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 23 SS Prospects for 2008

Showing 1 to 23 of 23. Overall SB ranking for 2008 shown in parentheses.

1. Reid Brignac

SS, TB (#18 overall)

Brignac should be ready to play shortstop in Tampa sometime in 2008. While one has to be careful with the way Tampa manages their prospects (it seems that most of them stay in the minors until they're thirty), it's possible we'll see Brignac on opening day, especially now that Upton seems to have stuck as an outfielder.

More Scouting Book Info on Reid Brignac >

SB #18 | BA #39 | BP #25 | ML #32 | SN #33 | ES #49

2. Brandon Wood

SS, LAA (#39 overall)

As expected, the ever-patient Angels left their baby slugger smoldering at AAA for almost all of 2007.

He strikes out a bit too much, still, but when he connects it's worth your ticket price. His size and strength might encourage a move to a new position, but as long as the Angels get adequate defense from him, they'll be happy. With batting champ Howie Kendrick locked in at second base, his likely destination is third base or left field, should veterans Chone Figgins or Gary Matthews Jr. factor out of the LA plans in the future.

Independent of openings, he'll get a long look in 2008, but with the logjam of bats in the Angels lineup, it's hard to say whether he'll have a chance to stick unless trades or injuries clear a path for him.

More Scouting Book Info on Brandon Wood >

SB #39 | BA #16 | BP #38 | ML #19 | SN #18 | ES #34

3. Elvis Andrus

SS, TEX (#43 overall)

The mercurial Andrus has been confusing to watchers: on some days, he looked ready for the big leagues, as Brave-watchers were calling for him even before the team acquired Edgar Renteria. On other days, he looks like a one-trick pony, a slick fielder who looks overmatched by breaking balls.

Traded to Texas in the 2007 deal that brought Mark Teixeira to Atlanta, Andrus is showing a developing bat. If Elvis can ever put up consistent offensive numbers, he'll be an MLB fixture for decades.

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SB #43 | BA #19 | BP #58 | ML #38 | SN #36 | ES #31

4. Jed Lowrie

SS, BOS (#44 overall)

Lowrie is an bright, quick shortstop with a strong arm and decent range. While not the most acrobatic infielder, he is reliable enough. Some project him as a better second baseman, due to his only-adequate mobility, but the Sox love the kid's character and work ethic, so don't be surprised if he sticks at shortstop.

With above-average speed and decent gap power, he looks to be a contributor in the Youkilis-Pedroia mold that Sox cherish: a smart, disciplined switch-hitter who wears pitchers out by working deep into counts before cashing in on the inevitable mistakes.

If you don't see the Red Sox overpaying for an A-list shortstop this offseason, or if they take a veteran on a short-term rental, it means they're counting on Lowrie to fill the hole in the near future.

More Scouting Book Info on Jed Lowrie >

SB #44 | BA #73 | BP #57 | ML unranked | SN unranked | ES #55

5. Sean Rodriguez

SS, LAA (#70 overall)

With 29 homers last year in short season ball, S-Rod projects to be one of the next great power-hitting shortstops. If you have a deep keeper league, or you need some surprise pop at shortstop, give Rodriguez a shot: the Angels are likely to move him through the system quickly, and you can reap the benefits.

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6. Carlos Triunfel

SS, SEA (#75 overall)

Another in the endless parade of young hitters in the Mariners' system, Triunfel is intriguing because of his advanced batting development at an early age. While he lacks real power, he does have line-drive stroke and a mature ability to work to all fields.

A fiery competitor, no teenage shortstop has looked as close to big-league-ready since Hanley Ramirez. Due to Triunfel's plus arm and below-average speed, though, he might be better suited to third base or even right field, especially if his body continues to fill out.

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SB #75 | BA #62 | BP #55 | ML #48 | SN unranked | ES #18

7. Brent Lillibridge

SS, ATL (#79 overall)

Lillibridge, acquired in the Adam LaRoche for Mike Gonzalez trade, struggled in high A ball his first season, but seemed to focus in 2007, maybe because the departure of Elvis Andrus opened the way to a quicker major league future for the young player. A quality glove with good range and speed (he was 42-for-54 in steal attempts last year), he could actually play at almost any position from short to centerfield. This versatility may hurt him: if the Braves see high value in his major-league ready play-anywhere utility skill, he may be robbed of the AAA seasoning that his bat could sorely use.

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8. Alcides Escobar

SS, MLW (#87 overall)

Another strong Brewer infield prospect, Escobar shows plus speed and range, and has demonstrated a very strong throwing arm. His bat is also improving, and he looks to have a future as a solid impact hitter with leadoff speed. His base-stealing technique is unrefined, but he's learning quickly, and his development has been ahead of schedule.

He'll start 2008 at double or triple-A, but he's got a big league visit in his near future.

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9. Chris Nelson

SS, COL (#89 overall)

A power-hitting infielder whose development was hampered by Tommy John surgery, Nelson is back to mashing balls and eyeing the roster in Colorado.

Since he's blocked by phenom Troy Tulowitzki upstairs and by the rapidly-developing Hector Gomez from below, Nelson is a likely candidate to be moved to second base in the near future. If this happens, he'll become the Rockies best 2B prospect for the years to come.

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SB #89 | BA n/a | BP #80 | ML unranked | SN unranked | ES #77

10. Oscar Tejada

SS, BOS (#91 overall)

A toolsy infielder with good bat speed, Tejada is a high-quality prospect with no obvious path in the Boston system. A smart player with a good attitude for learning and development, he possesses the raw skills to play any position. In Boston, that means it's possible he may be moved to third base if he develops a bit more power. At his current projection, he's more of a 10-15 homer guy than a major longball threat.

More Scouting Book Info on Oscar Tejada >

11. Chin-Lung Hu

SS, LAD (#92 overall)

A gap-hitting middle infielder with good defensive skills and developing power, Hu looks to be a part of the Dodgers future, though perhaps not until 2009.

With Rafael Furcal entrenched at SS, and Jeff Kent returning to L.A. for at least one more season, there won't be a place for Hu to play this year. And that's too bad: His .319/.337/.508 line in short AAA action last year means he's worth a look somewhere. If the Dodgers don't want him on the bench, or are otherwise reluctant to start his major league payroll clock, he'll spend the year in the minors before getting a chance to audition September. He's a frequent trade target, so don't be surprised to see his name come up during June and July.

More Scouting Book Info on Chin-Lung Hu >

SB #92 | BA #55 | BP #32 | ML unranked | SN unranked | ES #50

12. Hector Gomez

SS, COL (#107 overall)

Gomez's development is pushing him into a competition with fellow Rockie prospect Chris Nelson for the title of most-promising SS in the system.

A fast runner with decent base-stealing ability, and a solid defender with a plus arm, Gomez remains held back only by his lack of plate discipline. If he can learn to tone down the strikeouts and stop trying to pull every pitch to deep left, he'll be a solid contributor somewhere down the line. With Tulo anchoring shortstop in Colorado for now, though, either Gomez or Nelson may need to move to 2B... or to another franchise... before they get a real shot.

More Scouting Book Info on Hector Gomez >

13. Gordon Beckham

SS, CHW (#144 overall)

The bigger Beckham doesn't have the sexy glove or sizzle of the smaller one, but he's got advanced baseball smarts and a sophisticated eye at the plate. A Kelly Johnson with more power or a Robinson Cano with a better glove? We're not sure, but we do expect to see him move to second or third base soon enough. It'll be fun watching to see which Beckham (no relation, by the way) makes the bigger splash when their time comes.

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14. Brent Brewer

SS, MLW (#167 overall)

The best overall athlete in the Milwaukee system, Brent Brewer turned down a football scholarship (wide receiver) for baseball when he was drafted by the Brewers in 2006's second round. He must have considered it fate.

Brewer is very young and strikes out way too much, but with plus power and plus-plus speed, Brewer could be a game-changer once he learns a little discipline Alcides Escobar is ahead of him on the chart right now, but that could change soon, especially if (as rumored), Brewer moves to center field.

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15. Tim Beckham

SS, TB (#179 overall)

A classic 'tools' player, the 18 year old junior Beckham was a safe pick for Tampa Bay at the top of the 2008 draft. While he's quite a few years from breaking into the big leagues, there's no place for him to break in quicker than Tampa Bay. There's some question about whether he'll stick at shortstop, but even if he moves to a less premium position to take over for Carl Crawford a few seasons from now, he's still a premium talent to watch.

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16. Eric Patterson

SS, CHC (#211 overall)

He might have been moved to the outfield by the time you read this, but it's important to know that the scrappy Patterson has been a hot shortstop prospect for some time. He combines good speed and defense with a high-average approach to hitting and developing power. His versatility is his strongest suit, but it might also portend a utility role, depending on how well the other Cubs prospects turn out at each position.

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17. Reese Havens

SS, NYM (#266 overall)

A successful shortstop in college whose range is a bit of a question in pro ball, South Carolina graduate David (Reese) Havens could make a heck of a second baseman for a future Mets infield that already includes two All Stars and the player picked just before him in the 2008 Draft, first baseman Ike Davis. A solid line drive hitter with plus plate discipline, Havens could be a long-term keystone for New York.

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18. Anthony Hewitt

SS, PHI (#268 overall)

A superstar high school shortstop whose future is likely in the outfield, Hewitt is a genuine five tool wunderkind who could electrify Philly fans... if he signs there. The shining future star is already committed to Vanderbilt, so he might not ever see the inside of a Phillies uniform. If he does, though, he'll be a good one in the Justin Upton mold.

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19. Andy Cannizaro

SS, TB (#274 overall)

While lost in the sea of Tampa prospects, Andy Cannizaro deserves a look as an up-and-coming middle infielder, even though he's of advanced age for a prospect.

His glove, one of the best in all the minors, is considered major-league ready, and his bat has been steadily improving: the .378 OBP he posted in 52 winter-ball games has the Rays front office talking about letting him compete for a starting job in 2008. If one of Tampa's super-IF prospects (Brignac or Longoria) can't cut it or gets hurt, Cannizaro might break out before either. A sleeper of the late-blooming variety.

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20. Tomohiro Nioka

SS, FA (#275 overall)

Nioka, a free agent soon after the 2007 season, is a slick fielding shortstop and quality hitter who may help many major league teams.

He is durable, has an impact bat, and is able to play 3B, SS, 2B, and OF. His power numbers, impressive in Japan, will not likely survive a Major League transition, but ten to fifteen homers is possible, and a lot of MLB teams would take that happily. At the very least, Nioka would be a great super-utility player for numerous teams.

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21. German Duran

SS, FA (#278 overall)

A versatile fielder who can perform well at second, third or short, German Duran also has reasonably pop in his bat. In 130 games at AA Frisco last season, he batted an even .300, with 22 homers and only 70 strikeouts.

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22. Casey Kelly

SS, BOS (#279 overall)

A big, strong shortstop (for now) with plus power and a cannon arm, high schooler Casey Kelly is already 6-3 and 200lbs, with more size and strength to come as he fills out. He's considering a football career, but if he decides to spare his knees from an early demise and commit to baseball full-time, he could end up being a long-term third base or right field solution for the Red Sox, who would dearly love a right-handed power bat to offset the looming loss of Manny Ramirez.

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23. Lonnie Chisenhall

SS, CLE (#282 overall)

Originally drafted out of high school by the Pirates, Chisenhall was chosen again three years later, this time by the Indians. While questions of character are going to dog Lonnie for years to come thanks to a college misunderstanding about a missing big-screen TV and Playstation 3, at least we know he's got game. He's also got bat: Chisenhall is a plus hitter with a short and sweet stroke and solid power to all fields. His position is up in the air, but wherever the Indians put him he's likely to produce. A bit of a sleeper to watch.

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