16 January 2008, Bob Sikon @ 5:31 am
By Darryl Houston Smith
League 10
|
21 |
Johnny Cueto |
SP |
CIN |
The most complete Reds pitching prospect at this time. Poised, determined, and has an exciting skill set. Future closer? Compares to Billy Wagner. ETA: 2009 |
| 22 |
Reid Brignac |
SS |
TB |
Smart, power-hitting SS. Still filling out frame. Might move to corner outfield in future. Must improve fielding to stay at SS. ETA: 2009 |
| 23 |
Wade Davis |
SP |
TB |
Big, gritty and aggressive. Future No.2 starter. ETA: 2009 |
| 24 |
Matt Antonelli |
2B |
SD |
Former triple sport school buy star in |
| 25 |
Ian Kennedy |
SP |
NYY |
A good prospect, Ian is just not as gifted as either Joba or Hughes and his ceiling is lower. ETA: NOW |
| 26 |
Daric Barton |
1B |
OAK |
Moneyball prototype. Healthy and ready to go. ETA: NOW |
| 27 |
Rick Porcello |
RHP |
DET |
Another expensive 2007 high school draftee with a huge upside. The Tigers are making a habit of signing the “hard to sign”. Compares to Josh Beckett. Tigers will not rush him to the bigs. ETA: 2010 |
| 28 |
Matt LaPorta |
LF |
MIL |
Another poised and powerful slugger on the rise. Compares well to Carlos Lee. ETA: June 1, 2008 |
| 29 |
Taylor Teagarden |
C |
Leadership ability off the charts. Led |
|
| 30 |
Fernando Martinez |
OF |
NYM |
Fantastic raw young talent only 18. Will come on fast. ETA: 2010 |
| 31 |
Chris Marrero |
OF |
WAS |
Power hitting stud. Steal of 2006 draft. Raw talent. Future corner infielder. Already best player in |
| 32 |
Mike Moustakas |
SS/3B |
KC |
No.2 pick in 2007 draft. Raw Power. Very intense player. Tough kid. Just hits. All-star level hitter. ETA: 2010. |
| 33 |
Fautino de los |
SP |
OAK |
Future closer, Can be overpowering at times. Key piece of Swisher deal. ETA: 2009 |
| 34 |
Wladimir Balentien |
OF |
SEA |
Dutch Olympian. If he can improve his plate discipline he could become a monster but must first continue to grow as a hitter. UP: In 2010 |
| 35 |
Nick Adenhart |
SP |
LAA |
Post 2004 Tommy John surgery, he is ready to take the next step. A special pitcher. Tremendous competitor. ETA: June 1, 2008 |
| 36 |
Desmond Jennings |
OF |
TB |
The 6th Ray to make my list. Another nugget o’ talent. Can develop into a top-leadoff hitter. Great speed. Needs time to improve defensively. ETA: 2010 |
| 37 |
Jordan Schafer |
OF |
ATL |
Best bet inside the Braves to replace Andruw Jones. Not the player that Jones was at the same age. But could be a 20/20 man. The Glove is ready and so is his powerful throwing arm. ETA: 2009 |
| 38 |
Gio Gonzalez |
SP |
OAK |
3 trades in 3 years give one pause. As complete a minor league pitcher as anyone just needs chance to shine. Another important piece of Swisher deal. ETA: 2009 |
| 39 |
Eric Hurley |
SP |
Nice strikeout ratios but poor park in |
|
| 40 |
Justin Masterson |
SP |
BOS |
Still needs to work on maintaining consistent mechanics to advance. Upside: Future top notch 8th inning set-up man. Could form a potent game ending 1-2 punch with Papelbon. Downside: Never gets mechanics worked out misses’ chance at stardom. ETA: 2009 |








