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The teams most represented in this list are the Rays (6), Reds (4) and A's (4). Six teams did not register a single player.
Of course, the top prospects of a team's farm club doesn't necessarily make or break that club, although Tampa's superiority in my list is also shown in their number one organizational ranking from Baseball America.
For example, the Rangers were ranked fourth in said organizational ranking, yet they have only one player (Taylor Teagarden, 49) on the above list.
Jay Bruce (1), who has basically been unanimously named the top prospect in baseball, was a first-round pick straight out of high school in 2005. Bruce hit .325/.379/.586 last season at Class-A Sarasota before being promoted to Chattanooga, where continued success earned him yet another promotion to Triple-A Louisville.
Bruce earned the Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year award for his outstanding success at three different levels. Former winners include Frank Thomas, Manny Ramirez, Derek Jeter, Andruw Jones and Josh Beckett. He'll be competing for a starting job in Cincinnati's outfield this spring.
Matt LaPorta (17), seventh overall pick of the Brewers in 2007, put up absolutely astounding numbers as a member of the University of Florida baseball team. He hit .402 his senior season, smashing 20 home runs in only 169 ABs.
LaPorta could have gone as high as first overall in the draft, but teams were concerned with his signability, as he is represented by agent Scott Boras.
LaPorta is said to possibly have more power than any other minor leaguer in baseball right now. He generates a lot of his power from his torso and hips and has a very natural looking swing.
He had success in his only professional stint so far, slugging for an astounding .750 in 88 ABs at Single-A West Virginia. LaPorta has been invited to spring training this season, but will probably start the season in Double-A.
J.R. Towles (25) is usually not seen in the top 50 of most prospect lists, although he is ranked number one in Houston's barren minor league system.
The 23-year-old catcher started 2007 in Single-A, but was promoted all the way through the system, ending up behind the plate in Minute Maid Park in September. Towles is a consistent .300 hitter and has hit for pretty good power, a .471 slugging percentage, especially for a catcher.
Towles is going into spring training as the Astros starting catcher, but if he struggles and the Astros are in contention, don't be surprised to see veteran Brad Ausmus take his job back.
The level of uncertainty is tremendous when trying to judge baseball talent before they get to the majors. Scouting reports are extremely helpful, but who's to know how a player will perform when they're under the bright lights of a major league stadium. Just ask Zach Greinke.
There's bound to be plenty of busts among the above 50 players, but also a couple of gems. Be assured the Reds are praying that Jay Bruce doesn't turn into another Brien Taylor.
Who?
Exactly.
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