Baseball's Top Prospects for 2010
Remember: This list evolves and changes daily.
RHP, CHW
One of the fastest-moving prospects in the minors, White Sox righthander Dan Hudson went from rookie ball all the way to AAA Charlotte in 2009, and he should be competing to take that last step to MLB in the spring. His minor league numbers to date (19-9, 2.65, 0.98 WHIP) certainly justify another promotion, but with the White Sox rotation full up and the bullpen already bulging with veterans, it's unclear what role he could take in 2010. He's not an overpowering pitcher: his fastball dances around 92mph most nights, but he mixes in his slider and change with sufficient control (see his 256:56 strikeout to walk ratio in the minors) to keep even patient hitters frustrated. With not much left to prove in the minors, he could be a 'surprise' rookie headline grabber in 2010.
More Scouting Book Info on Dan Hudson >
91
LHP, DET
The rare kind of power lefty who can hit the upper 90's, Tigers prospect Casey Crosby has been blossoming in the shadow of super-prospect Rick Porcello, who gets most of the attention. Crosby has a live curve and a developing change, but his command isn't ready for the majors just yet. If he sharpens it a bit, he could step in as a strong number two or three in the Tigers rotation. He has good mound presence, great baseball smarts and instincts, and the competitiveness to succeed.
More Scouting Book Info on Casey Crosby >
92
C, CLE
A defensively strong catcher who's made a fast rise through the system, Lou Marson went from being one of a half-dozen decent system backstops to the likely catcher of the future in Philadelphia, mainly on the back of his hard-nosed and 'Phillies-style' attitude. He was traded to the Indians at the 2009 deadline in the package that netted Cliff Lee for the Phillies.
More Scouting Book Info on Lou Marson >
93
C, MIN
A Twins catching prospect who'll be big-league ready just in time for Joe Mauer's fourth knee operation? Sometimes the stars really do align in Minnesota. Ramos is a 21-year old who slashed .288/.346/.434 last year at high-A Fort Myers, maintaining the same offensive shine he showed at two lower levels of play. Especially promising are his power numbers: his quick, strong line-drive swing produced 13 homers in 452 at-bats last year, a 60% increase over the year before. Since he's still growing into his frame, that number could increase even more in 2009. Behind the plate he's already a plus defender, with a strong arm that gunned down 40% of baserunners last season. If the Twins decide that Joe Mauer's future isn't behind the plate much longer, expect Ramos to step up to take over the grind.
More Scouting Book Info on Wilson Ramos >
94
SS, LAD
Devaris ('Dee') Strange-Gordon is a shortstop with a bright future in the Dodger organization, and the likely heir apparent to a declining Rafael Furcal. After fighting off critics who first claimed he was riding his father's name (pitcher Tom Gordon) as well as those who claimed he was too small to be a major leaguer, Gordon has blossomed into one of LA's most promising prospects. A bundle of raw talent, he lacks the usual polish expected from a shortstop -- a move to the outfield is possible -- but his raw talent gives him a very very high ceiling. After hitting .301 and stealing 73 bases (!) in A ball during 2009, he seems to have the offensive potential to be a leadoff hitter, no matter whether it says 'shortstop' or 'center field' next to his name in the program. His likely arrival is sometime in 2011.
More Scouting Book Info on Devaris Gordon >
95
1B, NYM
Ike is a legitimate threat to hit 40 homers in the big leagues, and the Mets are one of the best places for a young first baseman to be right now. His refined college approach to the strike zone means he should do it without Howardesque strikeout numbers. too. One of the 2008 draft's most polished picks, Davis should be ready for MLB action in 2010.
More Scouting Book Info on Ike Davis >
96
LHP, PHI
A scrawny Dominican lefthander who enhances his average stuff with good deception, Bastardo was almost a Phillies fill-in last season before shoulder problems ended his season early. A changeup specialist in the Jamie Moyer fashion, he could have success frustrating slower-handed NL hitters. With Kyle Drabek out of the way and only Phil Aumont to now contend with, he could break into the MLB club by midseason.
More Scouting Book Info on Antonio Bastardo >
97
OF, CHC
A toolsy centerfielder pushing his way up the Cubs ladder, Brett Jackson is a well-rounded player without a single defining skill, but with the right mix for a top-of-the-order role in the future. A .318/.418/.488 hitter across three levels of minor-league ball in 2009, Jackson's mix of plus speed and mature plate discipline portends a leadoff role. His 87% success rate on the basepaths won't hurt either.
More Scouting Book Info on Brett Jackson >
98
OF, LAA
A superior athlete with a centerfielder's speed and instincts, Mike Trout is being groomed for a future patrolling Torii Hunter's turf. The Angels are moving Trout slowly, simmering him in Rookie ball for 2009 (.418/.506/.924) with only a five game taste of low-A opposition. A patient hitter with a line drive stroke to all fields, he has a mature understanding of the strike zone and an ability to work it. His excellent speed and baserunning sense is ready right now, but his power is still a bit of a question mark. Of course, he's got high-in-the-order potential that might include leadoff ability even without big-fly potential, so he's a safe bet either way. He'll try to work his way up the A-ball ladder in 2010, with 2012-2013 looking like his best window of opportunity with the big club.
More Scouting Book Info on Mike Trout >
99
SS, TB
While one has to be careful with the way Tampa manages their prospects (it seems that most of them stay in the minors until they're thirty), it's possible we'll see Brignac on opening day 2010, especially now that BJ Upton seems to have stuck as an outfielder.
More Scouting Book Info on Reid Brignac >
100
91. Dan Hudson
92. Casey Crosby
93. Lou Marson
94. Wilson Ramos
95. Devaris Gordon
96. Ike Davis
97. Antonio Bastardo
98. Brett Jackson
99. Mike Trout
100. Reid Brignac
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