the near future. If this happens, he'll become the Rockies best 2B prospect for the years to come.
More Scouting Book Info on Chris Nelson >
356
RHP, CHW
A workhorse lefty with a quality curveball, Holmberg was the 71st pick overall in the 2008 draft. He's not an overpowering pitcher, but he's pretty well-developed, leveraging his almost MLB-ready hammer from a 90mph fastball which features good late movement: it cuts in on righthanded hitters in an especially nasty way. He's a couple of years away from Chicago, but he should move quickly. He'll break more than his share of bats along the way.
More Scouting Book Info on David Holmberg >
357
RHP, MIN
Steve 'Shooter' Hunt is an erratic but high-ceiling righthander from Tulane who could join the stable of frontline Minnesota starters in the future. With a plus-action fastball, strikeout curve and an already-polished changeup, he has terrific raw stuff, but his spotty command will have to improve before he's a big-league caliber pitcher. He's definitely one to keep an eye on for 2012 or so.
More Scouting Book Info on Shooter Hunt >
358
RHP, FLA
A stocky righthander who generates good power from his strong legs, Marlins' pitcher Ryan Tucker has been up and down the depth chart in Florida, and remains on the horizon for a future role with the Marlins. Signed for his plus moving fastball, Tucker has been working hard to add a slider and change to his repertoire. Results have been mixed, and he'll need some more time to refine those secondary pitches if he's going to remain on the hot-prospect radar in South Florida.
More Scouting Book Info on Ryan Tucker >
359
LHP, MLW
Big Fred, a huge lefthander in the CC Sabathia mold, comes from the same school that produced White Sox phenom Aaron Poreda, and he's almost as exciting a prospect. A fastball-slider guy with a 94mph heat, his control has been an issue until now, and that's what the Brewers will be working on for the next while.
More Scouting Book Info on Evan Frederickson >
360
RHP, TEX
The only closer the young Golden Eagles have ever had, Fukimori is an unusual closer, but a very successful one. Working with high control rather than overpowering heat, Fukumori's fastball won't break 90 often, but he mixes in an array of breaking pitches (forkball, knuckle-curve, shuuto) and keeps batters off balance.
More Scouting Book Info on Kazuo Fukumori >
361
LHP, WAS
One of the top high-school pitchers available, Smoker was an unexpected first round supplemental pick by the Nationals in 2007. His long arm and easy, slinging action let him throw a low to mid-90's fastball with the same apparent motion as his slider, splitter and change. The net result of all that? Filthy.
More Scouting Book Info on Josh Smoker >
362
LHP, PIT
Not yet recovered from labrum sugery and showing no signs of the curve that once made scouts rave. Add in the fact that he's a one-pitch flame-thrower who did most of his development under the 'care' of the Cubs trainers, and you have a recipe for a very fantastic, and very short, major league career.
More Scouting Book Info on Donald Veal >
363
RHP, FLA
A big, strong, flamethrowing star of the future signed as an international free agent in 2006, righthander Jose Ceda was probably Chicago's best remaining pitching prospect (depending on how you view the enigma of Jeff Samardzija) when he was shipped to Florida for the more established Kevin Gregg in 2008's offseason. A burly closer cast from Jonathan Broxton-sized iron, Ceda is a power pitcher with strikeout stuff who could ascend to closing duties for the Marlins within the next few years. Problems with his mechanics remain, though (he struggles to repeat his delivery, leading to spurts of wildness) and there is some concern about the ability of his legs and back to hold up to a season of work. If he continues to mow down hitters in the minors, though, Florida will find room for him soon enough, and he can polish his skills in Miami.
More Scouting Book Info on Jose Ceda >
364
RHP, BAL
Jason Berken is a strikeout artist in the Baltimore Orioles system who vanished from the prospect radar for awhile after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2005. The Green Bay native and Clemson alum came back, though, and went 12-4 with a 3.58 ERA at AA Bowie last year, showing off an impressive 125:38 ratio of strikeouts to walks. He leans hard on a fastball-slider combination, which makes him look a lot like a reliever, but his change and curve are too good to abandon. A squat workhorse, he seems to have the grit to grind out a long season. Baltimore has other pitching prospects with much higher upsides, but Berken's close enough to MLB ready that he might get a chance sooner than any of them.
More Scouting Book Info on Jason Berken >
365
LHP, TEX
Drafted in the supplemental first round of the 2005 draft, the Braves considered Jones to be the best prep left-hander in the country. He was acquired by the Rangers as part of the package of prospects that netted the Braves Mark Teixeira in 2007.
More Scouting Book Info on Beau Jones >
366
SS, Japan
The Pacific League rookie of the year in 1996, shortstop Makoto Kaneko is a premium infielder who could fit onto many MLB rosters tomorrow. The winner of two golden glove awards and a part of Japan's bronze medal winning 2004 Olympic team, he's a plus defender, and that's where his strength lies: while a talented overall athlete, his career hitting line in Japan is a pedestrian .256/.309/.345.
More Scouting Book Info on Makoto Kaneko >
367
2B, ARZ
A college shortstop who looks more like the Diamondbacks second-baseman of the future, Hallberg has enough grit and determination to make up for his limited power ceiling. The scrappy army brat smashed .362 as a Fantasy Islander in 2008, landing him the Hawaiian League MVP award and making him look like a viable starter in Arizona -- or at least a super-bench player -- very, very soon.
More Scouting Book Info on Mark Hallberg >
368
OF, DET
Another Dominican in a Tiger system brimming with Latin American talent, corner bat Wilkin Ramirez is a late-blooming hitter with plus wheels: he slugged 17 homers at AAA Toledo last year, while also swiping 33 bases. Once a third baseman, he's now seen as a corner outfielder, but it doesn't matter much: he has enough pop and hustle to work his way into the lineup somewhere or other. He's not really the kind of .364/.385/.818 hitter he looked like in a brief stint in Detroit last year, but he could be a legit .275/.325/.425 hitter in another year or three.
More Scouting Book Info on Wilkin Ramirez >
369
SS, SF
A big, lefty-hitting shortstop from UCLA, Giants' prospect Brandon Crawford had an illustrious career with the Bruins, starting each and every of the 179 games the team played during his tenure. He hit over .300 each year, helping to lead the Bruins to the NCAA Tournament each season. As a Giant progeny, he didn't have much trouble at high-A in 2009 (.371/.445/.600), but found his floor at AA Connecticut later in the year, where he slashed .258/.294/.365. He might not stick at short, but he projects to be a solid MLB regular come 2012 or so.
More Scouting Book Info on Brandon Crawford >
370
RHP, CHC
Juan Yasser Serrano is lanky Cuban righthander who defected to the United States in April 2009. Serrano gained some attention in the US when he helped the junior national team to a 2-1 defeat of the USA for at the Pan-Am Games, but that's the extent of his exposure in America. Back in Cuba, he posted a 16-23 'lifetime' record as a starter, and didn't look like much of a premium prospect in his final year with Villa Clara. We can forgive his mind being on his pending defection, but what we have trouble forgiving is the 6.46 ERA and .312 opponents' batting average across sixteen starts.
More Scouting Book Info on Juan Serrano >
371
RHP, BAL
A towering right-hander with lights-out potential, Hoey rode a brief rollercoaster in 2007, performing well in the minors and looking unhittable during his first week in Baltimore before crashing to earth. He ended the season with as many big-league walks as strikeouts (18 of each). His 2008 was even more heartbreaking, as he was shut down in spring and ended the year in May with shoulder surgery. He'll be back eventually, but that hotshot closer club membership card is looking less and less likely everyday.
More Scouting Book Info on James Hoey >
372
3B, SD
A talented infielder signed out of Dominica at the end of 2007, third baseman Edinson Rincon didn't have much use for rookie ball (.308/.429/.354), and didn't have much trouble with A-ball, either. In 2009, the still-a-teenager slashed .300/.415/.468 with a few home runs and stolen bases thrown in for good measure. His fielding is still a mess (22 errors in only 44 games) but he'll have time to polish, polish and polish while he brews away on the ever-patient San Diego farm.
More Scouting Book Info on Edinson Rincon >
373
1B, ATL
The younger of the two Ka'aihue brothers, Kala (full name Isaiah Kala Ka'aihue) is the righthanded half of the matching Hawaiian sluggers. Kala was originally drafted by Boston, but declined and was later drafted by the Braves. He's one of Atlanta's best power prospects, drawing comparisons to Andres Galarraga.
More Scouting Book Info on Kala Ka'aihue >
374
RHP, BAL
No information is available on this player at this time. Check back later for an updated report.
More Scouting Book Info on Pedro Beato >
375
SS, BOS
A sleeper talent in the Red Sox system, Yamaico Navarro is a native of The Land of Shortstops, San Pedro de Macoris, and he shows ever sign of following in the footsteps of so many who came before. A bit bulky for a shortstop, he might be best suited for second or third base, but for now he's an offensive-minded middle infielder with a powerful, aggressive approach at the plate. His bat is quick, and he adds some natural loft to most of his line drives, which means he could be a serious Miguel Tejada type threat in a couple more years. In the field, he's a bit clumsy around the bag, but has a plus arm and slick glove, with a penchant for turning in dazzling plays at least once a week. Navarro isn't much more than a dark horse option on the Red Sox depth chart, but if he continues to grow and develop, he'll force management to start considering him as a viable long-term option for Fenway. For now, he'll open the season in AA.
More Scouting Book Info on Yamaico Navarro >
376
RHP, CHW
With a name bound to be misspelled often in the coming years, White Sox prospect Clevelan Santeliz is a right-handed pitcher from Valencia, Venezuela. A stocky six-footer with broad shoulders and high heat, he was nearly unhittable at AA Birmingham in 2009, when he posted a shiny 0.96 in 40 relief appearances. Then again, maybe hitters should just sheathe their lumber: his 35 walks in only 56 innings is frighteningly consistent with his minor league average of just under six per nine innings. He'll need to harness that control if that mid-90's fastball is going to play more than one batter at a time.
More Scouting Book Info on Clevelan Santeliz >
377
LHP, LAA
A lefthander snatched up by the Angels in 2009's first round supplemental, the wiry Tyler Skaggs projects as a lanky starter once he grows into his 6-4 frame. His fastball, a low-90's offering with good lateral movenment, is already polished enough for action, but his secondary pitches (a sharp curve and an iffy change) need work. He only had time for a few innings of rookie ball in 2009, (a 1.80 ERA in 10 innings of autumn work) but he'll be back for a full season of development in 2010. He's several years away from deployment.
More Scouting Book Info on Tyler Skaggs >
378
SS, CIN
The Cincinnati Reds' Minor League Player of the Year for 2008, infielder Chris Valaika hit .317 in the FSL with 18 HR, 81 RBI and nine stolen bases. He looks like a long-term shortstop, with good hands and quick feet. At the plate, he has an aggressive approach that's working well so far, with good line-drive power that could blossom into 20-homer pop in the future. He'll start the year back at AA, but he could get a look on a shallow Reds' bench before 2010 is over.
More Scouting Book Info on Chris Valaika >
379
RHP, NYY
The Yankees drafted William Alan Horne in the 11th round of the 2005 MLB Draft, a lower position than xpected due to his TJ surgery. He's come along slowly but surely since then: he went 12-4 with a 3.11 ERA and a 165/57 K/BB ratio with AA Trenton last year, on his way to winning the Eastern League Pitcher of the Year honors.
More Scouting Book Info on Alan Horne >
380
RHP, PHI
A young, raw, but very promising prospect signed at the tender age of 16 Dominican Years (that is, 18 or 19), Garcia has always shown the potential to bring spectacular stuff to the mound, but his still-developing control and lack of experience have so far made it impossible to judge exactly how good he'll be.
More Scouting Book Info on Edgar Garcia >
381
RHP, CLE
Miller, formerly known as 'Mr. 101' stemming from a late-season velocity reading before an arm injury in 2004, has dialed down his fastball since his teenage years, but still hits the mid nineties, working his two-seam fastball down, down, and down in the zone. His slider is one of the best in the minors, while his change is also above average.
More Scouting Book Info on Adam Miller >
382
RHP, TEX
A righthander with a fading shot at the Ranger rotation in 2009, Hurley has developed fast over the last few seasons.
More Scouting Book Info on Eric Hurley >
383
RHP, NYY
A finesse pitcher when he was signed out of high school, Zach McAllister has grown into more of a power build over the past two seasons, which means it's anyone's guess how he'll end up. In high school he worked with a 90mph sinking fastball and a great 82mph slider, but the Yankees may be reevaluating his strengths now that he's a big boy in pinstripes. He has an outside shot at bullpen work in 2010, but more likely he'll continue to move slowly. He's worth keeping an eye on over the next couple of years.
More Scouting Book Info on Zach McAllister >
384
RHP, HOU
The 19th pick of the 2009 draft's second right, righthanded Tanner Bushue is a 6-4 teenager who can hit the upper 90's with his fastball, though he usually works around 92-94mph. A late signee, he made five starts in rookie ball at the end of the season and showed promise, outclassing the other youngsters with a 1.03 WHIP and a 19:5 ratio of strikeouts to walks. He's a long way on the horizon, but in a thin farm system he could be moved up as quickly as he can handle it.
More Scouting Book Info on Tanner Bushue >
385
SS, TB
While lost in the sea of Tampa prospects, Andy Cannizaro deserves a look as an up-and-coming middle infielder, even though he's of advanced age for a prospect.
More Scouting Book Info on Andy Cannizaro >
386
SS, Japan
Nioka, a free agent since 2008, is a slick fielding shortstop and quality hitter who may help many major league teams.
More Scouting Book Info on Tomohiro Nioka >
387
RHP, CIN
A premium prospect in college, Buck's stock took a dive when it was discovered that he played through a partial ligament tear en route to Oregon State's College World Series championship in 2006. Of course, the same event proved that his heart was two sizes too large, and he's been a bit of an underdog darling ever since. Buck had TJ surgery to rebuild his elbow in 2007 and has been coming back since. When healthy, Dallas is a workhorse who throws a 92-94 mph fastball, a plus slider and a changeup that could develop into a premium MLB pitch. He'll idle under the radar until fully recovered from his operation, but after the usual 18 months pass, he should return to top prospect status.
More Scouting Book Info on Dallas Buck >
388
LHP, ARZ
Playing for a less-known school caused Miley to slide to the 2008 draft's second round, but the lefthander was one of college ball's leading strikeout artists last season. Among second-round pitchers from the last few seasons, he's one of the most likely to outperform his slot.
More Scouting Book Info on Wade Miley >
389
OF, CIN
A huge pile of talent and potential, the six-foot-six teenager is a scout's darling, even if he's a bit rough around the edges. Scooped out of Dominica by some calendar-savvy Reds' scouts before anyone else noticed he was eligible, Duran is a bony, gawky youngster who's all arms, legs, elbows... and big, looping home run swings. He'll probably stay parked in the DSL for now, but he could start to see meaningful minor-league action stateside in 2010.
More Scouting Book Info on Juan Duran >
390
C, MLW
A smart, careful student of the game, Kottaras is an offensive catcher with very good plate discipline and 20-homer potential. His body is still filling out, but he's expected to be able to perform to MLB levels while remaining behind the plate.
More Scouting Book Info on George Kottaras >
391
SS, CHC
A big and strong shortstop from Vanderbilt, Ryan 'Flash' Flaherty seems blocked at short (Starlin Castro) and third (Josh Vitters), but as a hard-hitting all-around ballplayer he should find a place somewhere sooner or later. He doesn't have great raw tools, and his speed of development (just .276/.343/.470 as a 23 year old at A-level Peoria) hasn't yet lived up to his nickname, but he does have great baseball skills and resolve. He could appear as a utility infielder by mid-2011.
More Scouting Book Info on Ryan Flaherty >
392
SS, DET
After forsaking the Church of Baseball to go on a year-long Mormon mission in Portugal (which apparently has some kind of shortage of Christians?) Canadian Cale Iorg is back on the prospect lists as the up-and-coming shortstop in Detroit, where management has all but anointed him as the long-term Tiger six. A true five-tool player with a great feel for the game thanks to his lineage (he's Garth's son), Cale hit .251/.329/.405 at high-A Lakeland in 2008, respectable but not jaw-dropping, and slid even further when pushed to AA Erie in 2009. He'll need to develop a lot more pop over the next couple of years if he's going to live up to the high expectations. He'll be back in AA come 2010, but high-A is probably more his speed right now.
More Scouting Book Info on Cale Iorg >
393
RHP, BAL
A Vanderbilt product from Carefree, Arizona, righthander Brett Jacobson has sky-high potential but fell to the Tigers in the fourth round of the 2008 draft due to some rough college outings in his junior season. His 95mph fastball has hard sink, and the combination of his max-effort approach and deceptive over-the-top delivery seem to indicate a bullpen role in his future. His secondary pitch is a 12-6 curve that he's still learning to control, but it won't matter as anything other than a show-me pitch as a reliever.
More Scouting Book Info on Brett Jacobson >
394
3B, BAL
After a bumpy ride through A ball in 2007, this pride of New Jersey hit .248/.315/.368 in a near-full season at high-A Fremont in 2008 while adding a remarkable amount of muscle to his frame. Scouts are all over the board on this one: some describe the next Barry Bonds, others caution that he may be the next... Barry Bonds. Still, if he keeps moving up the system, the Orioles can't help but give him a shot in the near future... and hopefully he can stick.
More Scouting Book Info on Billy Rowell >
395
SS, TOR
A true five-tool talent, Blue Jays prospect Justin Jackson could play any position on the field, but looks right at home at shortstop, where is plus range, fast feet and absolute cannon of an arm could make him a gold glove candidate someday. At the plate, he shows exceptional discipline and strike zone judgement for such a young player, and his easy swing makes solid contact more often than not. While he won't be a true power threat, 15-20 homer potential is likely. His swing can get a bit long, which better pitchers will exploit, but if he can shorten his stroke and learn to handle hard stuff inside, he'll be a star in a few years.
More Scouting Book Info on Justin Jackson >
396
LHP, DET
The first Chinese professional to jump to MLB, Taiwanese lefthander Fu-Te Ni led the CPBL in 2008 with 132 strikeouts last season with the China Trust Whales, and has struck out a total of 257 in his 267 pro innings to date. He's best known for one-hitting Canada in the 2008 Olympics, the highlight of his 1-2, 4.09 ERA tournament.
More Scouting Book Info on Fu-Te Ni >
397
LHP, BAL
Another of many development projects undertaken by the Seattle Mariners, Butler was been an on-again/off-again hot prospect since he was drafted by the Ms in the 3rd round (81st overall) of the 2006 draft. Traded to the Orioles as part of the package that brought Erik Bedard to Seattle in 2008, Butler's chance to break into the starting rotation will now happen in Baltimore Orange.
More Scouting Book Info on Tony Butler >
398
3B, SF
In drafting Omaha native Conor Gillaspie in the supplemental round of the 2008 amateur draft, the Giants raised a lot of eyebrows. A high-average hitter with projectable power, he was expected to last later than that. he Giants gave him five MLB at-bats at the tail end of 2008, during which he walked twice and homered off, of all people, Dan Haren. Pushed back to his proper level for 2009, Gillaspie slashed a respectable .286/.364/.386 at high-A San Jose, popping four homers and stealing a couple of bases in the bargain.
More Scouting Book Info on Conor Gillaspie >
399
3B, TOR
Drafted as a shortstop, the switch-hitting Ahrens has since been moved to 3B due to his lack of speed and fielding quickness.
More Scouting Book Info on Kevin Ahrens >
400
RHP, BAL
A stocky righthander with good fundamentals, the oddly-named Chorye ('Corey') has four good pitches, including a mid-nineties four-seamer, and a low-nineties two-seam fastball with good sink. His curve and change are still works in progress, but show signs of becoming plus offerings in the near future. His mound presence is intense, though he does seem to get rattled and thrown off his game on occasion.
More Scouting Book Info on Chorye Spoone >
401
1B, LAA
Kendry Morales will do his very best to help Angels' fans forget the brief glory days of Mark Teixeira, but if he can't hold up, a big slugging local boy named Mark Trumbo should be ready to step up soon. After smashing fifteen homers at AA Arkansas in 2009, he should be along pretty soon.
More Scouting Book Info on Mark Trumbo >
402
2B, SF
A smallish, versatile infielder who's already bounced around a few ballclubs, Denker won't win any home run competitions. He can, however, spray hits all over the field with abandon: he's put up .300ish averages at every minor league stop since 2005. Already an ex-Dodger, Red Sox and Giant, he's now providing some depth in the Mariner system. He needs to find a higher gear if he's ever going to break out of AAAA status.
More Scouting Book Info on Travis Denker >
403
RHP, CIN
A big, strong Canadian signed by the Reds in 2007's supplemental round, righthander Kyle Lotzkar is one of the most promising arms in the Cincinnati stable. Like most of the Reds' best farm talent, he's awhile away from big-league action, but he's already showing the poise and polish necessary to succeed in pro ball. While he's still wrestling with his control, he looks like he could bring a plus change and curve to bear consistently soon, which could be devastating when combined with his existing 94mph fastball. Thanks to his control problems, his walk rate is way too high, but if he manages to start pitching within himself, look out. Only 20 entering 2010, he's definitely a name to highlight for the next couple of seasons.
More Scouting Book Info on Kyle Lotzkar >
404
LF, WAS
Washington loves to collect powerful hitters, and Hood probably has more raw power than any player of his draft class. A three-sport star in high-school, Hood's linebacker physique certainly looks the part of big league slugger already.
More Scouting Book Info on Destin Hood >
405
C, DET
One of the best hitting youngsters in the Tiger system, Ryan looked good in a September 2008 callup. He'll have to wait, though, as the Tigers signed Gerald Laird to be their everyday catcher for 2009. Expect Ryan's low-average, high-power bat to join the team as an injury fillin, part-time C/1B/DH later in the year.
More Scouting Book Info on Dusty Ryan >
406
OF, SF
Darren Ford is speed-demon. One of the fastest players in A ball, his base-stealing ability, defense and range in center is top-notch and unquestioned. There's a shortage of optimism regarding his bat, however. Unless he turns it up a notch, his future looks like the role of a pinch-running, defensive replacement fourth outfielder.
More Scouting Book Info on Darren Ford >
407
OF, CHC
The Cubs first round pick in 2006, Colvin has developed quickly, reaching AA in his first full season of pro ball. He has good speed and solid defense, which projects to be useful in Wrigley, and raw but developing power.
More Scouting Book Info on Tyler Colvin >
408
LHP, Japan
35 year old lefthander Koji 'Kit-kat' Mitsui was 36-19 over the past eight seasons with Japan's Seibu Lions, with a career 4.41 ERA overall. Once a top-flight starter, he's been used exclusively in relief since early 2005, and in the two years 2006 and 2007, his all-bullpen ERA was under two.
More Scouting Book Info on Koji Mitsui >
409
LHP, ATL
A high-school lefty drafted by the Braves for his 'pitchability', DeVall is a project being developed inside the secret mountain labs of the Braves Brain Trust. He won't be ready for display for a couple of years.
More Scouting Book Info on Brett DeVall >
410
RHP, SEA
A mature prospect who's been slowly filtering up the Seattle system, righthander Chris Jakubauskas has a chance to help balance out the back end of the Seattle rotation this year, if he's not called upon sooner to assist with the shaky bullpen. While he doesn't have a real plus pitch, he has good control and baseball smarts, which means he should be able to leverage his impressive 2009 work into a serviceable gig sometime in 2010.
More Scouting Book Info on Chris Jakubauskas >
411
RHP, CHC
A lefthanded changeup specialist in the Cubs system, Korean Dae-Eun Rhee is something of a sleeper. Signed by Steve Wilson as an international free agent in 2008, he threw only 40 innings last season at A-level Peoria, but what a 40 innings they were: 4-1, 1.80 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and a 2:1 K:BB ratio. He'll move up to AA this year, and if better hitters are as flummoxed by his changeup as those before, he'll be frustrating major leaguers by 2011.
More Scouting Book Info on Dae-Eun Rhee >
412
RHP, SD
Everyone who sees the kid loves his makeup, and while the pitching staff in Milwaukee could have used the boost, they were so confident in their other options that they sent him to the Padres without hesitation. While this pushes him down on the depth chart a bit, it also brings him into the realm of an organization known for pitching development, and a better pitcher's park, should he make the majors soon.
More Scouting Book Info on Will Inman >
413
SS, DET
The Tigers' sixth round pick in 2009, high school shortstop Daniel Fields is the son of former Tigers' hitting coach Bruce Fields, which might explain his advanced hitting ability. Big and strong for a real shortstop, even in this post-Ripken era, Fields might be moved to third base or a corner outfield spot eventually, but it shouldn't matter: he'll rise or fall on his bat, which we have to assume will get a lot of careful coaching in the years to come.
More Scouting Book Info on Dan Fields >
414
LHP, NYY
A 2008 supplemental pick for the Yankees, this Stanford lefthander was the team's ace before being derailed by an elbow strain, which helped him slide in the draft. He's not a big kid, but he's got a nasty selection of breaking stuff that could play well in a relief role a few years from now.
More Scouting Book Info on Jeremy Bleich >
415
1B, BOS
A third-round pick from the 2006 draft class, the 6-4 and 240lb Bates is a big, strong hitter with solid plate discipline. Aaron has plus power that's near big-league ready, but not much else. His bat-speed is suspect, which means he may flounder at higher levels if he keeps trying to hit every pitch 600ft. He'll start 2007 with the AA Sea Dogs, and he's likely to end the year in the same place: at this point he's too far down the depth chart to have much impact before 2010 or later. Because of the depth in the Sox system, Bates is a likely trade candidate, especially within the AL.
More Scouting Book Info on Aaron Bates >
416
RHP, MLW
A righthanded high-schooler, Lintz attracted attention with a 9-0 record and 0.57 ERA in his senior year. He's a deep prospect in the Milwaukee system.
More Scouting Book Info on Seth Lintz >
417
OF, HOU
A two-way athlete in college, Bogusevic hit .328/.428/.397 in his final year while also going 13-3 with a 3.25 ERA on the mound. Houston drafted him thinking 'pitcher' but changed their mind midway through 2008, and he's now considered an outfielder only. He's got plus power (he might be the best raw power bat in the system) and a decent batting eye, but he needs to gain experience hitting at high levels before he can be considered a top-flight prospect.
More Scouting Book Info on Brian Bogusevic >
418
OF, MLW
Cutter Dykstra has a great baseball name and terrific genetics (yes, he's Lenny's son) but he's been an inconsistent slugger who will need to develop a lot more plate discipline to go with his big bat before he's ready to step into his father's very gritty shoes.
More Scouting Book Info on Cutter Dykstra >
419
OF, CHW
John Shelby III has been sneaking up the Chicagoland prospect ranks after slashing .301/.352/.508 with 16 homers on SAL Kannapolis in 2007. In 2008, he followed up with a carbon copy .295/.331/.510, 15-homer performance but increased his stolen bases from 19 to 33 while playing in 8 fewer games. While he did slide back a bit in 2009 (.243/.323/.402 in his first taste of AA) he remains on track to become a real 30-30 threat in center for the White Sox come 2012 or so. He'll be back in Birmingham for 2010, but don't forget about him.
More Scouting Book Info on John Shelby >
420
2B, OAK
A sixth round pick by the Rockies, switch-hitting Corey Wimberly slashed an impressive .291/.370/.345 in his second year at AA Tulsa in 2008. He also led the league with 59 steals last season. A player who reminds coaches of Chone Figgins, his speed could play well in the majors, but he lacks the defensive versatility to be a real plus bench asset, and his bat isn't really up to starter level. He'll need to add power or start hitting .350 to have a real shot at the bigs.
More Scouting Book Info on Corey Wimberly >
421
CF, HOU
A raw high-school outfield prospect who looked good in low-A ball but is still a few years away from becoming a known quantity, 2008 second-rounder Joseph 'Jay' Austin is part of Houston's long-term plan to consolidate good Texas puns on their roster. Trades for Huston Street and Dallas Braden are probably in the works, too.
More Scouting Book Info on Jay Austin >
422
3B, NYY
An All-American at second base, the switch-hitting Suttle's skills play well at almost any infield position, though he's growing fast enough that he may end up limited to first or third. In his first pro season at A-level Charleston, Bradley put up a respectable line of .271/.348/.456 while playing mainly third based. A quality overall ballplayer without a standout tool, he'll need to develop more power if he wants to break out of a future utlity role.
More Scouting Book Info on Bradley Suttle >
423
3B, BOS
Signed as an international free agent by the Red Sox in 2007, Michael Almanzar is a lanky shortstop who's athletic enough to also play center field. Thin, raw, and eager to play baseball 24/7, he reminds Latin scouts of a younger Alexei Ramirez, though his fidgety habits in the batter's box look more like Alfonso Soriano to us. Either way, he's a raw prospect with a very high ceiling, and the Red Sox will tear him down to his core tools before building him back up again as a polished ballplayer. He won't see MLB until 2013 or later, but he could be an all around threat when he does arrive.
More Scouting Book Info on Michael Almanzar >
424
2B, TOR
A polished infield prospect via Tulane, Brad Emaus projects as a solid major league second baseman in the near future. His .302 average and 12 homers in 463 at-bats at high-A Dunedin helped propel him to the top of the Blue Jays' prospect chart. If his line-drive swing can keep up with more advanced pitching, he could get a look in Toronto at the end of the year.
More Scouting Book Info on Brad Emaus >
425
LHP, KC
Hughes, a lefthander who was once ranked very highly, before requiring midseason Tommy John surgery in 2006. He's still well-regarded, if a bit behind schedule. Depending who you listen to, The Kid from Tupelo is either the next Tom Glavine, or destined for sixth-starter status. His performance as he works back from his injury will say a lot, and his cup of coffee in 2009 didn't show much of anything pro or con. He'll need another year to find his effectiveness.
More Scouting Book Info on Dusty Hughes >
426
LF, PHI
A strong, fast high school outfielder who's drawn Jay Bruce comparisons, Collier is one of the rising young stars of the rapidly-expanding Phillies farm system. He's a very raw talent who's shown five tool potential. Now we'll see if he can hit a breaking ball.
More Scouting Book Info on Zachary Collier >
427
C, CHC
Already considered the best defensive catcher in the Cubs' system, Castillo has recently jumped into prospect spotlight thanks to his developing bat. While he might be idling awhile as Geovany Soto settles into his full-time job in Wrigley, Castillo has enough raw talent to push his way onto the roster anyway, even if it's in a part-time role.
More Scouting Book Info on Wellington Castillo >
428
LHP, TB
A soft-tossing lefty with plus control, the aptly-named Lobstein is a nice complement to the usual flame-throwing Rays prospects. His most likely route to the majors is as a reliever, but he could play his way into a starting role if he keeps up the superior results.
More Scouting Book Info on Kyle Lobstein >
429
RHP, CHW
A 13th-round pick way back in the 2004 draft, Egbert has made a slow but steady climb through the Sox system. While he's never been a white-hot prospect, he does project as a solid back-of-rotation pitcher in the next few years.
More Scouting Book Info on Jack Egbert >
430
RHP, Japan
A lifetime Nippon Ham Fighter, Tateyama has been one of the franchise's best relievers for most of the last decade. He could a useful piece in an MLB bullpen, as his deceptive delivery and workmanlike attitude are good fits for American-style baseball.
More Scouting Book Info on Tateyama Yoshinori >
431
LHP, FLA
The Gatorade Minnesota Player of the Year for 2008, lefty Brad Hand is a smallish pitcher with a big strikeout punch. He'll be brought along slowly in the very good Florida system.
More Scouting Book Info on Brad Hand >
432
2B, SD
Antonelli is a little-known but quality athlete who could have a bright future at almost any fielding position in San Diego.
More Scouting Book Info on Matt Antonelli >
433
RHP, WAS
Perez, a sometime-reliever and sometime-starter in the minors, is running out of chances to break into the Nationals' bullpen or rotation, though he's had chances at both. The relief corps still seems a bit thin this year, so it's possible that Perez could get one more shot at the back-end duty.
More Scouting Book Info on Beltran Perez >
434
RHP, SD
A screwball specialist, Guevara had strong success in the Reds system before being left unprotected in the 2007 Rule Five Draft. While he doesn't show much in terms of endurance, his raw stuff and effort promise a decent future in middle relief.
More Scouting Book Info on Carlos Guevara >
435
2B, KC
A small but scrappy infielder who was a fan favorite at the University of New Orleans, Johnny Giavotella won his Royals blue uniform with a .354 batting average that led the Privateers to the 2007 NCAA Tournament. He can play any infield position, but his lack of plus range or power makes him most suited to second base. In a 2009 season at Wilmington, he hit .304/.366/.440 with 19 steals. His upside is as a three-hold hitter, though he might not reach that for another couple of seasons. Even if his development stalls, he's looking like a heck of a utility player.
More Scouting Book Info on Johnny Giavotella >
436
LHP, SD
Another of the endless parade of Padres pitching prospects, Steve Garrison came to San Diego in the same deal that landed Will Inman and Joe Thatcher. In some ways he's a notch above either of those pitchers right now thanks to his superior command of deceptive breaking stuff. He handles the entire strike zone with ease, and uses his plus curve and change with confidence and intelligence. A veteran mind inside a rookie body, Garrison could be a part of the Padres rotation as early as mid-2010, though he's looking up at a few hotter arms in the mean time.
More Scouting Book Info on Steve Garrison >
437
RHP, SD
Once one of the hottest arms in the White Sox organization, the polydactylic Perez had 'future closer' written all over him until the Sox tried passing him through waivers. He bounced through the Indian and Yankee systems in late 2008 before being picked up by San Diego before the 2009 season.
More Scouting Book Info on Oneli Perez >
438
RHP, MLW
Before he got banged up, Rogers looked like he was starting to figure out how to pitch (not just throw). His raw stuff is still majestic, but he needs to show a lot more polish and smarts to make it onto a big league roster.
More Scouting Book Info on Mark Rogers >
439
RHP, CHW
A smallish righthander who once threw a perfect game at Floosmoore (FL) High School, John Ely is a professional pitcher with significant upside. Ranked second among U Miami career strikeout artists (284 in only three years), the young pitcher already has major league guile, and has shown the ability to perform in big-game situations. While he's primarily a fastball-change pitcher, using his 94mph heater to set up a real plus change, his curve is solid enough to be a viable third pitch. There are concerns about his mechanics and small stature, but if the White Sox resist the urge to tinker and stick to him as a starter, he could make the White Sox roster as early as 2011, while a couple of years more could make him a viable middle-rotation starter.
More Scouting Book Info on John Ely >
440
1B, SD
Another of the rich 2008 draft class of slugging first basemen, Dykstra (no relation to Lenny and Cutter) is a textbook lefty power bat with no obvious position in San Diego, but he's bubbling over in hitting talent. He'll need a year or two in the minors to develop his secondary skills, and the Padres will need to deal with the question of his fielding position, but he projects as a solid 25-30 homer type a few years from now.
More Scouting Book Info on Allan Dykstra >
441
LHP, SF
A sixth-round pick for Milwaukee out of Long Beach State in 2005, Steve Hammond posted an ERA under three in every stop he made in the Brewers farm system until he took a nosedive in 2007 (4.69 at AA Hunstville). He looks to be running out of chances, but he could still have value as a lefty setup specialist.
More Scouting Book Info on Steve Hammond >
442
RHP, CIN
A thirteenth-round pick back in 2004, Chad Reineke is a bulldog righthander who uses his strength to pound the strike zone with low-90's fastballs and tilting sliders. Last time we checked in, he was working on a changeup in AAA Round Rock. His success with that off-speed project will determine whether he'll find success as a starter. Without a good change, though, he's destined for middle relief. He saw the majors with the Padres in 2008, and he should be back in 2010... unless he's traded again first.
More Scouting Book Info on Chad Reineke >
443
P, Japan
Another Chiba Lotte Marine with visions of MLB dancing in his head (an infection known as Bobby Valentinism), right hander Shingo Ono is one of Japan's top pitchers. While he's been one of the top ten starters in the nation for a few years running, his 2009 was a disappointment, as his 8-7 record and 3.81 were among his worst results. Unless he returns to his peak form quickly, he may need to wait a year or two to find a suitor in the USA.
More Scouting Book Info on Shingo Ono >
444
3B, SF
It's amazing how much of an effect one teeny little murder charge has on one's prospect status. Until he was arrested in the Dominican Republic at the tail end of 2009, Giants slugger Angel Villalona was the Giants unquestioned number one prospect: a serious, middle of the order power threat with 30-30 potential. While the civil suit against him has been dropped, he's still facing criminal prosecution with a maximum 25-year sentence... unless the Giants' Latin American operations prove comprehensive enough to include substantial bribes and/or lawyering.
More Scouting Book Info on Angel Villalona >
445
301. Rob Bryson
303. Johermyn Chavez
304. Brad Boxberger
305. Josh Donaldson
307. Greg Golson
308. Tommy Joseph
309. Tasuku Hashimoto
311. Jorge Padron
312. Brandon Snyder
313. Fabio Martinez
316. Jarred Cosart
317. Tim Melville
319. Ryan Wheeler
320. Jefry Marte
321. Gustavo Nunez
329. Jacob Odorizzi
330. Kyle Skipworth
331. Daniel McCutchen
333. Eric Campbell
334. Chris Parmelee
337. Romulo Sanchez
338. Stolmy Pimentel
339. PJ Walters
340. Jake Marisnick
343. Everett Williams
356. Chris Nelson
357. David Holmberg
362. Josh Smoker
371. Juan Serrano
385. Tanner Bushue
386. Andy Cannizaro
301 to 445 of 445
