Top Baseball Prospects for 2012
Now updated for 2012's Top Prospects
Scouting Book's Top Prospects list is a Combined List, a calculated summary of the overall valuations of the entire prospect universe.
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While Freddy Freeman might have first base locked down for the next decade or so in Atlanta, the Braves also have another promising hitter who could be good enough to merit a move to another position. The unfortunately-named Joey Terdoslavich's hit 52 doubles last year at high-A (a Carolina League record) and blew away concerns about his ability to handle better pitching from either side of the plate. While a move to a corner outfield spot is likely in his future, Terdoslavich should manage to get to the Bigs one way or the other by 2014.
More Scouting Book Info on Joey Terdoslavich
SB 370BA SC BP SN ES ML
Another promising product of the exceptional Braves farm system, righthander Robinson Lopez worked mainly as a starter for the Braves in 2009 and 2010, and made two more starts for the Cubs affiliate after being acquired at the deadline. Still, he is seen by many as a future closer. Lopez controls his mid-90's fastball well and is able to work both sides of the plate with ease. His secondary pitches, a loopy curve and a straight change, are still very much works in progress. There has been suggestion of adding a slider to his repertoire in order to hasten his development. While he lost most of 2011 to injury, his work in the Dominican Winter League suggests that he hasn't lost much, and he should quickly rise back to the top of Chicago's bullpen depth chart.
More Scouting Book Info on Robinson Lopez
SB 371BA SC BP SN ES ML
A ground ball pitcher who seems to handle lefties just as well as right-handed batters, Robertson is just one of another out-machine to come from the Twins pitching factory. The combination of his strong K-BB ratio, nasty repertoire and odd delivery have gained him a few 'left-handed Lincecum' comparisons, but nobody will mistake his 6-6 frame for the diminutive Giant. After dominating the lower levels, he stumbled a bit in AA two years ago, but seems to have found his feet now, as his 88 strikeouts in 89 AA innings last season was right in line with his excellent career pattern. He's probably not a legit starting candidate anymore, but he sure looks like a strong bullpen option for the Twins in 2012.
More Scouting Book Info on Tyler Robertson
SB 372BA SC BP SN ES ML
Barnese's fastball is a lively 92mph offering, and he mixes in a late-breaking slurve that's almost (but not quite) a hammer curve. Like most young pitchers, his changeup isn't really ready for the bright lights yet, but his confidence, poise and aggressive intelligence make it clear that he's capable of bigger things. His 6-8, 3.76, 1.41 line at AA Montgomery last year, however, suggests that it's not time to trade in that Biscuits uniform just yet.
More Scouting Book Info on Nick Barnese
SB 373BA SC BP SN ES ML
The FSL's 'Most Exciting Player' of 2008, outfielder Scott Cousins is the best defensive outfielder in today's Miami system, and one who could be patrolling center for the Marlins of the near future, since it's now clear that he will be blocked by Mike Stanton in right field for a very long time to come. His arm will be the best in the outfield no matter which slot he takes up, though, and his combination of baserunning chops and improving batting suggests future-leadoff-threat to us.
More Scouting Book Info on Scott Cousins
SB 374BA SC BP SN ES ML
Andres Serrano is a long and limber righthanded teenager from the Dominican Republic. Known for good overall athleticism and coveted for his projectable frame and solid 94mph fastball, Serrano is seen by most scouts as someone who could move pretty quickly through minor league ball despite his young age. In addition to that big fastball, Serrano features a curve and change already look very good, which means a year or three of minor league seasoning should be all that's necessary to make sure his skills keep pace with his growing body. He's got everything you look for in a future rotation topper.
More Scouting Book Info on Andres Serrano
SB 375BA SC BP SN ES ML
The number one son of Moss Bluff, Louisiana, San Diego's Jace Petersen is one of the organization's most promising middle-infielders. A raw and unpolished player who nonetheless looks like a natural ballplayer, Peterson carries his athletic ability with natural grace. His plus bat speed and first-step hustle also look awfully good on film. He looked good handling the pitching at low-level Eugene after being signed, but it'll be how he handles A-ball in 2012 that determines his career track for now.
More Scouting Book Info on Jace Peterson
SB 376BA SC BP SN ES ML
An accomplished high-school prospect plucked from Australia by the newly-aggressive international scouting department in Boston, Daniel McGrath is a hard throwing lefthander who hit six foot three on the wall before reaching eighteen years on the calendar. He's already flirting with 92mph on the radar gun, too, and has shown signs of a plus breaking ball. With a classic pitcher's frame and a low-labor delivery, he looks like a perfect work in progress for Boston's retooling farm to develop.
More Scouting Book Info on Daniel McGrath
SB 377BA SC BP SN ES ML
Rangers outfield prospect Nomar Mazara is a huge teenager with a lefthanded power bat that's so off the charts that one scout calls him 'Angel Villalona without the rap sheet.' Signed as a sixteen year old out of Dominica as a 2011 IFA, Mazara is recognizable at the plate thanks to a high leg kick, Juan Gonzalez style, and incredible power to all fields, a la Miguel Cabrera.
More Scouting Book Info on Nomar Mazara
SB 378BA SC BP SN ES ML
After a brief stint in the Atlanta system, onetime Tiger prospect Gorkys Hernandez was shipped to the Pirates for Nate McLouth in 2009 before ever getting a real shot with the Braves. His wheels and defense aren't in question, though his bat isn't really as hot as many would like, especially if he's expected to be an MLB regular someday. Still, a .283/.348/.392 line at AAA Indianapolis might be enough to give him an MLB job in 2012 or at worst 2013. He can definitely contribute, and playing next to Andrew McCutchen in Pittsburgh every day might be the perfect place to do so. Maybe some of that hitting mojo will rub off on him.
More Scouting Book Info on Gorkys Hernandez
SB 379BA SC BP SN ES ML
Prospects
Top Prospects 2012
Combined Ranking
370 to 380 of 500 Prospects
