Top 100 Prospects

1.       Bryce Harper, OF, Nationals

Rationale: Best prospect in baseball, a five tool player headed by an 80 power tool. Grew an inch and a half this offseason and has the potential to be one of the greatest players of all time. He looks to make his MLB debut at the age of 19, there is a reason for all the hype. The scary thing is it isn’t out of the reason to think that Harper could set the all-time HR record. Harper has been criticized for his ego, but he has faced a lot of taunting on his way through the minor leagues, which he can expect to continue when he breaks through to the majors. The spotlight shines bright on this young man, and he needs to remember that everyone will be looking for his next big outburst, maturity and years will stop this problem. The bar almost seems set so high, that he may not ever fully satisfy all of his fans and critics.

2.       Matt Moore, LHP, Rays

Rationale: Easily would be #1 in any other year. His fastball sits in the mid to upper 90s, and hit triple digits in the Futures Game last year. He compliments the fastball with a good curveball, and an above average change-up. He has a free and easy delivery that leads to him having great command overall. Moore is in an odd spot where he is good enough to be in the Rays rotation out of Spring Training, but young enough that he can be optioned to the minors without too much lash back from the media. My gut and his newly minted 8 year contract say he starts the year in Tampa though.

3.       Mike Trout, OF, Angels

Rationale: Another potential #1 candidate Trout is a five tool OF with elite level speed. His hit tool and defensive range also grade out at well above average. At just 20 years old going into this season Trout has room to harness his power potential. His arm is average to slightly above average which will limit Trout to CF or likely LF when he starts his career with Bourjos in center. Trout is a lot like Moore where he has the talent to break camp with the Angels, but the wealth of veterans already in place may keep him in the minors, just a bit longer.

4.       Jurickson Profar, SS, Rangers

Rationale: Perfect world projection has Profar being an above average SS who hits at the top of the order with.300 with 20 HR and 20 or more SB. Profar is mature beyond his years and looks to progress quickly. The Rangers have no reason to rush Profar with Andrus locked up at SS for the next 3 years. Profar is another example of how good the Rangers are with their international scouting department, they are certainly most disappointed by the MLB’s new rules regarding that area that will go into effect on July 2^nd.

5.       Shelby Miller, RHP, Cardinals

Rationale: Miller features a mid-90s fastball that can jump up to 97, a tight breaking curve, and an above average change-up that allow him to have an ace ceiling. Miller has a large durable frame at 6’3” and his delivery is smooth. He has above average command, but has room to improve before he reaches the Cardinals major league rotation.

6.       Dylan Bundy, RHP, Orioles

Rationale: The best 2011 high school arm in the draft has all the tools and projection to be an ace. His best pitch is his mid to upper-90s four-seam fastball that peaks at 100, a two-seam fastball that sits in the low 90s, and a developing cutter that he occasionally uses. His curveball is an above average pitch and he has an average change-up that with work can develop into a plus pitch. He has a work ethic that is said to be one of the best in the minor leagues as well.

7.       Julio Teheran, RHP, Braves

Rationale: Has a four pitch mix with his fastball and change-up being his plus pitches presently. Working on developing a curveball and has showed a slider at times in the past, though he uses it very infrequently. Teheran needs to learn to control his curve better to reach his potential at the major league level, at age 21, he has plenty of time to do so.

8.       Jesus Montero, C/DH, Mariners

Rationale: Calling Montero a catcher is a compliment, his receiving skills are below average and he doesn’t project to stick their long, but the Mariners seem content to try the experiment for a while at least. Montero does know how to swing a bat though. He projects to be an annual .300 hitter with 25 to 30 homeruns, who hits to all fields. Montero will have to remind himself to be patient to keep his walks up and strikeouts from getting too high when he moves to his natural position of designated hitter.

9.       Trevor Bauer, RHP Diamondbacks

Rationale: The rapidly advancing Bauer will reach the major leagues in no time barring injury. He has a fastball that he can ramp up into the upper 90s. A 12-6 curve that is as good as any in the minors, and an above average slider, a solid change, and other developing pitches round out his pitch mix. Bauer can miss bats as well as any other starter in the minors right now. His rubber arm and long toss program make him different from the average pitcher, but it could be the difference that makes him better than the average pitcher.

10.   Manny Machado, SS, Orioles

Rationale: Machado is an excellent young shortstop with well above average range and a strong arm. The O’s only hope is that the 6’3” Machado doesn’t outgrow the position. He hits the ball hard and often for an above average hit tool and projects to have decent power and speed. Machado also has above average plate discipline that allows him to minimize strikeouts and gain a fair amount of walks. Machado is only 19 and hopes to play his first full season between HI-A and AA this season.

11.   Gerrit Cole, RHP, Pirates

Rationale: The 1.1 from last year has true ace potential. Cole went to the Arizona Fall League last year and promptly hit 102 MPH on the radar gun. While he usually pitches in the mid to upper 90s, it was impressive to see Cole ramp it up that high. Coupled with the fastball is one of the best sliders in the minor leagues that drops right before crossing the plate. His change-up is also well above average compared to the major league standard. Cole could progress through the Pirates system rapidly and I would not be surprised to see him in the Pirates rotation by the 2013 All-Star Break.

12.   Jameson Taillon, RHP, Pirates

Rationale: the Pirates hope that Tallion is Cole’s motivation for competition for many years to come and vice versa. Tallion to offers three already plus pitches,  a mid-90s fastball,  a 12-6 curve with heavy drop, and a slider that still has plenty of room to develop. Tallion has excellent control of his pitches, especially his fastball, and has the ability to miss bats without jeopardizing his walk totals. The 1-2 combo of Cole and Tallion will be fun to see as they both look to start in Bradenton.

13.   Bubba Starling, OF, Royals

Rationale: Starling has the tools to become a perennial All-Star, but also has the raw skill level to never be a starter in the MLB. Starling's speed, defense, and arm are already elite skills. Starling’s speed led to him signing a letter of intent with Nebraska to be an option Quarterback, but instead opting to sign with the Royals on August 15^th. His speed will allow him to cover vast amounts of ground in CF and has an absolute cannon for an arm. The question with Starling remains how the hit tool and power tool will mature. Starling can put on a show in BP, but translating that skill against live professional pitching will be a huge step in Starling’s development. Has the potential to be one of the five best players on this list, but could also easily be labeled as the biggest flop as well.

14.   Travis D’Arnaud, C, Blue Jays

Rationale: D’Arnaud is a catcher that can not only receive and throw at a slightly above major league average, but can also hit. Hitting is actually D’Arnaud’s best tools with his power tool being slightly stronger than his actual hit tool. D’Arnaud can fall in love at times with trying to hit homeruns, and this leads to increased number of strikeouts. If D’Arnaud can trust his quick, powerful swing he can hit 20 homeruns a year while still utilizing good plate discipline.

15.   Anthony Rendon, 3B, Nationals

Rationale: Rendon was the preseason favorite to be the #1 draft pick in the 2011 draft. Injuries slowed his college career, but did not slow down the Nationals from taking him at sixth overall. Rendon is a legitimate five tool 3B. His hit tool is superb because of his advanced plate discipline and pitch recognition. His swing is so quick and natural that power naturally comes with it to all fields. Rendon is an average runner, but his defense is well above-average featuring good range, quick reaction, and a laser for an arm. Rendon’s only problem is that Ryan Zimmerman just signed an extension through the 2019 season, meaning Rendon may need to find a new position soon if Zimmerman can continue to play at 3B for the remainder of his contract.

16.   Danny Hultzen, LHP, Mariners

Rationale: Hultzen rivals Gerritt Cole as the most major league ready pitcher of the 2011 draft. The tall lefty has an already developed three pitch mix. His fastball sits in the low 90’s, and he backs it up with a solid change-up. Hultzen misses a lot of bats with his slider, but room for improvement is still there.  Hultzen has excellent command, and showed his polish through his strong outing in the Arizona Fall League last year. Hultzen could see time at the major league very quickly, and will race Bauer and Cole to be the first pitcher to get a starting job in the MLB from the 2011 draft class.

17.   Taijuan Walker, RHP, Mariners

Rationale: Walker is a tall lanky right hander with potential to be a frontline starter. He has three pitches that are already, or have plus potential. Walker’s fastball sits in the low to mid 90s, a 12-6 curve that sits in the lower 80s and has very late break, and a change-up that he hasn’t peaked on yet. Walker’s biggest flaw right now is inconsistency in his mechanics which cause him to lose feel on his control at times. Walker hopes to pitch his first complete year this year and will split time between Hi-A and AA.

18.   Yoenis Cespedes, OF, Athletics

Rationale: Cespedes is a 26 year old recent defect of Cuba, who has five above average to great tools. Cespedes’ best tools are his power and speed. He is a CF that has potential to be a 30 HR, 20 SB, .300 hitter if everything transitions from Cuba to the MLB smoothly.  Cespedes will have to transition from Cuban pitching, where he feasted for a .333, 33HR, 99RBI season in 2010, to MLB quality pitching. This adjustment will take time, but with Cespedes’ work ethic will come eventually. His speed will allow him to cover ground in Oakland’s Coliseum, and his average to slightly above-average arm will be a major improvement compared to Coco Crisp’s arm.

19.   Devin Mesoraco, C, Reds

Rationale: Mesoraco is a major league team’s dream, a catcher who has the potential to hit .285/.360/.500 and mash 20HR over the course of the season. Mesoraco’s hit tool and power are advanced, and well above major league average considering his position. The downside to Mesoraco is his defense and his base-clogging speed. He is an average to slightly below average receiver who makes errors behind the plate by misplaying balls in the dirt or being inaccurate on throws while trying to catch a runner stealing. Mesoraco has an opportunity to try and develop at the major league level with Cincinnati, but if he can’t could be destined for the AL in six years and filling the role of DH/C.

20.   Wil Myers, OF, Royals

Rationale: Myers 2011 regular season was a disappointment; he hurt his knee, which required stitches to heal, while running in the parking lot to avoid the rain. Furthermore the knee got infected and Myers’ not only missed time due to the injury, but also lost his timing because of it. Myers rebounded in the Arizona Fall League where he hit .360/.481/.674 with 5 2B, 5 3B, and 4 HR 20 BB and 18 K in 86 AB. Those numbers and his injuries are why scouts are willing to give Myers’ a pass on his 2010 performance. Myers hit tool is solid and he has extremely good plate discipline. His power is still developing, but it is not too farfetched to believe he could hit 20 HR a season. He projects to be a RF with below average speed and an average to a tick above average arm.

21.   Francisco Lindor, SS, Indians

Rationale: Lindor is a phenomenal shortstop that already has above major league average range and arm while being less than a year removed from high school. Offensively, the switch-hitting Lindor has potential to hit just shy of .300, with 10-15HR and 15-20 SB. Lindor is going to play his first professional season this year at the age of 18, but already shows maturity and make-up beyond his years according to the Indians’ brass. How Lindor physically matures will have as much to do with his development as anything else.

22.   Miguel Sano, 3B, Twins

Rationale: Sano is joins the elites of Bryce Harper and Mike Stanton who grades out as an 80 on the raw power scale. Sano can translate the raw power into in game power as proven by his 20 HR in 66 G in rookie ball. Sano has a lot of development in front of him though. As with most power hitters his long swing leads to lots of strikeouts and he could easily crest 200 strikeouts in a 162 game MLB season if his approach doesn’t change. Sano has also added 40lbs since signing with the Twins and doesn’t project to stay at 3B much longer. With his below average speed, but above average arm the Twins should look at moving Sano to RF sooner rather than later.

23.   Archie Bradley, RHP, Diamondbacks

Rationale: Bradley is the other half of the Diamondbacks two top seven picks. Bradley has two plus pitches already, his mid-90s four seam fastball and his low 80s power curve. Bradley has a change-up that needs major work before he reaches the majors.  Bradley has good command due to his delivery that he has focused on making smooth and easy. He has potential to be the ace of a staff that includes Bauer and Skaggs if his change-up can develop and he keeps his well above average control.

24.   Jacob Turner, Tigers

Rationale: Turner has a big durable frame (6’5’’, 210lbs) and is on the Tigers fast-track to the big leagues. Turner has three pitches that could already be considered above average. His fastball ranges anywhere from 89-95 depending on how much movement he puts on it, or how much he tries to command it. He has a curveball with heavy break that he relies on, sometimes too much, that is slightly more advanced than his change-up which can miss bats as well. Turner abandoned the change-up to some extent during his brief trial run at the major league level last season. Turner’s command of his repertoire will keep him at the major league level for some time to come.

25.   Tyler Skaggs, LHP, Diamondbacks

Rationale: Skaggs is a 6’4’’ lefty who is the most advanced in the Diamondbacks system. His fastball sits in the low-90s and is maybe his second best pitch compared to his curve. Skaggs’ curveball is a 12-6 late breaking hammer that he has a wonderful control of. Skaggs also has a change-up that come in anywhere from 78-82 MPH that still hasn’t reached its peak. Skaggs has above-average control and will be in a race with Bauer as to who gets the call to the big leagues first.

26.   Gary Brown, OF, Giants

Rationale: Brown is an absolute burner with 80 raw speed that has transitioned well into base running/stealing speed. Brown has abover average hit, defense, and arm tools as well. If Brown reaches his potential he could be a .300 10 HR 55 SB gold glove center fielder who hits leadoff. Brown is already very advanced and just needs a little seasoning before he reaches the major leagues. Cutting down the number of times he is caught stealing is one area to look for improvement in 2012.

27.   Martin Perez, LHP, Rangers

Rationale: Perez is a lefty who has all of the tools to become a first division starter at the major league level. His fastball sits in the low 90s, a change-up in the low 80s that is already a plus pitch, and a curveball in the upper 70s that has good break and spin but is still developing. Perez is inconsistent from start to start, but his control seemed more improved in 2011 than it was in 2010. He could use a full year of AAA in 2012 to gain confidence and consistency before grabbing a cup of coffee in September and making a push for the rotation in 2013.

28.   Manny Banuelos, LHP Yankees

Rationale: Banuelos is an undersized lefty with three good pitches. His fastball sits in the low 90s while sometimes dipping into the 80s. He features a deceptive change that sits in the low 80s but also features good movement as well. His other above average off speed offering is his curveball that clocks in at right about 80 MPH. Banuelos has a tendency to not be efficient with his pitch count and focus on strikeouts to much. Learning when to go for a strikeout and when to trust his stuff and defense will be the next major step in development for Banuelos.

29.   Drew Pomeranz, LHP, Rockies

Rationale: Pomeranz is a good size standing at 6’5’’ 230 lbs with a solid low 90s fastball, a tight curve that is close to being a plus pitch, and a changeup that is still developing. Pomeranz needs to improve his control, but he does do a good job of working low in the zone. Pomeranz flew through the Indians and Rockies organizations last year reaching the major leagues in his first professional season. He could use more time to mature at AAA, but the Rockies may let him develop in their starting rotation.

30.   Jarrod Parker, RHP, Athletics

Rationale: Parker has a legitimate 5-pitch mix that features a 4-seam fastball, 2-seam fastball, slider, change-up and a curveball. Parker’s 4-seam fastball sits in the mid-90s, and his 2-seamer comes in the low 90s featuring good sinking action. His slider has good two plane break and comes in the low to mid 80s. Parker’s change-up comes in the low 80s and is very deceptive compared to his 4-seam. Parker rarely shows the curve, but when he does it catches hitters off-guard.  Parker has good command and should be the next pitcher Oakland trades in three years to rejuvenate their minor leagues.

31.   Zack Wheeler, RHP, Mets

Rationale: Wheeler was the prized piece the Mets received in return for a half season of Carlos Beltran. Wheeler has a plus fastball that sits in the mid-90s with good control. He has an over-the-top knee-buckling curve that is already a plus pitch that misses bats. His change-up has good velocity and movement, but Wheeler can tip this pitch to hitters by not keeping his arm speed the same through his delivery. Wheeler throws the ball freely and easily and has all the tools to be a #2 starter for years to come.

32.   Nolan Arenado, 3B, Rockies

Rationale: Arenado is a third baseman with average to above average tools in every category except for speed, which is well below-average. His best tool is his hit tool and he projects to hit .300 or better at the major league level. Arenando also has excellent patience at the plate that led him to draw 47 walks while only striking out 53 times in 2011. Arenando’s power ceiling is up for debate, but I seem him as someone who will hit 16-20 homeruns annually at the top level. Arenando impressed scouts in the Arizona Fall League with his improved defense and above average arm strength.

33.   Jorge Soler, OF, Free Agent

Rationale: Soler is the second prominent Cuban defect of the 2011-2012 offseason. Soler is a physically mature (6’3’’ 205lbs) 20 year old with average or above tools potential. Soler already has above average speed and a plus arm. His speed will diminish as he fills out and ages, likely leaving Soler to play RF. Soler already has an advanced eye for pitch recognition at the plate, which helps hit tool. Soler will naturally find his way into average power which could improve as he gets stronger. Soler is years away from the big leagues and will need time at every level to adjust to professional baseball properly.

34.   Brett Jackson, OF, Cubs

Rationale: Jackson is a five tool CF who has no elite tools, but no tool that is worse than average. Jackson’s best tools are his power and speed. Jackson has pop in his bat that showed last year, and combined with his plus speed he projects to be a 20/20 player for the majority of his career. Jackson’s speed and instincts help him be a slightly better than average defender in center and his arm will hold its own.  Jackson projects to hit around .280 and won’t strikeout as much as other hitters with similar power. Jackson has a great work ethic and will get at least part of the 2012 campaign at AAA before making his big league debut.

35.   Carlos Martinez, RHP, Cardinals

Rationale: Martinez has one of the hardest fastballs in the minor leagues; he sits in the mid to upper 90s and has hit triple digits on more than a few occasions. Martinez has a curveball that is hard and had tight late break associated with it. Martinez also offers a slower version of his fastball that sits in the low 90s that resembles a sinker. Finally he has a change-up which he rarely throws but has good movement if he doesn’t over throw it. The concern with Martinez is that he is small and doesn’t generate the downhill plane necessary to command his pitches without lots of effort in his delivery. If Martinez can get his control in order he has potential to be a #1 starter, if he can’t then he will move into the closers role.

36.   Billy Hamilton, SS, Reds

Rationale: Hamilton has 80 speed, and if it was possible to go higher than 80, I assure you people would. Hamilton stole 103 bases in 123 attempts at Lo A Dayton this past season. Hamilton’s hit tool is improving as is his approach, but his 130+ strikeouts this past season must decrease to utilize his speed on the base paths. Hamilton’s power is non-existent and he has a good chance to hit as many inside-the-park homeruns as he does traditional homeruns. Hamilton has good range at SS because of his speed, but his arm isn’t good enough to stick at shortstop. Hamilton’s speed will probably allow him to move to centerfield but if he can’t read fly balls properly he could transition to 2B easily. A simplified approach will help Hamilton in 2012 and in the future.

37.   Mike Montgomery, LHP, Royals

Rationale: Mike Montgomery took a step back during the 2011 campaign, while his stuff staid the same, his command went out the window.  Montgomery has a low to mid 90s fastball that is above average, a plus curveball that he has tinkered with recently, and a change-up that is average to slightly above average. Montgomery lost his command last year, but towards the end of the season showed some signs that he was regaining his control. Montgomery needs to improve his mechanics and make them repeatable before his command will stay consistent. He still has potential to be a frontline starter, but it doesn’t seem as certain as it was going into the 2011 campaign.

38.   Arodys Vizcaino, RHP, Braves

Rationale: Vizcaino flew through the Braves’ organizational ranks last season hitting every stop between Hi A and the major leagues. The latter two stops Vizcaino worked solely as a reliever, but look for him to return to the starting role in 2012 starting in Gwinnett. Vizcaino has a mid-90s fastball that is already a plus pitch, a power curve that sits in the low 80s, and a change-up that is average already despite only being 21. Vizcaino’s downfall is that he lacks control at times. If Vizcaino can get a better feel for his control, he has legitimate swing and miss stuff that could allow him to be a #2 starter for the Braves.

39.   Matt Harvey, RHP, Mets

Rationale: Harvey’s arsenal is headed by a low to mid-90s fastball, and a plus pitch in a slider that comes in in the low 80s and features two plane break. Harvey also has a 12-6 curve that is average at best right now, and a change-up that he needs serious improvement. Presently it is just a slightly less speedy version of his fastball not moving or deceiving hitters as it should. Harvey needs to develop his change-up and improve his command before he fulfills his potential, but his first two pitches are to good that even if he can’t develop a third pitch he will have a spot in the bullpen waiting for him.

40.   Christian Yelich, OF, Marlins

Rationale: Yelich is a five tool CF prospect with a seriously high ceiling. Yelich is led by his plus hit tool and projects to hit .290-.300. Yelich also has the potential to be a 25/25 player every year with his plus power and plus speed. Defensively Yelich can cover ground in center because of his speed, which he may lose when his 6’4’’ 189lb frame fills out, but his arm is slightly below average. Yelich could move to a corner outfield position if he does slow down and has the offense to stick there. Yelich will spend the 2012 season at Hi-A Jupiter where he hopes to match his successful 2011 campaign.

41.   Hak-Ju Lee, SS, Rays

Rationale: Lee is an impressive defensive shortstop who has above average range, arm, and instincts at the SS position. Lee has an average to above average hit tool and good speed, even though he could still improve his base running skills. Lee has little to no power and will probably be lucky to hit five homeruns at the major league level. Combined with his defense, stolen base potential, and high average Lee could be an all-star threat every year. Lee will start the 2012 campaign in AA Montgomery.

42.   Anthony Gose, OF, Blue Jays

Rationale: Gose is the second place finisher to Billy Hamilton in the speed contest swiping 70 bases at AA. Gose fell in love with adding loft to his swing for more power, giving him 16 HR, but also 154 K last season. Gose will need to find the balance between swinging for the fences and putting balls in the gap where he can utilize his plus-plus speed. He is not a natural hitter and will be lucky to hit .260 at the highest level, he will thrive best when he is patient at the plate and lets his power come naturally through his swing, rather than loft. Gose hit 97MPH as a high school pitcher to give him a plus to plus-plus arm in CF. Combine his arm with his elite speed and he becomes one of the most elite CF in the game. The main point of concern for Gose is raising his average to get on base more. AAA Las Vegas seems likely for Gose in 2012.

43.   Rymer Liriano, OF, Padres

Rationale: Liriano got demoted at the start of last year after struggling at Hi-A. Liriano bounced back for the remainder of the 2011 season. Liriano has good instincts and a smooth swing that allows his hit tool to thrive. His hit tool is above average and could lead to above average power yielding 20-23 HRs per season at the major league level. Liriano’s speed is above average, but his base running and stealing ability are excellent. Liriano’s speed and above average to plus arm project him to land in a corner outfield position.

44.   Zach Lee, RHP Dodgers

Rationale: Lee was considered one of the toughest signs in the 2010 draft class considering his dual football/baseball scholarship to LSU. Lee elected to sign with the Dodgers and enjoyed a successful first professional year in Lo A. Lee’s fastball sits in the low 90s but can jump to the mid-90s and is already a plus pitch. His best off speed pitch is his slider and he is working on developing a power curve in the low 80s as well. Lee needs to work on developing his change-up as it is nowhere near what it needs to be presently. Lee’s command is above average and he should spend the 2012 campaign in Hi A Rancho Cucamonga.

45.   Josh Bell, OF, Pirates

Rationale: Bell was one of the biggest surprise signs of the 2011 draft. He was considered unsignable due to his scholarship to Texas. The Pirates signed him for 5 million and now hope to turn him into an all-star corner outfielder. Bell is a switch-hitter with all five tools present in his game. He has legitimate power to all fields from both sides of the plate, and makes good contact on everything he hits. His speed is slightly better than average, and that could decline as he ages. His defense will be led by his above average arm, but as his speed declines so will his outfield range.  Bell has a long road to the major leagues, but the potential to move quickly through the minors if he adjusts quickly.

46.   Anthony Rizzo, 1B, Cubs

Rationale: Rizzo has plus to plus-plus power which showed last year in AAA, and projects to hit 25-28 HR. His hit tool is above average, but was exposed last year in his brief stint with San Diego. Rizzo has average defensive skill at first base, he won’t win any gold gloves, but he is certainly better than some 1B in the league today. Rizzo is a bit of a base-clogger with his below average speed. Rizzo will spend most of the 2012 campaign in Iowa eliminating holes in his swing, and hoping Bryan LaHair doesn’t have career year that could delay Rizzo’s debut on Chicago’s northside.

47.   James Paxton, LHP, Mariners

Rationale: Paxton is a big durable lefty measuring in at 6’4’’ 220 lbs. Paxton has a low 90s fastball, an upper 70s late breaking curve, and an average at best change-up that all together he uses to miss bats at an outstanding rate. Paxton’s delivery is flawed at times and allows him to not hide his pitches, and lose command of his above average repertoire. Paxton’s curveball is his best pitch and misses bats regularly with it. Paxton needs to improve his delivery to take his game to the next level, but showed signs of improvement last year at AA Jackson. Paxton will split time between Jackson and Tacoma this year if everything goes as planned for the 23 year old southpaw.

48.   Jake Odorizzi, RHP Royals

Rationale: Odorizzi was one of the pieces the Royals received back for Zack Greinke. Odorizzi’s fastball sits in the low 90s and has movement that comes with the offering. His off-speed pitches, which include a curveball, slider, and change-up, could all be average, but no one pitch stands out among the rest. Odorizzi has a smooth and easy delivery that allows him to have good command and control. Odorizzi did a good job of missing bats while keeping his walk totals low. He allowed a fair number of homeruns at AA and must remember to keep his pitches low in the zone. Odorizzi has a high floor and a low ceiling and seems to be a safe bet to make the major leagues at some point in his career should his command not fail him.

49.   Mike Olt, 3B, Rangers

Rationale: Olt was having a fine first full professional season last year at Hi-A Myrtle Beach. Olt’s season ended early, when he broke his collarbone in a collision at home plate. Olt has plus power and an average hit tool. His defensive range is average due to his below average speed, but his arm makes up for his lack of range and he could play 3B at the major league level. With Adrian Beltre filling the Rangers 3B spot in the lineup through 2016 Olt will have to move to 1B or a corner outfield spot to make the major league squad. Olt will start the year at AA Frisco and has potential to put up some crazy power numbers in the Texas league this summer.

50.   Jake Marisnick, OF, Blue Jays

Rationale: Marisnick is a five tool center fielder with a large durable frame (6’4’’ 215lbs). Marisnick’s best tool is his hit tool that is an above average tool as he could hit .285 and at his peak flirt with .300. Marisnick is finding his natural power and projects to hit 20-24 homeruns at his peak. Marisnick already has shown his above average speed and plus base running abilities in the minors and could swipe 25-30 stolen bases annually. Marisnick’s speed and above average allow him to stay in CF for now, but depending on what happens with his physical maturation, or Anthony Gose, Marisnick could move to RF. Marisnick will start at Dunedin in 2012 and there is no need to rush his progression.

51.   Wily Peralta, RHP, Brewers

Rationale: Peralta is a big right handed pitcher standing at 6’2’’ 240lbs who finally put it all together in 2011. His fastball sits in the mid-90s and he couples it with a low 80s slider with good two plane movement. His third pitch is an average change-up which he can move around the zone with good sink. Peralta has average command, but last year located his pitches well, while missing bats at a good rate. Peralta will spend the year in AAA Nashville before hopefully breaking camp with the Brew Crew in 2013.

52.   Nick Castellanos, 3B, Tigers

Rationale: Castellanos is a high school shortstop turned third baseman that has no elite tools, but could be average or better at everything. Castellanos has an above average to plus hit tool and could hit .300 for a majority of his career.  He has average speed and good reactions at the hot corner and a good arm. He is large for the position and projects to hit for average power. Castellanos’ downfall is that he is strikeout heavy and doesn’t draw a lot of walks. Castellanos will play this season at Hi A and hopefully see maturity in his power.

53.   Jean Segura, SS, Angels

Rationale: The oft-injured Segura has all the tools to be an all-star shortstop. Segura has an above average hit tool which could lead to average power or better. He has good speed that has already been utilized into good base running skill. Segura has good plate discipline and is improving with his pitch selection. Segura moved to SS from 2B and could play either position because of his plus arm. The main determinate to whether or not he will stick at SS will be the accuracy of his arms. Segura needs to stay healthy and play a full season to see what his true potential could be.

54.   Randall Delgado, RHP, Braves

Rationale: Delgado is the final of the Braves’ three right handed elite pitching prospects. Delgado’s fastball sits in the low 90s and is backed up by an above-average change-up. Delgado also has a sharp biting curve that is above-average, but for one reason or another he did not utilize it much last season. Delgado has a smooth repeatable delivery and a good feel of all his pitches. A downside to Delgado is he is downright embarrassing at the plate, 2-41 in his short career. He doesn’t need to fix that to become a major leaguer, but he should if he doesn’t want to end-up on the Not Top 10 regularly. Delgado will join Teheran and Vizcaino in Gwinnett to start the 2012 season.

55.   George Springer, OF, Astros

Rationale: Springer is a five potential above-average or better tools centerfielder from Connecticut. Springer has a good hit tool, and improving pitch recognition and plate vision. He has potential for above average power and could see homerun totals in the mid to high teens at some point in his career. Springer has good speed and uses it not only on the base paths, but in the outfield as well. Springer’s range in center is good and he also features a plus arm from the field. Springer has all the tools to become a quick mover through the Astros organization.

56.   Xander Bogaerts, SS, Red Sox

Rationale: Bogaerts has serious raw power and last summer did an incredible job of turning that raw power into game power. Bogaerts has potential to hit 30-35 HR at the major league level. Bogaerts regressed with his hit tool last year and at times tried too hard to hit homeruns. He already has some significant uppercut/loft in his swing and could strikeout 200 times in a season if that trend continues. Bogaerts will be at his best if he can keep his average in the .280 to .290 range and trust his natural power. Bogaerts has already outgrown the shortstop position and his lack of speed and power combo makes him a good candidate to move to a corner outfield position in the future. Bogaerts should get his first full professional season this year.

57.   Brad Peacock, RHP, Athletics

Rationale: Peacock has two already plus pitches in his repertoire, and a developing third pitch that could be a plus pitch soon. His first plus offering is his 4-seam fastball sits in the mid to low 90s. His next plus pitch is a sharp biting 12-6 curve that is his go to pitch when he wants to miss bats. His developing pitch is a low 80s change-up that he is building confidence in. Peacock has good control of his pitches, but will need to develop the change-up before he Is a mid-rotation starter in the MLB.

58.   Cody Spangenberg, 2B, Padres

Rationale: Spangenberg has already showed maturity beyond his years by reaching Lo-A last season after just 25 games in short-season Eugene. Spangenberg has serious bat control coupled with the ability to barrel balls and hit to all fields. Spangenberg also has good plate vision which enables him to draw walks almost more than he strikes out. Spangenberg doesn’t show much power potential and will hit anywhere from 7 to 10 home runs in a season at his peak. Spangenberg has plus speed with good base running skills that could translate to 50 SB if he maxes out his potential and plays solid defense. Spangenberg will start at Hi-A and should advance to AA by season’s end. Spangenberg could reach the major leagues by the end of the 2013.

59.   Trevor May, RHP, Phillies

Rationale: May is big right-hander standing at 6’5’’ 215 lbs he uses his body to gain velocity on his pitches. His fastball which sits in the low to mid 90s and his heavy breaking curve that sits in the upper 70s are May’s two above average pitches. May has a change-up that he doesn’t have confidence in yet and is developing a slider being taught to him by the Phillies organization. May has the ability to miss bats, but gets too caught up sometimes with strikeouts. He needs to improve his command and consistency before he fulfills on his potential to be a #2/3 starter at the major league level.

60.   Jared Cosart, RHP, Astros

Rationale: Cosart is a perfect example of why minor league numbers should not be used to judge a prospects worth. Cosart has three potential plus pitches in his repertoire headlined by his mid-90s fastball that can jump up into the high 90s. Cosart’s off speed offerings include an upper-70s power curve, and a change-up that has good velocity difference and movement. Cosart has yet to convert his raw pitches into beating opponents. Cosart will have to minimize his walks and miss more bats in the future to become a major league starter as well as improve his durability.

61.   Sonny Gray, RHP, Athletics

Rationale: Gray currently has two above average pitch offerings and a change-up that needs work before it can even move to the average category. Gray’s fastball repeatedly pounds the zone in the mid-90s, and can get into the high 90s if he wants to ramp it up for a pitch. His curveball is one of the best in the minors and is already known as a plus, if not plus-plus pitch.  His change-up does have movement, but he is not consistent by any means with it. If Gray can figure out how to make his change-up at a minimum an average pitch, he projects as a #2/3 starter. If he can’t he could be an excellent option for late game scenarios.

62.   Mason Williams, OF, Yankees

Rationale: Williams is an excellent athlete with elite level speed. Williams projects to be a lead-off hitting center fielder who can not only burn the base paths, but can also play plus defense, and hit .300 as well. Williams needs to work on translating his raw speed into base running ability, but at his peak could get 60 SB. Williams has excellent plate vision, pitch recognition, and ability to square balls up on a quick swing. Williams doesn’t have much power, when he does hit a homerun it is just from barreling a ball, he is not a candidate for double digit homerun numbers. Williams has potential for a gold glove in CF with his excellent range and an average arm.

63.   Gary Sanchez, C, Yankees

Rationale: In my book Sanchez is a poor man’s Jesus Montero. He is close to Montero in raw power and defensive ability, the latter not being a good trait. He has an above average arm from behind the plate, but his receiving skills are well below average, allowing 26 passed balls while catching just 60 games. He won’t hit for a high average and is speed is below average as well. He does have potential to hit 24-27 homeruns at the major league level, but barring major improvement defensively his primary position will become DH. A return to Lo-A seems likely for Sanchez.

64.   Jonathan Singleton, 1B, Astros

Rationale: Singleton has a plus hit tool and developing power. Singleton will hit for average to all fields, and hopefully will be able to actualize on his power in the near future. Coupled with his hit tool Singleton has good plate vision. Singleton did see a rise in his strikeouts last season due to his pursuit of more power and being over-selective at times. Singleton has below average speed and at best could be an average defender at 1B. He will have to see his power become legitimate before he can play at the major league level.

65.   Austin Hedges, C, Padres

Rationale: One of the best if not the best defensive catchers in all of the minor leagues. Hedges has an incredible arm with a recorded 1.78 pop time by Baseball America. He has all the tools you want from behind the plate and is advanced with his blocking, receiving, and game calling skills. Hedges needs to improve his bat, but even if he can hit .250 he will have a lengthy MLB future ahead of him because of his defensive prowess. Hedges is one of my favorite players to take a huge jump forward this year.

66.   Chad Bettis, RHP, Rockies

Rationale:  Bettis is a right hander that currently features two excellent pitches. The first is a mid-90s fastball that can ramp up to 98, the second is a tight, late breaking slider that comes in the upper 80s. His third pitch is a change-up that presently is worthless because he slows his arm down to get the change in velocity, a flaw that will be exposed quickly by higher quality opponents. Bettis’ fastball/slider combination is already good enough to make him an effective late innings option, but if he develops a third pitch he is much more valuable as a mid-rotation starter.

67.   A.J. Cole, RHP, Athletics

Rationale: Cole has one legitimate pitch presently, that being his fastball that he throws in the mid-90s consistently. His second best offering is his spike curveball which features good late break, but lacks control. His change-up is inconsistent at best right now, and Cole doesn’t trust it as a bat missing pitch. Cole currently relys on his fastball too much and experienced hitters will make him pay for this. Cole needs to develop control and confidence of his off speed offerings quickly, or he may never fulfill the promise of being a front line starter.

68.   Casey Kelly, RHP, Padres

Rationale: Kelly is a shortstop turned pitcher who was one of the return pieces for Adrian Gonzalez. Kelly repeated AA last season and did better than his first go around. Kelly’s first plus pitch is his fastball that sits in the 89-93 range and features solid sink. Kelly’s curveball is his second plus pitch that he showed decent control of and used to miss bats. Kelly’s change-up is presently below average as there just isn’t enough of a velocity difference to make it an effective deceiving pitch against quality hitters. Kelly should start at AAA where his ability to control his pitches low in the zone will be key to success.

69.   Yonder Alonso, 1B, Padres

Rationale: Alonso was one of the key pieces the Padres brought over from the Reds in exchange for Mat Latos. Alonso has a plus hit tool and good plate discipline, there is no doubt whether or not Alonso will hit for average; the question is how much power he will develop. Alonso is transitioning from one of the most hitter friendly parks in the league, to one of the most pitcher friendly. Alonso’s defense is below par with little range due to his below average speed. In order to be an above average player in San Diego Alonso will have to find a way to bash 15-20 HRs to go along with his plus hit tool.

70.   Yasmani Grandal, C, Padres

Rationale: Grandal is a switch-hitting catcher with an exceptional ability to hit for average. Grandal has average power, but with a future in Petco Park, may never reach double digits in the homerun department. Grandal is regarded as an average catcher, but that is led by his arm which is above average.  His receiving skills are not at the level the rest of his game is at though; Grandal needs to improve considerably if he wants to make his career behind the dish. Grandal also has well below average speed that makes him a station to station runner. Grandal will start 2012 in AAA where the Padres will hope he improves his receiving skills to a MLB quality level.

71.   Wilin Rosario, C, Rockies

Rationale: Rosario is an interesting case of positives and negatives. Positive is Rosario’s power and arm tools, he has potential to hit 25 HR a year and his arm is strong from behind the dish. Negative is Rosario’s plate discipline, his base-clogging speed, and his still below average receiving skills behind the plate. His average will decline if he continues to be unable to hit off speed pitches. Rosario will need to improve on his handling of breaking pitches both offensively and defensively before he will be a first division starter in the MLB.

72.   Jedd Gyorko, 3B, Padres

Rationale: Gyorko is as pure of a hitter as there is in the minors. He is an incredibly smart player with a great hit tool, and average power that is played up by his great contact skills. Gyorko is an average defender, but his potential to hit .315 and club 17-23 HR each year will keep him at the hot corner for as long as his range and arm don’t fail him. Gyorko has good plate discipline, but to take his game to the next level could decrease his strikeouts slightly. Overall he is very polished and could reach the MLB by the 2013 All-Star break.

73.   Michael Choice, OF, Athletics

Rationale: Choice has power potential to all fields due to his raw power that is some of the best in the minors. Choice could easily hit 30-35 homeruns at the major league level, but he could also strikeout 200 times as well. He has decent plate vision and could draw 70+ walks in a major league season, but his contact seems to be boom or bust. His speed and arm are a tick above average, but due to the recent signing of Yeonis Cespedes I see Choice making a shift to RF, a shift that probably would have been forced once Choice matures physically and loses his speed. Finding a way to avoid strikeouts and keeping his average around .270 will be the key to Choice finding success at the major league level.

74.   Starling Marte, OF, Pirates

Rationale: Marte has all the tools to be an all-star CF. He has the potential to be a .310 15 HR 25 SB player at the major league level. Marte has a good hit tool and is developing power as his body fills out and matures. Marte sometimes tries too hard to put the ball in play and is very aggressive at the plate. This aggressiveness at the dish leads to triple digit strikeout numbers, and walk totals that haven’t reached triple digits despite playing 364 games over 1400+ AB. Marte’s defense is spectacular and he will be in CF for a long time. Marte should spend the entire 2012 season at AAA and the Pirates will have to make decisions relatively soon about who will move from the CF position in Pittsburgh, Marte or McCutchen.

75.   Dellin Betances, RHP, Yankees

Rationale: Betances is a massive man standing at 6’8’’ 260 lbs. His fastball sits in the mid to upper 90s, he has a power curveball the clocks in in the low 80s, and a change-up that the Yankees believe he should utilize more often than he does. Betances must improve his command if he doesn’t want to be relegated to be the heir to Marino Rivera after this season. Betances will pair up with Banuelos in the AAA rotation, but could move to the bullpen to help the parent club’s playoff push at some point during the season.

76.   Addison Reed, RHP, White Sox

Rationale: Reed has the closer’s job sitting right in front of him to start the 2012 season after flying through the White Sox last year. Reed has two plus pitches in the form of his mid to upper 90s fastball, and his mid to low 80s slider. He also has a change-up that will not be featured, nor should it be, near as much now that Reed has settled into the closer role for the south siders.

77.   Javier Baez, SS, Cubs

Rationale: Baez is a young shortstop with a great hit tool, and an above average power tool. Baez will find long term success by trusting his natural power, and not getting overly aggressive at the plate in pursuit of homeruns, but in actuality raising his strikeout total. Baez has average speed for the position which he must keep while maturing if he wants to stay at SS the rest of his career. Baez needs some seasoning which he will get plenty of since Starlin Castro is a main-stay for the parent club for a long time to come in the future.

78.   Enny Romero, LHP, Rays

Rationale: Romero is a lanky lefty in need of filling out his frame, currently 6’3” 165. Romero has a fastball that already sits in the mid-90s, a tight breaking curveball, and a developing change-up. Romero’s problem is he has little to no control of his off speed offerings. Whether or not Romero can learn how to control these two pitches will determine whether he has a future in the Rays’ rotation, or in a late inning relief role. Hopefully maturity and physical development also help develop Romero’s command.

79.   Noah Syndergaard. RHP, Blue Jays

Rationale: Syndergaard is a 6’5” right-hander who knows how to use his body while pitching. His fastball runs up to the plate in the mid-90s. His secondary pitches are a power curve that Syndergaard hasn’t mastered control of quite yet, and a change-up with a good velocity difference from his fastball.  Syndergaard will need to improve his command to advance like he did last year, but he will return to Lo-A to start his first full professional season at age 19.

80.   Kolten Wong, 2B, Cardinals

Rationale: Wong is rapidly moving through the Cardinals organization and could easily start the year in AA with a solid spring training. He has a great hit tool that is helped by his excellent plate vision and pitch recognition. Wong is an above average defender with a great arm from 2B. He doesn’t have great speed, but it is serviceable due to his above average skills in other areas.

81.   Cheslor Cuthbert, 3B, Royals

Rationale: Cuthbert is very advanced for his young age playing half of season at age 18 in Low-A. He is an average defender who has a good hit tool and developing power. Cuthbert has little to no speed and will need to stay physically capable to not only run the bases, but also continue to play third base. Cuthbert needs his power to develop if he wants a future in the MLB.

82.   Will Middlebrooks, 3B, Red Sox

Rationale: Middlebrooks is an above average defender with an excellent arm from across the diamond. He shows potential for above average power and an average hit tool.  Middlebrooks is not a good runner, but he will not block the base path at the same time. Needs more patience at the plate to improve his walks and decrease his strikeouts which is one major area of concern.

83.   Jonathan Schoop, 2B, Orioles

Rationale: Machado’s double play partner transitioned beautifully to 2B last year. He showed great adjustment and became very smooth on the opposite side of the field than he was used to. Schoop shows a good hit tool with average power and speed. He has a hole in his swing that leads to strikeouts, but it can be fixed in time, and Schoop already shows skill at adjusting well to coaching.

84.   Nick Franklin, 2B, Mariners

Rationale: Franklin is a middle infielder with a rare power tool. He has played most of his professional career at SS, but will eventually move to 2B as he lacks the arm to play shortstop for the rest of his career. He got bit by the injury bug last year, but looks to rebound during the 2012 campaign. Franklin has average speed and will need to be patient at the plate and remember to draw walks while progressing in the future.

85.   Oscar Taveras, OF, Cardinals

Rationale: Taveras is a work in progress. His hit tool leads the way and he is excellent at barreling balls and hitting for average. His power is developing and can develop into a hitter who hits 20-25 homers in his prime. At age 19 he has his best years still ahead of him. Improving on defense will be key to his development, but due to his below average speed it will not come easy.

86.   Daniel Norris, LHP, Blue Jays

Rationale: Norris already has four pitches that appear can develop into plus pitches if he reaches his ceiling. He has a fastball that sits in the low to mid 90s and already has good control of his change-up. His two breaking balls are a curveball and a slider that he will develop more of a feel for when he gets his delivery to be more consistent.

87.   Leonys Martin, OF, Rangers

Rationale: The Cuban defector had a suitable first year in the professional ranks.  He profiles to be a plus defender in CF, and that is something the Rangers could presently use to help protect aging and injury prone Josh Hamilton. Martin has already shown his speed and good contact skills, but has yet to actualize on his power tool yet.

88.   Jed Bradley, LHP, Brewers

Rationale: Jed has a smooth and easy delivery that helps control his three main pitches. His fastball sits in the mid-90s, he has a slider that can reach the 90s, and a change-up that bores in on left handed hitters. Bradley has potential to rapidly advance through the Brewers system quickly and could see his first action in the big leagues in mid to late 2013.

89.   Garrett Richards, RHP, Angels

Rationale: Pitch to contact pitcher who can strike out batters if needed. Has a two-seamer that features decent sink and run. He also has an above average curve and a slider that is developing to be above average as well. He can improve on his secondary stuff Richards can be an above average starter at the top level.

90.   Jesse Biddle, LHP, Phillies

Rationale: Biddle has seen his fastball velocity dip recently, but his change-up is still a plus pitch. He has a curve with serious bite, but he also lacks control. If Biddle can gain that control and use his good size to increase his velo again he could be a solid MLB starter.

91.   Matt Adams, 1B, Cardinals

Rationale: Adams is your typical slugging first-baseman. He has potential to hit .300 and club 30 homeruns annually, but his defense leaves a lot to be desired. If he was to shed 5 to 10 lbs and gain some more discipline at the plate he could be a consistent staple in a major league line-up for numerous years to come.

92.   Joe Benson, OF, Twins

Rationale: A five tool outfielder with no tool that shines. His strongest skill is his defense with an above average arm and good range that is aided by his speed. Benson often tries too hard to put a stroke on the ball and that leads to his high strikeout rate. Benson could be a 20-20 player in the future, but he will have to improve his average and contact rate before he can do that at the major league level.

93.   Robbie Erlin, LHP, Padres

Rationale: Erlin has arguably the best control in the minor leagues, oh and he is a lefty. Has a low 90s fastball, with an above average change-up to back it up. His curve is average, but he can locate it which is crucial to his success. Erlin is a great example of a low ceiling-high floor type of player. To achieve major league success he will have to constantly pitch low in the zone, or learn how to miss bats more frequently.

94.   Kelvin Herrera, RHP, Royals

Rationale: The 22 year old Herrera has been clocked throwing as hard as 102 MPH. He sits in the upper 90s normally and has an above average curve as well. Herrera has a changeup that he doesn’t utilize as much as he should. Herrera is a pure bread relief pitcher with elite closer potential when you combine the power on his fastball with the control that he possesses. He needs to miss more bats before he can maximize on his potential.

95.   Neil Ramirez, RHP, Rangers

Rationale:  Lanky right hander with a mid-90s fastball, an upper-70s heavy bending curve, and a changeup that has improved recently. The Rangers rotation is full and that will give Ramirez the appropriate amount of time that is necessary for him to develop properly. He looks to return to AAA for the 2012 and could break the Rangers rotation at the start of 2013, or be a trade candidate for the contender Rangers come this year’s deadline.

96.   Matt Carpenter, 3B, Cardinals

Rationale: An average 3B defensively, Carpenter’s main skill is his bat. He hits for average, and walks at incredible rate while keeping his strikeouts down (205 BB to 209 K in 1180 professional ABs). Carpenter is in a tough spot in the Cardinals organization with recent World Series MVP David Freese in front of him, and young Zack Cox quickly advancing behind him, not to mention his Opening Day age of 26.

97.   Jonathan Villar, SS, Astros

Rationale: Tools, tools, tools. Villar has all 5 tools but due to lack of development and sometimes lack of focus, he falters regularly. He’s got an electrifying range and arm at shortstop that can make the difficult plays look easy. Villar often makes the easy plays look hard as he committed 36 errors this past season. He also struck out a staggering 156 times in 2011. The raw tools are all present with the switch-hitting Villar, he just needs to figure out a way to put them all together.

98.   Mikie Mahtook, OF, Rays

Rationale: Five tool player that has average skills in all categories, but no tool that will lead him to be a star. Mahtook played CF in college, but projects to play LF at the professional level once his speed regresses slightly as he matures.  Has an incredible knack for barreling balls and consistently reaching base.

99.   Andrelton Simmons, SS, Braves

Rationale: An excellent defender who has been able to hit for average in his first two seasons of pro ball. Has speed, but still needs to learn how to translate that into base running speed, and more importantly, stolen bases.  Good bat control; has potential if bat continues where it is at presently to be a first division starter.

100.  Jose Fernandez, RHP, Marlins

Rationale: Young Cuban defect with four pitches led by a mid to upper 90s fastball. A large frame, with already average and improving control, needs time to develop all his pitches, but at age 19, time is on his side.