MLB Prospects: Top 15 American League East Prospects

With Prospect Pipeline's Top 50 now in place, it's time to take a deeper look at these prospects through a different lens. 

As I continue to put together prospect scouting reports for every organization, I'll also be ranking prospects by both position and tools. However, today I will deviate from said assessments to offer my thoughts on the top 15 prospects residing in the American League East.

The AL East houses many of baseball's finest prospects, including nine players who appear in the overall Top 50. Even though I did consider each player's current season when creating this ranking, I'd be foolish to put too much stock into such a small sample. At the same time, when a prospect dominates in the way that Dylan Bundy, Matt Barnes and Jose Campos have to begin the season, there's something to be said for such a performance.

Here is a look at the American League East's top 15 prospects.

15. Garin Cecchini, 3B, Boston Red Sox

Position: 3B 

Height/Weight: 6'2"/200

DOB: 4/20/1991           

Bats/Throws: L/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, fourth round (HS—Lake Charles, LA)

2011 Stats:

Low-A: .298/.398/.500, 12 SB, .202 ISO, 168 wRC+ (133 PA)

2012 Stats:

Low-A: .262/.351/.323, 4 XBH, 9 SB (17 G)

Overview: As a 19-year-old, Cecchini was impressive in his first professional season in the New York-Penn League. However, a hit by a pitch broke his wrist and subsequently ended his promising season after only 32 games.

A left-handed hitter, Cecchini has excellent bat control and an advanced feel for the strike zone. He already has plenty of gap power, which leads scouts to envision a 20-to-30 home run season. His hand-eye coordination and fluid swing—along with an inside-out approach—will allow for Cecchini to hit for average.

A shortstop in high school, 2011 was Cecchini’s first season playing third base, so expect growing pains. He has the arm and instincts to handle the position, but will have to clean up his actions and improve his footwork.

After a slow start to his 2012 season at Low-A, Cecchini's bat has warmed up as of late and he's consistently stealing bases. The Red Sox could have a good problem on their hands, as Cecchini, Xander Bogaerts and Will Middlebrooks continue to hit their way up the organizational ladder.

ETA: 2015

14. Mason Williams, OF, New York Yankees

Position: OF               

Height/Weight: 6'0"/150

DOB: 8/21/1991           

Bats/Throws: L/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, fourth round (HS—Winter Garden, FL)

2011 Stats:

Low-A: .349/.395/.468, 28 SB, .119 ISO, 149 wRC+ (298 PA)

2012 Stats:

Low-A: .347/.375/.507, 8 XBH, 8 SB (17 G)

Overview: In his first professional season, Williams was ranked as the New York-Penn League’s top prospect after leading the league with the 28 steals and posting a .349 batting average. He is a toolsy player, who is both extremely athletic and raw.

At the plate, Williams has quick wrists and solid hand-eye coordination, and a swing that projects for some power. Right now, he’s mainly an arms/upper-body hitter, so the incorporation of his lower half could yield significant results.

He possesses nearly 80-grade speed that plays better in the outfield than it does on the basepaths. He has excellent range in center field and a strong enough arm to be considered for right field. In the running game, Williams has the speed but lacks the intuition of a polished base stealer.

Williams is on fire at Low-A to begin the season, and his increase in power is making him a candidate for a midseason promotion to High-A. A strong season could place him in the Top 50 overall prospect discussion. 

ETA: 2015

13. Matt Barnes, RHP, Boston Red Sox

Position: RHP 

Height/Weight: 6'4"/200

DOB: 6/17/1990

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round (University of Connecticut)

2012 Stats:

Low-A: 21 IP, 0.00 ERA, 34 K/4 BB, .125 BAA, 1.64 FB/GB (4 G)

Overview: Barnes has an explosive fastball that sits in the mid-90s and occasionally flashes a six or seven. He possesses a power frame that’s extremely durable, and he has the pure arm strength to still blow it by hitters late into the game.

Barnes' curveball is above average and can be a plus offering at times, and should quickly improve as he moves away from the use of a mediocre slider. His changeup lags behind his other two pitches, and will be crucial in his development as a starter. His easy delivery produces big-time heat, although he occasionally struggles to work on a downward plane and leaves pitches up in the zone. 

Barnes has been dominant at Low-A to begin the season, at times as impressive as Dylan Bundy. Given his college experience and overwhelming success thus far, Barnes could start moving through the organization faster than people expect.

ETA: 2014

12. Jose Campos, RHP, New York Yankees

Position: RHP                      

Height/Weight: 6'4", 200

DOB: 7/27/1992           

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2009, Venezuela

2011 Stats:

Low-A:  81.1 IP, 2.32 ERA, 2.38 FIP, 9.41 K/9, 1.44 BB/9, 0.44 HR/9

2012 Stats:

Low-A: 22 IP, 1.23 ERA, 23 K/5 BB, .163 BAA (4 G)

Overview: Acquired along with Michael Pineda in the trade that sent Jesus Montero to the Mariners, Campos has a big-league arm and a feel for pitching. In his first professional season in the United States, the right-hander’s 2.32 ERA and 85 strikeouts paced the Northwest League.

He’s primarily lived off of his plus fastball thus far, which sits in the 91-to-96 MPH range, and is thrown on a downward plane. For a lanky power pitcher, Campos has impressive control of the pitch, as he works both sides of the plate and aggressively attacks hitters.

He also features a curveball and changeup, with the breaker being a hard, downer type.  While his fastball is his bread and butter, Campos will need to improve his command of both off-speed pitches to further his success at higher levels.

The right-hander has No. 2 upside if he can remain a starter. If he’s unable to command three pitches, Campos also projects as a dominant closer.

His success at Low-A to begin the 2012 season merits recognition as the Yankees’ next big-time pitching prospect.

ETA: 2015

11. Anthony Gose, OF, Toronto Blue Jays

Position: OF 

Height/Weight: 6'1"/190

DOB: 8/10/1990 

Bats/Throws: L/L

Drafted/Signed: 2008; second round (HS—Bellflower, CA)

2011 Stats:

Double-A: .253/.349/.415, .161 ISO, 124 wRC+ (587 PA)

2012 Stats:

Triple-A: .224/.313/.306, 5 XBH, 6 SB, 26 K/10 BB (20 G)

Overview: One of the most toolsy players in all of the minor leagues, Gose has game-changing speed that grades out as an easy 70. His plus defense and arm in center field will allow him to stick at the position, as he’s able to cover an obscene amount of ground. He flashed above-average power last season at Double-A, though he’ll likely produce only average pop in the major leagues. 

His hit tool is the only thing that stands in the way of an immediate spot in the Blue Jays outfield. Although he did a better job of drawing walks last season, his average didn’t reflect it. His plate discipline will need to improve even more this season, especially his recognition of secondary offerings. He’s far too fast and valuable to be a player who strikes out over 25 percent of the time.

In his first season at Triple-A, Gose has gotten off to a disappointing start. However, his bat may be coming around, as he's now hit safely in seven of his last 10 games. 

ETA: 2013

10. Will Middlebrooks, 3B, Boston Red Sox

Position: 3B 

Height/Weight: 6'4"/200

DOB: 9/9/1988 

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2007, fifth round (HS—Liberty-Eylau, TX)

2011 Stats:

Double-A: .302/.345/.520, .218 ISO, 139 wRC+ (397 PA)

Triple-A: .161/.200/.268 (60 PA)

2012 Stats:

Triple-A: .375/.430/.778, 12 XBH, 56 TB (18 G)

Overview: Middlebrooks generates plus power to all fields due to a top-down stroke and plus bat speed. However, a long swing at times and an impatient approach have led to high strikeout rates.

For his size, Middlebrooks has outstanding agility and overall defensive actions at the hot corner. His arm—which grades as a 70—is an absolute hose, and plenty for the left side of the infield or even right field if the Red Sox decide that such a move fits the club. 

Despite not being a top-end prospect, his combination of tools, including a solid glove and plus arm at third, should make him a valuable asset for years to come.

Middlebrooks has been on a tear to open the 2012 season, including a streak of four consecutive games with a home run. If the Red Sox continue to receive limited production at the hot corner, Middlebrooks will definitely receive a promotion.

ETA: 2012

9. Gary Sanchez, C, New York Yankees

Position: C                       

Height/Weight: 6'2"/220

DOB: 12/2/1992           

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2009, Dominican Republic

2011 Stats:

Low-A: .256/.335/.485, .229 ISO, 121 wRC+ (343 PA)

2012 Stats:

Low-A: .365/.420/476, 7 XBH, 5 SB, 16 K/6 BB (16 G)

Overview: Gary Sanchez distinguished himself as one of the game’s top catching prospects in 2010 by slashing .353/.408/.597 to begin his professional career. Although the power still showed in 2011, he lacked consistency. 

Sanchez has easy, raw power to all fields thanks to pure bat speed, and he should hit for a decent average. He knows how to work the count, often to his own detriment, and struggles with quality off-speed offerings.

His receiving skills can be poor at times, and he can even come across as careless. Scouts think he will improve behind the plate enough to keep his bat there, ala Jesus Montero. He does have a plus arm that helped him gun down 31 percent of base stealers last season.

In his second consecutive season at Low-A Charleston, Sanchez is proving that his 2011 production was an anomaly. If he continues to hit at similar rate, a promotion to High-A could come around the All-Star break. 

ETA: 2015

8. Hak-Ju Lee, SS, Tampa Bay Rays

Position: SS                        

Height/Weight: 6'2"/170

DOB: 11/4/1990            

Bats/Throws: L/R

Drafted/Signed: 2008, South Korea

2011 Stats:

High-A: .318/.389/.443, 28 SB, .125 ISO, 133 wRC+ (454 PA)

Double-A: .190/.272/.310, 5 SB (114 PA)

2012 Stats:

Double-A: .198/.278/.247, 3 XBH, 3 SB, 17 K/9 BB (20 G)

Overview: Lee is an exceptional fielder; one of the best defensive shortstops in the minors. He has phenomenal range and a plus arm, with outstanding instincts and feel for the position. His bat is behind, and he will never provide the thump to be the consistent All-Star that some other shortstop prospects likely will.

Across two stops in 2011, Lee posted a .292/.365/.416 slash line with 33 swipes and 37 extra-base hits. A left-handed hitter, he runs well and should consistently collect more doubles and triples than home runs.

A full season in Double-A should provide Lee with the seasoning he needs to be a big-league shortstop in 2013. He’s off to a disappointing start thus far, but has strung together a three-game hit streak that includes his first three-hit game of the season.

ETA: 2013

7. Manny Banuelos, LHP, New York Yankees

Position: LHP                       

Height/Weight: 5'11"/155

DOB: 3/13/1991            

Bats/Throws: L/L

Drafted/Signed: 2008, Mexico

2011 Stats:

Double-A: 95.1 IP, 3.59 ERA, 4.01 FIP, 8.87 K/9, 4.91 BB/9, 0.66 HR/9

Triple-A: 34.1 IP, 4.19 ERA, 3.90 FIP, 8.13 K/9, 4.98 BB/9, 0.52 HR/9

2012 Stats:

Triple-A: 5.1 IP, 10.13 ERA, 2 K/7 BB (2 G)

Overview: As a 20-year-old, Banuelos struggled with his command at both Double- and Triple-A in 2011. The left-hander possesses a swing-and-miss arsenal of three plus-pitches that he’s still learning to command. His fastball sits in the low 90s with more in the tank and, as of now, his truest out pitch is a changeup with considerable fade.

He’s small in stature, but has broad shoulders to go along with a quick arm. He repeats his mechanics well, so there’s plenty of reason to believe his command will improve. Pitching to more contact will help Banuelos minimize his pitch counts and in turn allow him to log more efficient innings in 2012.

Following two poor starts at Triple-A to begin the season, Banuelos was placed on the disabled list on April 13 with a sore back.

ETA: 2012

6. Jake Marisnick, OF, Toronto Blue Jays

Position: OF                       

Height/Weight: 6'4"/200

DOB: 3/30/1991           

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2009, third round (Riverside Poly HS, CA)

2011 Stats:

Low-A: .320/.392/.500, 37 SB, .180 ISO, 160 wRC+ (523 PA)

2012 Stats:

High-A: .229/.345/.414, 9 XBH, 4 SB, 15 K/8 BB (17 G)

Overview: One of my favorite prospects, Marisnick, at 6'4", is an extremely athletic outfielder who will stick in center field due to his plus range and arm.

After struggling at Low-A after a midseason promotion in 2010, Marisnick repeated the level in 2011 with much better results. His .320 batting average was second-best in the Midwest League, and his power blossomed after making an adjustment to his swing. He can drive the ball out of the park to all fields, and he should continue to get stronger.

He’s an excellent and intelligent base stealer, who has been successful in 60-of-71 attempts over two seasons. Marisnick has immense potential but has experienced a slow start to the 2012 season. However, he may be turning the corner, as he launched his first home run of the season on Tuesday.

ETA: 2014

5. Travis d'Arnaud, C, Toronto Blue Jays

Position: C                       

Height/Weight: 6'2"/195

DOB: 2/10/1989           

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2007, first round (Lakewood HS, CA)

2011 Stats:

Double-A: .311/.371/.542, .231 ISO, 150 wRC+

2012 Stats:

Triple-A: .222/.315/.333, 5 XBH, 14 K/8 BB (16 G)

Overview: Travis d’Arnaud garnered Eastern League MVP honors in 2011 after posting a .913 OPS at Double-A. His bat has enough pop to be a middle-of-the-order presence with the potential to hit 20-plus home runs, while consistently hitting around .280. He could even flirt with a .300 average with improved plate discipline.

He has quick wrists and a direct bat path that generates power to all fields, and he has already shown an ability to hit quality off-speed pitches.

Although his defense leaves something to be desired, he’s surprisingly athletic behind the plate with an above-average arm. Still, he’s light years ahead of J.P. Arencibia, defensively.

Over his current five-game hit streak, d’Arnaud is batting .316 with four RBI. Granted, it depends on who is producing, but it will be interesting to see how the Blue Jays handle their catching situation over the course of the season.

ETA: 2012

4. Xander Bogaerts, SS, Boston Red Sox

Position: SS                       

Height/Weight: 6'3"/175

DOB: 10/1/1992           

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2009, Aruba

2011 Stats:

Low-A: .260/.324/.509, .249 ISO, 120 wRC+ (296 PA)

2012 Stats:

High-A: .295/.368/.492, 9 XBH, 13 K/6 BB (16 G)

Overview: Bogaerts put his name on the map with a .314/.396/.423 professional debut in 2010, and followed it by blasting 16 home runs in 72 games in 2011. Only 19 years old, his smooth swing and plus power allow him to drive the ball to all fields with backspin carry. As he faces more advanced pitching, however, he’ll be forced to become more selective, especially with quality off-speed pitches.

While he has soft hands and a plus arm at shortstop, Bogaerts lacks the quickness needed to remain there. Considering his other tools, he could either end up in right field or at third base—likely the latter.

He may hit a few speed bumps this season at High-A, but so far so good, as he’s hitting for power and demonstrating surprisingly advanced plate discipline.

ETA: 2015

3. Manny Machado, SS, Baltimore Orioles

Position: SS                       

Height/Weight: 6'3"/185

DOB: 7/6/1992           

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, first round (HS—Brito, FL)

2011 Stats:

Single-A: .276/.376/.483, .207 ISO, 131 wRC+ (170 PA)

High-A: .245/.308/.313, .139 ISO, 95 wRC+ (260 PA)

2012 Stats:

Double-A: .236/.333/.389, 7 XBH, 18 K/11 BB (19 G)

Overview: Machado was impressive in his first full professional season, despite suffering a dislocated kneecap and subsequently missing a month. His 6'3", 185-pound frame is extremely projectable—whether it’s at shortstop or third base is the only question. 

He has the actions to remain at the shortstop for the time being, but his physical development will ultimately dictate his position. He has a plus arm from the left side as well as average range, so expect Machado to be projected at both positions over the course of his minor-league career.

His plus bat-speed suggests potential for plus power, and he has already shown an impressive feel for the strike zone.

After a blistering start at Double-A—including a home run to center field on the first pitch he saw this season—Machado has cooled down considerably, as he’s batting only .184 over his last 10 games.

ETA: 2014

2. Dylan Bundy, RHP, Baltimore Orioles

Position: RHP                       

Height/Weight: 6'1"/200

DOB: 11/15/1992           

Bats/Throws: S/R

Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round (Owasso HS, OK)

2012 Stats:

Low-A: 13 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 21 K/1 BB

Overview: In a draft that wasn't loaded with elite collegiate arms like Cole, Hultzen and Bauer, Bundy would have been a clear-cut No. 1 overall selection. However, he slid to No. 4, and the Baltimore Orioles were thrilled. Famous for his insane workout routine, the right-hander has a ridiculous work ethic and strength for a 19-year-old. 

Oh yeah, and his ability to pitch grades through the roof. 

Lured away from a scholarship to be the Texas Longhorns quarterback, Bundy signed for $6.225 million (including a $4 million signing bonus) just before the August 15 deadline. 

He features a 94-to-98 MPH four-seam fastball that has frequently reached 99 MPH in each of his four starts this season, as well as a low-90s two-seamer and upper-80s/low-90s cutter. In addition to his slew of fastballs, Bundy possesses a deuce that already grades as a plus pitch, and he has shown an advanced feel for his changeup. 

His sheer strength allows for repeatable mechanics and a greater workload than one expects from a prep arm. Both his maturity and arsenal of plus pitches should make Bundy a fast riser within the Orioles organization and make him the first prep arm from the 2011 draft class to reach the show.

I can’t recall a more impressive start to a professional career than Bundy has enjoyed this season. In four starts, the right-hander is yet to allow a hit, and has retired 39 of the 40 batters he’s faced. Look for Bundy to move up in the Top 50 overall rankings when they are updated in the first week of May. If you didn't notice, I have him higher than teammate Manny Machado in this ranking (spoiler).

ETA: 2014

1. Matt Moore, LHP, Tampa Bay Rays

Position: LHP                       

Height/Weight: 6'2"/205

DOB: 6/18/1989           

Bats/Throws: L/L

Drafted/Signed: 2007, eighth round (Moriarty HS, NM)

2011 Stats:

Double-A: 102.1 IP, 2.20 ERA, 2.62 FIP, 11.52 K/9, 2.46 BB/9

Triple-A: 52.2 IP, 1.37 ERA, 2.02 FIP, 13.50 K/9, 3.08 BB/9

MLB: 9.1 IP, 2.89 ERA, 2.17 FIP, 1.85 xFIP, 14.46 K/9, 2.89 BB/9

2012 Stats:

MLB: 19.1 IP, 5.12 ERA, 74 ERA+, 11 K/12 BB, 1.4 HR/9 (3 G)

Overview: After striking out 700 hitters in 497 minor-league innings, Matt Moore offered a glimpse of his potential at the end of the 2011 season when he fanned 11 in his first major-league start (against the New York Yankees, nonetheless). He followed it up by two-hitting the Rangers over seven innings in Game 1 of the ALDS.

The left-hander features the easiest 93-to-97 MPH fastball I’ve ever seen, a plus-plus wipeout curve and a plus changeup. He has the arsenal and makeup to be an immediate ace, which is exactly why the Rays locked him up this offseason with a five-year, $14 million contract with the potential for an additional $26 million between 2017-2019. 

I’d by lying if I said that I wasn’t disappointed with Moore’s start to the 2012 season. Rather than letting his stuff work, he’s tried to be too fine with his pitches in each of his three outings.

Moore obviously has to employ a different mindset than last season, so give him some time to figure things out. He’s a notoriously slow starter, so I have no doubt that Moore will be fine.  He’s a future ace with Cy Young potential, and should turn in a stellar overall rookie campaign.

ETA: 2011

*Once Moore surpasses the rookie qualifications, he will be removed from this list.