Baseball's Top Prospects for 2010
Remember: This list evolves and changes daily.
RHP, TEX
A hot prospect before the 2008 draft, Scheppers fell to the Pirates (and, after not signing, the Rangers in 2009) due to concerns about an unusual (but non-structural) shoulder injury. He has big upside, but as he'll now be two years older than most college draftees before even starting pro play, his prospect status has taken a hit.
More Scouting Book Info on Tanner Scheppers >
91
LHP, CLE
The latest junior ace from Ole Miss, lefty Thomas (Andrew) Pomeranz is probably the best lefty of the 2010 draft class. He's an emerging master at working both sides of the plate with his precise fastball and curve, both plus pitches, and if he can continue to develop his so-so changeup, he could be a solid three-pitch starter for the Indians come 2013 or so.
More Scouting Book Info on Drew Pomeranz >
92
3B, SEA
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.
More Scouting Book Info on Carlos Triunfel >
93
OF, CLE
The Player to be Named Later in the trade of CC Sabathia to Milwaukee, Michael is the son of Mickey Brantley, a Mariner from 1986-89 and the Blue Jay hitting coach from 2005-07. A gap hitter with good overall athletic ability, he has one of the best batting eyes in the minors (thanks, Dad), and has shown flashes of plus speed. In AA Huntsville last season, Brantley hit from the leadoff spot most of the time, recording a .319 average and logging 28 stolen bases in 36 attempts. He's played all three outfield positions and also a little first base. His floor seems to be as a multitalented fourth outfielder, but if he shows he can maintain his high OBP as pitching improves, could fit into the Indians roster as a poor man's Grady Sizemore come 2010.
More Scouting Book Info on Michael Brantley >
94
OF, WAS
A very strong athlete who could make many prospect lists as a power pitcher (his fastball is 92mph), Burgess is more likely to develop as a corner outfield bat. He's a bit young, but since Washington is in hardcore rebuilding mode, he could contribute sooner than he might on other teams. Right now he's all power and no discipline, but that power is special enough -- Jim Bowden called it 'thunderous' -- that he's worth keeping an eye on.
More Scouting Book Info on Michael Burgess >
95
SS, BOS
A young Cuban superstar, Inglesias signed with Boston for $8M in the summer of 2009. He might just be the long-term answer that Fenway's faithful have been seeking at shortstop ever since Nomah left the building. Inglesias's fielding has been described as 'Ozzie Smith-style slick', already meriting a perfect 80 on the scouting scale. His speed is at least above-average and close to a real plus tool. His bat isn't there yet, but most scouts feel he can contribute as an everyday regular once he develops a bit more. At 5-10 and 180lbs, he won't be hitting many light poles, but with Dustin Pedroia around to provide pointers, he should be able to launch a few rockets now and again.
More Scouting Book Info on Jose Iglesias >
96
C, WAS
He's only 20 years old, but after putting up a full-season .300/.406/.551 line (with 23 homers) at high-A Hagerstown in 2009, catcher Derek Norris is probably already the Nationals best hitting prospect. Of course, it's not a very deep pool. Norris is a patient slugger with a perfect catcher's build who's still working on his blocking and game-calling. He already sports a powerful arm, as shown when he threw out nearly half of all would-be basestealers last season. He's one to watch for in 2011 or so.
More Scouting Book Info on Derek Norris >
97
RHP, TOR
Blessed with a name that would be right at home in a Steve McQueen movie, Georgia Tech's Deck McGuire is a bulldog indeed: an imposing 6-6, 220lb righthanded power pitcher whose mound presence and smarts earn him top marks. McGuire is a workhorse pitcher who mixes in three above-average pitches that aren't spectacular on their own, but are more than good enough to get hitters out in a variety of ways, especially when he commands them so well. His 'pitchability' has been cited by many coaches as off the scale. He's the type of polished college pitcher who could move very quickly, and be in MLB as soon as 2011.
More Scouting Book Info on Deck McGuire >
98
LHP, CHW
Thanks to his very tall stature, Florida's Chris Sale can throw a 94mph fastball on a downward plane despite beginning from a low three-quarters arm slot. This combination lends his pitch some extra deceptiveness, and when he mixes in a slider and above-average change, it's almost unfair. His ability to control the offensive game by throwing ground balls with precise control means he's a premium prospect as a starting pitcher, but even if that doesn't work out, his nasty slider could provide a nice backup plan in the bullpen. Comparisons to David Price might be a bit much, but he's definitely cut from the same cloth.
More Scouting Book Info on Chris Sale >
99
RHP, PIT
A monster power arm from Texas via Quebec, young Jameson Taillon is a very high-ceiling righthander who has already cracked 100mph on many radar guns. If that's not enough to get your attention, note that while his slider and change are below average, his curveball has also been rated a plus pitch. If he can hold his arm together under increasing workloads and develop his command and control to pro levels, he could be a viable #2 or #3 starter by 2015 or so, with a shot at being a genuine ace somewhere down the road.
More Scouting Book Info on Jameson Taillon >
100
91. Tanner Scheppers
92. Drew Pomeranz
93. Carlos Triunfel
95. Michael Burgess
96. Jose Iglesias
98. Deck McGuire
99. Chris Sale
100. Jameson Taillon
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