The Best 75 OF Prospects for 2010
Showing 1 to 75 of 75. Overall SB ranking for 2010 shown in parentheses.
OF, ATL (#2 overall)
Atlanta fans should finally be able to 'Say Heyward' this year, as their prize prospect looks as close to ready as a player can be for big-league baseball. A real treasure for the Braves as 2007's 14th overall pick, the left-handed Heyward has been lauded for his developing plate discipline and 30-homer power potential for a couple of years now.
More Scouting Book Info on Jason Heyward >
OF, FLA (#3 overall)
A high-school outfielder drafted 76th overall in 2007, Stanton went on to destroy high A Jupiter in 2009, raking at a .294/.390/.578 clip while adding 12 home runs in 50 games. His average suffered a bit after a promotion to AA Jacksonville, but his power remained (16 more home runs and a .455 slugging average.) A talented overall player with the tools to fit in at almost any position, he's being worked in right field at present, but could be moved almost anywhere else in the future. His plus power from the right side is aided by studious preparation and discipline beyond his young age. In the field, he has a plus arm, great range and a winning attitude. A rising star in Florida, don't be surprised to see him patrolling center or right for the Marlins as soon as late 2010.
More Scouting Book Info on Mike Stanton >
OF, TB (#5 overall)
'Carl Crawford with better plate discipline.' That's what some scouts are saying about Tampa's top outfield prospect, who should arrive in MLB in 2010.
More Scouting Book Info on Desmond Jennings >
OF, SEA (#9 overall)
A scout's wet dream, Dustin Ackley was one of the best college hitters of the 2009 class, if not the absolute best available bat. After destroying ACC pitching as a freshman, he was taken second overall by the Seattle Mariners. While his speed and toolset might bump him up to the outfield, he's also competent at third as well as first base, a position he played in college while recovering from surgery for a full season, and the Mariners have recently experimented with playing him at second base in order to balance out their outfield-heavy farm. His defense won't make much difference, though, as it's his combination of plus contact and patience that's worth drooling about. He could replace Ichiro as Seattle's on-base machine in a few years.
More Scouting Book Info on Dustin Ackley >
OF, MIN (#16 overall)
A legitimate 5-tool prospect who the Twins should have the patience to develop, this is an Adam Jones / Carlos Gomez type prospect who's just a year or two behind that curve. Still very young, he needs seasoning, as his skills haven't yet caught up to his raw ability. Of course, the great Twins development machinery should take care of that, and we know they're not afraid to play the youngsters. While he's not a household name just yet, he could very well be making headlines as the new hot thing in Minnesota come 2010 or 2011, and he could be the best player on the Twins roster (yes, we mean that) by 2012.
More Scouting Book Info on Aaron Hicks >
OF, PHI (#23 overall)
Once the best raw talent in the Phillies system, centerfielder Domonic (sic) Brown draws comparisons to a young Grady Sizemore due to his tall, lanky frame, good speed, plus discipline and strong left arm. He's increased his OBP, K:BB ratio and stolen base success rate at each of his three minor league stops to date (including a .346/.456/.802 line in his first taste of AA ball in 2009), which means his ceiling isn't yet known. He's young, hasn't shown any real power yet, and won't be a factor for a couple more years, but he's one of the best outfield prospects the Phillies have right now, and he could be a future all-star.
More Scouting Book Info on Domonic Brown >
OF, OAK (#24 overall)
A 6-6, 250lb monster back in high school, Taylor avoided an early draft by committing to Stanford. When he emerged from college, he was gobbled up by the Phillies in the same 5th round selection that netted them Ryan Howard six years earlier, and scouts see similar things in the two sluggers. After ditching his 'Stanford Swing' for a bigger and more wide open hammer, Taylor tore up the minors last year, slashing .361/.441/.554 at A-level Lakeland and .329/.380/.560 after a promotion to high-A Clearwater.
More Scouting Book Info on Michael Taylor >
OF, DET (#26 overall)
A young, toolsy prospect who's frustrated scouts by showing only flashes of his tremendous potential, Jackson looks to be the center-fielder of the very near future in Detroit.
More Scouting Book Info on Austin Jackson >
OF, SEA (#27 overall)
A tall, sturdy Canadian, Saunders was a five-sport athlete in childhood and is a legitimate five-tool talent in the Seattle outfield. A natural center fielder with 20 home run potential and plus speed, he even touched 92mph as a sometime pitcher in high school. He'll be pushed fast, like all Seattle prospects seem to be, but unlike some that have fallen by the wayside, Saunders can probably handle the pressure and workload. He'll be fighting for an outfield spot in 2010's preseason, and might just win the job outright. Even if he falls short, he'll be on the speed dial for midseason.
More Scouting Book Info on Michael Saunders >
OF, NYM (#36 overall)
A toolsy outfielder with a power stroke, F-Mart has been a top prospect for a few years, though his slow development and frequent injuries have cooled some of the early expectations. He still projects as an everyday centerfielder, though, and since he's only 20, he has room to grow. A premature outing with the MLB club in 2009 didn't go so well, but the youngster did manage to steal a few bases, hit his first home run, and generally show that he could play in a major league stadium when called upon to do so. While he still struggles with lefthanded pitching somewhat, he's also still got the great bat speed that got him noticed in the first place, not to mention a developing eye that should allow him to hit near .300 in the long-term. If he can keep on the field and off the DL, he'll still be a very high-ceiling option in New York come 2011 or so.
More Scouting Book Info on Fernando Martinez >
OF, SD (#37 overall)
Widely seen as the best high school athlete available in the 2009 draft, outfielder Donavan Tate draws comparisons to Tim Beckham for his tools-to-the-wall talent and approach. He's raw, of course, and very young, but he has a big, strong build and a swing that looks suited to major league power. It's a shame that San Diego's ballpark will hide that.
More Scouting Book Info on Donavan Tate >
OF, PIT (#38 overall)
Tabata is a polished fielder who's almost major-league ready, despite his young age. A natural right fielder with excellent patience, Tabata has vanished from the national radar since leaving the bright lights of New York for Pittsburgh, but he's just as solid a prospect now as he was in the Bronx. He could probably benefit from another minor-league season to sharpen his ancillary tools and focus, but other than that, there's not much holding him back. There aren't many good reasons to keep him off tomorrow's MLB roster in Pittsburgh.
More Scouting Book Info on Jose Tabata >
OF, BOS (#40 overall)
An intriguing Red Sox prospect whose season came to a shocking end thanks to injury in 2008, Ryan Westmoreland was a high school pitcher who the Sox were busy turning into a full-time outfielder before he was shut down. He spent most of 2009 recovering, but did suit up long enough to show some flashes of his potential, with a .296/.401/.484 line in 60 games at A-level Lowell. He only played eight games in the field, but before the brakes were applied, Westmoreland was looking the Red Sox most-promising outfield prospect, a lanky and athletic fielder with a powerful combination of plus power and outstanding plate discipline. He'll come back slowly in 2010, but the Red Sox won't be able to keep the hype under control much longer. He could be a top ten prospect by the end of 2010.
More Scouting Book Info on Ryan Westmoreland >
OF, MIN (#60 overall)
When the Twins let Torii Hunter go, maybe they knew something.
More Scouting Book Info on Ben Revere >
OF, SD (#67 overall)
A two-way star in high school, Jaff has a beautiful swing from the left side of the plate to go with a 94mph darting fastball... also from the left side. The Padres are viewing him as a centerfielder for now, though, and he has the bat and the range to hold that position down. He's young and still growing, but right now he looks like he might become the player Grady Sizemore was supposed to be.
More Scouting Book Info on Jaff Decker >
OF , BOS (#76 overall)
The next big outfield prospect in the Red Sox system now that Jacoby Ellsbury has graduated to full-time starter, Georgia native Josh Reddick could soon move up to the big leagues himself. A strong lefthanded bat with good power to all fields, Reddick also has the best arm in the system, which means should the Sox decide to let JD Drew walk away, Reddick should be ready to step in at any time.
More Scouting Book Info on Josh Reddick >
OF, CLE (#81 overall)
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 >
OF, WAS (#82 overall)
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 >
OF, CHC (#98 overall)
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 >
OF, LAA (#99 overall)
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 >
OF, BOS (#104 overall)
Boston's ninth-round pickup in the 2007 first-year player draft, Ryan Kalish is a toolsy outfielder from New Jersey who projects as a good leadoff or top-of-order hitter once he develops a bit more. If he enters the a Boston lineup that looks like the current one, of course, that'd mean he'd be more likely be hitting seventh or eighth, so his current value is limited without a trade to a team more desperate for OF help.
More Scouting Book Info on Ryan Kalish >
OF, LAA (#112 overall)
The Angels' roster included Chone Figgins, Reggie Willits and Erick Aybar in 2009, but it was 2005 draftee Peter Bourjos who Mike Scoscia called 'the fastest guy in camp' at spring training.
More Scouting Book Info on Peter Bourjos >
OF, COL (#126 overall)
An all-around outfielder with no one standout skill, Tim Wheeler was universally regarded as one of the safest 'college hitters' available in the 2009 draft. With plus speed and a good set of instincts for the outfield, he looks like a solid defender, while his high-contact, high-smarts approach to hitting looks like it could fit right into the top of the Rockies order soon enough.
More Scouting Book Info on Tim Wheeler >
OF, CHW (#128 overall)
The White Sox first round pick out of LSU, outfielder Jared Mitchell is a fully-equipped toolbox on high-performance legs. A plus-plus runner with great instincts on the basepaths, he's also a developing bat with the type of body that could grow into significant power. There's some question about his polish in the outfield, but he'll have a couple of years to develop the skills necessary to patrol the South Side lawn.
More Scouting Book Info on Jared Mitchell >
OF, ARZ (#142 overall)
A high contact line-drive hitter with decent speed and solid baseball fundamentals, Pollack is a solid but unspectacular outfielder, so his plus average will have to carry him to the Bigs. Of course, he's still learning his craft: Arizona converted him from shortstop.
More Scouting Book Info on A.J. Pollock >
OF, BOS (#150 overall)
Carlos Beltran's cousin from Puerto Rico, the lithe and wiry centerfielder shares a lot in common with his more famous relative. A plus defender who makes great reads and uses his plus plus speed to reach even the deepest gappers, Fuentes also brings a sharp and compact line-drive swing to the table. If he has weak spots, they're his lack of power and relatively weak throwing arm, but the highlight-reel catches he'll be making in Boston should make those shortcomings easy to overlook. He's on a quick track to a 2013 debut.
More Scouting Book Info on Reymond Fuentes >
OF, SEA (#154 overall)
A slow-rising prospect who finally appears to be on the verge of breaking into the top ranks, Mariner center-field prospect Greg Halman is a tall, slender athlete with plus speed, tantalizing raw power, and not even a whisper of plate discipline. Halman, drafted as a 16 year-old free agent from the Netherlands, was the Dutch Professional League's MVP at 18. Last year, he smashed 25 home runs at AA West Tennessee, which looks pretty darn impressive until you study the rest of his line. In 457 at bats (121 games), Halman struck out an unbelievable 183 times. Somewhere, Mark Reynolds is really pulling for this guy.
More Scouting Book Info on Greg Halman >
OF, CLE (#163 overall)
A smart, savvy hitter with strong arms and developing power, Weglarz uses very fast hands to work the bat through the zone quickly, with line-drive power to all fields. Despite his massive build, his swing lacks the loft of a true power-hitter, though that may come soon as he continues to fill out: In 2009 he produced 16 homers in 339 at-bats for AA Akron. A first-baseman in high school, the Indians have been using him in left field, though that experiment may soon end: his glove and arm are not better than average. While he continues to work on his power swing, his advanced plate discipline (78 strikeouts, 75 walks) indicates he's a Future Youkilis Junior Achiever just waiting to happen in Cleveland.
More Scouting Book Info on Nick Weglarz >
OF, SD (#167 overall)
The San Diego Padres third round pick of the 2006 MLB Draft, Hunter dominated the rookie league with a league-best .371 average immediately after signing. Moved up to the Midwest league the following year, he began to show off plus speed, both of the legs and wrists variety. He combines a preciously-good batting eye with gap-power and good outfield defense. A bump to high-A in 2008 did nothing to slow him down, either, as he put up a .318/.362/.442 line against the better pitching, adding a dozen steals and eleven homers just to salt things. AA did slow him down in 2009, though not to any great degree (.261/.294/.331, 13 steals in 16 attempts), which means another year of practice should have him lined up for possible MLB duty in 2011.
More Scouting Book Info on Cedric Hunter >
OF, SD (#173 overall)
A slugger who many downgrade because of his less-than-giant proportions, the small but mighty Kellen Kulbacki might get a little more attention now that Dustin Pedroia has blazed a trail for diminutive bashers. Kulbacki was drafted by San Diego in 2007's supplemental first round after hitting .464 in his junor year in college. He took a step back to a mere .300 in 2007 but looked like his old dominant self again in 2008, slashing .332/.428/.589 (that's a 1.017 OPS) at high A Lake Elsinore. Injuries held him back in 2009, but he should be back in business for 2010, and on the short list of possible impact bats the Padres may look to before the season is finished.
More Scouting Book Info on Kellen Kulbacki >
OF, PHI (#174 overall)
Tyson Gillies is a Canadian center fielder who came as part of the wild winter trade of 2009. While most noticed him when he stole two bases in the Futures Game, he also put together a standout season overall, stealing 44 bases and batting .341/.430/.486 while playing for High Desert in the California League. His speed is off the charts, but that basestealing wasn't as good as it seems, since he was also thrown out 19 times. With a percentage that low, he won't get many green lights, so he'll need to work on the art of the steal before the tool becomes a real plus skill. Gillies will get his first taste of AA ball in 2010, with a shot at an MLB bench job for 2011. If he does make the majors as a reserve, he'll also provide an extra valuable benefit to the team: as a hearing-impaired player, he's an excellent lip-reader, which could come in awfully handy on the field.
More Scouting Book Info on Tyson Gillies >
OF, PIT (#179 overall)
After a brief stint in the Atlanta system, onetime Tiger prospect Gorkys Hernandez was shipped to the Pirates for Nate McLouth in 2009 before ever getting a real shot with the Braves. Still, he's is a quality prospect who hit .316/.361/.387 with 10 steals for Double-A Mississippi (Braves) in 2009, followed by an adjustment-impacted .262/.312/.340 with 9 more swipes at Pittsburgh's own AA Altoona. He shows no real signs of power, at least not yet, but he's fast and talented with exceptional defensive range. He could get a look in Pittsburgh in 2010, though any significant impact should be in 2011 or later.
More Scouting Book Info on Gorkys Hernandez >
OF, NYY (#184 overall)
A powerful lefthanded outfielder, Yankee prospect Slade Heathcott looks like a future offensive monster, especially if he remains on a path leading to New Yankee Stadium. A professional hitter, Heathcott has plus contact and power skills, not to mention superior baserunning ability. He's more than adequate in the field, and while he can play center, his body type might be better-suited to a corner outfield position. All told, he's a legitimate 30-30 candidate as long as he stays focused on development. Mumblings about possible off-field issues seem to be more smoke than substance, but even if there's something to them, the button-down Yankees system is a good place to straighten out any young man looking for discipline and guidance.
More Scouting Book Info on Slade Heathcott >
OF, PIT (#186 overall)
He might be the most talented youngster in the Pittsburgh Pirates system, but if you haven't heard of him yet, don't feel too badly. An under-the-radar international signee from 2008, Marte is pure projection: a fast, powerful, graceful athlete with great range in the outfield and a plus arm. He has an easy, natural swing and projects to deliver at least average power down the road. Low-A was a bit of a joke for him as a 20 year old in 2009 (.377/.439/.816), so his goal in 2010 will be to reach AA ball by the end of the season. He'll have to start at high-A Lynchburg.
More Scouting Book Info on Starling Marte >
OF, CIN (#191 overall)
A 17th round pick from an obscure college, Reds outfielder Chris Heisey has made slow but relentless progress through the system, playing solid defense and hitting better and better at each higher level of play. At AA Carolina lasyt year, Helsey rocked a .347/.426/.572 line, for an eye-popping OPS of .998. He held his own in AAA during the end of the year, too, opening the question about when he'll get his first taste of big league ball. We're betting the end of 2010, or sooner if injuries strike the Reds' outfield.
More Scouting Book Info on Chris Heisey >
OF, PHI (#198 overall)
A two-way player in high school, the lefthanded Gose has electric breaking stuff that should encourage the Phillies to leave him on the mound until he plays his way back into the outfield... but these are the Phillies, so it's anyone's guess how they'll deploy this high-maintenance talent.
More Scouting Book Info on Anthony Gose >
OF, SF (#206 overall)
Tommy 'the Titan' Neal is a power-hitting corner bat pushing his way through the San Francisco farm system. Since his signing in 2005 at age 17, he's done nothing but hit at every level, most recently racking up a 1.010 OPS (.337/.431/.579) while launching 22 dingers in 475 at-bats at high-A San Jose. The pitching-rich Giants farm is lacking in quality bats, which means a juggernaut like Neal could move quickly. Watch for him to get a taste of the action in 2010, and compete for a roster spot come 2011.
More Scouting Book Info on Thomas Neal >
OF, LAA (#207 overall)
Drafted and signed right along with fellow Angel outfield prospect Mike Trout, Randall Grichuk is a slightly different kind of player, one probably better suited to a higher-power corner outfield spot than the athletic Trout. He's also a bit further away developmentally, but there's no reason to think that Grichuk, along with Trout and speedster Peter Bourjos, won't soon form one of the most talented young outfields in the majors.
More Scouting Book Info on Randal Grichuk >
OF, STL (#215 overall)
A powerful third baseman when he was drafted out of college, Craig showed a plus bat with solid corner power at each stop in his career. Questions about his ability to stick at third base (a move to first isn't exactly an option in St. Louis) led the Cardinals to recast him as an outfielder, at least temporarily, but he did make Brett Wallace expendable, which shows you how much the team's brass thinks of his bat If the infield experiment is truly shut down for good, he might still have a chance to crack right field in St. Louis, but he'd have an even better chance on another roster somewhere. Either way, he's a year or two away from making an impact, and his defense will let us know when he's ready to make the leap.
More Scouting Book Info on Allen Craig >
OF, PHI (#219 overall)
A big, strong Stanford graduate, John Mayberry Jr is the son of ex-Royal/Blue Jay John Mayberry Sr. He came to the Phillies in Nov 2008 when they traded away former #1 prospect Greg Golson to the Rangers.
More Scouting Book Info on John Mayberry >
OF, TB (#225 overall)
A mature prospect who recently defected from Cuba, Leslie Anderson (Stephens) is a plus-contact hitter with a high level of patience and discipline that's uncharacteristic of most Latin American exports. In Cuba, he has been experienced at both infield and outfield corners, and he even subbed in at centerfield for the power-laden Cuban National team in 2008. A natural lefthander in the field and at the plate, he projects as an MLB corner with better defense and less power than most, and since he turns 28 in 2010, he doesn't have much room left to develop: his ceiling is probably that of an idealized Kosuke Fukudome.
More Scouting Book Info on Leslie Anderson >
OF, TEX (#227 overall)
Stolen from the Red Sox when the Rangers shipped Eric Gagne, Beltre is now one of the Rangers' best power prospects, though not one without holes in his game. Beltre is a lithe ballplayer with a strong arm, good speed, and projectable power but only average range, making him a natural corner fielder. At the plate, he has a smooth swing that's still a bit long, which means at higher levels, he becomes vulnerable to tight fastballs or offspeed pitches away: note his drop from .283/.308/.403 at low-A Clinton in 2008 to just .227/.281/.317 at high-A Bakersfield last year. But Beltre is still a potent mix of power and wheels, and he has the right kind of attitude to keep learning and adjusting as he grows. He's still a long way from a finished product, but he remains a nice longshot slugger or deep keeper.
More Scouting Book Info on Engel Beltre >
OF, MLW (#233 overall)
A compact and powerful outfielder with great raw athleticism, Kentrall Davis is a member of a rich prospect stable on the Milwaukee farm. He makes up for his fireplug frame with superior raw power and above average speed. While he's currently viewed as a corner outfielder, a move to third or second base is possible in the future.
More Scouting Book Info on Kentrail Davis >
OF, MIN (#235 overall)
He might have a name from the generic baseball player naming machine, but Twins outfielder Angel Morales isn't your typical prospect. After hitting .266/.329/.455 last year in the Midwest League, the teenager will move to high A-ball in 2010, and expectations couldn't be much higher. He's small but still growing, fast and getting faster, a plus fielder who's sharpening his skills every game, and did we mention the bat? He's only 19, and he'll lurk in the shadows of Revere and Hicks for a bit longer, but his 40 extra-base hits homers in 376 at-bats last year are already opening eyes. With a shot at being a truly elite five-tool player, he's one of the highest-ceiling speed-power threats in the Twins' stable. But keep your horses in check: with all the talent ahead of him, he probably won't see Minnesota before 2013.
More Scouting Book Info on Angel Morales >
OF, CHW (#237 overall)
Jordan (yes, John's brother) is a prospective centerfielder of the future in Chicago. Drafted by the White Sox in the 7th round of the 2008 MLB Draft. Danks projects as a quality defender in center, with plus speed and a solid arm. At the plate, he has a quick bat and what the White Sox hope is developing power. He popped eyes at Winston-Salem in 2009, raking to a .322/.409/.525 clip, but stumbled a bit when promoted to AA Birmingham. He'll probably get a shot to play everyday there again in 2010. He's still a year or two away from joining his brother, if he can keep on developing and refine his strike-zone discipline.
More Scouting Book Info on Jordan Danks >
OF, ARZ (#242 overall)
A lumbering slugger, 1B/OF Marc Krauss is one of many corner bats simmering in the Arizona farm system. Krauss hit .304 at A-level South Bend in 2009, posting an .855 OPS in his first exposure to pro ball, but he'll need to light up more scoreboards to get past some of the team's brighter prospects.
More Scouting Book Info on Marc Krauss >
OF, LAD (#251 overall)
A toolsy outfielder in the rich Dodger system, Xavier Paul is one of the better farm bats that LA could call upon in 2010. While he didn't exactly set the world on fire while filling in for Manny in 2009, he did look awfully good in 31 games at AAA Albequerque, where he slashed .328/.378/.500. Still a young, gifted athlete in a system that could use a little more outfield depth, Paul will get another shot at the Bigs soon.
More Scouting Book Info on Xavier Paul >
OF, TB (#255 overall)
Not content to merely outdraft the rest of baseball, the Tampa Bay Rays have also set out to sign every emerging soccer star in the United States. Perez, a superior soccer player who only began mastering the baseball diamond in college, wound up an All-Ivy pick as Columbia's centerfielder in 2004, when he hit .317 and led the League with 18 steals.
More Scouting Book Info on Fernando Perez >
OF, LAD (#259 overall)
A 4th round 2007 pick out of Newberry Park (Los Angeles) high school, first baseman Andrew Lambo fell lower than his talent dictated due to character concerns, but now that he's maturing in his hometown, he's a civilized monster waiting to happen. The Dodgers prefer to use his all-around athletic ability in the outfield, and while he doesn't have the wheels for center, he's just fine at either corner, with a good glove and a strong arm. At the plate, Lambo slashed .288/.346/.462 at A level Great Lakes in 2008, and nearly .400 in a two week callup to AA Jacksonville at the end of the season.
More Scouting Book Info on Andrew Lambo >
OF, FLA (#271 overall)
The FSL's 'Most Exciting Player' of 2008, outfielder Scott Cousins is the best defensive outfielder in today's system, and one who could be patrolling center for the Miami Marlins of the near future, since it's starting to look like he'll be blocked by Mike Stanton in right. His arm will be the best in the outfield no matter which slot he takes up, though, and his combination of baserunning chops and improving batting suggests future-leadoff-threat to us.
More Scouting Book Info on Scott Cousins >
OF, SEA (#273 overall)
A slightly-built Venezuelan outfielder with wheels, Carrera was signed as a teenaged free agent back in 2005. Recently, hit .263/.344/.393 at high-A ball last year, with 28 steals to go along with it. He's a few years away from showing the left-handed impact bat he promises, but in the mean time he's a solid defensive outfielder with plus speed, and that's not a bad thing to have tucked away in your system. A natural center fielder with a good arm, he'll probably repeat high-A this year for his new team while continuing to work on his batting approach.
More Scouting Book Info on Ezequiel Carrera >
OF, CIN (#279 overall)
A highly-prized prospect for his combination of power and speed, Rodriguez was a free-agent prize when he was stolen by the Reds as a Latin American free agent in 2008. A very young and very raw talent, he probably has the highest ceiling of any hitter in the Reds' system... but he's a long way from polished or proven. Before he can move up through the minors, he'll need to learn to hit breaking balls, and to stop swinging at everything he can reach. His speed and arm make him look like a natural centerfielder, though, so he won't be expected to develop his already-solid power potential much further.
More Scouting Book Info on Yorman Rodriguez >
OF, CHW (#286 overall)
The Sox second-round pick in 2009 out of high school, outfielder Trayce Thompson is a 6-4, 200 pound righthanded masher from Rancho Santa Margarita, California. The son of ex-NBA player Mychal Thompson, Trayce is a high-quality athlete with a solid set of tools. Both his power and speed project as possible plus tools. Still very young, he'll need to percolate for a few instructional years before he's ready to be an impact player in Chicago.
More Scouting Book Info on Trayce Thompson >
OF, SF (#297 overall)
A lefty-hitting corner outfielder, Giant prospect Roger Kieschnick is a potential five-tool talent with both power and speed potential, and it's not at all surprising that he shares his nickname ('Hawk') with Hall of Famer Andre Dawson. In the field he's a giant with deceptive speed, a highlight-reel daredevil without any detectable fear of walls or other barriers. He's got above-average range which should improve as he polishes his routes and jumps, and an arm that has moments of true cannon-power. He's grappled with an awkward swing at times, but it hasn't hindered him much to date: three years of .300 hitting at Texas Tech were matched by his pro debut at high-A San Jose, where he raked .296/.345/.532 with 23 home runs in his very first taste of professional baseball. The Giants are pushing Kieschnick quickly, which means you'd better learn how to spell it before 2011 rolls around.
More Scouting Book Info on Roger Kieschnick >
OF, SEA (#298 overall)
An international signee from 2008, when he was signed as a teenager from San Cristobal, D.R., outfielder Julio Morban is a smooth and talented outfielder with good all-around tools. He swings a mature bat from the left side of the plate with some projectable power. In the field, he's raw but talented. He didn't have much trouble with rookie ball in 2009 (.270/.309/.509), so he might be pushed into the A circuit this year.
More Scouting Book Info on Julio Morban >
OF, SEA (#303 overall)
A two-time minor league player of the year in the Blue Jays' system, Seattle outfielder Johermyn Chavez came to Seattle as part of the Brandon Morrow trade during the 2009 offseason. He'll be 21 years old when 2010 season begins, and he's already looking like a quality asset on the farm. The young Venezuelan hit .283 at A-level Lansing in 2009, adding 21 homers. He takes the place of Wladimir Balentine as Seattle's enigmatic maybe-slugger.
More Scouting Book Info on Johermyn Chavez >
OF, TEX (#307 overall)
The Phils' first round pick back in 2004, Golson is the kind of sexy power/speed threat that teams cherish. A natural centerfielder with corner pop, he could be a franchise player a few years from now.
More Scouting Book Info on Greg Golson >
OF, FA (#311 overall)
One of the most intriguing new wave of Cuban prospects, outfielder Jorge Padron is a stocky contact bat who hits from the lefts side. As Pinar del Rio's left fielder, Padron was among the league leaders with a .345 average. A spray hitter with gap-to-gap power, his performance against lefties makes him iffy to stick as everyday player in MLB, but his dominance of righthanded pitching and some hard work in the minors for a year or two should be enough to get him some serious looks. Kendry Morales wasn't as polished at the same age, after all.
More Scouting Book Info on Jorge Padron >
OF, CIN (#315 overall)
Ah, Dorn. Sometimes the gods of baseball just make the names too good to be true. While he's currently buried deep in the Reds system, Cal State's Danny Dorn is a respectable offensive prospect in his own right, and now that guys like Bruce and Votto are in the bigs to stay, he should get a little more attention. The left-hander with the sweet swing split time last season between high A and double A (Sarasota and Chattanooga), and ended up with an OPS of .906 with the Lookouts. Most notably, he smashed 21 homers in only 336 at-bats, a number that lines up nicely with his 30-homer big league potential.
More Scouting Book Info on Daniel Dorn >
OF, PHI (#326 overall)
A tall, projectable hitter with a long but easy swing, Domican Domingo Santana has right field written all over him. An average runner and a strong-armed thrower, he's still learning to handle breaking pitches, but for such a young talent, he's already looking like one of the best athletes in the Philly system.
More Scouting Book Info on Domingo Santana >
OF, MIN (#334 overall)
A combination OF-1B bat who will probably end up at DH, Parmelee has been one of the best pure power hitters in the minor leagues for more than a couple of seasons now. He has a smooth, lofty swing that puts breaking pitches into the bleachers as fast as pitchers can curse. He's got a plus arm, but lacks the speed or range to hold down right field. A definite work-in-progress, Parmelee today is a sort of poor man's Lars Anderson: a big barrel of booming potential, with underdeveloped collateral skills. The bat is so monstrous, though, that the Twins are unlikely to move him or abandon his training: the Twins refuse to lose another David Ortiz.
More Scouting Book Info on Chris Parmelee >
OF, OAK (#336 overall)
A mature graduate of San Diego State who enjoyed a breakout minor league year in 2009, Oakland's Grant Desme is a tough and multi-talented right-handed hitter. Splitting the 2009 season between A-level Kane County and and High-A Stockton, Desme found his potential, swatting 31 home runs and stealing 40 bases. He was the only such 30/40 player in the minor leagues that year. To top off his breakthrough, he was awarded the AFL MVP award for an Autumn in which he added 10 more home runs in 11 AFL games between October 14th and 28th.retiring from baseball in order to enter the Catholic priesthood. Should he decide to return to the Church of Baseball in the future, we think he'll find the Oakland flock more than accommodating, starting with the congregation in AA Midland, who would dearly love to watch his outfield sermons all season long.
More Scouting Book Info on Grant Desme >
OF, TOR (#340 overall)
Toronto outfield prospect Jake Marisnick is a multitalented athlete with real defensive prowess: the plus range and strong arm he brings to center field is exactly what the Blue Jays need, and with his quick wrists and quicker feet, he could blossom into a serious on-base and steals threat. A late signee, he'll start his pro career in the GCL in 2011. He's a few years away, but he could rise to the top of the prospect pool as early as next season.
More Scouting Book Info on Jake Marisnick >
OF, SD (#343 overall)
A toolsy outfielder who is often compared to Michael Bourn, Padres' outfielder Everett Williams has a little more pop in his bat and a little less nitro in his legs, but is a similar contact hitter from the left side with all-around smarts. Drafted out of McCallum (Texas) High in 2009, Williams will need to show patience at the plate and with his career: he's several years away from a possible big league debut.
More Scouting Book Info on Everett Williams >
OF, SF (#344 overall)
A speedy outfielder in the Giants' system, Dominican Francisco Peguero is a solid defender with developing on-base skills. After a frustrating attempt at A-ball in 2008, Peguero started 2009 back in low-A Salem before getting another crack, but when he returned to Augusta he put on quite a clinic, slashing .340/.359/.437 in 58 games, and tossing in 15 steals at the same time. A line drive hitter whose build doesn't suggest future power (he's shaped more or less like Eugenio Velez, though he hits exclusively from the right side), Peguero will have to keep reaching base at a high clip in order to contribute. He's got some distance to close, too: despite the improving batting average, his walk rate dropped in 2009... from 21 down to only eight bases on balls.
More Scouting Book Info on Francisco Peguero >
OF, ARZ (#347 overall)
A fifth round pickup by the Diamondbacks back in 2008, Cowgill is a small-framed but solidly-built slugger in a Diamondback system chock full of mashers. Hitting right and throwing left (sic), the potent corner slugger is probably best-known for swatting 10 home runs for low-A Yakima over a two-week period back in 2008. His power is real, but he'll need to work on his defense and discipline before he's ready to break into higher-level ball.
More Scouting Book Info on Collin Cowgill >
OF, Japan (#354 overall)
A free-agent-eligible outfielder for NPB's Fukuoka (SoftBank) Hawks, Hitoshi Tamura is a lifetime .282 hitter who hit 40 home runs for the Hawks in 2004.He's staying in Japan for 2010, but his reputation for playing solid defense and providing power from the right side of the plate makes him a tempting target for MLB teams in 2011.
More Scouting Book Info on Hitoshi Tamura >
OF, DET (#369 overall)
Another Dominican in a Tiger system brimming with Latin American talent, corner bat Wilkin Ramirez is a late-blooming hitter with plus wheels: he slugged 17 homers at AAA Toledo last year, while also swiping 33 bases. Once a third baseman, he's now seen as a corner outfielder, but it doesn't matter much: he has enough pop and hustle to work his way into the lineup somewhere or other. He's not really the kind of .364/.385/.818 hitter he looked like in a brief stint in Detroit last year, but he could be a legit .275/.325/.425 hitter in another year or three.
More Scouting Book Info on Wilkin Ramirez >
OF, CIN (#390 overall)
A huge pile of talent and potential, the six-foot-six teenager is a scout's darling, even if he's a bit rough around the edges. Scooped out of Dominica by some calendar-savvy Reds' scouts before anyone else noticed he was eligible, Duran is a bony, gawky youngster who's all arms, legs, elbows... and big, looping home run swings. He'll probably stay parked in the DSL for now, but he could start to see meaningful minor-league action stateside in 2010.
More Scouting Book Info on Juan Duran >
OF, SF (#407 overall)
Darren Ford is speed-demon. One of the fastest players in A ball, his base-stealing ability, defense and range in center is top-notch and unquestioned. There's a shortage of optimism regarding his bat, however. Unless he turns it up a notch, his future looks like the role of a pinch-running, defensive replacement fourth outfielder.
More Scouting Book Info on Darren Ford >
OF, CHC (#408 overall)
The Cubs first round pick in 2006, Colvin has developed quickly, reaching AA in his first full season of pro ball. He has good speed and solid defense, which projects to be useful in Wrigley, and raw but developing power.
More Scouting Book Info on Tyler Colvin >
OF, HOU (#418 overall)
A two-way athlete in college, Bogusevic hit .328/.428/.397 in his final year while also going 13-3 with a 3.25 ERA on the mound. Houston drafted him thinking 'pitcher' but changed their mind midway through 2008, and he's now considered an outfielder only. He's got plus power (he might be the best raw power bat in the system) and a decent batting eye, but he needs to gain experience hitting at high levels before he can be considered a top-flight prospect.
More Scouting Book Info on Brian Bogusevic >
OF, MLW (#419 overall)
Cutter Dykstra has a great baseball name and terrific genetics (yes, he's Lenny's son) but he's been an inconsistent slugger who will need to develop a lot more plate discipline to go with his big bat before he's ready to step into his father's very gritty shoes.
More Scouting Book Info on Cutter Dykstra >
OF, CHW (#420 overall)
John Shelby III has been sneaking up the Chicagoland prospect ranks after slashing .301/.352/.508 with 16 homers on SAL Kannapolis in 2007. In 2008, he followed up with a carbon copy .295/.331/.510, 15-homer performance but increased his stolen bases from 19 to 33 while playing in 8 fewer games. While he did slide back a bit in 2009 (.243/.323/.402 in his first taste of AA) he remains on track to become a real 30-30 threat in center for the White Sox come 2012 or so. He'll be back in Birmingham for 2010, but don't forget about him.
More Scouting Book Info on John Shelby >
OF, HOU (#99999 overall)
One of baseball's gaggle of Iorgs, Cale's older brother Eli is a gap-hitting corner outfielder with a plus arm. While he suffered a nasty setback in early 2007 (tearing an elbow ligament while diving for a line drive), he did return late in the season an produced. He'll be 25 this spring, though, so the window for him to arrive is closing. If he does show up in a Houston uniform, he'll be one of an elite group of players whose names include more vowels than consonants.
More Scouting Book Info on Eli Iorg >
1 to 75 of 75
1. Jason Heyward
2. Mike Stanton
3. Desmond Jennings
4. Dustin Ackley
5. Aaron Hicks
6. Domonic Brown
7. Michael Taylor
8. Austin Jackson
10. Fernando Martinez
11. Donavan Tate
12. Jose Tabata
13. Ryan Westmoreland
17. Michael Brantley
18. Michael Burgess
19. Brett Jackson
20. Mike Trout
23. Tim Wheeler
24. Jared Mitchell
25. A.J. Pollock
33. Slade Heathcott
35. Chris Heisey
37. Thomas Neal
39. Allen Craig
42. Engel Beltre
43. Kentrail Davis
47. Xavier Paul
58. Jorge Padron
63. Jake Marisnick
67. Hitoshi Tamura
72. Brian Bogusevic
