Baseball's Top Prospects for 2010
Remember: This list evolves and changes daily.
1B, SEA
The M's chose Poythress in round two of the 2009 draft based on his ability to hit baseballs very, very hard. He proved a bit too much for Rookie ball in 2009, so the Mariners bumped him all the way to AA, where he'll stay until he can develop enough of a batting eye to accompany his strength. His defensive shortcomings limit him to first base or DH.
More Scouting Book Info on Rich Poythress >
321
LHP, Japan
The highest paid pitcher in Japan last year, Iwase became a free agent after the 2007 season, and is probably the best relief pitcher available from Japan. While he's a very strong closer candidate, many teams may look at him in a setup role due to his left-handedness.
More Scouting Book Info on Hitoki Iwase >
322
RHP, MIN
A well-rounded righthander from Ohio State drafted the Twins in the first round of 2010, Alex Wimmers is that rare example of a college pitcher who's already got control of three pitches, including a genuine plus changeup. A big-game pitcher who excelled under pressure, Wimmers showed consistent shutdown ability whenever the Buckeyes needed it. His uncanny ability to outsmart hitters rather than blow them away with his stuff is probably his primary asset.
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323
RHP, BAL
A monster of a man, young Kam Mickolio is a 6-9 righthander who makes even CC Sabathia look boy-sized. A forgotten piece of the package that shipped Erik Bedard to the Mariners, Mickolio is a power reliever who throws a hard sinker from a 3/4 arm slot. He's well equipped to rack up both strikeouts and groundouts with the pitch, which is especially devastating against right-handed batters. He's a middle reliever for now, and that's how the Orioles tested him in a September 2008 cup of coffee, but he has the raw stuff and power to be a premium setup man or even closer someday. Think Jonathan Broxton, but even bigger and scarier.
More Scouting Book Info on Kam Mickolio >
324
OF, CHW
The Sox second-round pick in 2009 out of high school, outfielder Trayce Thompson is a 6-4, 200 pound righthanded masher from Rancho Santa Margarita, California. The son of ex-NBA player Mychal Thompson, Trayce is a high-quality athlete with a solid set of tools. Both his power and speed project as possible plus tools. Still very young, he'll need to percolate for a few instructional years before he's ready to be an impact player in Chicago.
More Scouting Book Info on Trayce Thompson >
325
RHP, PIT
The 26th overall selection in the 2006 draft, Pirate righthander Avery (Bryan) Morris was acquired by the Pirates as part of the multi-team deal that moved Jason Bay. He spent all of 2007 recovering from TJ surgery, much of 2008 recovering from toe surgery, and most of 2009 just re-finding his delivery. But he remains one of Pittsburgh's better long-term pitching prospects. Morris has a high-90's fastball and a plus curve, and frustrates batters with an unorthodox delivery. While his name might have been forgotten by many, he should be moving up the ranks again now that he's healthy, two full years after receiving his fancy new elbow.
More Scouting Book Info on Bryan Morris >
326
RHP, NYY
With a WHIP under 1.00 and a scary-good strikeout rate, Betances has been one of the many weapons being sharpened in the Yankee labs. His lightning stuff has been sidelined a bit too often by minor injuries, sadly, and he underwent a bit of surprise surgery in late 2009 that could put most of his 2010 season in doubt. Still, he remains a high-ceiling if risky long-term asset: guys with stuff this wicked always seem to find their way onto MLB rosters sooner or later.
More Scouting Book Info on Dellin Betances >
327
LHP, TEX
A Kentucky-grown pitcher stolen in round two of the 2008 amateur draft, Texas lefty Robbie Ross is one of the lesser-known prospects on a pitching-rich Texas farm. Ross works both sides of the plate with a 92mph that can sniff 95mph from time to time, and his complementary pitches (a hard slider and a mature change) come to him with near-effortless command. He can work the entire strike zone, and his five-to-one ratio of strikeouts to walks is one of the best in the Texas system. His 2009 year at low-A Spokane (2.66 ERA / 1.14 WHIP) looks like enough to earn Ross a ticket to high-A Bakersfield in 2010, though perhaps not right away.
More Scouting Book Info on Robbie Ross >
328
SS, SEA
A defense-first shortstop with a hitter's frame, Littlewood is a natural talent who could probably play anywhere on the diamond. The son of ex-Royal and current Dixie State College coach Mike Littlewood, Marcus is a smart, toolsy player who evokes comparisons to the similarly-built Troy Tulowitzki. Before he gets there, he still needs to develop his swing and eye at the plate, however. While committed to San Diego State, he could sign with the Mariners (who selected him in the second round of 2010's Draft) and begin his pro career early.
More Scouting Book Info on Marcus Littlewood >
329
RHP, FLA
A Dominican righthander signed at 17 as an international free agent, Jhan Martinez is a bit of an under-the-radar sleeper prospect in the Marlins system. Martinez is a slight pitcher with a power fastball that can touch 98, but he has more success with his two-seamer, a 92mph offering with good movement. He's taking longer than expected to adjust to life in pro baseball, and his change and slider need to improve before they're ready for the big stage, but he has so much raw talent that he's bound to make it sooner or later.
More Scouting Book Info on Jhan Martinez >
330
321. Rich Poythress
322. Hitoki Iwase
323. Alex Wimmers
324. Kam Mickolio
325. Trayce Thompson
326. Bryan Morris
327. Dellin Betances
328. Robbie Ross
330. Jhan Martinez
321 to 330 of 484
