Scouting Book: The Best Baseball Prospects for 2010

MLB Baseball Prospect Rankings for 2010

As always, our Prospect Rankings change very often, to reflect the latest and most promising prospects for the new season.

The Best 37 3B Prospects for 2010

Showing 1 to 37 of 37. Overall SB ranking for 2010 shown in parentheses.

1. Pedro Alvarez

3B, PIT (#15 overall)

A left-handed power hitting third baseman, Alvarez has a very very high ceiling and is almost big-league ready. He could be a big part of a devastating future Pittsburgh lineup. He's now fully-recovered from a hamate bone he broke in 2007; all reports are positive.

An offensive sleeper for 2010, depending on how deeply the Pirates shake up their roster, and likely to be playing every day by 2011.

More Scouting Book Info on Pedro Alvarez >

SB #15 | BA #8 | BP #6 | ML #8 | SN unranked | ES #35

2. Brett Wallace

3B, HOU (#30 overall)

One of the most-traded young bats in the minors, Brett Wallace is a power hitter who's already been the third baseman of the future for the Cardinals and Athletics and Blue Jays. Now he's an Astro, and one good thing about that is that he's likely to get a shot sooner in the depleted Houston system. A nominal third baseman with slow feet, most scouts seem to think he'll need to be moved to first base sooner rather than later, and with the end of Lance Berkman, there's a very large opening for him there now. With little left in his way, his big lumber should be an everyday fixture in Houston before the end of 2010.

More Scouting Book Info on Brett Wallace >

SB #30 | BA #27 | BP #44 | ML #16 | SN unranked | ES #20

3. Mike Moustakas

3B, KC (#36 overall)

The prodigy of Chatsworth high-school was drafted as a shortstop in the first round of the 2007 amateur draft by Kansas City. Now a line-drive hitting third-baseman, Moose hit 16 homers as a 20 year old in the Carolina League in 2009. He's a bit blocked in KC, since they're stacked in young bats and already have premium rookie Alex Gordon at third, so look for him to arrive sometime in 2011, unless the Royals open up space by trading some of their other heralded prospects sooner than that.

More Scouting Book Info on Mike Moustakas >

SB #36 | BA #80 | BP #79 | ML #32 | SN unranked | ES #69

4. Josh Bell

3B, BAL (#45 overall)

A high-school shortstop who impressed Dodgers by flying from Florida and talking his way into a pre-draft workout in 2005, Bell was picked up in the 6th round of the draft and converted to third base immediately. His developing power and sweet both-ways swing have scouts talking about Chipper Jones. As a very young player, he was moved slowly up the system, but he's shown power and patience at each stop. He was slugging .497 at AA Chattanooga when he was traded to the Dodgers as part of a two-player deal for closer George Sherrill.

He should move quickly and fit in well in the Orioles organization. Look for him in late 2010, with a shot at taking over an everyday job in 2011.

More Scouting Book Info on Josh Bell >

SB #45 | BA #37 | BP #39 | ML unranked | SN unranked | ES #61

5. Josh Vitters

3B, CHC (#58 overall)

The Chicago Cubs made Vitters the third overall pick in the 2007 draft, and the hope in Hopeland is that he'll develop 25-homer power in time to replace the declining Aramis Ramirez. He's not a perfect prospect, however. In addition to wishy-washy discipline (he strikes out four times as often as he walks), one cause for concern is that he might need to move from third base to left field, but if he continues to maintain his overall offensive numbers at higher levels of play, the Cubs will find room for him.

More Scouting Book Info on Josh Vitters >

SB #58 | BA #70 | BP #31 | ML unranked | SN unranked | ES #30

6. Mat Gamel

3B, MLW (#59 overall)

One of the last of the recent wave of slugging third basemen to arrive, Milwaukee's Mat Gamel deserves a little more attention than he receives. A polished pro hitter, Gamel has all-fields line drive swing with developing power. He's a bit of a liability at third base, but the Brewers seem determined to keep him there for now. He's a bit weak against offspeed pitches, too, but he should work his way through that with good coaching and increased patience in the high minors. While most of the 1B/3B prospects are serious power threats, Gamel blends a slightly lighter bat with a high-average approach that could make him a better all-around hitter.

More Scouting Book Info on Mat Gamel >

7. Dayan Viciedo

3B, CHW (#77 overall)

Dayan Viciedo, one of Cuba's best young ballplayers, defected to the USA last summer and started negotiating and trying out for ballclubs immediately. After some scuffling about whether or not he would be draft-eligible, he was deemed a free agent, and the White Sox moved quickly to bring the young slugger into the fold with the help of very-satisfied South-sider Alexei Ramirez.

In his last two seasons, Viciedo hit .296 with 32 home runs and 123 RBI in 233 games with Villa Clara. Like many Cuban players, Viciedo is a rough but exciting talent who prefers shortstop, but his size and strength will probably relegate him to third or a corner outfield position soon. If he continues to grow, in fact, he might be staring at first base or even DH very soon. While he lacks X-Ram's speed, he does have additional power potential, and at only 20 years old entering 2010, he should grow into a better pure hitter in a few years. He's likely to start the season in A ball, but the Sox will move him up quickly if he's outclassing the competition. Watch for him in Chicago in 2011 or so.

More Scouting Book Info on Dayan Viciedo >

8. Gaby Sanchez

3B, FLA (#86 overall)

An all-conference catcher at the University of Miami, Sanchez was drafted in the fourth round of the 2005 draft by the Marlins. In his first pro season, Sanchez led the New-York Penn League with a .355 average. The next year, Sanchez hit .317 in his first full-season and posted a 55-game OPS of 1.050. He finished with a .288 average, 15 HR and 50 RBIs in 74 games. At high-A Jupiter in 2007, Gaby slammed 9 home runs while maintaining a solid .279 average.

Having blown past all levels of play, he's now on the fast-track in youth-oriented Florida system.

Sanchez was moved to first base last year and projects long-term at that position, though Florida has a hotter need at the hot corner, which means he could work his way back to MLB at third base before moving across the diamond later. Of course, since his real strengths lie as a hitter, that all might be best for his own development too.

So whether he catches, plays first base or even third base, he's a hitter, and a hitter who hits for high average, for power, and to all fields. He may get a crack in 2010, but whether that happens or not, the Marlins will find somewhere for him to play, sooner rather than later.

More Scouting Book Info on Gaby Sanchez >

9. Carlos Triunfel

3B, SEA (#93 overall)

Another in the endless parade of young hitters in the Mariners' system, Triunfel is intriguing because of his advanced batting development at an early age. While he lacks real power, he does have line-drive stroke and an ability to work to all fields.

A fiery competitor, no teenage shortstop looked as close to big-league-ready since Hanley Ramirez. Of course, due to Triunfel's plus arm and below-average speed, he's already been moved to third base, with right field or even first base possible as future stops on the spectrum... especially if his body continues to fill out. He's a few years away from his real talent (and body), but he remains a top-flight prospect, especially in the shallow Mariners system.

More Scouting Book Info on Carlos Triunfel >

10. Zack Cox

3B, STL (#107 overall)

The Cardinals' first pick of the 2010 Amateur Draft (25th overall), Arkansas' Zack Cox is a toolsy player with a high-end mix of baseball instincts and work ethic. He abandoned pitching to focus on hitting as a college freshman, and he hasn't looked back since. His bat speed is exceptional, and allowed him to turn on even the best heat in college ball while also letting him adjust to off-speed pitches with an ease seldom seen in NCAA. His contact rate isn't terrific, however, so he'll need to work on that if he's to be more than an all-power hitter. He's also a bit rough defensively, but he'll have time to mature as a pro player while waiting for his MLB career to begin.

More Scouting Book Info on Zack Cox >

11. David Freese

3B, STL (#109 overall)

A onetime Padre asset, current Cardinal prospect David Freese is a mature infielder with a compelling blend of speed, power and strike-zone discipline. He's not an all-star anything, but he's competent enough at every aspect of the game that he won't hurt you no matter where he plays on the field. A super-utility candidate.

More Scouting Book Info on David Freese >

12. Alex Liddi

3B, SEA (#118 overall)

Seattle's always been one of the most aggressive clubs when it comes to international signings, and they continued that tradition by signing Italian infielder Alex Liddi in 2005. Two years after his .303 debut in Rookie ball, Liddi slashed .345/.411/.594 at high-A, high-altitude High Desert in 2009, adding 23 homers and 44 doubles to that MiLB batting title performance. Even if you adjust that line for the offensive boost that High Desert tends to provide, he still had a standout season, and his MVP trophy was well-earned. His validity as a productive bat will be tested in 2010 at AA West Tennessee, which shouldn't be quite as forgiving of his long swing or impatience at the plate. If he can come through that crucible still looking like a top prospect, he should be serving in Seattle by 2012.

More Scouting Book Info on Alex Liddi >

13. Matt Dominguez

3B, FLA (#125 overall)

A high-school shortstop drafted at #12 by the Marlins in 2007, Dominguez's size and strength -- not to mention the presence of Hanley Ramirez -- prompted a move to third base last season. A raw power threat with a long but strong swing, Dominguez slugged a Sally League .513 in the second half of 2008, but he's not a one-dimensional talent: he also brings a plus arm and very, very good defensive ability to the field. He won't be making anyone forget Miguel Cabrera anytime soon, but he has the potential to be a solid MLB contributor and perennial gold-glover: he could probably reach the bigs on the strength of his glove alone.

To help him get to the majors, the Marlins are working to shorten his swing and help him be more selective. While he's a very bright and quick learner, he's still a year or two away from making a serious impact.

More Scouting Book Info on Matt Dominguez >

14. Bobby Borchering

3B, ARZ (#128 overall)

A switch-hitting third baseman with line-to-line power, Borchering has been drawing Chipper Jones comparisons since high school. He's the hot corner dealer of the future in Arizona. A late signee, he didn't get much of a look at pro pitching in 2009, so 2010 will be his first real test.

More Scouting Book Info on Bobby Borchering >

15. James Darnell

3B, SD (#156 overall)

The top third base prospect in the Padres system, James (JD) Darnell hit 20 home runs in 126 games at two A-level stops in 2009, slashing .311/.424/.536 between Fort Wayne and Lake Elsinor. Perhaps more impressively, he struck out only 38 times in 269 plate appearances. A well-rounded hitter who's more than just corner pop, Darnell has doubles speed and good baserunning skills. His fielding is a work in progress for now, and it's possible that his training may be cut short with a move across the diamond to first base in the future, but for now he looks like a good long-term value for the Padres, and his work in AA will continue to focus on fielding drills and defense.

More Scouting Book Info on James Darnell >

SB #156 | BA #90 | BP #64 | ML unranked | SN unranked | ES unranked

16. Juan Francisco

3B, CIN (#187 overall)

A powerful, compact switch hitter signed from the Dominican Republic back in 2006, Juan Francisco was the Reds' Minor League Hitter of the Year for 2008. The 21-year old Francisco hit 23 HR and 92 RBI while hitting .277 in 127 games at A-level Sarasota. Francisco has plus power and plus speed, but needs to learn the skills to go with those blessings: he strikes out far too much, and gets caught on the basepaths far too often. He looked good but raw in a September 2009 cup of coffee, so given another year or so, he could be a regular fixture in the Cincinnati lineup.

More Scouting Book Info on Juan Francisco >

17. Brent Morel

3B, CHW (#203 overall)

A third-round pick in 2008, corner prospect Brent Morel is blessed with a potent power-speed combination that should play well in US Cellular sooner or later: In 2009, Morel hit .281/.335/.453 at high-A Winston-Salem while swatting 16 homers and swiping 25 bases. He's played both third base and the outfield in the minors, but the White Sox are looking at Morel as a corner outfielder for the moment.

More Scouting Book Info on Brent Morel >

18. Danny Valencia

3B, MIN (#205 overall)

One of the Twins' most promising bats, ex-Miami Hurricane third baseman Danny Valencia could get a shot at the majors this year, after slashing .284/.373/.482 with the AA Rock Cats last year. His arm is decent, his speed is about average, and his glove won't win any awards. But the boy can hit. A long but quick swing helped him pull 14 homers last year in just over 500 at-bats, and he looks like a future 30-homer, 150-strikeout guy from here. He could get a shot in Minnesota by the end of the year.

More Scouting Book Info on Danny Valencia >

19. Matt Sweeney

3B, TB (#244 overall)

Acquired from the infield-deep Angels in the Scott Kazmir trade of 2009, left-handed slugger Matt Sweeney has a pretty good looking future ahead of him in Tampa, thanks to the organization's need for corner power. While coming back from a season-ending injury last year, Sweeney still produced at a .289/.377/.475 clip, half of it with the Angels' high-A team at Rancho Cucamonga, and half with Tampa's similarly-leveled team in Charlotte. Sweeney hit 9 homers in 230 at bats, but more power will come around soon enough.

A strong, tree-trunk of a hitter, most call him a third baseman, but he just might end up replacing Carlos Pena at first base for 2011 before he ever plays at third in the majors.

More Scouting Book Info on Matt Sweeney >

20. Beau Mills

3B, CLE (#255 overall)

One of the best hitting prospects in the 2007 Amateur Draft, Beau Mills went to the Indians, who conveniently enough have no long-term 3B solution in their system. This means he'll likely be pushed hard to enter the Bigs early, which is great news for impaient fantasy owners.

He'll be 22 entering the season, and 23 in high summer, which is just about right for a cup of coffee, or more. He should get a look in Spring Training, but he's most likely to start the season at AA Akron again, before being pushed quickly by an Indians franchise eager to see what they've gotten ahold of, here.

More Scouting Book Info on Beau Mills >

21. Wes Hodges

3B, CLE (#261 overall)

Drafted as a shortstop out of Georgia Tech in the 2nd round of the 2006 draft, Hodges is a professional line-drive hitter with a very quick bat and an explosive, level swing. He has good hands and a plus arm at third base, with acceptable range for the corner, which means he's likely to stay there as the Indians continue to groom him for the MLB duty that was once Andy Marte's destiny. He'll probably start 2010 back at AA, but if he keeps slamming the ball, it's possible the Indians will give him an in-season look upstairs.

More Scouting Book Info on Wes Hodges >

22. Joel Guzman

3B, TB (#284 overall)

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.

The 6-foot-6, 250-pound Dominican has a body that screams 'corner', and the power bat to match, but he's actually adept enough at shortstop to be worth considering there too... if Tampa didn't already have two better prospects in their system already.

More Scouting Book Info on Joel Guzman >

23. Matt Tuiasosopo

3B, SEA (#289 overall)

Yes, Matt Tuiasosopo, the baseball player. Got it? Good.

A third-round pick way back in the 2004 draft, Tuiasosopo has been developing slowly but steadily in the Mariner system. In his first season with the affiliated West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx (AA), Matt the Batt produced a respectable .774 OPS while slugging .404. His strikeout rate remains high, though (113 in 550 PAs), which will prevent him from moving up very quickly. Still, he's on the radar in a newly-deep Seattle system, and he should get a shot at the big club sometime in 2010 or 2011.

More Scouting Book Info on Matt Tuiasosopo >

24. Logan Forsythe

3B, SD (#292 overall)

John (Logan) Forsythe is a hard-hitting prospect drafted by the Padres in 2008's second round. A third baseman in college, he can probably play any position. He was a fan favorite and coaches' darling at U Arkansas for his hard-hitting, gritty play. After a half-season raking at high-A Lake Elsinore in 2009 (.322/.472/.504), he was promoted to AA San Antonio at midseason, and scarcely missed a beat (.279/.384/.377) adjusting to the higher level of play. He'll return to San Antonio in 2010, and we expect his usual .300ish average to follow soon thereafter.

More Scouting Book Info on Logan Forsythe >

25. Neil Walker

3B, PIT (#302 overall)

Once identified as the best catcher in the 2004 draft, Walker has had a bumpy road to pro ball. Now a full-time third baseman, he still shows the switch-hitting power stroke that brought him to the Pirate's attention years ago.

Older and wiser, he may see time on his hometown Pirates this year, and if so, don't be surprised if he puts up some impressive offensive numbers. He's been simmering in the background so long that he's bound to bust loose one of these days.

More Scouting Book Info on Neil Walker >

26. Jefry Marte

3B, NYM (#360 overall)

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 >

27. Neftali Soto

3B, CIN (#367 overall)

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 >

28. Eric Campbell

3B, ATL (#372 overall)

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 >

29. Adalberto Ibarra

3B, BOS (#379 overall)

Adalberto Ibarra is a multitalented utility bat who enjoyed great success in the Cuban League, where he hit .341/.470/.481 in his final (2008-2009) season at the age of 22. He auditioned for many major league clubs in spring of 2009, and impressed many scouts with his bat and arm, but the Red Sox won the war for his services. Ibarra is usually listed as a catcher, and certainly has the right body type for the position, but that's a position he only began to play in 2009, which means he's a long way from MLB-ready behind the plate. Before that he played first, second and third base, which is where he projects as the safest bet right now, thanks to his cannon arm. Despite the fact that his name can be translated as 'intelligent fielder', his defense is probably his weakest skill. He is, however, a plus contact hitter with good opposite-field sense, he has below-average raw speed but is a competent baserunner nonetheless. He could develop power as he matures. His future value will come down to whether the Red Sox commit to educating him as a catcher, or parking him as a corner infielder, where he'll develop more quickly but be less valuable in the long term.

More Scouting Book Info on Adalberto Ibarra >

30. Taylor Green

3B, MLW (#390 overall)

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 >

31. Edinson Rincon

3B, SD (#413 overall)

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 >

32. Billy Rowell

3B, BAL (#435 overall)

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 >

33. Conor Gillaspie

3B, SF (#439 overall)

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.

While he could be a bench player in the bigs immediately, the Giants are probably best off having him suit up in the minors all year, spending the bulk of it in AA as long as his bat stays healthy.

More Scouting Book Info on Conor Gillaspie >

34. Kevin Ahrens

3B, TOR (#441 overall)

Drafted as a shortstop, the switch-hitting Ahrens has since been moved to 3B due to his lack of speed and fielding quickness.

His bat is solid, though, especially from the right side, from which he can hit for both power and average at a near-MLB level, despite his young age. He'll move through the A system this year, after 48 disappointing games of Rookie ball in 2006, when he posted a weak line of .230/.321/.339. He's a couple of years away.

More Scouting Book Info on Kevin Ahrens >

35. Bradley Suttle

3B, NYY (#463 overall)

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 >

36. Michael Almanzar

3B, BOS (#464 overall)

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 >

37. Angel Villalona

3B, SF (#484 overall)

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 >

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