Twenty Rookies to Watch

Brian Matusz looks to have a huge jump on the A.L. Field

For the record, I hate these kind of articles. You know the ones where you have to predict what will happen. See that’s not really what we do here. We don’t tell you what will happen…instead we tell you the likelihood of a particular thing happening. Yet, because we are all about projecting which prospects will have Major League success, we feel obliged to try to ‘predict’ who will be the 2010 rookies that will have impact this season.

You think it is an easy task? For starters, over the last eight seasons (2002-2009), how many Rookie of the Year award winners were ranked in Baseball America’s Top 25 prospects at the beginning of the season? You can find the answer below. What I will tell you is that 38% of the winners weren’t even ranked in Baseball America’s Top 100, and the average ranking by a R.O.Y. was 69th. While being an impact rookie requires some degree of skill, what it requires more is opportunity for playing time and the good fortune to not get hurt. So as we write this, the numbers tell us that the top half of the players listed here, by long-term prospect value, when considered as a group, has little more than a 10% chance of actually winning the award. We are setting ourselves up for a losing proposition before we ever get started. Nonetheless, we have been polishing our crystal ball, and combined with our group think guesses at likely playing time, have come up with the players that we believe will have the greatest positive impact on their Major League teams this season. Without any further whining, here is our list:

American League

1) Brian Matusz, LHP, BAL – This one seems intuitively easy for us. Matusz has nailed down a rotation spot. He has already demonstrated success at this level that should ensure that he keeps the spot for the entire season, and he is a talented prospect with a very high-floor. You are looking at the A.L. Rookie of the Year…right?

2) Austin Jackson, CF, DET – We ranked Jackson at #92 on our Top 500 list, and many of you thought that was too high. Jackson has had a strong spring and has a virtual lock on the CF job in Detroit. With little competition, there will be little pressure, and he should come out of the gate performing. Don’t expect a ton, but 20SBs, with 12-15HRs and a .750 OPS over a full-season isn’t bad.

3) Michael Brantley, OF, CLE – Brantley just missed our Top 100 list and isn’t likely to get more than about 400ABs, as the Indians will try all season long to find better options. But this is another high-floor prospect with opportunity, and that should translate into 20-25 SBs and a relative light in the power categories .750 OPS.

4) Wade Davis, RHP, TBR – Regular readers of this space already understand that we don’t even believe that Davis is one of the Rays’ five best starting pitchers, so if we were looking at long-term potential, he would be much further down on this list. The fact remains that he has already experienced a taste of Major League success and will open the season as the Rays #5 starter. Barring injury, we don’t see Hellickson or Moore replacing him this season, so he should be good for 25-30 starts. That should produce an ERA in the mid-4.00s with a WHIP around 1.40 and 130Ks…we don’t see another AL pitcher likely to have that kind of success any further down this list.

5) Jeremy Hellickson, RHP, TBR – Hellickson would be our choice for the Rays rotation now, but since he will likely not receive a call-up until one of the other starters goes down, it limits what his contribution is likely to be this year. He should be good for about 80-90 innings though with the same number of strikeouts, and peripherals that far exceed Davis’.

6) Neftali Feliz, RP, TEX – It amazes us when logic and reasoning overtake Major League organizations, but we have been calling for the Rangers to do what they did (insert Matt Harrison in the rotation and keep Feliz in the bullpen) ever since Spring Training began. Don’t get us wrong, Feliz can, and likely should, develop into a lights-out closer, but we just don’t see his ‘stuff’ making it multiple times through a lineup and the bullpen is his best role. Unfortunately for Feliz, that means 2010 will likely be spent in a set-up role—minimizing his impact.

7) Carlos Santana, C, CLE – If Santana were to have started the season in Cleveland, he would have likely been #2 on this list. Instead, we aren’t likely to see him in the Major Leagues until early June. That places a likely ceiling on him of less than 300 ABs. That should still be enough for him to reach double digits in home runs and post a near .800 OPS.

8) Hector Rondon, RHP, CLE – Rondon will begin the season in AAA, in the rotation. While an injury could get him to the Big Leagues sooner, he should be in Cleveland, either in a starting or bullpen role, by early June. He is one of the Tribe’s four best starting pitchers, and they will figure it out before season’s end. It will be likely too late though to see more than 70 innings and 60 K’s with a 4.00 ERA.

9) Scott Sizemore, 2B, DET – The Tigers were bound and determined to put Sizemore in their everyday lineup and ‘by golly’ they have gone and done it—despite a .637 OPS this spring. His ceiling is no more than that of a League average middle infielder, and though he will likely get 450 ABs, don’t expect more than about 10HRs and 10SBs with a less than .700 OPS for the effort. Our guess is that Detroit looks for a different option for 2011.

10) Michael Taylor, OF, OAK – There are a number of directions we could have gone for this 10th spot, but we decided to go with a player that should post strong numbers when he opens the season in AAA, and has only mediocre competition at the Major League level. No one that the A’s have should stand in Taylor’s way past June, and we could see a 10 HR with .800 OPS effort in 300 ABs once he gets there.

Others who are absent from the list:

Desmond Jennings, OF, TB – battling his own injuries and a formidable starting OF in Tampa, Jennings needs help to create an opportunity.

Justin Smoak, 1B, TEX – Chris Davis should bounce back, and Smoak will have to first demonstrate that AAA is no problem for him when he is healthy. Together they are likely to delay his arrival until mid-season.

Dan Hudson, RHP, CHA – It was a whirlwind 2009 where all the stars aligned. Hudson’s ceiling isn’t that high, and 2010 will prove to be more difficult.
Carlos Carrasco, RHP, CLE – May get a shot this year in the bullpen, but Rondon is a better option.

Jake Arrietta, RHP, BAL – There is just too much talent ahead of him in the organization and he will have to wait for his chance.

Adam Moore, C, SEA – Looks to have the #1 catching job in Seattle to open the season and still can’t crack this list…that should tell you all that you need to know.

National League

1) Jason Heyward, OF, ATL – Heyward enters the season as the #1 prospect, has an everyday job locked up, and has had a phenomenal Spring. While the National League rookie talent is much tougher competition than the American League, everything lines up to make Heyward the favorite.

2) Stephen Strasburg, RHP, WSN – We still believe that Strasburg was the best college pitcher ever selected in the draft, but he isn’t likely to see the Majors before mid-May. We expect him to roll once he gets there, and he should still get 18-20 starts. That should leave him with 140 Ks and an ERA in the upper 3.00s.

3) Jaime Garcia, LHP, STL – There is a reason why when everyone else was choosing Shelby Miller as the Cards top prospect that we stuck with Garcia. His stuff is #2 quality and the Cardinals will be giving him the 5th starters spot out of Spring Training. This should give him 20+ starts, 120 strikeouts and ERA that may dip below 4.00.

4) Alcides Escobar, SS, MIL – There has been little suspense as to who would be the Brewers everyday shortstop, since Escobar’s audition late last year. This has allowed him to relax and have a strong spring that came on the heels of an excellent Winter. We worry about his bat a lot less than we did a couple of years ago and there have never been any doubts about his glove. It also would not come as any surprise, to us, to see him be the eventual award winner. We look for something in the neighborhood of 500+ ABs, 20+ SBs and a .720ish OPS.

5) Buster Posey, C, SFG – Had the Giants not resigned Benji Molina, it is quite likely that Posey would be the favorite in the National League. As it stands, Posey will be looking for ABs. The positive is that San Francisco just may keep him in the Majors all season and play him some at first base. While we are not sure how much this helps/hurts his long-term development, it should be a plus for his 2010 impact. Expect 350 ABs, 10 HRs and an OPS approaching .800.

6) Fernando Martinez, OF, NYM – Martinez finally looks ready to live up to all that potential, as he has been hot ever since the Caribbean Championship Series, posting a 1.320 OPS in 38 ABs this Spring. Playing time is not yet a given for him, or else he might rank higher, but we are expecting 300+ ABs with double digit home runs and an OPS hovering around .780.

7) Drew Storen, RP, WSN – While Storen isn’t likely to see the Majors before mid-May, only Matt Capps on a one-year contract stands in the way of him and the National’s closer job. Expect the job to be his by season’s end, and solid bullpen numbers along the way.

8) Pedro Alvarez, 3B, PIT – While we might be tempted to find a way to insert him into the lineup now and send Jeff Clement to the bench, the Pirates, rightfully so, want to give Alvarez a chance to tackle the everyday third base duties. This likely means that we won’t see Alvarez in Pittsburg until June when he forces Andy LaRoche across the diamond. When it is all said and done, you should expect 300 ABs, 15HRs and a .760ish OPS.

9) Alrodis Chapman, LHP, CIN – The Reds 5th starter job remains open, and the only thing really standing in Chapman’s way is his own health and possibly Mike Leake. We just have this feeling that the stars won’t line-up for him and he begins the season in the Minors, limiting him to 15-20 Big League starts. That still could net him 100 Ks and an ERA in the mid-4.00s.

10) Gabby Sanchez, 1B, FLA – This is an opportunity pick, as we fully expect Logan Morrison to have supplanted him in the everyday lineup by this time next year. But that is 2011 and in 2010 Sanchez looks positioned for 400 ABs, 15 HRs and a .770ish OPS.


Others who are absent from the list:

Mike Stanton, OF, FLA – Stanton’s big spring tempted the Marlins, but the 20yo could use another half-season in the Minors. We expect big things from him when he arrives, but the opportunity appears limited this season.

Ian Desmond, SS, WSN – Desmond looks to split time with Christian Guzman, and should see 350+ ABs, We don’t care much for the upside here, so we don’t expect all those ABs to produce more than a .700 OPS.

Mike Leake, RHP, CIN – This is an extremely high-floor pitcher who still could emerge from camp as the Reds #5 starter. Still with Chapman coming and Volquez likely returning late, there just aren’t likely many starts for him.

Madison Bumgarner, LHP, SFG – We ‘downgraded’ Bumgarner this winter when we rated him #21. If you weren’t worried about his second-half of 2009 velocity drop before, you should be now, as he doesn’t have the secondary offerings to be a major factor with a 90MPH fastball.

Logan Morrison, 1B, FLA – Still needs more time in the Minors, so he isn’t likely to see the Majors before mid-season.

Allen Craig/David Freese, STL – One of them will win a roster spot with the Cardinals out of camp, and should end up with 250-300 ABs, but there just isn’t that much to see here.

How many Rookie of the Year Winners over the last eight seasons were ranked in Baseball America’s Top 25? Out of sixteen, just two…Evan Longoria was #2 in 2008 and Justin Verlander was #8 in 2006.

2010 Amateur Draft Fabulous Fifty

Colon's bat finally came to life last weekend

High School Catchers

Stefan Sabol (Aliso Viejo, CA) – Hasn’t gotten off to a blistering offensive start, but scouts love his make-up.

Jake Hernandez (Rancho Cucamonga, CA) - Underated Player who is moving up the charts quickly due to his bat.


College Catchers

Bryce Harper (CC of Southern Nevada) – Is playing some OF, but most importantly, continues to mash with a 1.300+ OPS as a 17yo against 19yo & 20yo in a wood bat conference. Clear #1 choice at this time.

Micah Gibbs (Louisiana State) – Possesses perhaps the best overall set of catching skills and make-up in the college ranks, and is off to a .959 OPS start.

Yasmani Grandal (Miami) – Gaining back some of the summer’s lost lusture with .989 OPS. Strikeouts remain a concern.

Rob Brantley (UC-Riverside) – Still just 20yo, Brantley is climbing up the charts with heady defemnsive performances and a .926 OPS.


High School Corner Infielders

Nick Castellanos (Davie, FL) – Castellanos has gotten off to a great start (17-25 with 4 home runs) and may be the best prep hitter in the draft.

Kris Bryant (Las Vegas, NV) – No more second fiddle to Harper in the Vegas area, Bryant has one of the most fundamentally sound prep-swings and is a likely first round choice.


College Corner Infielders

Zack Cox (Arkansas) – There isn’t a lot to choose from in this category, but Cox is off to a 1.037 OPS start for the Razorbacks.

Hunter Morris (Auburn) – Strike Zone Management issues remain a concern, but Morris has a .425/.462/.793 line with 8 home runs through 19 games.


High School Middle Infielders

Manny Machado (Hialeah, FL) –Plus shortstop defensive skills combined with above average offensive potential may make him the first prep hitter drafted. Hitting .650 on the young season.

Yordy Cabrera (Lakeland, FL) – Almost literally (19yo) a man among boys at the prep level.

Justin O’Conner (Muncie, IN) – Scounts won’t appreciate his ‘grinder’ approach, but he possesses plus offensive skills to go along with soft-hands, exceptional defensive instincts and a powerful arm.


College Middle Infielders

Christian Colon (Cal State Fullerton) – After hitting only .205 with 2 XBH in his first 13 games, Colon has been on fire lately and has brought his OPS up to .915, with 4 Home Runs in his last 4 games.

Josh Rutledge (Alabama) – Considered a defense-first shortstop when the season opened, Rutledge has a .387/.429/.627 line through 18 games.

Jedd Gyorko (West Virginia) – Is absolutely raking, to the tune of a 1.124 OPS with 6 home runs through 21 games.


High School Outfielders

Josh Sale (Seattle, WA) – One of the top two prep hitters in this year’s class.

Austin Wilson (North Hollywood, CA) – Scouts love his combo of tools and make-up.

Chavez Clarke (Marietta, GA) – Speed remains his best tool, but he is off to a good start on the season.

Ty Linton ( Mathews, NC) – One of the more ‘toolsy’ OFs in this year’s draft.



College Outfielders

Bryce Brentz (Middle Tennessee) – Was our #1 returning college hitter coming into the season and has posted a 1.105 OPS with 7 home runs through 19 games.

Todd Cunningham (Jacksonville State) – The top three college OFs are all from mid-major schools. Cunningham has a .338/.430/.613 through 19 games.

Michael Choice (Texas Arlington) – Off to a blistering .387/.525/.787 start through 21 games.

Austin Wates (Virginia Tech) – His .444/.535/.708 through 21 games has Wates moving up the charts.

Gary Brown (Cal State Fullerton) – Speedy athletic OF has to walk more (1BB in 92 ABs) to truly become a top of the order threat at the next level, but he has a .457/.479/.707 line on the season.

Kyle Parker (Clemson) – The Tigers’ football squad will be looking for a starting QB this fall because Parker’s .413/.527/.840 with 10 home runs start has vaulted him into first round consideration.

Leon Landry (Louisiana State) – Landry needs a big offensive showing this year and is off to a .373/.430/.597 start.

Jarrett Parker (Virginia) – While the Cavaliers have been one of the nation’s best teams this year, Parker’s .877 OPS with 1 home run has been a disappointment. Strikeouts (25%) may be a bigger concern.


High School Right-Handed Pitchers

Jameson Taillon (Woodlands, TX) – Taillon followed up his worst start in two years with a 19 strikeout, 7 inning no-hitter. With Ranuado still out, he is the consensus #2 pick.

A.J. Cole (Winter Springs, FL) – Isn’t yet back to where he was this summer.

Karsten Whitson (Chipley, FL) – Son of a former Major League pitcher, Whitson may be the most polished elite prep hurler in the class.

Dylan Covey (Pasadena, CA) – Opened the season with 12 of his 15 outs via the strikeout and hitting 96MPH.

Stetson Allie (Olmstead Falls, OH) – Control will ultimately determine how high he goes.

Kevin Gausman (Aurora, CO) – A low 90’s fastball and significant polish masks significant remaining upside.

Kaleb Cowart (Adel, GA) – His curve may be better than his low-90s fastball.

Deandre Smelter (Macon, GA) – Mixed results so far for this raw-athletic hurler.

A.J. Vanegas ( Alameda, CA) – Extremely polished pitcher with and advanced four-pitch repertoire that features a 90-mph fastball.


College Right-Handed Pitchers

Anthony Ranaudo (Lousiana State) – Set to finally make his debut on Sunday.

Deck McGuire (Georgia Tech) – With Ranaudo out, McGuire has posted arguably the best start among college hurlers in this class, posting a 1.15 ERA and a 39:8 K:BB ratio in 39IP.

Alex Wimmers (Ohio State) – Has one shaky outing in his 5-0 start, but still has posted a 2.12 ERA with a 41:11 K:BB ratio in 34 innings.

Brandon Workman (Texas) – Reviews for Workman are all over the board in his 2.94 ERA, 33:8 K:BB ratio in 33 innings.

Jess Hahn (Virginia Tech) – 1.34ERA and a 29:6 K:BB ratio in 33 innings over his first five starts.

Matt Harvey (North Carolina) – After a disappointing sophomore season, Harvey has his fastball back in the mid-90s and has posted a 1.97 ERA with a 37:14 K:BB ratio in 32 innings over five starts.

Chad Bettis (Texas Tech) – Has been shaky at times through five starts, but has 39Ks in 37IP.

Kyle Blair (San Diego) – Has 36Ks in 29 innings, but has struggled against better hitters.

Kevin Munson (James Madison) – Best college closer in this class, as he has allowed 1 earned run in 11 appearances and has 25 Ks in 16 IP.


High School Left-Handed Pitchers

Griffin Murphy (Redlands, CA) – Murphy is rocketing up the boards, using a low-90s fastball and two potentially plus secondary offerings en route to a 1.06 ERA and a 24-6 K:BB ratio.


College Left-Handed Pitchers

Drew Pomeranz (Mississippi) – Has been remarkably good through five starts, as he has posted a 1.23 ERA and a 49:9 K:BB ratio.

Chris Sale (Florida Gulf Coast) – Was dominant against Wichita State in his only true test so far this season, but has posted a 1.73 ERA with a 40:4 K:BB ratio in 26 innings over 5 starts.
James Paxton (Independent) – Paxton still has something to prove after an inconsistent 2009 and leaving Kentucky isn’t likely to help him do it.


Just Missed – Justin Grimm, RHP, Georgia; Anthony Wolters, SS, Vista, CA; Christian Yelich, 1B, Thousand Oaks, CA; Chad Lewis, 3B, Huntington Beach, CA; Drew Cisco, RHP, Mt. Pleasant, SC; Michael Lorenzen, RHP, Fullerton, CA; LeVon Washington, OF, Chipola JC; Drew Vettleson, OF, Tracyton, WA; Brett Eibner, RHP, Arkansas; Ricky Hague, SS, Rice.

Spring Training: First-Half Returns (Part II)

Jaime Garcia is looking more and more like the Cardinals 5th starter

As most teams are cutting down their rosters to the point where only players truly in a fight for a roster spot are left, we continue our look at what we have learned from the first half of the 2010 Spring Training.

Orioles – The Orioles promoted a lot of young arms to the Major Leagues in 2009, and while many of them made solid debuts, they weren’t necessarily the players with the greatest long-term upside. This has made it an interesting Spring, as there are theoretically two roster spots open after Millwood, Guthrie and Matusz. Brad Bergesen was more than serviceable in 2009 and entered the spring with a solid grasp of one of these spots, but Bergesen doesn’t have the upside of the others in competition for the spots and he hasn’t looked particularly good (6.24 ERA) in 3 spring outings, which opens the door a bit for some of the others. Chris Tillman is the pitcher that has the most upside of this group and has been solid (3.75 ERA) but we find his 6Ks in 12IP cautionary. If we were placing bets, these would be the favorites for the final two spots, however, David Hernandez has been extremely impressive this spring with a 14:1 K:BB ratio in 10 innings. Hernandez is slated to pitch again on Sunday and will need another strong outing to stay in the hunt.

Cardinals – Jaime Garcia entered the spring as a bit of a longshot for the Cardinals 5th rotation spot, battling Rich Hill and Kyle McClellan. Hill has struggled with his well-documented control issues ( 6BB in 7IP), and although he was likely the favorite when camp began, he may now be on the verge of not making the opening day roster. Kyle McClellan has been solid, posting a 2.57 ERA and fanning 6 in 7 innings of work in his two starts, and may now be in the lead. Keep your eye on Garcia though, as he not only has the highest upside of the three, but he has been the most impressive pitcher in camp, with a 1.04 ERA and 12 strikeouts in just under 9 innings of work. Garcia got the nod as our Cardinal top prospect this past off-season and is slated to get his first start of the Spring on Sunday. A strong effort here will likely catapult him to the favorite position.


Dodgers – There weren’t many position prospects that had any real chance of making the roster with the Dodgers and the closest one, Ivan DeJesus, performed well, but was dispatched to Minor League camp with the first round of cuts. Things were a bit more interesting on the pitching side of things, however, as there is a wide-open race for the 5th starter spot, and both Josh Lindbloom and Scott Elbert were long shots for the position. Veterans Ramon and Russ Ortiz appear to be the front runners, and Elbert struggled, but Josh Lindbloom followed up last year’s eye-opening spring with another solid effort. We still think that Lindbloom likely profiles best in the bullpen, but the Dodgers remain very high on him. Still at least a year away, Chris Withrow generated tremendous buzz with his performance.

Pirates – Pedro Alvarez, Jose Tabata and Jeff Clement all have received extended looks in Pirates camp, with Clement entering camp as the favorite to see the majority of time at first base this season. Clement has struggled to a .615 OPS and has never been especially high on our list (#53 in 2006 and #95 in 2007). Not that it is the move that we would make, but wouldn’t Pedro Alvarez outhit Clement right now as the first baseman? Speaking of Alvarez, while he didn’t homer before the Pirates dispatched him to Minor League camp, he did post an .864 OPS in 30 PAs, although his 27% strikeout rate remains troubling. Look for Alvarez to make his Major League debut in June with Andy LaRoche shifting over to second base. Jose Tabata posted a so-so .706 OPS in his 28 ABs. 2010 will be a huge year for Tabata, as the whispers get louder about how old he really is, and he still is not showing the requisite power.


Tigers – Austin Jackson and Scott Sizemore were essentially handed starting roles coming into camp, and while Jackson’s .389/.476/.611 line has surpassed our expectations, we were never as high as most on Sizemore, and his .182/.325/.273 has done little to alter our opinion. The Tigers have little in the way of alternatives at second base, but we’d still be considering Ryan Raburn here. On the pitching side, Daniel Schlereth hasn’t looked especially good, but keep your eye on Robbie Weinhardt, who looks poised to make bullpen contributions at some point this year.

Athletics – It looks like Chris Carter will be back in AAA to start the 2010 season, as Daric Barton, Jack Cust and Eric Chavez haven’t given any reason to consider alternatives at 1B or DH. Carter has acquitted himself well, but it appears that he will still be waiting a bit longer. On the pitching side, the rotation still has tremendous uncertainty surrounding it—outside of Brett Anderson. Oakland rolled the dice with Ben Sheets, and one has to wonder if they are second guessing themselves yet. While it has only been 3 starts, Sheets has gotten absolutely hammered, and word is that his throwing sessions haven’t eased concerns much. While we doubt that he won’t open the season in the rotation, it isn’t as certain as it was two weeks ago. Justin Duchscherer insists he feels great, but has yet to appear in a Cactus League game. Coming into camp, the other two spots were expected to go to Dallas Braden and Trevor Cahill. Cahill has been solid in four outings this spring and appears to have a stronghold on one of the remaining spots. While Braden has been less impressive, and doesn’t have the upside of the other contenders, he hasn’t done anything that would cause us to believe that he won’t round out the rotation. While Vin Mazzaro and Clay Mortensen have done little to turn heads, the story isn’t the same for Gio Gonzalez, who has fanned 9 in 8.2 innings. Gonzalez still looks likely to open the year in AAA, but he could get a shot if one of the others falters down the stretch.

Astros – There is a fierce battle brewing in Astros’ camp between Jason Castro and J.R. Towels for the team’s second catcher position. With Humberto Quintero looking assured of getting one catcher spot, there is only likely one other one available. Quintero isn’t likely to catch more than 70-80 games this season, which will leave considerable playing time available for whoever wins this battle. We like both Castro and Towels better than Quintero, but it appears that the Astros aren’t considering that as an option. Thus far Towels appears to have a slight edge, as he already has Major League experience and has posted a .478/.538/.783 line. The Astros would benefit from delaying Castro’s debut, and he is ‘only’ hitting .400/.458/.450. Look for the winner of this battle to receive the most PAs by an Astros’ catcher in 2010.

Mets – The early returns from Mets’ camp are making our 2010 prospect rankings look very good, as we undoubtedly ranked Fernando Martinez, Jenrry Mejia and Rueben Tejada higher than most anyone. Martinez has carried over his strong Caribbean Series performance into camp, and looks poised to blossom into the player that has long been expected. In 36 ABs, Martinez has posted a .472/.447/.917 line, and has been the most impressive hitter in camp. With Jose Reyes likely to start the season on the DL, Tejada has been the biggest surprise in camp, as he has not only played a very capable shortstop, but he has posted a .368/.429/.447 line to go along with it. On the pitching side of things, Mejia is making it very difficult for the Mets not to keep him in the bullpen. He has been electric in his side sessions, and in five game appearances, Mejia has a 1.93 ERA and an 8:1 K:BB ratio. While we still believe that improved command is all that is likely standing in the way of him being a very good starting pitcher, it is conceivable that Mejia heads north with the team in a bullpen role.

Red Sox – The Red Sox roster looks to be fairly set and that doesn’t include room for Josh Reddick, but we would be remiss if we didn’t mention Reddick’s .438/.455/.750 batting line.

Diamond Futures’ Retrospective: Our 2008 Top 100

Jay Bruce edged out Evan Longoria for the top spot

A number of you have inquired recently as to where you can find our previous Top Prospect Lists. In response, we have begun to post our previous lists and will get through all of them before the season starts. Up until now we have provided recaps with the highlights and lowlights from our previous lists, but as we get to 2008, we still don’t know the future of many of the players on the list, so from here on out we will just provide the lists without commentary.
The complete list can be found below:


Diamond Futures 2008 Top 100

1 ) Bruce , Jay
2 ) Longoria , Evan
3 ) Bailey , Homer
4 ) Maybin , Cameron
5 ) Rasmus , Colby
6 ) Ellsbury , Jacoby
7 ) Price , David
8 ) Wieters , Matt
9 ) LaRoche , Andy
10 ) McGee , Jacob
11 ) McCutchen , Andrew
12 ) Chamberlain , Joba
13 ) Gonzalez , Carlos
14 ) Kershaw , Clayton
15 ) Porcello , Rick
16 ) Martinez , Fernando
17 ) Brignac , Reid
18 ) Tabata , Jose
19 ) Vitters , Josh
20 ) Elbert , Scott
21 ) Snider , Travis
22 ) Niemann , Jeff
23 ) Heyward , Jason
24 ) Andrus , Elvis
25 ) Parker , Jarrod
26 ) Moustakas , Mike
27 ) Cueto , Johnny
28 ) Barton , Daric
29 ) Reimold , Nolan
30 ) Fukodome , Kosuke
31 ) Adenhart , Nick
32 ) Buchholz , Clay
33 ) Miller , Adam
34 ) Walker , Neil
35 ) Votto , Joey
36 ) Wood , Brandon
37 ) Gonzalez , Giovany
38 ) Headley , Chase
39 ) Inman , Will
40 ) Marrero , Christopher
41 ) LaPorta , Matt
42 ) Stewart , Ian
43 ) Balester , Collin
44 ) Detwiler , Ross
45 ) Sweeney , Ryan
46 ) Clement , Jeff
47 ) Schierholtz , Nate
48 ) Main , Michael
49 ) Balentien , Wladimir
50 ) Hurley , Eric
51 ) Conger , Hank
52 ) Anderson , Brett
53 ) Jones , Brandon
54 ) Triunfel , Carlos
55 ) Antonelli , Matt
56 ) Morales , Franklin
57 ) Parra , Gerardo
58 ) Patton , Troy
59 ) Alderson , Tim
60 ) Gomez , Carlos
61 ) Jackson , Austin
62 ) Kennedy , Ian
63 ) Jurrjens , Jair
64 ) Burgess , Michael
65 ) Latos , Matt
66 ) Aumont , Phillippe
67 ) Garcia , Jaime
68 ) Beavan , Blake
69 ) Guerra , Deolis
70 ) Volstad , Chris
71 ) Davis , Wade
72 ) Noonan , Nick
73 ) Bowden , Michael
74 ) Teheran , Julio
75 ) Donaldson , Josh
76 ) Reynolds , Greg
77 ) Rowell , William
78 ) Blanks , Kyle
79 ) Gallagher , Sean
80 ) Mills , Beau
81 ) Bumgarner , Madison
82 ) Harrison , Matt
83 ) Hernandez , Gorkys
84 ) Smoker , Josh
85 ) Cunningham , Aaron
86 ) Cardenas , Adrian
87 ) Poreda , Aaron
88 ) Walden , Jordan
89 ) Clippard , Tyler
90 ) Fairley , Wendell
91 ) Whittleman , Johnny
92 ) Pearce , Steve
93 ) Lowrie , Jed
94 ) Brown , Corey
95 ) Hu , Chin-lung
96 ) Salome , Angel
97 ) Dominguez , Matt
98 ) Olson , Garrett
99 ) Hellickson , Jeremy
100 ) Laffey , Aaron

Spring Training: First-Half Returns

Heyward has made it nearly impossible for the Braves to break camp without him in the lineup

We are half-way through the Spring Training season, so I thought it would be a good time to take a look at the stories we have been watching (Ten Stories That We’ll be Following in Spring Training), as well as some other interesting prospect developments. Here is a quick rundown, by team, of the most interesting stories…

Nationals – While Stephen Strasburg has been pretty much everything that everyone has ever written about him, there appears to be little chance that he comes north with the team. Although he certainly looks the part of the Nationals’ current best pitcher, the current over/under for his Major League debut looks to be somewhere around May 15th. This would give him about 6 Minor League starts—and plenty of time to prove he isn’t gaining anything in the Minors. With Drew Storen, however, appears to have a better shot at breaking camp in the Nationals’ bullpen. He won’t be handed the closer’s job, but he should be ready to assume it once Matt Capps proves unworthy.

Reds – The Reds have been one of my favorite teams to check in on this spring. While we took a lot of flack for our Reds Top 5 list this winter ( 1) Chapman, 2) Alonso, 3) Leake, 4) Francisco and 5) Frazier), our only regret at this point is that we didn’t place Juan Francisco higher. Alrodis Chapman came with huge expectations and has exceeded them. He is already clearly one of the top five arms in the system, but is likely to make at least 5 or 6 AA or AAA starts before he joins the rotation. Mike Leake has looked solid, and continues to disprove those who question his ‘stuff’. We wrote a couple of weeks ago that Francisco could be valuable if he shows he can defensively handle LF and 3B. He has shown to be capable at either spot and has a .937 OPS in 23 PAs. Give Francisco half of a season at AAA and he will be ready to contribute to the Big League club. Alonso and Frazier have been disappointing, and, as we wrote earlier, with three spots for four players (Votto, Alonso, Frazier and Francisco) it is looking more and more like one of them will be the odd man out and be dealt by this time next season.

Braves – Anyone who hasn’t caught Jason Heyward this spring is missing something special. The 20yo has posted a .440/.600/.720 line in 35 PAs, and may already be the team’s best hitter—certainly their best hitting outfielder. In other Braves happenings, Kris Medlen isn’t technically a prospect any longer, and if Jurrjens is healthy he may not have a rotation spot, but he has been extremely solid in four outings.

Marlins – The story coming in was supposed to be the battle for first base where Gaby Sanchez was looking to hold off Logan Morrison. Morrison has played his way out of any real consideration, and Sanchez has been solid (.879 OPS). Unless the Marlins deal for Mike Lowell (looking less likely) and slide Cantu back to first, the first base job appears to be his. But the real story of this camp has been that of 20yo Mike Stanton. Stanton has 3 home runs in 23 PAs and has posted a .316/.409/.842 line and is making it difficult for the Marlins not to keep him. Our bet is that they still open the season with him at AAA, but he has certainly turned heads.

Giants – Next to the Reds, the Giants have been my favorite camp to keep an eye on, as both the happenings surrounding Buster Posey and Madison Bumgarner are significant. The Giants are now considering having Posey break camp with the team, backing up Molina, and playing some first base. The problem the Giants have is that Sandoval, Molina and Posey are the three best hitters that the Giants have, and Brian Sabean wants to always win now and would like to get all three of their bats in the lineup. However, Posey is their most valuable commodity and needs as many innings as possible behind the plate catching pitchers with velocity. Molina is a player that isn’t likely in their future beyond 2010, so we just don’t understand the logic here. Despite the ineptitude in his handling, Posey has posted a .925 OPS this Spring. There was a reason that we ranked Bumgarner lower than most anyone else. Bumgarner was drafted as a pitcher with a live arm and questionable secondary offerings. He rose to the front of the prospect rankings when he demonstrated better than expected control of his mid-90s heater. However, Bumgarner barely touched 90MPH with his fastball for most of the second half of last season, and has sat between 86-90 MPH this spring. His secondary offerings are just not that good to survive without the fastball. Coming into camp, the 5th starters spot was his to lose. Midway through camp, he looks like a better bet to open the season in AAA with Kevin Pucetas or Todd Wellemeyer the likely #5.

Mariners – The story here is Dustin Ackley’s conversion to second base. In 9 games at 2B, Ackley committed one error and didn’t look out of place, so maybe there is something to this move. While we don’t expect to see Ackley in Seattle before 2011, Ackley’s value increases significantly as a second baseman.

Rangers – The story here is the wide open battle for the Rangers’ rotation, where as many as seven players are competing for what appears to be three spots behind Rich Harden & Scott Feldman. Although we don’t believe that he is of the same caliber of many of the other options, Tommie Hunter seemed to be the front runner for one of the remaining spots before injuring stomach muscles that will likely sideline him 4-6 weeks. Neftali Feliz, who we still believe is a late-inning guy only, has essentially pitched himself out of contention, as he is still having difficulty the second time through the order. Although he had his struggles at times, Derek Holland acquitted himself well enough last season, and has the upside that you would like to see, that should make him a high choice for one of the remaining spots. That leaves Brandon McCarthy, converted reliever C.J. Wilson, Japanese repatriate Colby Lewis and Matt Harrison likely competing for two slots. The way things typically go in these situations, would make one feel that Brandon McCarthy and C.J. Wilson might have the inside track, as Colby Lewis has been knocked around pretty good so far this spring, however, we still feel that Matt Harrison is one of the four best starting pitchers that the Rangers have left in camp. Harrison has done little to disprove that this spring, as he has allowed 2 runs, 8 hits and 1 walk, while fanning 10 in his 9 innings this spring. A couple of other names worth mentioning...Max Ramirez may be in contention for the final bench spot; Justin Smoak has done little to change the belief that he will be a mid-season call-up; Tanner Scheppers will help the Rangers, either in the rotation or in the pen, at some point this season, and watch Alexi Ogando who has been one of the more impressive arms in camp.

Indians – Although Carlos Santana (.743 OPS) and Hector Rondon ( 0.00ERA, 5:0 K/BB ratio) did absolutely nothing to change our opinion that a) Santana will be the Indians everyday catcher by mid-season and b) Rondon is the 4th best starting pitcher currently in the Cleveland organization, the Indians have made it official that both will begin the 2010 at AAA. From an economic perspective, this was to be expected.

White Sox – The most significant prospect news out of White Sox camp this spring is the ankle surgery and season-ending injury for Top 2010 draftee, Jared Mitchell. However, keep an eye on Sergio Santos, who is out of options and just may have shown enough to earn a bullpen spot.

Cubs – The story of camp has been Starlin Castro who has turned in excellent glove work while posting a .435/.458/.739 batting line. Castro is the Cubs’ future shortstop and it looks like the future won’t have to wait any longer than June. The other key name to watch is 26yo, Esmailin Caridad, who has pitched brilliantly in five outings (6.1 IP, 0ERs, 4H, 1BB, 4K) and appears poised to become a key set-up man for Marmol/Grabow.

Tune in tomorrow for part II…

Diamond Futures’ Retrospective: Our 2007 Top 100

Dice-K became the first Japanese import to top our list in 2007

A number of you have inquired recently as to where you can find our previous Top Prospect Lists. In response, we have begun to post our previous lists and will get through all of them before the season starts. Up until now we have provided recaps with the highlights and lowlights from our previous lists, but as we get to 2007, we still don’t know the future of many of the players on the list, so from here on out we will just provide the lists without commentary.
The complete list can be found below:


Diamond Futures 2007 Top 100

1 ) MATSUZAKA , DAISUKE
2 ) YOUNG , DELMON
3 ) LAROCHE , ANDY
4 ) BUTLER , BILLY
5 ) GORDON , ALEX
6 ) UPTON , JUSTIN
7 ) GONZALEZ , CARLOS
8 ) WOOD , BRANDON
9 ) MAYBIN , CAMERON
10 ) BRUCE , JAY
11 ) LINCECUM , TIM
12 ) YOUNG , CHRIS
13 ) ELBERT , SCOTT
14 ) BAILEY , HOMER
15 ) HUGHES , PHIL
16 ) BARTON , DARIC
17 ) LONGORIA , EVAN
18 ) BRAUN , RYAN
19 ) STEWART , IAN
20 ) JONES , ADAM
21 ) SALTALAMACCHIA , JARROD
22 ) LONEY , JAMES
23 ) TULOWITZKI , TROY
24 ) MORALES , FRANKLIN
25 ) MARTINEZ , FERNANDO
26 ) DANKS , JOHN
27 ) TABATA , JOSE
28 ) MCGEE , JACOB
29 ) MILLER , ANDREW
30 ) PEDROIA , DUSTIN
31 ) KERSHAW , CLAYTON
32 ) GALLARDO , YOVANI
33 ) MCCUTCHEON , ANDREW
34 ) LIND , ADAM
35 ) CALLASPO , ALBERT
36 ) DUNCAN , ERIC
37 ) RASMUS , COLBY
38 ) LOFGREN , CHARLES
39 ) ADENHART , NICK
40 ) SWEENEY , RYAN
41 ) BRIGNAC , REID
42 ) PIE , FELIX
43 ) MILLER , ADAM
44 ) VOTTO , JOEY
45 ) HARRISON , MATT
46 ) GONZALEZ , GIO
47 ) ELLSBURY , JACOBY
48 ) GARZA , MATT
49 ) GUZMAN , JOEL
50 ) REIMOLD , NOLAN
51 ) PATTON , TROY
52 ) ANDRUS , ELVIS
53 ) BUCK , TRAVIS
54 ) CLIPPARD , TYLER
55 ) RODRIGUEZ , SEAN
56 ) NIEMANN , JEFF
57 ) INMAN , WILLIAM
58 ) PETIT , YUSMEIRO
59 ) WALKER , NEIL
60 ) PENCE , HUNTER
61 ) LUBANSKI , CHRIS
62 ) JURRJENS , JAIR
63 ) PELFREY , MIKE
64 ) HUBER , JUSTIN
65 ) HURLEY , ERIC
66 ) CARP , MIKE
67 ) HERNANDEZ , GABBY
68 ) WOOD , TRAVIS
69 ) ERBE , BRANDON
70 ) CUETO , JOHNNY
71 ) FIELDS , JOSH
72 ) ROWELL , BILLY
73 ) SNIDER , TRAVIS
74 ) GOMEZ , CARLOS
75 ) IWAMURA , AKINORI
76 ) JIMENEZ , UBALDO
77 ) VOLSTAD , CHRISTOPHER
78 ) CROWE , TREVOR
79 ) VOLQUEZ , EDISON
80 ) GARCIA , JAIME
81 ) IANETTA , CHRIS
82 ) SLOWEY , KEVIN
83 ) PARRA , GERARDO
84 ) AYBAR , ERIC
85 ) FIORENTINO , JEFFREY
86 ) DEWITT , BLAKE
87 ) BOWDEN , MICHAEL
88 ) HAMMEL , JASON
89 ) HELLICKSON , JEREMY
90 ) SNYDER , BRAD
91 ) HOCHEVAR , LUKE
92 ) THORMAN , SCOTT
93 ) DAVIS , WADE
94 ) MARTINEZ-ESTEVES , EDDY
95 ) CLEMENT , JEFF
96 ) KOUZMANOFF , KEVIN
97 ) MONTERO , MIGUEL
98 ) CARTER , CHRIS
99 ) DUKES , ELIJAH
100 ) CONGER , HANK

Diamond Futures’ Retrospective: Our 2006 Top 100

We were pretty sure that Delmon Young would reach stardom in 2006

A number of you have inquired recently as to where you can find our previous Top Prospect Lists. In response, we have begun to post our previous lists and will get through all of them before the season starts. Up until now we have provided recaps with the highlights and lowlights from our previous lists, but as we get to 2006, we still don’t know the future of many of the players on the list, so from here on out we will just provide the lists without commentary.

The complete list can be found below:


Diamond Futures 2006 Top 100

1 ) Young , Delmon
2 ) Upton , Justin
3 ) Wood , Brandon
4 ) Hermida , Jeremy
5 ) Marte , Andy
6 ) Billingsley , Chad
7 ) Fielder , Prince
8 ) Drew , Stephen
9 ) Markakis , Nick
10 ) Guzman , Joel
11 ) Butler , Billy
12 ) Liriano , Francisco
13 ) Barton , Daric
14 ) Saltalamacchia , Jarrod
15 ) Cain , Matt
16 ) LaRoche , Andy
17 ) Pie , Felix
18 ) Gonzalez , Giovany
19 ) Kendrick , Howie
20 ) Milledge , Lastings
21 ) Sanchez , Anibal
22 ) Zimmerman , Ryan
23 ) Jackson , Conor
24 ) Zumaya , Joel
25 ) Jones , Adam
26 ) Danks , John
27 ) Hart , Corey
28 ) Patton , Troy
29 ) Gonzales , Carlos
30 ) Braun , Ryan
31 ) Verlander , Justin
32 ) Jones , Brandon
33 ) Bailey , Homer
34 ) Petit , Yusmeiro
35 ) Young , Chris
36 ) Tiffany , Charles
37 ) Hughes , Philip
38 ) Broxton , Jonathan
39 ) Lester , Jon
40 ) Duncan , Eric
41 ) Gordon , Alex
42 ) Huber , Justin
43 ) Snyder , Brad
44 ) Moses , Matthew
45 ) Volquez , Edison
46 ) Reyes , Anthony
47 ) Stewart , Ian
48 ) Sowers , Jeremy
49 ) Olsen , Scott
50 ) Quentin , Carlos
51 ) Nieve , Fernando
52 ) Penn , Hayden
53 ) Clement , Jeff
54 ) Elbert , Scott
55 ) Mathis , Jeff
56 ) Niemann , Jeff
57 ) Diamond , Thomas
58 ) Weaver , Jered
59 ) Maybin , Cameron
60 ) Martin , Russell
61 ) Kemp , Matt
62 ) Snell , Ian
63 ) Pedroia , Dustin
64 ) Pelfrey , Mike
65 ) Cabrera , Asdrubal
66 ) Swarzak , Anthony
67 ) Hirsh , Jason
68 ) Andrus , Elvis
69 ) Loney , James
70 ) McCutchen , Andrew
71 ) Bruce , Jay
72 ) Teagarden , Taylor
73 ) Snelling , Chris
74 ) Johnson , Dan
75 ) Ramirez , Hanley
76 ) Loewen , Adam
77 ) Reimold , Nolan
78 ) Carrillo , Cesar
79 ) McGowan , Dustin
80 ) McGee , Jacob
81 ) Kinsler , Ian
82 ) Orenduff , Justin
83 ) Hammels , Cole
84 ) Snyder , Brandon
85 ) Bankston , Wes
86 ) Anderson , Brian
87 ) Martinez-Esteve , Eddy
88 ) Miller , Adam
89 ) Clippard , Tyler
90 ) Villanueva , Carlos
91 ) Tulowitzki , Troy
92 ) Jenks , Bobby
93 ) Rasmus , Colby
94 ) Hill , Rich
95 ) Morales , Kendry
96 ) Aybar , Erick
97 ) Napoli , Mike
98 ) Salome , Angel
99 ) Nolasco , Ricky
100 ) Hansen , Craig

Diamond Futures College Top 25

Danny Hultzen has been a steady mound force for the Cavaliers

1) Texas (13-3) –
The Longhorns are 11-1 since the season opening series, including 4-0 vs. Top 25.

2) Virginia (12-3)-
Great series win over Florida State this past weekend, but that was their first Top 25 test.

3) Louisiana State (13-2) –
Tigers have beat up on weak competition at home, but will be tested against Razorbacks this weekend.

4) Florida State (13-2) –
Seminoles had won twelve straight before losing to Cavaliers this past weekend.

5) Arizona State (15-0) –
So. DH Zach Wilson is leading the way with a .440/.525/.700 line.

6) Georgia Tech (13-1) –
With LSU’s Ranuado sidelined, Deck McGuire (3-0, 0.87) is best draft-eligible starter in the collegiate ranks.

7) Clemson (13-1) –
Jr. starting QB Kyle Parker is looking less likely to see the grid iron this fall, as he has 6 HRs and a .396/.515/.755 line.

8) Texas Christian (12-2) –
Remember Rangers’ June first round draftee Matt Purke? Purke posted a complete game 4-hitter, striking out 8 and walking no one against Texas Tech on Saturday.

9) Coastal Carolina (15-2) –
The Chanticleers are red hot, going 13-1 over their last 14 games including a 10-1 record over the last 12 days.

10) Florida (11-3) –
The Gators are being led by a talented group of underclassmen, but suffered a disappointing Sunday loss to Charleston Southern.

11) Rice (10-7) –
There is little doubt that Sophomore 3B Anthony Rendon is the Nation’s most talented position player. Rendon is now batting .362/.606/.787 with 6 HRs on the season.

12) UC Irvine (9-6) –
The Anteaters inconsistent offense is costing them at the moment.

13) Louisville (14-1) –
The Cardinals had posted 13 straight wins to open the season before Saturday’s loss to Mississippi.

14) UCLA (13-0) –
Dominating pitching, led by Sophomore Gerritt Cole, has led the Bruins to the nation’s most surprising start.

15) Cal State Fullerton (7-7) –
Don’t be fooled by those 7 losses, as the Titans only non-Top 40 opponents this year have been Oregon and UAB.

16) Miami (10-4) –
Junior Catcher Yasmani Grandal is batting .200 with no extra base hits in the Hurricanes four losses and .472 in their ten wins.

17) Oregon State (10-3) –
Led by Tanner Robles and Greg Peavy, Beaver hurlers have posted a stingy 2.80 ERA.

18) Arkansas (12-3) –
Sophomore eligible third baseman, Zack Cox has hit safely in every game this season for the Razorbacks.

19) Vanderbilt (14-1) –
Strong pitching has led the Commodores to ten straight wins.

20) North Carolina (12-4) –
Matt Harvey looks like the pitcher that everyone expected to see last season, as he is 3-0 with a 2.52 ERA and 26 Ks in 25IP.

21) Texas A&M (13-3) –
The Aggies have won ten of their last eleven, but have yet to play a team ranked higher than #36.

22) Oklahoma (15-2) –
The Sooners had won ten straight before Sunday’s loss to UCLA.

23) Mississippi (12-4) –
Drew Pomeranz has led the Rebels with a 1.54 ERA and 40 Ks in 23IP.

24) Stanford (7-4) –
No team has played more games vs. Top 25 teams than the Cardinal’s six.

25) Alabama (12-1) –
The Tide hasn’t played a Top 25 team yet, but they have outscored their opponents by an average margin of 11-3.

Diamond Futures’ Retrospective: Our 2005 Top 100

Felix Hernandez was the big story from the 2005 list

A number of you have inquired recently as to where you can find our previous Top Prospect Lists. In response, we have begun to post our previous lists and will get through all of them before the season starts.

Joe Mauer repeated atop the 2005 list, as an early season knee injury limited him to just 107 ABs in 2004, however the real story was the emergence of Felix Hernandez, who came in at #2. For us, the 2005 list was in some ways one of our most successful—not so for the percentage that we got right, because the jury is still out on many of the players from the list. No, the success comes from the number of quality prospects that we were ahead of the curve on. We still had our share of misses, as everyone pretty much missed on Adam Miller-#11; Michael Aubrey-#19; Andy Marte-#23; Dan Meyer-#25; Joel Guzman-#27; Brian Dopirak-#34; Jeremy Reed-#39 and Thomas Diamond-#43. And we were kind of out on a limb with Yusmeiro Petit-#11 and Kyle Davies-#36, both of whom have yet to experience the success that we would have expected. And We Bankston-#49 may have been our worst pick of the year.

But all-in-all the results were good, as we, along with most everyone recognized the talents of players like Matt Cain-#4; Ian Stewart-#6; Prince Fielder-#7; Jeff Francoeur-#9; Jeff Francis-#12; Chad Billingsley-#13 and Hanley Ramirez-#14. In addition to those, we were significantly ahead of the curve on players like Brian McCann-#17; Billy Butler-#20; Ubaldo Jimenenz-#21; John Danks-#28; Francisco Liriano-#33; Jonathan Broxton-#41; Joey Votto-#42; Ian Kinsler-#47; Ervin Santana-#54; Nate McLouth-#57; Jair Jurrjens-#59; Jon Lester-#64; Dustin Pedroia-#72 and Alcides Escobar-#82. The complete list can be found below:

Diamond Futures 2005 Top 100

1 ) Mauer , Joe , MIN , C
2 ) Hernandez , Felix , SEA , RHP
3 ) Young , Delmon , TBR , OF
4 ) Cain , Matthew , SFG , RHP
5 ) Milledge , Lastings , NYM , OF
6 ) Stewart , Ian , COL , 3B
7 ) Fielder , Prince , MIL , 1B
8 ) Kotchman , Casey , ANA , 1B
9 ) Francoeur , Jeff , ATL , OF
10 ) Petit , Yusmeiro , NYM , RHP
11 ) Miller , Adam , CLE , RHP
12 ) Francis , Jeff , COL , LHP
13 ) Billingsley , Chad , LAD , RHP
14 ) Ramirez , Hanley , BOS , SS
15 ) McCarthy , Brandon , CHA , RHP
16 ) Kubel , Jason , MIN , RF-LF
17 ) McCann , Brian , ATL , C
18 ) Bailey , Homer , CIN , RHP
19 ) Aubrey , Michael , CLE , 1B
20 ) Butler , Billy , KCR , 3B
21 ) Jimenez , Ubaldo , COL , RHP
22 ) Hardy , J.J. , MIL , IF
23 ) Marte , Andy , ATL , 3B
24 ) LaRoche , Andy , LAD , SS
25 ) Meyer , Dan , ATL , LHP
26 ) Barton , Daric , STL , C
27 ) Guzman , Joel , LAD , SS
28 ) Danks , John , TEX , LHP
29 ) Capellan , Jose , ATL , RHP
30 ) Sweeney , Ryan , CHA , OF
31 ) Reyes , Anthony , STL , RHP
32 ) Duke , Zach , PIT , LHP
33 ) Liriano , Francisco , MIN , LHP
34 ) Dopirak , Brian , CHN , 1B
35 ) Encarnacion , Edwin , CIN , IF
36 ) Davies , Kyle , ATL , RHP
37 ) Quentin , Carlos , ARZ , OF
38 ) Niemann , Jeff , TBR , RHP
39 ) Reed , Jeremy , CHA , CF
40 ) Choo , Shin-Soo , SEA , OF
41 ) Broxton , Jonathan , LAD , RHP
42 ) Votto , Joey , CIN , 3B
43 ) Diamond , Thomas , TEX , RHP
44 ) Olsen , Scott , FLA , LHP
45 ) Anderson , Brian , CHA , OF
46 ) Kazmir , Scott , NYM , LHP
47 ) Kinsler , Ian , TEX , SS
48 ) Garko , Ryan , CLE , C
49 ) Bankston , Wes , TBR , OF
50 ) Hamels , Cole , PHI , LHP
51 ) Floyd , Gavin , PHI , RHP
52 ) Baker , Scott , MIN , RHP
53 ) Carter , Chris , ARZ , 1B
54 ) Santana , Ervin , ANA , RHP
55 ) Quintanilla , Omar , OAK , SS
56 ) Jackson , Conor , ARZ , 1B
57 ) McLouth , Nate , PIT , OF
58 ) Schierholtz , Nate , SFG , 3B
59 ) Jurrjens , Jair , DET , RHP
60 ) Humber , Phil , NYM , RHP
61 ) Seddon , Chris , TBR , LHP
62 ) Einertson , Mitch , HOU , OF
63 ) McPherson , Dallas , ANA , 3B
64 ) Lester , Jon , BOS , LHP
65 ) Morales , Kendry , ANA , OF
66 ) Callaspo , Alberto , ANA , 2B
67 ) Chick , Travis , SDP , RHP
68 ) Moss , Brandon , BOS , 2B
69 ) Swisher , Nick , OAK , LF-RF
70 ) Guzman , Angel , CHN , RHP
71 ) Jackson , Edwin , LAD , RHP
72 ) Pedroia , Dustin , BOS , SS
73 ) Crain , Jesse , MIN , RHP
74 ) Stevens , Jake , ATL , LHP
75 ) Willingham , Josh , FLA , C-LF
76 ) Burke , Chris , HOU , 2B
77 ) Tiffany , Chuck , LAD , LHP
78 ) Haren , Dan , STL , RHP
79 ) Iguchi , Tadahito , CHA , 2B
80 ) Zumaya , Joel , DET , RHP
81 ) Rodriguez , Sean , ANA , SS
82 ) Escobar , Alcides , MIL , P
83 ) Weeks , Rickie , MIL , 2B
84 ) Megrew , Mike , LAD , LHP
85 ) Street , Huston , OAK , RP
86 ) Marson , Louis , PHI , C
87 ) Portes , Juan , MIN , SS
88 ) Germano , Justin , SDP , RHP
89 ) Marshall , Sean , CHN , LHP
90 ) Carmona , Fausto , CLE , RHP
91 ) Penn , Hayden , BAL , RHP
92 ) Clippard , Tyler , NYY , RHP
93 ) Verlander , Justin , DET , RHP
94 ) Markakis , Nick , BAL , OF
95 ) Martin , Russell , LAD , 3B
96 ) Shell , Steven , ANA , RHP
97 ) Kendrick , Howie , ANA , 2B
98 ) Blanton , Joe , OAK , RHP
99 ) Howard , Ryan , PHI , 1B
100 ) Granderson , Curtis , DET , CF

Diamond Futures’ Retrospective: Our 2004 Top 100

Joe Mauer climbed to the Top of our 2004 list

A number of you have inquired recently as to where you can find our previous Top Prospect Lists. In response, we have begun to post our previous lists and will get through all of them before the season starts.

Next up, we take a look at our Top 100 list from 2004. Looking back, 2004 was a bit of a mixed bag, as most everyone’s top players appear to be having solid careers, and the players that we missed on were fairly similar to the same one’s everyone else had…but there were a few differences. On the ‘miss’ side, there is a fairly lengthy list from our Top 50, these include: Greg Miller - #6; Andy Marte - #10; Jeremy Reed - #13; Josh Barfield - #19; Justin Jones - #23; Angel Guzman - #29; Adam Loewen - #30; Blake Hawksworth - #36; Kris Honel - #42; Sergio Santos - #44 and Kyle Sleeth - #49…but these were common misses. The players that we were all by ourselves on included: Emiliano Fruto - #46; Chris Shelton - #65; Gregor Blanco - #66; Josh Womack - #75 and Ruben Gotay - #84.

On the positive side, we, along with most everyone, scored with selections like: Joe Mauer - #1; BJ Upton - #2; Cole Hamels - #3; Prince Fielder - #4; Scott Kazmir - #5; Zack Greinke - #8; Felix Hernandez - #11; David Wright - #12; Justin Morneau - #18; Ervin Santana - #20 and Hanley Ramirez - #32. But the players where we were truly ahead of the curve on included: Grady Sizemore - #14; Matt Cain - #28; Chad Billingsley - #41; Nick Swisher - #50 and Joey Votto - #81. The complete list can be found below:


Diamond Futures 2004 Top 100

1 ) Mauer, Joe , MIN , C
2 ) Upton, B.J. , TB , SS
3 ) Hamels, Cole , PHI , LH
4 ) Fielder, Prince , MIL , 1B
5 ) Kazmir, Scott , NYM , LH
6 ) Miller, Greg , LA , LH
7 ) Young, Delmon , TBR , OF
8 ) Greinke, Zack , KC , RH
9 ) Kotchman, Casey , ANA , 1B
10 ) Marte, Andy , ATL , 3B
11 ) Hernandez, Felix , SEA , RH
12 ) Wright, David , NYM , 3B
13 ) Reed, Jeremy , CHA , OF
14 ) Sizemore, Grady , CLE , OF
15 ) Weeks, Rickie , MIL , 2B
16 ) Matsui, Kaz , NYM , SS
17 ) Gutierrez, Franklin , LA , OF
18 ) Morneau, Justin , MIN , 1B
19 ) Barfield, Josh , SD , 2B
20 ) Santana, Ervin , ANA , RH
21 ) Rios, Alexis , TOR , OF
22 ) Navarro, Dioner , NYY , C
23 ) Jones, Justin , CHN , LH
24 ) Francouer, Jeff , ATL , OF
25 ) Maine, John , BAL , RH
26 ) Loney, James , LA , 1B
27 ) Hermida, Jeremy , FLA , OF
28 ) Cain, Matthew , SF , RH
29 ) Guzman, Angel , CHN , RH
30 ) Loewen, Adam , BAL , LH
31 ) Stewart, Ian , Col , 3B
32 ) Ramirez, Hanley , BOS , SS
33 ) Zumaya, Joel , DET , RH
34 ) Mathis, Jeff , ANA , C
35 ) Hawksworth, Blake , STL , RH
36 ) Jackson, Edwin , LA , RH
37 ) Callaspo, Alberto , ANA , 2B
38 ) Encarnacion, Edwin , CIN , 3B
39 ) Willingham, Josh , FLA , C
40 ) Gonzalez, Adrian , TEX , 1B
41 ) Billingsley, Chad , LA , RH
42 ) Honel, Kris , CHA , RH
43 ) Floyd, Gavin , PHI , RH
44 ) Santos, Sergio , ARZ , SS
45 ) Wainwright, Adam , STL , RH
46 ) Fruto, Emiliano , Sea , RH
47 ) Blanton, Joe , OAK , RH
48 ) Petit, Yusmeiro , NYM , RH
49 ) Sleeth, Kyle , DET , RH
50 ) Swisher, Nick , OAK , OF
51 ) Stokes, Jason , FLA , 1B
52 ) McGowan, Dustin , TOR , RH
53 ) Pie, Felix , CHN , OF
54 ) Crosby, Bobby , OAK , SS
55 ) Tsao, Chin-hui , COL , RH
56 ) Hardy, J.J. , MIL , SS
57 ) Huber, Justin , NYM , C
58 ) Clevlen, Brent , DET , OF
59 ) Markakis, Nicholas , BAL , OF
60 ) Barton, Daric , STL , C
61 ) Danks, John , TEX , LH
62 ) Jenks, Bobby , LAA , RH
63 ) Nageotte, Clint , SEA , RH
64 ) Carlson, Jesse , HOU , LH
65 ) Shelton, Chris , PIT , 1B
66 ) Blanco, Gregor , ATL , OF
67 ) Aybar, Willy , LA , 3B
68 ) Clippard, Tyler , NYY , RH
69 ) Quiroz, Guillermo , TOR , C
70 ) Gaudin, Chad , TB , RH
71 ) Nolasco, Ricky , CHN , RH
72 ) McPherson, Dallas , ANA , 3B
73 ) McCarthy, Brandon , CHA , RH
74 ) Choo, Shin-soo , Sea , OF
75 ) Womack, Josh , SEA , OF
76 ) Oquendo (Snell), Ian , PIT , RH
77 ) Green, Khalil , SDP , SS
78 ) Kubel, Jason , MIN , OF
79 ) Bay, Jason , PIT , OF
80 ) Reyes, Jojo , ATL , LH
81 ) Votto, Joey , Cin , 1B
82 ) Aybar, Erick , ANA , 2B
83 ) VanBenschoten, John , PIT , RH
84 ) Gotay, Ruben , KC , 2B
85 ) Granderson, Curtis , DET , OF
86 ) Stevens, Jake , ATL , LH
87 ) LaRoche, Adam , ATL , 1B
88 ) Jackson, Conor , ARI , OF
89 ) Kendrick, Howie , ANA , 2B
90 ) Shell, Steven , ANA , RH
91 ) Napoli, Michael , ANA , C
92 ) Parra, Manny , MIL , LH
93 ) Saltalamacchia, Jarr , ATL , C
94 ) Hill, Aaron , TOR , SS
95 ) McLouth, Nathan , PIT , OF
96 ) Young, Chris , MTL , RH
97 ) Fox, Jacob , CHN , C
98 ) Francis, Jeff , COL , LH
99 ) Wood, Brandon , ANA , SS
100 ) Bourgeois, Jason , TEX , 2B