No need to explain this article outside the title.
Why 102? I was going to do 100, but when I was making the list, I found two extras worthy of the list, so, hey, 102.
Without further ado:
102. Michael Brantley, OF, Brewers (Huntsville)
Brantley has a career .400 OBP and runs well. He'll have nearly a full season's worth of AA-ball under his belt before his 21st birthday in May. A lack of power hinders his upside, but he could wind up being similar to Scott Podsednik, if not better.
101. Jeanmar Gomez, RHP, Indians (Kinston)
Gomez pitched well in Low-A as an 18-year-old, and is well ahead of the curve. He's got good command of power stuff.
100. Jeremy Jeffress, RHP, Brewers (Brevard County)
Jeffress' triple-digit heat draws Joel Zumaya comparisons, although like Zumaya he is starting in the minors. Drug problems have hurt him, and he is currently suspended, but the Brewers claim he is maturing.
99. Brandon Erbe, RHP, Orioles (Frederick)
Erbe destroyed two leagues from 2005 to 2006 before getting hit hard last year in the Carolina League. Expect a rebound given his youth and stuff.
98. Arnold Leon, RHP, Athletics (Stockton)
Leon already has AAA experience in the Mexican League, and being just 19, he is very advanced for his age. Some consider the short righty the biggest international signing of the offseason.
97. Angel Salome, C, Brewers (Huntsville)
"Pocket Pudge" can hit, throw, and made it to AA at 21. What's not to like?
96. Kellen Kulbacki, OF, Padres (Fort Wayne)
Call me a JMU fanboy all you want, but leading the NCAA in home runs as a sophomore is no small feat. The supplemental first-rounder tore up the NWL last year and his bat should carry him quickly.
95. Mike Stodolka, 1B, Royals (Omaha)
Stodolka was picked fourth overall in the 2000 draft...as a pitcher. The infield answer to Rick Ankiel, Stodolka has a high-average bat with good power.
94. Lars Anderson, 1B, Red Sox (Lancaster)
Anderson draws Travis Hafner comparisons due to his high-average, high-power bat, and nonexistent defense. The Cal League will be a big test to see if the 20-year-old can tap into his power.
93. Chris Carter, 1B/LF, Red Sox (Pawtucket)
A major-league caliber bat right now, Carter would be an upgrade on Sean Casey for the Red Sox, making Casey's signing quite enigmatic. Carter's is a bit of a klutz on 'D,' but he plays two positions and could bat third if he played for the Giants.
92. Anthony Swarzak, RHP, Twins (New Britain)
Swarzak has above-average command of above-average stuff, and projects as a fairly generic No. 3 starter.
91. Steve Garrison, LHP, Padres (San Antonio)
One of the better finesse lefties around, Garrison is on the brink of AAA at 21.
90. Michael Madsen, RHP, Athletics (Midland)
Scouts can rant about short righties all they want, but Madsen's 2007 was the biggest and most overlooked turnaround in the minors. Few pitchers throw better curves.
89. Logan Morrison, 1B, Marlins (Jupiter)
Morrison broke out last year with 24 homers, and is now a 20-year-old in High-A. Some project him to be a .300/.380/.525 hitter, and he's a plus defender at first.
88. Jesus Montero, C, Yankees (Charleston)
Montero has extreme power, but questions about his defense and contact keep him from being ranked higher with such a limited career resume.
87. Michael Burgess, OF, Nationals (Hagerstown)
Burgess is a fantastic hitter in both the contact and power departments, and could be another exciting addition to a powerful Nationals lineup in three years.
86. Sean Doolittle, 1B, Athletics (Stockton)
A great defensive first baseman with a high batting average, Doolittle is Daric Barton with a little less patience. Like Barton, Doolittle's ultimate value will be determined by the growth of his power.
85. Jordan Brown, 1B/OF, Indians (Buffalo)
Brown won the Carolina League MVP in 2005 and the Eastern League MVP in '06. He projects as a .300 hitter with 40 doubles and 20 homers annually. He may displace Ryan Garko soon, or move into one of Progressive Field's outfield corners.
84. Ryan Tucker, RHP, Marlins (Carolina)
The Marlins have a number of good pitching prospects, and Tucker throws harder than any of them. His secondary stuff is just okay, however, leading many to project him as a closer down the line.
83. Jermaine Mitchell, OF, Athletics (Stockton)
This athletic center fielder has the real five-tool skill set. He has good patience at the plate, and there are clear signs he is making the cliched transition from athlete to baseball player.
82. Aneury Rodriguez, RHP, Rockies (Modesto)
Yeah, bet you weren't expecting him to make the list. Rodriguez K'd over a batter per inning last year in Low-A as a 19-year-old, and showed good command along the way. He's got three plus pitches and is advanced for his age.
81. Nick Adenhart, RHP, Angels (Salt Lake)
Adenhart is just 21, but has already demonstrated proficiency in the high minors with his low-90's fastball and solid breaking pitch. His ceiling is probably No. 3, but he isn't far from getting there.
80. Eric Young Jr., 2B, Rockies (Tulsa)
Young has absolute off-the-charts speed, but he also has a solid approach at the plate. Along with Jose Reyes, Young may soon help "bring back the stolen base." His approach and defense makes him way more valuable than Juan Pierre.
79. Madison Bumgarner, LHP, Giants (Augusta)
Bumgarner is making his pro debut this year, but he's an 18-year-old lefty with a 97-mph fastball. Enough said.
78. Nate Gold, 1B, Rangers (Oklahoma City)
Laugh all you want at this one. Owner of 123 homers in his minor league career, including 60 the past two years, Gold has nothing left to prove in Triple-A. Here's hoping he isn't mishandled like Scott McClain (What is that now, 10 McClain references in 18 articles?).
77. Josh Outman, LHP, Phillies (Reading)
Aside from having the most marketable name of any pitcher in history, Outman's got a solid three-pitch arsenal, led by a mid-90's heater. He could be up quickly if Kyle Kendrick, Adam Eaton, or Kris Benson falter.
76. Tim Alderson, RHP, Giants (San Jose)
Alderson is a 6-8 righty with impeccable command of a high-90's fastball. Like Bumgarner, yeah, he's making his pro debut, but just that one sentence is enough to rank him here.
75. Fautino De Los Santos, RHP, Athletics (Stockton)
I'm not as high on De Los Santos as most, despite my love for the A's. However, his stuff (high-90's heat with a good curve and slider) is undeniably good. I'm skeptical of his ability to harness that, but it's just a hunch.
74. Chorye Spoone, RHP, Orioles (Bowie)
Spoone won't wow you with anything except creative ways to spell "Cory," but if there's anyone in the minors who profiles as a workhorse, it's him. Think Jeff Suppan, maybe even a tick better.
73. Chris Carter, 1B, Athletics (Stockton)
Carter's jaw-dropping raw power elicits Wily Mo Pena comparisons, but unlike Pena, he has a decent grasp of the zone and takes a good amount of walks. Scouts are widely divided on his contact projections, so he could be anything from Richie Sexson to Ryan Howard. Either way, he can't play defense, but he sure can crush the ball.
72. Kyle Blanks, 1B, Padres (San Antonio)
The heaviest prospect on this list, Kyle Blanks certainly does not look good in jeans. However, the 310-pounder is actually a good basestealer, and plays a great first base. He also has the power you'd expect from someone his size, and had a .920 OPS in High-A last year at age 20. The upside here is Prince Fielder.
71. Desmond Jennings, OF, Rays (Columbus)
Jennings, like Jermaine Mitchell, was working on that "athlete to baseball player" transition last year, and he is both further along and younger than Mitchell. It's scary how many good prospects the A's and Rays have.
70. Brett Sinkbeil, RHP, Marlins (Carolina)
Guess what his best pitch is? The name says it all. Sinkbeil, like Ryan Tucker, could eventually end up in the 'pen, but he's going to be a successful power groundballer in some role.
69. Gerardo Parra, OF, Diamondbacks (Visalia)
Parra has elicited Carlos Beltran comparisons because of his sweet swing, contact, speed, and defense. The development of his power will dictate how far he goes beyond a David DeJesus-type player.
68. Omar Poveda, RHP, Rangers (Bakersfield)
One of the "sleeper prospects" on this list, Poveda is a big 20-year-old who dominated Low-A last year. He throws a low-90's fastball and good curve, but his great changeup sets him apart.
67. Lucas May, C, Dodgers (Jacksonville)
May is possibly the best power-hitting catcher in the minors. He also owns a strong arm. The development of his receiving skills and batting eye will dictate how far he gets. Think Kelly Shoppach.
66. Jarrod Parker, RHP, Diamondbacks (South Bend)
Parker's small size, compact delivery, and triple-digit heat elicit Rich Harden comparisons. Parker only has one good secondary pitch to Harden's four, and he is making his pro debut this year, but he could move fast and replace Randy Johnson soon. A Webb-Haren-Scherzer-Parker-Owings rotation...wow.
65. Jon Niese, LHP, Mets (Binghamton)
This 21-year-old finesse lefty has succeeded at High-A and projects as a solid No. 3.
64. Dexter Fowler, OF, Rockies (Tulsa)
Fowler is more toolbox than finished product right now, but the unfinished product produced a .397 OBP in High-A at age 21. It's scary to think where Fowler could wind up. He may already be better than Willy Taveras.
63. Jeremy Hellickson, RHP, Rays (Vero Beach)
Hellickson just turned 21, but he's nearing readiness for AA-ball. He isn't eye-popping, but he just has the generic combination of good stuff and good command. Given how young he is, he could yet improve and wind up a No. 2 someday, although not in the future Tampa rotation.
Today's Must Reads
62. Chris Nelson, SS, Rockies (Tulsa)
Formerly viewed as a draft bust, Nelson finally showed major signs of life in Modesto in 2007, delivering on his promise as a former top-10 overall pick. Nelson is a decent glove at short who only needs more consistency to be an asset there. He also has a well-rounded offensive game.
61. Carlos Carrasco, RHP, Phillies (Reading)
A righty with three plus pitches, the best of which is a changeup, Carrasco has moved fast and should see a September look.
60. Daniel Cortes, RHP, Royals (Northwest Arkansas)
Cortes has a nice fastball-curveball combo, and pitched well in High-A in 2007 as a 20-year-old. Adding a changeup will be essential.
59. Michael Bowden, RHP, Red Sox (Portland)
Anyone who pitches well in Double-A at age 20 deserves serious notice, and that's just what Bowden did last year. His fastball-curve combo rates highly, and if his slider takes off, he could get into the fringes of the Red Sox rotation discussion.
58. Chuck Lofgren, LHP, Indians (Akron)
Lofgren throws a mid-90's fastball and two out-pitch quality breaking balls. His command needs some work, but he's got plenty of time to figure it out. Expect him in an Indians uniform in September.
57. Deolis Guerra, RHP, Twins (Fort Myers)
The most valuable commodity acquired in the Santana deal, Guerra is actually similar in that he throws a mid-90's fastball and excellent changeup. His command, curve, and maturity have a long way to go, but at his age, that's fine.
56. Reid Brignac, SS, Rays (Durham)
Brignac is somewhat overhyped due to a monster 2006, but any shortstop who can hit 25 homers from the left side of the plate has tremendous value in today's game. Think of him as Chase Utley Lite on offense, except at short.
55. Sean Rodriguez, SS, Angels (Salt Lake)
This list will be outdated at 3:35 p.m. today, when Rodriguez dons an Angels uniform for the first time. Rodriguez is similar to Brignac, except he is a righthanded hitter who isn't as good at defense. Why is he ranked higher? Brignac's ceiling is a bit higher, but Rodriguez has always been more consistent at the plate, and thus has a better chance of reaching his ceiling.
54. Aaron Poreda, LHP, White Sox (Winston-Salem)
Lefty. Throws 100. Any questions? (If there are, look at his numbers).
53. Lou Marson, C, Phillies (Reading)
One of the top backstops in the minors, Marson has shown aplomb both at the plate and behind it, and has reached Double-A at 21. Marson should be a .290/.360/.420 hitter with Gold-Glove caliber defense, and that's real value, especially in the NL.
52. Jason Heyward, OF, Braves (Rome)
One of the never-ending string of Braves draftees from Georgia, Heyward is one of the toolsiest players out there. He only sits this low because his pro experience is a grand total of twelve games.
51. Henry Alberto Rodriguez, RHP, Athletics (Midland)
Rodriguez started the year with Stockton, but as of today he's apparently been called up. He can hit triple digits on the radar gun. He also has a good changeup, which is rare for a 21-year-old Venezuelan. Rodriguez continues to improve his control, and gets high marks for coachability. If he really is in Double-A, he's definitely on the fast track.
50. Maximiliano Ramirez, C, Rangers (Frisco)
A .923 OPS in High-A from a 22-year-old backstop gets noticed. Ramirez isn't tremendous defensively, but it doesn't matter. He can play third or first as well. Victor Martinez is a good comparison.
49. Justin Masterson, RHP, Red Sox (Portland)
The big sinkerballer is primed to be a workhorse in the big leagues pretty soon. Think Derek Lowe.
48. Will Inman, RHP, Padres (San Antonio)
Inman isn't a dazzler with stuff, but his three average pitches keep leaving batters shaking their heads. Owner of 373 career Ks and a 2.53 ERA in 317 minor league innings, Inman, acquired in the Scott Linebrink deal, is in the upper echelon of short righty "performance prospects."
47. Aaron Thompson, LHP, Marlins (Carolina)
Two homers allowed in 115 innings last year. When a lefty with good stuff puts up something like that, it deserves notice. He's flown a bit under the radar, but he just might front a rotation someday.
46. Kasey Kiker, LHP, Rangers (Bakersfield)
A diminutive lefty, Kiker's size belies his stuff. He throws gas and backs it up with a big curveball. A former 12th overall pick, he hasn't disappointed yet, and, if he can stay healthy, he could be a really good one.
45. Sergio Romo, RHP, Giants (Connecticut)
Get a load of that K rate last year! Romo is the only relief pitcher on this list. He isn't the typical fastball-slider reliever; instead, he throws about every pitch that exists from every arm angle that exists. For a performance prospect, he isn't lacking in velocity, as his fastball can hit 93 mph. Think Dice-K moved to relief.
44. Jeff Natale, 2B, Red Sox (Pawtucket)
Oooooh and aaaaaaah all you want, this is my list. Natale's K/BB ratio is in Barry Bonds territory, and he backs it up with great contact rates. Sure, he's got bad range, but Derek Jeter's had a career, hasn't he? Natale is Jeter, placed at second, given less power but much fewer Ks. There isn't much room in Boston with Pedroia ingrained, but I actually rate Natale over Jed Lowrie; moving Pedroia to short so Natale can play 2B isn't really the worst idea ever.
43. Jeff Larish, 1B, Tigers (Toledo)
That's right, a Tigers prospect not named Porcello made the list. Natale has a bizarre stance at the plate, but it works for him, and his power-and-patience combo project as good enough for a first baseman. He also has a lower K rate than most TTO guys.
42. Adrian Cardenas, 2B, Phillies (Clearwater)
Cardenas is a line-drive hitter who projects to clear more fences as time goes on. Very advanced for age 20, there's a good chance he could end the year at Reading or even Lehigh Valley. He may ultimately slide to third base and supplant Pedro Feliz in 2009 or 2010.
41. Brooks Conrad, 2B, Athletics (Sacramento)
I'm starting to wonder who I advertize more in my articles: Conrad or Scott McClain. I'll just give you my standard quote: "Conrad led the entire minor leagues in extra-base hits in 2006. In AAA. In a severe pitcher's park. He can play seven positions and switch-hits. That's the kind of player you build a team around, not let rot in AAA." I've said that to seriously everyone I've ever met who cares about baseball. It may not be enough to give the deserving 27-year-old a major league PA, but it isn't going to make me stop trying.
40. Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Athletics (Sacramento)
Yeah, that's right, Gonzalez rates right above Brooks Conrad. For all the talk of tools, Gonzalez rates as plus everywhere, but his only plus-plus tool is his arm. That doesn't sound all that elite to me. It sounds like Jose Guillen; unfortunately, Guillen's attitude problems seem to apply to Gonzalez as well, as scouts frequently question his work ethic. Either way, it's not like Guillen isn't useful; I'm just saying, temper your expectations on this guy.
39. Elvis Andrus, SS, Rangers (Frisco)
Any teenager in Double-A gets my attention. Andrus, however, isn't ranked all that highly because his bat is all batting average. He seems destined for a bottom-of-the-order bat to go with his good glove. Still, he's so young and accomplished that you can't rule out a breakout at the plate at some point.
38. Andrew McCutchen, CF, Pirates (Indianapolis)
McCutchen is a toolsy, athletic player, but he has smarts to go along with his tools. He could stand to walk more, but his K rate is perfectly manageable given the rest of his plate production. A true five-tool player, McCutchen should soon dispose of the fourth-outfielder types the Pirates have recently been playing in center and push this team up from the cellar.
37. Chris Volstad, RHP, Marlins (Carolina)
A power groundballer with a deep repertoire and huge frame, Volstad evokes Aarong Harang comparisons. They may well be warranted. He is the best of the Marlins young arms.
36. Greg Reynolds, RHP, Rockies (Colorado Springs)
The No. 2 pick of the 2006 draft has advanced quickly despite injuries. His groundball stuff is perfectly suited for Coors field. Think of him as a much bigger version of Tim Hudson.
35. Landon Powell, C, Athletics (Sacramento)
Another underrated prospect, Powell may have the best throwing arm in the minors, and his contact, power, and discipline all rate well-above-average. Why is he underrated? Problems staying in shape often leave Powell closer to 285 pounds than his listed 245, and two severe knee injuries have held him back. He's a switch-hitter with All-Star potential if he stays healthy and in shape.
34. Daniel Moskos, LHP, Pirates (Lynchburg)
Sign No. 72 That Neal Huntington Is A Better GM Than Dave Littlefield: Moskos will be developed as a starter. His wipeout slider is already one of the best in the game, and he throws in the mid-to-upper-90's as well. If some of Pittsburgh's better prospects pan out, this team could contend more easily than you would think in 2010.
33. Engel Beltre, OF, Rangers (Clinton)
When scouts compare you to Barry Bonds, that's a good thing. Sure, Beltre is nowhere near his ceiling, but the kid is less than three months older than me; give him a break. It's tough to say what he'll become, but he's gonna be a good one.
32. Neftali Feliz, RHP, Rangers (Clinton)
Feliz is a bit further along than Beltre is, and has true ace potential. Fastballs don't come much better than his, sitting at 97 with a ton of movement. And he's just 19. Where did the Rangers come up with all these prospects? As an A's fan, I'm beginning to get a bit scared. Oh wait, we have tons of our own...
31. Josh Vitters, 3B, Cubs (Peoria)
The No. 3 overall pick in last year's draft, Vitters could be the next Evan Longoria. With so little of a track record, it's tough to rank him higher than this, especially given numerous defensive concerns.
30. Jesse English, LHP, Giants (San Jose)
Don't you love shock value? That's right, I'm ranking Jesse English -- whom Baseball America didn't rank in the Giants' top 30 prospects -- number 30 overall. Take a look at his minor league numbers, especially the strikeout rate, and you'll see why. English has had injury issues, but is now healthy and throwing harder and better than ever. He has been moved out of the bullpen and into the rotation, and the incredible movement on all of his pitches should make him keep his effectiveness as he climbs the ladder.
29. Greg Golson, OF, Phillies (Reading)
Look up "tools" in the dictionary, and you'll see Golson's picture. More than anyone else in baseball, Golson is an athlete. He has jaw-dropping raw power, an absolutely ridiculous throwing arm, and true game-changing speed. I'll bet he could jump over a car. Unfortunately, Golson's swing and plate discipline are completely unrefined, and the transition from athlete to baseball player, while underway, is certainly not too far along.
28. Tommy Hanson, RHP, Braves (Myrtle Beach)
Hanson was already pretty tough to hit coming into the year, with a mid-90's fastball and hammer curve. Throw in that he hasn't allowed a run in four starts, and he begins to look like an ace.
27. Chris Marrero, 1B/OF, Nationals (Potomac)
Marrero is a pure hitter. He can pull a pitch 450 feet or go the opposite way for a single. He isn't much of a defender, but hitters like this don't come often.
26. Corey Brown, OF, Athletics (Kane County)
A five-tool guy who's more about hitting than defense, Brown evokes some Nick Swisher comparisons in that he can play all three outfield positions while hitting for good power. Like Swisher, Brown will strike out a lot, and he doesn't walk as much, so he'll need more contact to be of as much use.
25. Austin Jackson, OF, Yankees (Trenton)
Jackson is a speedy CF with gap power and good contact. He projects as a .320/.380/.450 center fielder with plus defense and 40 steals per year. He's been young for his levels and has a chance of playing in old Yankee Stadium.
24. Jay Bruce, OF, Reds (Louisville)
Well, that'll get your attention. No, Bruce is not the number one prospect in baseball. Like Carlos Gonzalez, Bruce has a good amount of all five tools, but they all rate 60-65 on the 20-80 scale, which adds up to a good starting right fielder, not the best player in baseball. He'll be good, but he won't have a Hall of Fame career. Maybe Bobby Abreu with half the walks.
23. Matt LaPorta, OF, Brewers (Huntsville)
A true impact bat, LaPorta is starting his first full season in Double-A because he's so advanced. His hitting skills are similar to Chris Marrero's, only more advanced. Like Marreo, LaPorta isn't much of a defender, but with Prince Fielder at first and Ryan Braun in left, he's going to have to play right.
22. Ryan Royster, OF, Rays (Vero Beach)
Royster had an insane year at Low-A last year, but often gets overlooked in a deep Rays system. Don't make that mistake. Royster's got great natural hitting skills combined with plus-plus raw power, and his speed and defense make him a better prospect than LaPorta.
21. David Price, LHP, Rays (Vero Beach)
Last year's No. 1 overall pick checks in at No. 21 for now, and is ranked third on this list from players of the most recent draft class. Price throws in the mid-90's with a great slider and average changeup that hitters have to watch out for. He could be in Tampa very quickly, but, with no track record, I can't rank him much higher than this.
20. Chris Tillman, RHP, Orioles (Bowie)
Acquired as the "prime prospect" in the Erik Bedard trade, Tillman is the real deal: a 6-6 righty with two plus pitches who just turned 20 while pitching in AA. He draws comparisons to Phil Hughes, but hasn't gotten as much notice, probably because of the smaller market. If he continues his progress, he'll be ranked even higher than this.
19. Max Scherzer, RHP, Diamondbacks (Tucson)
Say what you want about Scherzer throwing too many fastballs; he's gotten to AAA and hasn't gotten hurt by it yet, so at this point you have to give him the benefit of the doubt. Mike Pelfrey provides some bad precedent, but was rushed more. Scherzer will likely make an already good pitching staff even better, no matter his role. The upside here is Fausto Carmona, and we don't even know what Carmona's upside is.
18. Adam Miller, RHP, Indians (Buffalo)
Injuries...Here's a guy who could close in the majors right now. Miller's heat sits at 97 as a starter, and he throws a great slider to back it up. If he could just stay healthy, he could contribute in the majors right now. Whether he starts or closes, he's going to really be something if he avoids the DL.
17. Matt Antonelli, 2B, Padres (Portland)
Antonelli was drafted as a third baseman who hit like a second baseman; now, he's morphed into a second baseman who hits like a third baseman. Batting titles are possible, and 25 homers might be attainable, even at Petco.
16. Mike Moustakas, SS, Royals (Burlington)
Picked No. 2 in the 2007 draft, Moustakas is one of the best high school hitters in recent memory. Questions abound as far as his eventual position (SS, 2B, 3B, or C) but it's not like he's on the left side of the defensive spectrum. Think Chase Utley.
15. Chris Davis, 3B, Rangers (Frisco)
Thirty-six homers between High-A and AA at age 21 is pretty amazing. Davis is merely adequate at third, but Baseball Prospectus called him "the likeliest bet in the minors to hit 40 homers." High praise indeed.
14. Trevor Cahill, RHP, Athletics (Stockton)
See the Hanson comment and increase the 2007 performance a bit, and you have Cahill. Amazingly, he's just the third-best pitcher in the system.
13. Rick Porcello, RHP, Tigers (Lakeland)
Touted as "the best HS arm since Josh Beckett," Porcello is clearly on the fast track to help Detroit. He and Larish are the only two real prospects they have, but Porcello can make up for it all if he meets his ceiling.
12. Travis Snider, OF, Blue Jays (Dunedin)
Snider isn't quite the top-10 prospect he's made out to be, but he's pretty close. He resembles Matt Stairs, and has a similar advanced feel for hitting, both for contact and for power. Snider is still very young and should be in Double-A before the end of the year. His ETA is September '09 and he could finally be the true No. 3 hitter the Jays need.
11. Wade Davis, RHP, Rays (Montgomery)
Davis, like so many other pitchers on this list, has a great fastball and curve; he ranks higher because he's done just a bit more with them so far.
10. Jake McGee, LHP, Rays (Montgomery)
McGee has three plus pitches to Davis' two, and he's a lefty who throws in the upper-90's, so he rates slightly higher. Davis, McGee, Price, Hellickson, Royster, Jennings, Scott Kazmir, Evan Longoria, James Shields, Andy Sonnanstine, Edwin Jackson, B.J. Upton, Carl Crawford, Carlos Pena...ARE YOU SEEING THIS?
9. Jose Tabata, OF, Yankees (Trenton)
Tabata is just 19 and is comfortably established in Double-A. Scouts believe he will develop a ton of power, but it hasn't happened yet. Still, Tabata should have enough pop in his bat in two years that he'll be ready to take over for Bobby Abreu. His development will be something to watch.
8. Fernando Martinez, OF, Mets (Binghamton)
Martinez is often compared to Tabata, and they're similar players. Martinez is ranked higher simply because he's got a bit more AA time under his belt and is therefore a bit more well-known of a commodity. Like Tabata, Martinez needs more power but has time to develop it. Unlike Tabata, Martinez can play center if needed.
7. Matt Wieters, C, Orioles (Frederick)
The highest-ranking 2007 draftee on this list, Wieters is a Colt Morton-sized catcher who is as great at the plate as he is behind it. If Joe Mauer switch-hit and had more power, he'd be Wieters.
6. Brett Anderson, LHP, Athletics (Stockton)
The most polished high school lefty that anyone can remember, Anderson throws a 90-mph fastball and complements it with a great curve-slider-change-combo. He has "next Tom Glavine" written all over him.
5. Gio Gonzalez, LHP, Athletics (Sacramento)
Gonzalez throws in the low-to-mid-90's with an absolutely ridiculous curve. Think Erik Bedard, or think Barry Zito with an extra seven mph of giddy-up. Watch out.
4. Carlos Triunfel, SS, Mariners (High Desert)
Triunfel hit .288/.333/.356 in High-A last year. Not impressed? He plays short. Still not impressed? How about this: he was born 35 days after me. Scouts think he'll develop a ton of power, so he should be fine. He falls from first to fourth, though, due to his slow start this year and whispers about his age.
3. Colby Rasmus, OF, Cardinals (Memphis)
See, Rasmus, not Bruce, is the NL Central outfielder everyone should get worked up about. Think Grady Sizemore with even more power.
2. Clayton Kershaw, LHP, Dodgers (Jacksonville)
Having made an awfully strong case for a big-league job at 19 in spring training, Kershaw's ceiling appears to be unlimited. Three plus-plus pitches to go with plus command tends to do that. And he's a lefty. Let's see Colletti screw this one up.
1. Angel Villalona, 3B, Giants (Augusta)
Talk about the sky being the limit. Villalona might hit 74 homers someday; that's the kind of power he has. Without steroids. It's all a mystery for a player who's over half a year younger than I am, but if Lincecum is still around by the time Villalona gets up to the Bay Area, the Giants might contend again.
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4 months ago
Good work. I didn't know H-Rod got promoted already. That's good news. I guess a 23:5 K:BB ratio in 17 innings will do that.
As a Giants hater I hate seeing Villalona projecting to be so good :(
from 4 months ago
I just happened to see that this morning. Until he actually pitches a game there, we won't know if it's right...
Villalona, according to BP has "the highest ceiling of any hitter since A-Rod." However, he's nowhere near reaching it, so we'll have plenty of time to dominate the Bay Area. The Giants have two really unheralded guys in Romo and English, and they've got Bumgarner and Alderson as well, so their pitching could get really good soon. And then if Villalona comes up, maybe he winds up like Bonds, just carrying the offense while the pitching does its thing.
The thing with Villalona is that he could easily suck, and make me look like an idiot. But hey, it's the risk you take.
from 4 months ago
Damn highest since A-Rod? That's crazy. But wasn't A-Rod MLB ready at like age 18. A-Rod didn't really have a "ceiling" because he was just dominant at every level and went to the majors his first year of proball. Eitherway, I'd hate for the Giants to have the next A-Rod.
haha, I was gonna ask where Andy LaRoche was, because I knew you aren't very high on him, then I remembered he already tasted the big leagues. lol
from 4 months ago
Villalona, being an international signing, is far less polished than A-Rod was at the same age. But he literally could be Ryan Howard from the right side with fewer Ks and even more power.
The actual quote is "The sky is the limit like it's been for no other prospect perhaps since Alex Rodriguez was drafted."
Villalona's bat is A-Rod caliber, but the rest of his tools aren't, so he may not be that good. But he's gonna be one hell of a hitter. If he pans out, you won't miss the Steroid Era.
Ahh yes...LaRoche. He's just going to be a righty version of Mike Lamb; a .300 hitter with modest patience and gap power who doesn't hit quite enough to be an asset at third. Oh, did I mention that his personality gets compared to Jeff Kent's? Ugh.
4 months ago
Wow, as a Giants fan this list makes me feel a whole lot better about the future of the team. I mean I knew Villalona was good, as distant as his arrival in SF is, but number one on the list? That's just something us offense-starved Giants fans aren't used to seeing.
from 4 months ago
It's an upside thing; if I had to rank these prospects based on where they are right now, Villalona's nowhere near the top. English and Romo are perhaps the two most underrated prospects in the minors, and then you've got the two blue-chippers in Alderson and Bumgarner.
Sabean will find a way to mess it up; don't worry. And notice that aside from Villalona, there aren't any Giants hitters on the list, and if I made a top 500 there wouldn't be any more.
from 4 months ago
Offense-starved? Barry Bonds?
from 4 months ago
Offense-starved as in the farm system not being able to produce one above average hitter since Matt Williams, and as in the major league starting lineup this year (Bengie Molina hitting cleanup??). See what I mean?
from 4 months ago
Well, you have Brett Harper and Scott McClain in AAA ball, and they're both much better than Molina. Not that Sabean will get a clue and bring them up, but hey...
And don't forget Pedro Feliz and the immortal Damon Minor! They've come up since Williams.
4 months ago
JAY BRUCE IS IN THE MAJORS RIGHT NOW and how is he #24, Laporta #23 and Price #21?
r u crazy
from 4 months ago
Bruce is still in AAA dude. I'm going to take a lot of heat for that ranking, but you saw my analysis; you don't have to agree.
LaPorta can't play defense at all, and he's going to need to in the NL, so that hurts him. I actually have him ranked higher than most experts; he's a consensus mid-30s prospect it seems.
I need to see Price and LaPorta get more pro experience; being ranked in the high 20s with no pro experience is pretty damn good.
4 months ago
I'm not drooling over Bruce, either, Nathaniel, though I would still keep him in the top-10.
From reading the article, it sounds like guys like Brandon Wood don't qualify? If he did, where would you slate him?
Did you consider Tampa Bay reliever Eduardo Morlan? He may be better than Romo. I'd also consider Scherzer more of a relief prospect for now, and maybe McGee, too, considering the Rays' starting depth and relief need.
Like I said in the edits, ranking Rodriguez ahead of Brignac because of a perceived better chance of reaching his potential (which I disagree with because Rodriguez also struggled in 2007) contradicts putting Tabata, Fernando Martinez and especially 17-year-old Villalona ahead of Bruce. Bruce is way more sure to reach his potential than any of those guys, and his ceiling isn't much lower, either.
I think Carrasco, Parker, Adehart and Lars Anderson could all stand to move up a tad.
All in all, though, great read.
from 4 months ago
*Adenhart (whoops)
Also, one thing I meant to mention: It's fine to pimp your niche guys like Brooks Conrad, but guys like that remain in the minors for a reason, so don't put a Conrad ahead of guys that even you would never trade to get him. Would you trade Jarrod Parker to get Brooks Conrad? Brignac? It might help to look at it that way.
Nonetheless, you achieved your goal of opening someone's eyes to Conrad, and I do agree upon closer inspection that he's intriguing enough to earn more of a shot. His contact is frightening, though.
from 4 months ago
Yeah, Wood doesn't qualify. If I made an exception for him and only him, he'd be...oooh, tough one. 10-15.
You know, I never realized Morlan was that good. I'm not going to change this list, but thanks for bringing him up; I'll keep him on my radar. I still like Romo a bit better, and as a rule I don't like putting relievers on these lists (notice no Chris Perez).
Scherzer and McGee both start right now, so that's where they're both ranked.
The reason why Villalona is ranked higher than some of the other guys is because first of all, he's younger than them, and secondly, we have at least that half-season of data, as well as scouts' reports of how he looked during that half season. With some of the others we don't have that.
I viewed Rodriguez as having a 5% lower ceiling than Brignac and a 10% better chance of reaching it. Every case varies, and the fact that I ranked, for example, Greg Golson high is because his ceiling is one of the top 5 of minor league hitters. Just because I don't expound on exact differences in ceilings and likelihood of reaching them doesn't mean my reasoning doesn't hold. The fact that Tabata and Martinez were so advanced is a big mitigating factor as well. Being young for your level is huge for a prospect in my eyes--that's why you see Triunfel, Villalona, Tabata, and Martinez up there.
Honestly I'm not high on Anderson. I don't see him leveraging his supposed "tremendous raw power." Jarrod Parker I'm not sold on. Adenhart maybe. Carrasco looks like a 3rd starter.
Remember, I threw this list together quickly. When compiling something like this, you can't take a whole lot of time (esp. if you're doing it during the season) because things change almost instantaneously, with injuries, promotions, struggles, surges, and what not. So I put this together in a few hours to get that kind of "snapshot" effect.
Would I trade Parker for Conrad? No, but the reason for that is because their perceived values are much different. I know that if I have Parker, I can get much more than Conrad back for him. If everyone perceived values the way I did, and I needed a 2B, and I was playing to win now, I might, to be honest. And don't worry about his 2007; he didn't have contact problems the rest of his career.
To be honest, I would rather have Chris Carter than Lars Anderson, but it's close.
Thanks for your feedback though. I had a feeling I'd be hearing some of these when I wrote this. It's good to see someone has command of their minor league knowledge.
from 4 months ago
Oh, by the way, since you're a Sox fan, Tim, is it just me or does Conrad have a STRIKING resemblance to Mark Bellhorn? I mean, right down to the not getting much of a look until his late twenties. Bellhorn was a No. 2 hitter for a World Series team, and I fully believe Conrad can do the same. I also believe Conrad can do that RIGHT NOW, whereas someone like Parker takes a ton of projection and waiting. Parker could get hurt, and he could wind up the next Colt Griffin (if you have ANY idea who that is; they have similar pre-draft stories anyway).
More than anyone on this list (with the possible exception of Nate Gold) Conrad is guaranteed to meet his projection. Parker is probably the least likely of all the pitchers listed. It's just my take.
By the way, as long as we're talking about "niche guys;" what do you think of me putting English so high? The guy's numbers speak for themselves, and he's a big lefty who throws 93 with on OK curve and a lights-out changeup with a deceptive delivery. Does that sound a lot like Cole Hamels to you? What am I missing?
from 4 months ago
I definitely see the comparison, and I agree he could probably do it right away. My guess is he's streaky, though, so he'd need to get off to a good start to hold onto playing time. If Cust gets cleanup at-bats, they've got to be willing to try him out sometime.
English seems to have finally learned to harness his stuff, and the fact he's getting starts again is interesting. I consider him one of your niche guys that I mentioned in my critique of going a step too far in bolstering their ranking to display their worth as there are still plenty of questions, but he's a guy I'm persuaded to think has a better chance of proving he's worth more than some of the guys behind him on the list than the examples I mentioned.
How about Phillipe Aumont so far? A 6-7 righty who can hit 97 opening his pro career with 8.2 scoreless innings, 11ks and 3bbs? I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do with longer outings, facing the same batters a second and third time.
4 months ago
I want to have something to complain about here, but I really can't. There are some guys that seem too high or too low, but I guess its not a big deal. I see that you got some guys on there that I don't know, which is pretty surprising because I have put together top lists before, but that may be because you are excluding guys that have made the majors, which I didn't. There are some guys I personally really like that don't really get talked about much in Oswaldo Sosa and David Bromberg, check em out, I think they are pretty good, but I may be alone it that.
from 4 months ago
Let me guess: you're a Twins fan. I'd never heard of Bromberg before but he looks interesting. That said, anyone who doesn't even throw a change raises a red flag; there aren't many two-pitch starters, and Sergio Romo is the only reliever on this list, which tells you how I feel about ranking them that highly. Also, Bromberg's breaking ball is referred to as "pure slurve" which is never good. Nice K rate, but bad walk rate; I'd need to see more secondary pitch development. As for Sosa, he's a nice prospect, but not top-100 quality.
Who haven't you heard of?
4 months ago
I'm not really a Twins fan, but I have done a good amount of research into their system.
I don't really know about 20 of the guys on this list, some of them towards the bottom, but a good amount like in the 20s and 30's such as Brown, Hanson, English and Powell. It may have been because we read different scouting reports or maybe because they have just totally off the radars, and you want to show them their due.
from 4 months ago
English is a big sleeper pick, like I said. BA rated Powell 7th best in the A's system before the Haren and Swisher trades. Hanson was the 9th best ATL prospect according to BA and has been the best pitcher in the minor this year. Brown was a supplemental 1st-rounder last year by my A's who is a five tool guy who's crushed the ball since being drafted.
Since you follow the Twins system, what's your take on Erik Lis?
from 4 months ago
I used to have Hanson on my MiLB bookmarks before he got hurt last year. He makes my mouth water. I really hope no one discovers him in my fantasy league and I find a way to get out of Chuck James' contract in order to pick him up.
Speaking of MiLB bookmarks: anyone else here use them enough to know if they've been funky the last few months? They not only don't work for me anymore, I randomly get a list of other assorted prospects saved on my page, some of which I've never heard of. Very weird.
from 4 months ago
Hate to nitpick such an awesome start by Hanson, but the drop in GB:F ratio is a little strange. Hope he doesn't incur the same homer problems as James.
4 months ago
I understand that the A's made some trades to help restock their farm system last year, but to have 14 of the top 102 prospects? Also coming from an A's fan? Hmmm....
from 4 months ago
A fair point, but I'm not the sort of fan who blindly advertizes anyone in his favorite organization. Note the Gonzalez and de los Santos comments, for example. I am more familiar with some of the A's guys than most other organizations, so I guess that's bias, but notice that G. Gonzalez, de los Santos, Conrad, C. Gonzalez, Anderson, Carter weren't in the organization last year, and that's where I would've ranked them anyway.
Sure, I pimped up Powell and Madsen a bit, but other than them, do the A's rankings strike you as way out of line? Maybe Mitchell I guess, but whatever.
The bottom line, however, is this: The goal in this column isn't necessarily to convince you that the A's have 14 or the top 100 or that Villalona is No. 1 or Bruce No. 24 or anything. The point is simply to introduce 102 guys who have a good shot at really being something someday, and tell you a quick bit about each and why they're ranked where they are. And I felt I've done that, no matter how many A's I've included.
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