Scouting Book: Top Diamondbacks Baseball Prospects for 2008-2009

Top Arizona Diamondbacks Prospects for 2008-2009

As always, our Prospect Rankings change very often, to reflect the latest and most promising prospects for the new season as the season approaches. We consider a prospect's chances to impact the team most, soonest as our biggest priority, and while our rankings incorporate opinions from other publications, we adjust to emphasize likely fantasy production. If, after considering all that, you still disagree with where we've placed these players, check back tomorrow: these listings update every day as we include new input and MLB situations evolve.

Our 4 Top Diamondbacks Prospects for Early 2009

Current Overall SB ranking for 2009 shown in parentheses.

1. Jarrod Parker

RHP, ARZ (#10 overall)

Jarrod Parker, one of the most highly-touted prospects in the 2007 draft, fell to the Arizona Diamondbacks with the 9th overall pick, and they did not hesitate. While he's still young, he shows exceptional character and makeup, which means he may be destined for the big leagues sooner than most.

He draws comparisons to 2007 super-phenom Tim Lincecum, since he produces tremendous power from a smaller-than-average build. Though he doesn't have quite the same freakish ability or 102mph stuff as Lincecum, he'll likely follow a similar path anyway, as Arizona's farm managers decide quickly whether they're dealing with a future ace or future closer, and move him along accordingly. He should spend 2009 in AA, with a shot at testing the Arizona waters late in the year. Relief work will get him to the majors sooner than later.

More Scouting Book Info on Jarrod Parker >

SB #10 | BA #46 | BP #20 | ML unranked | SN unranked | ES #0 | SI n/a

2. Gerardo Parra

OF, ARZ (#85 overall)

One of many Baby 'Backs yet to break into the Majors, the 20-year-old Parra is likely to open next season in high-A ball at Visalia.

Parra hit .320 in low-A South Bend last year with 24 steals in 32 attempts. He projects as a doubles hitter with gap power, and his speed combines with capable fielding to make him a useful full-time outfielder, though he may be better suited to a corner than center. If he adds power to his game, he'll be in Arizona soon. If not, he'll probably still get a chance late in the year, even if it's only as a bench player.

More Scouting Book Info on Gerardo Parra >

SB #85 | BA #72 | BP #64 | ML unranked | SN unranked | ES #0 | SI n/a

3. Daniel Schlereth

LHP, ARZ (#188 overall)

The son of offensive lineman and ESPN commentator Mark Schlereth, Daniel is a power lefty with a strikeout curve who most see as a relief specialist. It's likely that Arizona will try to develop Schlereth into a starter. If he can extend his strikeout artistry across six innings instead of one or two, Arizona's got a future ace in the hole, here. If not, he'll still be a useful bullpen cog.

More Scouting Book Info on Daniel Schlereth >

4. Wade Miley

LHP, ARZ (#218 overall)

Playing for a less-known school caused Miley to slide to the 2008 draft's second round, but the lefthander was one of college ball's leading strikeout artists last season. Among second-round pitchers from the last few seasons, he's one of the most likely to outperform his slot.

More Scouting Book Info on Wade Miley >

Helping you track baseball prospects, sleepers and rookies. (Closers, too!)

Top Arizona Diamondbacks Prospects for 2008-2009

Our 4 Top Diamondbacks Prospects for Early 2009

1. Jarrod Parker

2. Gerardo Parra

3. Daniel Schlereth

4. Wade Miley

Shutting Down, Starting Up

Closing the Book on 2008 and Looking Ahead to Next Year

Closing Time: Wait 'Til Next Year!

Seven Teams are Taking an Early Look at 2009 Closer Options

Dunn Just Right for Prospects

Adam Dunn Traded for Dallas Buck, Others

And One More Thing...

Prospects, Relievers and Throw-ins are Often Keys to Deadline Deals

< Older Features

< Back to Home Page

Helping you track baseball prospects, sleepers and rookies. (Closers, too!)

Top Arizona Diamondbacks Prospects for 2008-2009

Our 4 Top Diamondbacks Prospects for Early 2009

1. Jarrod Parker

2. Gerardo Parra

3. Daniel Schlereth

4. Wade Miley

Shutting Down, Starting Up

Closing the Book on 2008 and Looking Ahead to Next Year

Closing Time: Wait 'Til Next Year!

Seven Teams are Taking an Early Look at 2009 Closer Options

Dunn Just Right for Prospects

Adam Dunn Traded for Dallas Buck, Others

And One More Thing...

Prospects, Relievers and Throw-ins are Often Keys to Deadline Deals

< Older Features

< Back to Home Page

Rising and Falling

Recently-Changed Rankings

ScoutingBook's Top Early 2009 Prospects