Tampa Bay Rays: Breaking Down the Top 5 Prospects in the Rays' Farm System

Even after graduating top prospects like Evan Longoria, David Price, Jeremy Hellickson, Desmond Jennings and Wade Davis, among others, in the last four years, the Tampa Bay Rays still boast one of the best farm systems in baseball.

That speaks to the amount of money, time and effort that the front office and scouting/development staff have put in to ensure that there is always a wave of top prospects either ready or close to making their presence felt in the big leagues. 

What this team has done in the American League East since the start of the 2008 season is quite remarkable, and it goes to show that you don't have to spend $100 million to build a playoff team. 

Here is the next wave of players that will keep the Rays competitive in the American League East for a long time to come. 

1. Matt Moore, LHP, 22

There really is nothing that I can say about Moore that you don't already know or haven't read. He had an electric debut in September. After making two appearances out of the bullpen, he made his first career start in Yankee Stadium. He struck out 11 in just five innings of work. He then started Game 1 of the Division Series against Texas, giving up just two hits in seven innings. 

Strengths: Moore gets easy velocity on his mid-90s fastball despite looking like he is just playing catch. He has a devastating curveball that is going to break a lot of knees. His changeup is not as advanced as his fastball or curveball, but it is still a plus offering. He has cleaned up his delivery to improve his command as he has advanced through the system. 

Weaknesses: There are very few holes in his game. He has worked hard to become a much better pitcher instead of just a thrower. You can't really nitpick any area of his game. 

Report: Moore is going to start the season as the No. 4 or 5 starter in the Rays' rotation, which is astounding when you think about it. He could easily end the year as 1A with David Price. Eventually, he will lead this rotation, competing for Cy Young awards and MVPs with the best players in the league. 

ETA: 2012

2. Hak-Ju Lee, SS, 21

Lee was one of the players that the Rays acquired from the Chicago Cubs in the Matt Garza trade. He is a potential star at shortstop thanks to his four-plus tools. His stock soared following the 2011 season thanks to improved numbers across the board. 

Strengths: Lee is one of the best defensive shortstops in the minors. He has great footwork, instincts and a strong, accurate throwing arm. His bat continues to get better, and he will hit for a high average with a short swing that produces a lot of contact and line drives. A lot of his extra-base hits come from his speed. 

Weaknesses: He has never shown a lot of pop with his bat, but he did show a little more power last season, with 37 extra-base hits and a career-high five home runs. His base running does need work, as he was thrown out 16 times in 49 attempts last year. 

Report: Lee is an All-Star in the making. He is going to win multiple gold glove awards at shortstop, and his improved bat only increased his potential. He and Evan Longoria will form one of the best left sides of the infield in four years. 

ETA: Late-2013

3. Chris Archer, RHP, 23

Another player that the Rays acquired from the Cubs for Garza, Archer is not as likely to reach his ceiling as Lee, but the stuff and potential could make him a top-of-the-rotation starter, because the Rays don't have enough of those already. 

Strengths: Archer has a strong arsenal of power pitches. His fastball sits in the low- to mid-90s, and he complements with a hard, sharp-breaking slider that will miss big league bats. He has an easy delivery with a lightning quick release that gives him velocity. 

Weaknesses: He needs to figure out how to command all of his pitches. He walked 86 batters in 147 innings last season. His changeup is not a consistent pitch for him yet, and how that develops will help determine his future role. 

Report: Depending on what happens with Archer's command and changeup, he could end up as a No. 2 starter or late-inning, high-leverage relief pitcher. I will give him some benefit of the doubt since the stuff is so good. 

ETA: Late-2012

4. Mikie Mahtook, OF, 22

Mahtook was one of the top college bats available in last year's draft, but he inexplicably fell to the Rays with the 31st pick. He had a breakout season with LSU in 2011 and parlayed that into a $1.15 million contract. 

Strengths: Mahtook's bat is his best tool. He has quick wrists that allow him to get the barrel on the ball. He showed improved power in college, even with the new, non-aluminum bats. His defense in center field should at least be average thanks to his good speed and instincts. He doesn't have the strongest arm, but he can make the throws he needs to. 

Weaknesses: There is some doubt about whether or not Archer will be able to stay in center. Not because he can't handle it, but he could add more muscle, which will cause him to lose a step or two. He can be an effective left fielder if he has to move. 

Report: It is very rare that you find a hitter like Mahtook as late as the Rays did, but he is going to make them look really good. He will hit for a high average and get on base thanks to his plate discipline and ability to make hard, consistent contact. His defense should at least be average in left or center. 

ETA: 2014

5. Enny Romero, LHP, 21

What is it about the Rays and high-upside left-handed pitching? David Price, Matt Moore and now Enny Romero. He is still a long ways from contributing and is mostly projection right now, but his stuff is electric and he could end up at the top of a rotation. 

Strengths: Romero has an electric arm with a smooth, easy delivery. His fastball sits in the mid-90s and has good tailing life on it. He shows a good feel for the pitch, as well as his curveball and changeup. Even though he is 6'3", 200 pounds, there is still room for him to add more muscle to his frame. 

Weaknesses: His command and control are problematic right now. He walked 5.4 hitters/9 IP last season. He misses bats now just because his stuff is so good, but he will have to command pitches in the zone to reach his true potential. 

Report: Romero has No. 1 starter potential, but he is still very young and very green. He is still learning how to pitch, so there is reason for optimism as we enter the 2012 season. He could be at the top of this list next season. 

ETA: 2015

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