Baseball's Top Prospects for 2010
Remember: This list evolves and changes daily.
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.
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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
311. Jorge Padron
312. Brandon Snyder
313. Fabio Martinez
314. Daniel Cortes
315. Daniel Dorn
316. Jarred Cosart
317. Tim Melville
319. Ryan Wheeler
320. Jefry Marte
311 to 320 of 445
