Scouting Book: The Best Baseball Prospects for 2008 (Sleepers Too!)

MLB Baseball Prospect Rankings for 2008

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

The Best 42 LHP Prospects for 2008

Showing 1 to 42 of 42. Overall SB ranking for 2008 shown in parentheses.

1. Clayton Kershaw

LHP, LAD (#17 overall)

He spent most of his young career being compared to his neighbor Kyle Drabek, but Kershaw is respectable in his own right. A tall southpaw with a long, smooth delivery, Kersh impresses scouts with his work ethic, and he projects as a good middle-of-the-rotation innings-eater in the near future. He's probably behind Scott Elbert, but not by much once you factor in Elbert's detour through rehab.

A power curve is his out pitch, and while Dodger coaches would dearly love to see a third pitch, he may not need one, especially if his future is in medium relief, which is where he's now penciled in for the short term. While expecting Kershaw to arrive in 2008 is a little optimistic, LA is known to bring up a lot of pitchers during the year, if only for a look.

More Scouting Book Info on Clayton Kershaw >

SB #17 | BA #7 | BP #5 | ML #4 | SN #23 | ES #6

2. David Price

LHP, TB (#27 overall)

Before the Rays made him the first pick of the 2007 Amateur Draft, David Price had already run up a polished resume, beginning with the 0.43 ERA he posted as a high school senior. The Dodgers drafted him in the 19th round in 2004, but Price chose to attend Vanderbilt on scholarship instead, where he became the immediate anchor to a strong rotation.

While his fastball has been clocked at 94mph a few times, he works more in the 90-91 range, relying on a high quality and high-80's slider with a very sharp bite. He has a good changeup, and rather than relying on power, he adds and subtracts with consistent, solid arm action. While he has always been able to throw strikes, Price has always had some command problems within the strike zone, and has been known to tip his changeup by dropping his arm angle. If this flaw sticks while he faces major leaguers -- or even high minor leaguers -- look for some very very long moonshots in Price's future.

In the short term, look for Price to be an early darling for a rotation spot in Tampa, though it seems more likely he'll spend the entire year in the minors, as the Rays work to develop his gamesmanship and stamina. If they bring him to the majors early, he's likely to end up as a closer or setup man, rather than the starter he could be with another year or two of development.

More Scouting Book Info on David Price >

SB #27 | BA #10 | BP #6 | ML #11 | SN #24 | ES #16

3. Chuck Lofgren

LHP, CLE (#30 overall)

Lofgren is an increasing-polished lefthander who could bring some solid innings-eating ability to the Indians rotation as early as 2008. He led the minor leagues in wins in 2006, then continued to develop in 2007 while bouncing between levels.

Of course, Cleveland is a club already jammed with left-handers, which means if he has a place on the club in the short term, it's probably going to be in the bullpen. Still, if you're looking for Tribe weapons, Lofgren (along with mate Scott Lewis) are fine picks that won't let you down in time.

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4. Gio Gonzalez

LHP, OAK (#33 overall)

The White Sox thought so little of him that they practically gave him away in the Jim Thome trade. On the other hand, they liked him enough to bring him back a year later... and then they thought so little a second time that they packed him off in a deal for Nick Swisher. So what gives?

Well, he's got a 3:1 K to BB ratio and has maintained a WHIP under 1.4 for the last two years, which is quite impressive considering the ramped up batting he faced. Oh, and he's left-handed. This should make him a solid guy for the A's (?) in the near future, probably a solid number three or four starter... with an outside shot at being a viable number one or two guy.

Unless, of course, Chicago knows something the rest of us don't.

More Scouting Book Info on Gio Gonzalez >

SB #33 | BA #26 | BP #56 | ML #24 | SN #27 | ES unranked

5. Scott Elbert

LHP, LAD (#36 overall)

The Dodgers passed up Phil Hughes for Elbert -- maybe foolishly -- but there's nothing foolish about Elbert. One of the minors' best left-handed pitchers, the first round pick Elbert has power stuff with an exploding 93-95 mph fastball and a sinker/slider that's best in class.

However, Elbert's delivery is unconventional, often leading to some disastrous walk numbers in 2006 and a few fingers pointing him to the Instructional League. His control looked more in hand before his 2007 season was shut down for some (minor) cleanup surgery, which makes him an intriguing prospect for 2008. He may be ranked much too low on many lists because of his lost season.

Elbert's arm quality is very very high, and he seems to have the mental makeup to survive some bumps along his path to the majors. Since the combination of the surgery flag and his odd delivery may scare too many people into ranking him quite low, he's an excellent sleeper candidate for 2009. Chad Billingsley and Clay Kershaw might get a lot of the attention in LA, but Elbert just might be the real future ace of the Dodgers.

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SB #36 | BA #88 | BP #66 | ML #36 | SN unranked | ES unranked

6. Ross Detwiler

LHP, WAS (#48 overall)

A powerful left-handed fireballer who can also control multiple offspeed pitches, Detwiler is one of the best lefthanded pitching prospects in baseball. His mid-nineties fastball is electric, and he's shown a superior ability to work both sides of the plate with it. He's added more than four inches to his height since his days dominating college ball, which means we've officially decided it's time to stop calling him 'smallish.'

The Nationals, who took Detwiler in the first round, sixth overall in 2006, seem very serious about moving the developing ace forward on an accelerated schedule. After only 33 1/3 innings in the minors, Detwiler was granted a callup to injury-riddled Washington in late 2008, giving the major league staff a look at their developing young ace. He threw just one MLB inning in a live game, but the fact the Nationals were interested so soon shows that they're dying to get him onto their staff. There's no word what they think of his right-handed hitting, however.

More Scouting Book Info on Ross Detwiler >

SB #48 | BA #51 | BP #35 | ML #37 | SN #41 | ES #51

7. Franklin Morales

LHP, COL (#61 overall)

One of several live arms currently making their way through the Colorado system, left-hander Franklin Morales might someday be the best of the bunch... one thing is for sure, he's the most exciting. Able to dial his fastball up to 98 mph while pitching mostly at 94-95, Morales also features a well above average curveball and a much improved changeup over a year ago. Of course, he also has the kind of control that makes it easy to imagine him leading the league in walks, and working with runners on base is not the easiest thing for a young pitcher to deal with. Keep an eye on him, but be thinking about 2009 while doing so.

More Scouting Book Info on Franklin Morales >

SB #61 | BA #8 | BP #13 | ML #16 | SN #15 | ES #8

8. Brett Anderson

LHP, OAK (#65 overall)

Anderson, who went 8-4 with a 2.21ERA in 81 double-A innings last year, was projected to be a part of the Diamondback rotation in 2008. His trade the much deeper Oakland system, however, makes a rotation spot less likely in the spring.

A lefty with a hammer curve to complement his low-90s fastball, Anderson uses the deuce to frightening effect: his K-BB ratio in AA ball was over eight.

While he's still very very young, Anderson really has nothing much left to prove in AA, which means that while he'll start in the minors, it's possible he will see action in Oakland sometime before 2008 is over, even though he'll be only 20 years old. A permanent roster spot is unlikely until 2009 or 2010, though.

More Scouting Book Info on Brett Anderson >

SB #65 | BA #36 | BP #50 | ML unranked | SN unranked | ES unranked

9. Madison Bumgarner

LHP, SF (#67 overall)

A tall, strong lefthander, Bumgarner is one of two pitchers most likely to follow Cain and Lincecum to the Bay.

A fireballer with decent control, Bumgarner's been clocked as high as 96mph, and since he's still growing, triple digits seem within reach. His breaking pitches are not as well-developed, but they're coming, and he'll be given plenty of time and assistance with them down on the farm. A flame-throwing lefty like this is worth the time and investment.

The name is hard to forget. He's worth keeping an eye on.

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10. Jaime Garcia

LHP, STL (#78 overall)

The Cardinals stole Garcia in the 22nd round of the 2005 amateur draft on the whim of a scout who saw his curveball while with the Mexican junior national team. His fastball never leaves the low-90s, but the complementary pitches give him a good career potential.

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11. Aaron Laffey

LHP, CLE (#83 overall)

While his 'blazing' fastball won't often break 90, this often-overlooked lefty has slipped past Cliff Lee and Jeremy Sowers on the depth chart. That means of all Cleveland's young arms, he'll have the best chance to make as many starts as he can handle in 2008, probably at the major league level. While he might not have as much upside as Lofgren or Miller, he has the distinct advantage of looking the most prepared for a major league career right now.

Laffey throws a 90mph sinking fastball with good command, and uses a functional slider as his main breaking ball. He's not a strikeout pitcher, and his change is still a work in progress, but he'll keep the ball in the park. Laffey's history of durability suggests he could be a good innings eater as long as he can stay in the rotation.

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12. Tyler Robertson

LHP, MIN (#97 overall)

A ground ball pitcher who seems to handle lefties just as well as right-handed batters, Robertson is just the latest out machine to come from the Twins pitching factory. While some bemoan his awkward delivery, nobody minded the way he used his 92mph fastball, nasty curve and excellent slider to finish second in league ERA for the low-A Beloit Snappers.

To go with that 2.29 ERA and 1.17 WHIP, Roberston struck out 123 batters (in only 102 innings) while walking only 33. The combination of his insane K-BB ratio, nasty repetoire and odd delivery have gained him a few 'left-handed Lincecum' comparisons, but nobody will mistake his 6-5 frame for the diminutive Giant.

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13. Glen Perkins

LHP, MIN (#100 overall)

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14. Troy Patton

LHP, BAL (#105 overall)

Yet another in a wide field of pitching prospects developed by the Astros before being shipped elsewhere, Patton has demonstrated remarkable consistency, maintaining a 2.75 ERA in almost 300 minor league innings with very few blowouts or meltdowns. His walks are a bit high, but during stretches last year he showed improved command and an ability to adjust mid-game. If he maintains that ability this season, expect Baltimore to give him a hard look for the rotation.

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15. Manny Parra

LHP, MLW (#118 overall)

A broken thumb in September aborted what should have been Parra's major league debut, but he'll probably be given a chance to open 2008 with the MLB team. Parra made two starts and seven other appearances for the Brewers, posting a respectable 1.41 WHIP, before breaking his thumb on a botched bunt attempt.

The thumb was only the latest hardship for Parra, though, as the young lefty has been unable to avoid injury throughout his career, losing part of each of the previous three seasons to recurring shoulder woes.

Before his brief time with Milwaukee in '07, Parra put together an impressive minor league showing, posting a combined 2.45 ERA in 17 starts between Double- and Triple-A while avoiding the DL. He projects as a long-term starter, but the Brewers may prefer to use him in long or middle relief as they evaluate his durability and major-league smarts.

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SB #118 | BA n/a | BP #42 | ML unranked | SN unranked | ES #41

16. Donald Veal

LHP, CHC (#123 overall)

Not yet recovered from labrum sugery and showing no signs of the curve that once made scouts rave. Add in the fact that he's a one-pitch flame-thrower who will be working under the 'care' of the Cubs trainers, and you have a recipe for a very fantastic, and very short, major league career. He's got stuff (or at least he did pre-surgery) so take him if you need a lefty, but proceed with extreme caution: he's delicate and under pressure. A definite B pick.

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17. Jacob McGee

LHP, TB (#124 overall)

With three plus-pitches, one of them a plus-plus curve, this is a left-hander with a very bright future. While you probably did not hear his name, much McGee led his AA league in strikeouts in 2006, adding six double-digit strikeout finishes to the morning papers. He slid a bit in 2007, but he's still a smart money bet for the future.

There is a strong concern over his stamina, however, so he may be in line for the bullpen in TB this year. Still, a left-handed strikeout artist is a nice pickup, no matter which inning it is when he takes the mound. If Tampa uses him as a five-inning starter, he won't be worth much in fantasy play, but if he's brought up as a setup man, watch out: he could be super-LOOGY or exceptional setup man very quickly.

More Scouting Book Info on Jacob McGee >

SB #124 | BA #15 | BP #40 | ML #20 | SN #30 | ES #26

18. Brian Matusz

LHP, BAL (#125 overall)

One of the best left-handers available in the 2008 draft, Matusz is an experienced and clever strongman with four quality pitches. His fastball isn't overpowering, though, and his numbers showed some decline last season, so he won't be having a big impact on Baltimore's rotation (assuming the sign him) anytime soon. It'll be fun watching his use his guile along with his stuff to go after better pro hitters, though.

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19. Sean West

LHP, FLA (#150 overall)

A tale of two seasons. In the first half last year, West had a 1.26 ERA with a K:BB rate above 4. In the second half his ERA surpassed SIX and he started walking guys almost as often as he struck them out. West has good size, good command and a quality fastball, but unless he develops some stamina, and soon, he may never become what he could otherwise be: one of the game's best left-handed pitching prospects.

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20. John Lannan

LHP, WAS (#153 overall)

He's not the same kind of super-prospect as teammate Ross Detwiler (heck, he's not even Josh Smoker or Jordan Zimmerman) but Lannan will probably be making a difference sooner, thanks to his advanced age compared to those other arms. Lannan is a control pitcher, who relies on location to make his high-80's fastballs work. He's added some strength and could be a workhorse for the Nationals, who will give him every chance to win a starting job and hold it, at least until the hotter arms are ready.

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21. Steve Garrison

LHP, SD (#162 overall)

One of the endless parade of Padres pitching prospects, Steve Garrison came to San Diego in the same deal that landed Will Inman and Joe Thatcher. He's a notch above either of those pitchers, at least so far, thanks to his superior command of deceptive breaking stuff. He handles the entire strike zone with ease, and uses his plus curve and change with confidence and intelligence. A veteran mind inside a rookie body, Garrison could be a part of the Padres rotation as early as 2009, but 2010 is more likely.

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22. Brett Cecil

LHP, TOR (#164 overall)

A lefthanded closer in college -- and a dominant one at that -- Cecil is nonetheless being developed as a possible starter in the Blue Jays system. While he's a long way away from MLB consideration, the early signs are good: while stretching him out in low A ball from single innings to an outing of seven (his longest), coaches were rewarded with a 1.28 ERA and a stunning 0.96 WHIP across 50 scattered innings.

Cecil works with a moving fastball in the mid 90's, mixing in an average change and using a plus slider as his strikeout pitch. As he transforms into a starter, the fastball will likely lose a few mph as he learns to use it with greater accuracy.

His next stop will be AA, and if he puts together a solid season in which he shows he can throw 120 innings or more, he's a good candidate to be tested for the Blue Jay rotation in 2009.

More Scouting Book Info on Brett Cecil >

23. Matt Harrison

LHP, TEX (#183 overall)

A year or two away, this tall, left-handed control pitcher has drawn comparisons to Tom Glavine. Then again, so does every left-handed pitcher who ever puts on a Richmond Braves jersey. Still, he's worth keeping an eye on.

His acquisition by Texas as part of the Mark Teixeira deal reduces Harrison's value somewhat, but he's still a quality arm worth keeping an eye on

More Scouting Book Info on Matt Harrison >

24. Joe Savery

LHP, PHI (#184 overall)

Drafted by the Phillies in the first round of the 2007 Draft and signed with a $1.4M gift basket, Savery made 7 starts for Williamsport in the New York Penn league last year, going 2-3 with an ERA of 2.37. His control was iffy, just as it was during his college career, but his composure and command were good. Assuming he avoids serious injury and refines his control a bit, he could join the pitching-thin Phillies rotation as early as 2009 or 2010.

More Scouting Book Info on Joe Savery >

SB #184 | BA #90 | BP #96 | ML unranked | SN unranked | ES unranked

25. Matt Maloney

LHP, PHI (#185 overall)

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26. Cole Rohrbough

LHP, ATL (#186 overall)

The Braves very last draft-and-follow player, Rohrbough is a sturdy lefthander with a moving fastball and a deadly hammer curve that shuts down left-handed hitters. He did an awfully good number on right-handed batters last season, too, striking out 96 men in total while walking only 20 in 61 innings of work split between Rookie Danville and low-A Rome. He's still developing both his command and contro, and needs to add a third quality pitch to be viable as an MLB starter. If he stays healthy he could be a lights-out lefty reliever for the Braves in the near future, or a solid starter down the road.

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27. Scott Lewis

LHP, CLE (#187 overall)

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28. Hitoki Iwase

LHP, FA (#191 overall)

The highest paid pitcher in Japan last year, Iwase is a free agent after the 2007 season, and projects as the best relief pitcher available from Japan. While he's a very strong closer candidate, many teams may look at him in a setup role due to his left-handedness.

The only pitcher ever to post back-to-back 40 save seasons in the history of the Japanese Baseball League, Iwase has 114 career saves since being named closer in 2004.

Like the closer he replaced, the Dragons own Akinori Otsuka, Iwase gets the job done with a mid-nineties fastball and a nasty slider that makes batters look foolish.

He projects to be an elite setup man or a very good closer.

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29. Josh Outman

LHP, PHI (#198 overall)

Well, it's a better name for a pitcher than Homer, that's for sure. Outman is one of the best pitching prospects that the Phils have in the system, and with the scattered nature of the big-league club, he may see time in Philadelphia sooner rather than later. In 2007, Outman posted a combined 12-7 record and a 2.99 ERA split between double and triple-A.

When he does arrive, the Missouri State product will bring his newly-'normalized' pitching motion and an arsenal of still-developing breaking balls that complement a solid 94mph heater. His control has not yet improved enough to set him loose on big-league bats, but considering he'll be throwing home games in the most pitching-hostile stadium left in baseball, that may be the least of his worries. The good news is that by all accounts he's got a serious and mature approach to his game, which means he should be able to survive some 500ft wake-up calls.

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30. Jose Capellan

LHP, SF (#201 overall)

No, not that Jose Capellan. The other one.

Once a prize prospect in the Boston system, this Jose Capellan posted a 4-3 record with a 3.69 ERA last year for Boston's single-A affiliate Lowell. While limiting opponents to a .238 batting average, he struck out an impressive 77 batters while walking only 11. He's walked fewer than one batter per start (49 in 50) in his young pro career.

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31. Jeff Locke

LHP, ATL (#234 overall)

The latest in a long line of lefthanders growing up on the Atlanta farm, willowy Jeff Locke's 94mph fastball is a definite plus pitch, with late movement that he can command at will. His curve ball is also well under control and projects as a second plus pitch. With the Braves rotation staggering, Locke has a terrific opportunity to step up in 2008 or 2009.

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32. Zach Jackson

LHP, CLE (#237 overall)

A first round draft pick (Blue Jays) back in 2004, Jackson went from being one of Toronto's best prospects to a mediocre one in Milwaukee. He did some service time in 2007, posting a 5.40 ERA in seven starts for the Brewers, but the team recast him as a long bullpen arm last year, though there's no good reason he couldn't return to starting given the right situation. While he still seems to have the tools that made him so coveted a few years ago, he's been a bit of a late-bloomer who could probably benefit from a change of scenery or a different approach.

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33. David Huff

LHP, CLE (#243 overall)

Drafted by the Angels and then Phillies in two subsequent years, Huff elected to finish college at UC Irvine instead, and he ended up a Cleveland Indian in 2005's supplemental round. His four pro-ready pitches helped him blow through AA. He has looked so good in AAA that he's likely to get a chance in Cleveland before 2008 is over. If Laffey or Miller struggle or fail to impress, Huff could slide right into the rotation for 2009. Because Cleveland's other arms have gotten so much press, Huff is one of the best sleeper candidates among young pitchers today.

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34. Josh Smoker

LHP, WAS (#245 overall)

One of the top high-school pitchers available, Smoker was an unexpected first round supplemental pick by the Nationals in 2007. His long arm and easy, slinging action let him throw a low to mid-90's fastball with the same apparent motion as his slider, splitter and change. The net result of all that? Filthy.

Just 18 when he was drafted, Smoker is still a couple of years away from ready, but if he stays healthy he could be something special.

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35. Beau Jones

LHP, TEX (#250 overall)

Drafted in the supplemental first round of the 2005 draft, the Braves considered Jones to be the best prep left-hander in the country. He was acquired by the Rangers as part of the package of prospects that netted the Braves Mark Teixeira in 2007.

Jones's development has been slower than hoped, but he hasn't been horrible, posting a 2.96 ERA over 48 innings for Rome (A). He throws his plus fastball with average accuracy and mixes in a very good breaking ball. He's held back by durability issues and some erratic control, but with the thin nature of the Texas system, he's a dark horse sleeper to see the back of the rotation in late 2008 or 2009.

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36. Dusty Hughes

LHP, KC (#251 overall)

Hughes, a lefthander who was once highly ranked before requiring midseason Tommy John surgery in 2006, is still well-regarded, if a bit behind schedule. Depending who you listen to, The Kid from Tupelo is either the next Tom Glavine, or destined for sixth-starter status. His performance as he works back from his injury will say a lot.

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37. Christian Friedrich

LHP, COL (#269 overall)

A smart value-pick from the 2008 draft by the Rockies, Friedrich was one of the two or three best lefthanders in the pool, as well as one of the best prep pitchers available, making him a steal at the 25th overall pick. Christian has four good pitches, including a plus curve that he uses off his 92mph fastball. If his good stuff shows up in Rookie ball, he could jump ahead of the disappointing Franklin Morales in the Rockies "best minor league lefty" category.

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38. Daniel Schlereth

LHP, ARZ (#270 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.

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39. Jon Niese

LHP, NYM (#273 overall)

A wiry left-hander with a deadly curve, Jon Niese is a dark-horse pitching prospect who has a shot at the Mets rotation in 2009. A graduate of the same high school as Chad Billinsgley, Niese will start 2008 at AA, but he has the maturity and guile to move up quickly. He has a nice fastball and a heavy sinker, but he needs another year or two to refine his other pitches. If he can do that, he might be a front-of-rotation starter, though he could help out in the bullpen or back-end long before that.

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40. Tony Butler

LHP, BAL (#283 overall)

Another of many development projects undertaken by the Seattle Mariners, Butler was been an on-again/off-again hot prospect since he was drafted by the Ms in the 3rd round (81st overall) of the 2006 draft. Traded to the Orioles as part of the package that brought Erik Bedard to Seattle in 2008, Butler's chance to break into the starting rotation will now happen in Baltimore Orange.

Butler's fastball can reach 93mph (and it's getting faster as he grows into his body), and has a natural sinking action that leads to high ground-ball production. His other pitches (a reasonably good slider/curve and a developing change) need work, though, and various mechanical issues have plagued his development. He's likely to spend 2008 on the farm addressing those issues. If the O's can help him overcome those hitches and refine his control (almost 6 walks per game in 2007), he'll be a contender for a fifth-starter spot in 2008, though it might be better for the Orioles if they continue to season and develop him so that he can reach his potential as a number-two or -three starter a year or two later.

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41. Danny Duffy

LHP, KC (#290 overall)

The next phenom, or another phizzle from the KC draft department? One thing is for sure, the very talented Daniel Duffy certainly gets people's attention when he takes the mound.

He escaped many high-school scouts' notice with his small frame and 80mph fastball as a sophomore, but by the time he hit 18, Duffy had filled out into a 6-3, 200lb frame and his fastball came along with him: readings during his final high school season broke 95mph on radar guns while the lefthander routinely struck out 13, 14, up to 17 hapless batters per game.

Drafted in 2007's third round by the Royals, Duffy dominated the fall Arizona rookie league with 55 strikeouts in 30 innings, allowing only a microscopic 1.19 ERA.

As might be expected from such a young talent, Duffy's control can be a bit erratic, and his breaking pitches are works in progress, but scouts already like his makeup and maturity. If he continues to grow into the mental aspects of the game the way his body grew into the physical demands, Duffy could be a legitimate ace in a couple of years.

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42. Yukinaga Maeda

LHP, FA (#293 overall)

One of very few Japanese lefthanders who's considered MLB-ready, Maeda is also the oldest of the handful of pitchers who are considering the major leagues for 2008.

While he's been a starter in Japan, he is also a fascinating option in relief, as he brings a wide variety of pitches to the mound. Most intriguingly, he has the kind of inning-ending sinker (it's actually a knuckle-sinker) that may make him a boon as a situational lefty somewhere.