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 2nd.
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 15th.
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.
