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 47 OF Prospects for 2008

Showing 1 to 47 of 47. Overall SB ranking for 2008 shown in parentheses.

1. Jay Bruce

OF, CIN (#1 overall)

In the past five years, only 21 players have slugged .500 or better in the Midwest League. And only four (4) have done so at age 19 (or younger). With Bruce's swing, expect many of those doubles to turn into HR's as he gets older and stronger.

Bruce was Minor League Baseball's Player of the Year for 2007, leaving him nowhere to go but the homer-happy confines in Cincinnati. An elite power prospect, he might be the best hitter available in the minors, but not for long. He's been marked as untouchable in response to trade offers for two years in a row now, which means that the Reds see him as a franchise player.

In Cincinnati this year, he'll have to beat out Ryan Freel or another veteran for playing time, but once he gets it, he won't be looking back.

More Scouting Book Info on Jay Bruce >

SB #1 | BA #1 | BP #1 | ML #1 | SN #1 | ES #2

2. Kosuke Fukudome

OF, CHC (#4 overall)

A power hitting corner outfielder that most scouts place on par with Hideki Matsui, Fukudome is likely to be the biggest Japanese import into MLB in 2008. The number one overall pick in the Japanese draft of 1999, Fukodome is a left-handed professional hitter, posting OPS's over 1.000 three times in the last five years. If he spends enough time in a hitter's park in MLB, it's possible that he will flirt with 30 homers, but he's more likely to go home with 20.

While primarily a corner outfielder, Fukudome is also experienced at both 1B and 3B. While recent elbow surgery probably means he won't see any action at third again, his versatility is a definite asset.

More Scouting Book Info on Kosuke Fukudome >

3. Cameron Maybin

OF, FLA (#7 overall)

He might not be the second coming of Ken Griffey Jr., but this potential five-tooler has a place in the everyday lineup in the very near future. Look for a good mix of average, steals and power to continue to grow, if slowly, as he nears the big lights.

Since being acquired by Florida, Maybin stands a better chance of playing regularly, though the lineup around him won't produce quite as much, and the park won't help his numbers.

More Scouting Book Info on Cameron Maybin >

SB #7 | BA #6 | BP #10 | ML #3 | SN #3 | ES #13

4. Colby Rasmus

OF, STL (#9 overall)

While often lost among the Prince Fielders and Cameron Maybins of hitting peers, Rasmus possesses a polish that few have at his level, a refinement that extends to his offensive approach, baserunning and defense. He strikes out a bit too much, but when he makes contact it's almost always solid contact: he's often compared to J.D. Drew. Of course, the Cardinals hope he comes with a less fragile set of bones.

By letting Jim Edmonds go, and bringing in no clear replacement (yet), the Cards seem to be signalling that they feel Rasmus is ready. It could be an exciting spring in St Lou.

More Scouting Book Info on Colby Rasmus >

SB #9 | BA #5 | BP #8 | ML #7 | SN #17 | ES #5

5. Jacoby Ellsbury

OF, BOS (#11 overall)

Anyone who follows baseball knows that Coco Crisp was supposed to replace Johnny Damon in Boston: a speedster centerfielder with high contact and game-making smarts. But anyone who follows Sox baseball also knows this: Coco Crisp ain't no Johnny Damon.

Enter Ellsbury, a base-stealing machine who infuriates defenses by hitting or bunting to all fields. On defense, he might have enough range to cover center and left field together, extending the career of Manny Ramirez even further.

After his performance in the postseason of 2007, he's certain to open 2008 on the Sox roster, and probably in their starting lineup. Expect some bumps along the way, but once he settles in he should be a solid contributor in the steals and runs categories, at least. Of course, his standout postseason will also ensure that he goes about 10 rounds too early in most offseason drafts, so if someone in your league is willing to overbid... let them.

More Scouting Book Info on Jacoby Ellsbury >

SB #11 | BA #13 | BP #16 | ML #13 | SN #6 | ES #19

6. Andrew McCutchen

OF, PIT (#14 overall)

McCutchen has done nothing but hit since his debut in the summer of 2005 and he jumped on the fast track with an impressive leap to Double-A at the end of this season. His power has come faster than people expected, too, which means he has a shot in the deep but talent-poor Pittsburgh field.

In 2008, with the Pirates in the midst of what might be a sincere rebuilding attempt for the first time in a generation, McCutchen could get a long look, and plenty of chances to fail. The Pirates won't win this year, and McCutchen won't hit .300, but he may be allowed to rack up the ABs and experience needed to get to that level in the years to come.

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SB #14 | BA #14 | BP #24 | ML #8 | SN #8 | ES #12

7. Jason Heyward

OF, ATL (#20 overall)

A 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. He could have a future in right field for Atlanta, but with Jeff Francoeur locked in there for a long time to come, it's more likely that he'll go to left field or first base, both positions where the Braves lack a long-term prospect.

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SB #20 | BA #28 | BP #36 | ML unranked | SN unranked | ES #33

8. Fernando Martinez

OF, NYM (#23 overall)

When the Mets assigned Martinez to be the youngest prospect to attend the Arizona Fall League, many were left skeptical of the Mets' chances at maximizing their value with the phenom. After all, in his final 15 games in the Florida State League, Martinez had gone 9-for-57 with three extra-base hits and 13 strikeouts.

However, injuries had kept Martinez inactive for much of his first full season, so the AFL presented an opportunity for consistent playing time. Martinez significantly responded, displaying huge power potential from the left side.

It appears the Mets know how to handle the teenager, who could use some time in the weight room and some improvements against southpaws to take the next step in 2008. The idea of Martinez and crosstown phenom Tabata reaching New York at the same time almost seems too good to be true, but the Mets haven't been this excited about an outfielder in a very long while.

More Scouting Book Info on Fernando Martinez >

SB #23 | BA #20 | BP #51 | ML #17 | SN unranked | ES #10

9. Alexei Ramirez

OF, CHW (#34 overall)

The multi-tooled Cuban slugger has been acquiring nicknames almost as fast as he's attracting fans. While he's let to play a major league game, he's already known as "X-Ram", "The Cuban Missile", and even "Taco Taco" after his birthplace. Ramirez was the Cuban League's best hitter last year (.335) while knocking 20 homers for Pinar Del Rio, his home-town team.

A gifted athlete who prefers shortstop, he also played second base in Pinar del Rio, and we're going to make the guess that he'll be used both at second and in the outfield this year for Chicago, since those are pretty non-demanding positions for him to handle while devoting his energy to learning both English and AL pitching. The adjustment period may hurt him for this season, but he still could end up with special value as a super-utility man, so if you're a fantasy league player, pay close attention to how he qualifies under your league rules. He could be an end-of-draft steal at shortstop, or an average big-leaguer in the outfield, for example. With a four year contract and a hot spring training, he could break camp with the major league team, and he'll certainly be given every opportunity to stick there.

More Scouting Book Info on Alexei Ramirez >

10. Carlos Gonzalez

OF, OAK (#35 overall)

The number one prospect in the DBacks system before being shipped to Oakland in the Dan Haren deal, Gonzalez also has the best arm in the organization. He has developing power and a fastball-burning inside out swing. A good all-around baseball player who excels across the board, his quality defense and smart baserunning complement his strong offensive game. While he'll have to do it in a tougher ballpark and surrounded by less of a lineup, he should still manage to become a key part of the Oakland outfield in short order.

To shore things up, however, Gonzalez could use more walks and fewer strikeouts, two areas in which he has shown slow but steady improvement during strong winter league performances.

More Scouting Book Info on Carlos Gonzalez >

SB #35 | BA #22 | BP #26 | ML #23 | SN #32 | ES #42

11. Matt LaPorta

OF, CLE (#37 overall)

He might have been better off going to an AL team and settling in as a DH for the next 20 years, but even if sent out to left field six days each week or adapted for first base duty, LaPorta should produce big numbers in MLB in the near future. He's a bit blocked in Milwaukee, but the Brewers are good at making space when they need to, so he shouldn't need to stew too long.

One of college ball's best sluggers the last couple of years, LaPorta's ridiculous .579 OBP is impossible to igmore. A power hitter who also has an exceptional batting eye, he ended the college season last year in the country's top 20 in almost every category, from batting average to homers, slugging percentage to runs scored.

While he's unlikely to make the big league team in 2008 because of Milwaukee's embarassment of riches, he does stand a chance of making a Jack Cust-like breakout at midseason or later.

More Scouting Book Info on Matt LaPorta >

SB #37 | BA #23 | BP #31 | ML unranked | SN #43 | ES #37

12. Travis Snider

OF, TOR (#38 overall)

Snider is a very young, very strong, and very promising prospect in the Blue Jays system. Sniders rise through the Toronto system is impressive: at Lansing (Low-A) in 2007 he hit .313 with 16 home runs in 118 games, and he looked even better in the Fall League, hitting .316 and slugging .541 in Arizona.

He's still very young, and if his defense develops a little more he could be a viable OF or 1B. More likely, though, he'll enter MLB as part of the new generation of young, full-time DHs. He could start to contribute big numbers by 2010. No private notes.

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SB #38 | BA #11 | BP #7 | ML #15 | SN #37 | ES #7

13. Carlos Gomez

OF, MIN (#46 overall)

Gomez is a burner (training partner Jose Reyes not only claimed Gomez has feet faster than his own, he claims it's 'not even close.') and unlike some no-bat wonders, he's a burner who can also bring the hurt. While he stumbled a bit in his premature major league debut with the Mets in 2007 (.232/.288/.304), he has the tools, and his minor league numbers provide a better indicator of his worth: .278/.336/.400. He does strike out too much (about once per 5 ABs, on average), but that might be a sign of youth more than ability.

Gomez is a legitimate top of the order threat already, and if he can learn a bit more patience and increase that OBP a little, he could be one the best in the league.

More Scouting Book Info on Carlos Gomez >

SB #46 | BA #52 | BP #65 | ML unranked | SN unranked | ES #35

14. Wladimir Balentien

OF, SEA (#51 overall)

Apparently waised on an island where the letter V was an omen of terrible luck, Balentien has had an easier time stateside. The PCL Rookie of the Year in 2007, Big Wladdy (?) might see some action with the Mariners soon, likely in a platoon, since the Mariners are stacked in young hitting already. He's also a tantalizing trade piece.

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SB #51 | BA n/a | BP #93 | ML unranked | SN #22 | ES #95

15. Brandon Jones

OF, ATL (#59 overall)

The top OF prospect in the Braves system, Brandon Jones put his licks in well (295/.367/.490, 19 homers) at both AA Mississippi and AAA Richmond in 2007, as what is widely seen to be a warmup and audition to help the Braves decide whether or not he's ready to replace their other Jones in center. By all accounts, he's ready for the bigs. Will the Braves have enough confidence to start the season with the rookie in the outfield, or will they sign a veteran CF to keep the grass warm for one more season while they wait for Brandon to get a little more seasoning?

He's widely seen to have the edge on other baby Brave OFs like Jordan Schafer and Jason Heyward, mainly because of the defensive savvy he brings to the table, but his bat is no slouch, either, and he should be able to hold his own in the young, scrappy Atlanta batting order. The only question, really, is whether his decade as the Braves' CF starts in 2008 or 2009. Whenever it starts, his career looks to be long and productive.

More Scouting Book Info on Brandon Jones >

SB #59 | BA #70 | BP #70 | ML unranked | SN unranked | ES unranked

16. Jose Tabata

OF, NYY (#66 overall)

Tabata is a polished fielder who's almost major-league ready, despite his young age. A natural right fielder with excellent patience, many saw him as a natural fit to replace Gary Sheffield in right for the Yankees, but the long-term signing of Bobby Abreu seems to have squished that plan. He needs another year or two of mental development, but other than that and a place to play, there's not much holding him back.

Tabata is likely to be sought after in trades by teams who have more immediate needs than New York, and if one of those teams gets a hold of the young line-drive hitter, the likelihood of a debut in the near future will go up sharply.

More Scouting Book Info on Jose Tabata >

SB #66 | BA #37 | BP #48 | ML unranked | SN unranked | ES #21

17. Jordan Schafer

OF, ATL (#68 overall)

The Braves OF propects (Schafer, Jones and Heyward, not to mention the SS/OF Lillibridge) are among the best in baseball, and it's not hard to look forward to 2010 or so when they'll probably be sporting one of the best outfields in the game.

Schafer is the youngest of the group, but he might be the most talented, and considering the way he tore up the Arizona Fall League in 2007 (a league best .397 average), he might be the one of the trio who's closest to taking the field in Atlanta. His autumn wasn't a fluke, either, as he hit .372 at Rome and .294 at High-A Myrtle Beach.

He projects as a serious part of the Braves offense in the very near future. Remember, Andruw Jones was only 19 when he joined the big club. Is it so impossible that Andruw's replacement could be 21?

More Scouting Book Info on Jordan Schafer >

SB #68 | BA #25 | BP #17 | ML unranked | SN unranked | ES #27

18. Josh Anderson

OF, ATL (#72 overall)

Already holding one of the best young outfields in the minor leagues, the Braves moved in November to acquire Houston prospect Josh Anderson, anyway. It looks like Atlanta may try him out in center immediately, replacing the departed Andruw Jones, and perhaps even plunking him right on top of their lineup as a leadoff man. He may also provide springtime competition for the other Braves OF prospects (Jones, Heyward and Schafer).

This past season, Anderson hit .358 in 67 at-bats for Houston. He's been one of minor-league baseball's biggest baserunning threats the last three seasons, topping it with 41 SBs at Round Rock in 2007.

More Scouting Book Info on Josh Anderson >

19. Ben Revere

OF, MIN (#88 overall)

When the Twins let Torii Hunter go, maybe they knew something.

Revere is a prototype leadoff hitter: his blazing speed and quick bat pushed him into the league leader boards for doubles, triples, and stolen bases. Only 5-9 and 175, he won't win any home run derbies, but his speed and approach to the game is exactly what Minnesota needs at the top of their roster. He'll start 2008 in the Midwest League, but expect Minnesota to take a look at him during the season.

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20. Michael Burgess

OF, WAS (#90 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 calls it 'thunderous' -- that he's worth keeping an eye on.

More Scouting Book Info on Michael Burgess >

21. Austin Jackson

OF, NYY (#106 overall)

Another very young Yankees prospect who's frustrated scouts by only showing flashes of his tremendous potential, Jackson remains the brightest potential bat in the New York stable.

Promoted from the South Atlantic League to the Florida State League in 2007, he started to show the ability to hit to all fields, but he's still not ready for the big-time. A natural gap hitter, if his bat can catch up to his speed and defense, he'll have a future with the Yankees, or in one of their ever-looming trade packages.

More Scouting Book Info on Austin Jackson >

SB #106 | BA #41 | BP #47 | ML #49 | SN #44 | ES #24

22. Dexter Fowler

OF, COL (#108 overall)

Models do it. Actors do it. Why don't baseball players with impossibly unfortunate names just change them? It's not that hard. In any case, Fowler's a highly-regarded kid -- comparisons abound to other lanky outfielders with power (Andruw Jones, Andre Dawson, Torii Hunter), and he's shown flashes of five-tool greatness. Today, the most useful comparison might be between Fowler and Cubs youngster Felix Pie. While the Cubs prospect entered Low-A at 18, two years younger than Fowler, the two showed similarly raw skill sets at the same level. Both have fantastic speed and good contact skills, but neither proved polished at baserunning or defense immediately. In coming years, Fowler's role will need to be determined, whether he's a middle-of-the-order hitter with power to come, or an improved baserunner destined for gap power and the top of the order. He's already very strong for his size.

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SB #108 | BA #74 | BP #92 | ML #50 | SN #45 | ES unranked

23. David Murphy

OF, TEX (#110 overall)

A Texas local boy who barely qualifies as a rookie for 2008 (just three ABs short of the cutoff), Murphy is a well-rounded lefthanded hitter with solid, but non-spectacular tools. He's old for a prospect, but he could play a useful role with this year's version of the Rangers, who are lacking in solid left-handed bats.

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24. Ryan Sweeney

OF, OAK (#111 overall)

One of Ozzie's favorite youngsters, Sweeney also showed off one of the sweetest left-handed swings since Griffey while making his debut in Chicago. Now that he's moving to a pitcher's park in Oakland, he'll need to use skills other than his power to succeed.

While he won't likely ever be more than average defensively in the field, a near-.300 average with power is not too much to expect in Sweeney's first full season.

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25. Tyler Colvin

OF, CHC (#113 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.

While he's still very young, and the plans have him in the minors for another year or two, it's possible that injuries or disappointments in Chicago could offer him an opportunity sooner. He's a great sleeper pick.

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SB #113 | BA #75 | BP unranked | ML #44 | SN #47 | ES unranked

26. Gerardo Parra

OF, ARZ (#114 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.

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SB #114 | BA #72 | BP #64 | ML unranked | SN unranked | ES #82

27. Desmond Jennings

OF, TB (#120 overall)

A player that's been on our back-burner for a year now, Jennings has finally shown enough promise to break into our full-time watch list. Seen for a time as a raw talent that hadn't shown the polish or discipline to be mentioned along with other leading outfield prospects, Jennings impressed everyone last season with remarkable plate discipline in Columbus, and his .315 average means he deserves a spot on everyone's prospect-tracking board.

A multi-sport high school player, the big, strong and fast Jennings (45 steals in 2007) will be seen by many as the second coming of Carl Crawford, in a good way. One of the best OF talents in the Rays system, Jennings could be a serious offensive force if he continues to refine his game now that's focused on baseball. We'll be watching him closely this year. If he adds a little power to his profile, he'll in Tampa very, very soon.

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SB #120 | BA #59 | BP #18 | ML unranked | SN unranked | ES #11

28. Trevor Crowe

OF, CLE (#132 overall)

A textbook CF, he'll need to find a new place to play in Cleveland since the arrival of Grady Sizemore.The best bet seems to be to place him in left and use him as a top of the order hitter. His good contact ability and good but not great speed make him a logical #2 hitter. While his power shortage may keep him from sticking in the corner spot for long, he has enough raw baseball talent to adapt to a new position easily. He may end up a super-utility player.

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29. Delwyn Young

OF, LAD (#135 overall)

The forgotten prospect in the rich Dodger outfield, Delwyn's still a talented, multi-tooled player who's looking at a long career, though probably not as the superstar that some scouts saw when LA signed him in 2002. He's more likely a bottom-of-order or platoon hitter.

Young hits for both power and average, with excellent bat-speed and good contact skills. He was outstanding in limited 2007 play with the Dodgers, decorating a .382 average with a couple of homers in 34 at bats.

Many scouts have penalized Young for his small frame (between 5-7 and 5-10, depending on which media guide you trust), which means he's got some potential as a sleeper. If he maintains his high level of performance in the spring, he might end up a regular.

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30. Daniel Dorn

OF, CIN (#140 overall)

Ah, Dorn. Sometimes the gods of baseball just make the names too good to be true.

While he's presently buried deep in the Reds system under some monster mashers like Joey Votto and Jay Bruce, Cal State's Danny Dorn is a respectable offensive prospect in his own right. 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 1.089 with the Lookouts.

Unless a shakeup reduces the number of big bats in the Reds outfield, Dorn's looking at another year or two in the minors. A couple of strategic trades or injuries, though, and he'll rise to the top of the Reds prospect board very quickly.

More Scouting Book Info on Daniel Dorn >

31. Michael Bourn

OF, HOU (#147 overall)

Since Philadelphia already had another burner in Shane Victorino, Bourn was deemed expendable and shipped back to his hometown Astros as part of the Brad Lidge deal. Bourn, who may be even faster than Victorino, batted .277 as a Phils rookie, stealing 18 bases in 19 tries.

While Bourn has played in more than 120 major league games for the Phillies in 2006 and 2007, he was used almost exclusively as a late-inning defensive sub or pinch runner, which means he freakishly remains under the 130ab limit for Major League Rookies.

He has little power and has not yet shown enough patience at the plate to reach base at a high clip, but the roster-depleted Astros will give him every chance to win and hold the everyday centerfield job in 2008 anyway. If he manages to get his OBP up to respectable levels, he could be among the league leaders in steals as a result of the extended playing time.

More Scouting Book Info on Michael Bourn >

32. Michael Saunders

OF, SEA (#155 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 2009's preseason, and could win the job outright by 2010.

More Scouting Book Info on Michael Saunders >

33. Nolan Reimold

OF, BAL (#156 overall)

Another power-hitting fielder from the factory that produced Nick 'Ak-ak' Markkakis, Beimold projects to be a similar major-leaguer in the next couple of years. While he could use a little more plate discipline, hitting around the .250 mark last year in a full high-A season, he makes good contact to all fields when he does connect (19 HRs and 75 RBIs.)

More Scouting Book Info on Nolan Reimold >

SB #156 | BA #91 | BP unranked | ML unranked | SN unranked | ES #39

34. Engel Beltre

OF, TEX (#166 overall)

Stolen from the Red Sox when the Rangers shipped Eric Gagne, Beltre is now one of the Rangers' best power prospects. Playing in rookie ball at 17, Beltre ate up opposing pitchers, homering nine times in only 209 at bats. He looked overmatched once promoted to Spokane (level A), however, with a small-sample line of .211/.250/.211. He's so young, though, that one can't read too much into his success or struggles just yet. His value comes from his raw toolset, which is substantial.

Beltre has a strong arm but only average range, making him a natural right-fielder. He has a smooth swing that might be a bit long, which means at higher levels, he may be vulnerable to tight fastballs or offspeed pitches away, but his power projects well and he has the right kind of attitude to keep learning and adjusting as he grows. He's a nice longshot slugger or deep keeper.

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SB #166 | BA n/a | BP #62 | ML unranked | SN unranked | ES #98

35. Kory Casto

OF, WAS (#172 overall)

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36. Drew Stubbs

OF, CIN (#181 overall)

One of the best young names in baseball, Mr. Stubbs is a potential five-tool player and one of many Cincy future-stars. It'll be awhile, but he should be delivering 100rbi seasons in GAB before the decade is over.

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37. Cedric Hunter

OF, SD (#190 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.

Though he's only 20 years old, Hunter should get a look-see from San Diego sometime in 2008, and he might be the Padres leadoff hitter as soon as 2009.

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38. Gorkys Hernandez

OF, ATL (#218 overall)

Atlanta might have more hard-hitting OF prospects than any team in baseball, so it's hard to figure out what they must have been thinking in acquiring another one in Hernandez. Still, Hernandez is a quality prospect who hit .293/.344/.371 with 54 steals for Single-A Michigan last season. He's fast and talented, with exceptional defensive range, but his arrival looks to be a few years away.

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SB #218 | BA #92 | BP #83 | ML unranked | SN unranked | ES #99

39. Ryan Kalish

OF, BOS (#221 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.

He has good patience at the plate and a bat that is fast to enter attack angle, if a bit light on power. His defense is adequate but not spectacular. He is still growing into his frame, so his power may develop, and if it does, he'll be worth serious consideration in late 2009 or 2010.

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SB #221 | BA #96 | BP #60 | ML unranked | SN unranked | ES unranked

40. Brett Gardner

OF, NYY (#230 overall)

Jackson and Tabata get all the press, but Brett Gardner might be the best of the Yankee outfield prospects when his entire game is considered, rather than just his bat. A prototypical leadoff hitter with plus speed and great range. He went all the way to AAA Scranton in 2007, hitting .289 overall with 39 steals 99 games. He could be the long-term centerfielder in New York soon.

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41. Javier Herrera

OF, OAK (#246 overall)

His top-flight prospect status delayed for a couple of years, Herrera still projects to be a starting outfielder in MLB someday soon. He doesn't have quite the power that he once projected, but he's a solid offensive-minded fielder with a plus arm, which should land him a corner outfield spot sooner or later.

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42. Nick Weglarz

OF, CLE (#254 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. His swing lacks the loft of a true power-hitter, though that may come soon as his large frame continues to fill out: last season, his most productive yet, he produced 24 long balls in 127 games as a 19 year old in A ball. 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 looks puts him firmly in the Kevin Youkilis camp for now.

More Scouting Book Info on Nick Weglarz >

43. Chris Parmelee

OF, MIN (#256 overall)

A combination OF-1B bat who will probably end up at DH, Parmelee is one of the best pure power hitters in the minor leagues. 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.

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44. Fernando Perez

OF, TB (#260 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 learning his way through baseball 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.

A natural center fielder with impossibly good range, Perez is an obvious leadoff candidate. He'll need a couple of years of work to reach his hitting potential, but he's already shown a proficiency for pitch recognition and baserunning that's years beyond his formal training. 'Mr Excitement' is currently holding his own at AA Montgomery. A dark horse, to be sure, but also a thoroughbred.

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45. Aaron Hicks

OF, MIN (#261 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 few years behind that curve. He needs more than a year or two of seasoning, as his skills haven't yet caught up to his raw ability, but the great Twins development machines should take care of that. He could be the best player on the Twins roster come 2013 or so.

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46. Eli Iorg

OF, HOU (#284 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.

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47. C. J. Henry

OF, NYY (#299 overall)

The Yankees No. 1 pick in the 2005 draft, Henry was sent to the Phillies as part of the Bobby Abreu trade, only to be released by the Phils last season. A high-school darling, the older Henry could only scrape together an anemic .184 while playing for single-A Lakewood last summer.

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