1) Matt Wieters - Already a polished hitter who can hit for both power and average. It won't be long before he begins catching in All Star games for the AL.

2)Rick Porcello - If any pitcher fits the description of the term "hurler", Porcello is it. He can hurl. He has the ability to be a strikeout machine, and probably has a better arm than Justin Verlander.

3)Max Scherzer - Explosive fastball. He seems to be flying under the radar due to nagging injuries, but if he can stay healthy, he should be a big time winner for Arizona.

4)Cameron Maybin - Speed and power is a big asset. He has MLB experience which will help him challenge for NL Rookie of the Year honors. He also has great instincts which will only help.

5)David Price - Post season experience can only help. Living up to the hype could be a concern, but Price seems to be grounded. Can be wild at times, which may shorten his games, but he has a wicked slider that will help him rack up the strikeouts.

6)Brad Holt - Has perhaps the best arm in the Mets organization. Holt has garnered very little attention, but has an fastball that can punch out MLB hitters with ease. He's a star waiting to happen. Watch him now while he's still a relative unknown.

7)Dexter Fowler - Should be the starting CF for the Rockies. Playing in Colorado can only help him succeed at the MLB level. He'll be more of a run scorer than a slugger, so keep expectations reasonable. Could be a Tim Raines-type of player.

8)James McDonald - Control is his best asset. He knows how to pitch, which compensates for a decent, but not overpowering fastball. His command will help him become a successful pitcher at the big league level.

9)Andrew McCutchen - The good news is that he's a star on the rise. The bad news is that he's stuck in Pittsburgh. Without protection in the lineup, he may struggle a bit, but he should find a way to stick with the Pirates for a long time. His speed is a plus.

10)Mike Stanton - Hits for power, takes a walk, and hits for a decent average. Sounds like a star in the making. His power is real. Could be the 2010 Rookie of the Year. Awesome potential.

Matt LaPorta - Hits with power to all fields, which is the sign of a special hitter. He's sure to average 25+ homeruns annually.

Daniel Moskos - Herky jerky motion makes him difficult to hit. A lefthander with bite on his curve. He has the talent, but may have to wait un til September to make his MLB debut. He can pitch.

Colby Rasmus - Now is the time for him to show what he can do. He strikes out too much, but he has gap power which will earn him playing time with the Cardinals. Don't expect massive homerun totals.

Tim Beckham - Reminds us of a young Shawon Dunston - Has ability to be a five tool guy. He has good baseball instincts for a young player.

Alcides Escobar - Will hit for average and steal bases. An exciting player to watch, but he'll have to wait his turn in Milwaukee.

Neftali Feliz - Power pitcher who should get an opportunity to succeed in Texas. Strikeouts aplenty should be the result. Should have a rotation spot by July.

Travis Snider - Quickly rose through the farm system, and for good reason. He's ticketed for DH duties, but as long as he continues to hit well, and for power, he'll be just fine.

Nick Adenhart - Major talent, but has been shaky of late. Has the ability to be a dominant pitcher, but early MLB struggles could derail him for another year. Has the talent to succeed.

Tommy Hanson - Odd mechanics but a deadly fastball that is overpowering at times. Needs to be better with pitch selection when runners are on base. but still has talent to dominate.

Chris Getz - More of a run scorer than a bopper. Think a faster version of Mark Ellis when thinking of Getz.

Mike Moustakas - Talented, but young and still learning. May push Mike Aviles to 2B. He'll be a line drive hitter who can hit for average.

Jason Heyward - Power potential is there and he could be on the verge of being an All Star. Major talent still a year or two away.

Drew Stubbs - Seems to be a natural hitter who can do it all with the bat and on the basepaths. He'll need time, but he has an impressive stroke.

Justin Smoak - He'll just keep on hitting and hitting. A star on the rise.

Reid Brignac - It won't be long before he becomes the Rays shortstop. Power numbers dipped last season, but he has good power to the alleys.

Pedro Alvarez - Talented player with pop who needs seasoning in the minors. He should be an All Star before too long...if that's possible being with Pittsburgh.

Gaby Sanchez - Marlins like his upside. He has potential to be productive, but it's doubtful he'll be an impact player. Still, he should make a contribution in 2009.

Ike Davis - A relative unknown, Davis has tremendous power and can hit for average. That makes him the Mets catcher of the future.

Mat Gamel - Good hitter who will be heard from in 2009. Similar to Ryan Braun in many ways, but with less power.

Jeff Samardzija - While others are sold on him, we're not. His minor league numbers are average at best. He's on our list because he'll make a contribution this season, but don't bet the house on him to be a winner.

Brett Gardner - No power, but he could prove to be a pesky out. Gritty player with good attitude.

Chris Marrero - Solid prospect who should contribute in 2009. Could be a doubles machine.

Josh Vitters - A batting title is not in his fure, but 30HR seasons may be. He needs seasoning, but should take over for Ramirez soon.

Michael Burgess - Raw talent, but ball jumps off his bat. Still young, but when he's ready and refined...look out.

Daniel Bard - Dynamite fastball, but destined for bullpen. He could be a future closer.

Joe Savery - Talented, but still developing and learning how to pitch. Has the stuff to succeed.

Jon Niese - Crafty lefthander who knows to how pitch. Think of a young Tom Glavine. Could join the rotation in 2009.

Homer Bailey - Stock is slipping after he regressed again last season. Explosive fastball that needs refining.

Mike Carp - Power is there, a chance to play is all that's needed. He could get it with the Mariners.

Jarrod Parker - Still young but has tremendous upside. Needs to improve his durability.

Mark Melancon - Yankees The Yankees future closer has already impressed in Spring. He may just assume 8th inning duties before seasons end. He's a pitcher to watch.

Gio Gonzales - Big time strikeouts, big time walks. Talented hurler needs better command to make it.

Jeff Niemann - If he gets the chance, he'll win games for the Rays. Has the stuff.

Matt Antonelli - Can be a .300 hitter, but needs more time in AAA. The ability is there.

Bobby Parnell - Will waste away if put in the bullpen. Has talent, but needs to be refined. Minor league stats are mediocre despite having a good fastball.

Carlos Carrasco - When he gets on the scene, look for heat. Still needs minor league work.

Jason Motte - Raw, but he has a killer fastball that could force the Cardinals into making him their closer.

Fernando Martinez - Overrated and oft-injured reminds us of Alex Escobar. Won't hit for power that many expect, but will be a decent gap hitter.

Adrian Cardenas - .300 is possible. He'll make a great leadoff hitter and takes the walks.

Chris Valaika - A line drive machine who could be the Reds SS in 2010.

LAST SEASON'S RANKINGS

Evan Longoria - 3BTB
He'll win the AL Rookie of the Year Award if he wins the 3B job out of Spring Training. Unlike many rookies, he'll hit for power AND a high average. He doesn't get fooled very often and will take a walk.
Clay Buchholz - P Bos
Already has a no-hitter under his belt. Proved he can pitch in a pennant race. He has a wicked curveball which makes his fastball more effective. A Cy Young could be in his future.
Geovany Soto - C ChC
He murdered MLB pitching while auditioning in September. He's got massive HR potential, and has little competition in Chicago. He could be their catcher for the next ten years.
Homer Bailey - P Cin
Don't be discouraged by his average numbers posted in 2007 with the Reds. He relied on his explosive fastball too much. He knows how to pitch and could be the next great pitcher in the NL.
Jay Bruce - OF Cin
He has all the tools to be a star in Cincy. He's a five tool player. He may not hit 40HR or steal 50 bases, but he may consistently come close, to go along with a .300 batting average.
Cameron Maybin - OF Fla
Came out smokin' at the end of 2007 with the Tigers. He showed everyone what he could do, and it's his time to blossom into a star with the Marlins. He's one of the most exciting young players to come along in a while.
Ian Kennedy - P NYY
Not as high on others lists, he's got great makeup and a damn good slider to go along with an above average curveball. He may or may not start the year in the Yankees rotation, but he'll probably be a part of it by season's end.
Max Scherzer - P Az
Probably the best pure pitcher other than Bailey. Signability issues slowed his progress. He'll hit 95 on the radar gun, but his command is exceptional. He'll have high strikeout, low walk totals.
Matt Wieters - C Bal
Baltimore did well with Wieters. He's an outstanding hitting catcher with power. He also calls a great game and has a rocket arm. He's confident in his ability, and that will show when he's a member of the Orioles. 25HR seasons could be the norm, though most of the power comes from the switch hitter's right-handed swing.
Joey Votto - 1B Cin
Another impressive Reds prospect. He'll hit for power, especially in the Reds small ballpark. He performed better than expected in September, and should be a 2008 rookie of the year candidate. And with his 30HR power comes a .300 bat.
Jacob Ellsbury - OF Bos
He's a sparkplug, but don't expect power numbers. He is where he is because of his speed, not his power, so don't expect many 15 HR seasons.
Adam Miller - P Cle
Hits 95-98 regularly on the gun, but injuries could be a problem. The Indians will be careful with him, so he could spend one more year at AAA. He'll be a dominant strikeout pitcher as long as he avoids the Kerry Wood Injury syndrome.
Reid Brignac - SS TB
A poor Fall League may have set back his progress. When he's on, he's a five tool player who may hit 20HR yearly. He's thinking too much right now and needs to get back to playing baseball without thinking too much. He should be the Rays SS for many years to come.
Ian Stewart - 3B Col
HR power seems to have waned a bit, but still has great pop in his bat. Playing in Colorado will help. The ball jumps off his bat, so he'll hit many doubles as well. He may move to 2B, and the hope is that his defensive liabilities won't derail his hitting. He should be good for 20HRs annually.
Rick Porcello - P Det
Power pitcher with all the tools necessary to be dominant. Throws 95mph effortlessly. Great raw stuff, but needs to add speed to his curveball. His control can be erratic, but will improve with time. He's two years away from being a 15+ game winner for Detroit.
Clayton Kershaw -P LAD
Still young but already a great strikeout pitcher. Has the stuff to be dominant for years. The Dodgers will move him up quickly, but it won't be until they're sure he'll win games for them. When his time comes...he will.
Carlos Gonzales - OF Oak
Somehow went undrafted, but has the tools to be a very good outfielder. He may not be an all-star year in and year out, but he'll have some all-star seasons. 25HR potential is there as he matures.
Nick Adenhart - P LAA
He was a 14th round pick who just kept getting better with each year, despite a serious injury. He has a feel for pitching despite not having killer stuff. He'll strike out hitters, but he won't reach double figures very often in the majors. He'll be a solid number three starter for the Angels.
Jeff Clement - C Sea
Simply put: He could be the next best hitting catcher since Mike Piazza. The problem is that there's no room for him in Seattle. He may need to switch positions. Clement can flat out hit.
Jordan Schafer - OF Atl
His minor league career has been less than stellar, but he's got the tools to be a great player. He has trouble hitting lefthanders, and he strikes out too often, but that should improve with age. He'll need another year, possibly two, in AAA, but he should be a major contributor for the Braves.
Kevin Mulvey - P Min
Mulvey can pitch. The Twins did better with this trade than people think. He has a major league slider which can fool hitters. His control is pretty good as well. He'll need little time in AAA. He should be ready soon, and can be a 15 game winner for the Twins if they're patient.
Jaba Chamberlain - P NYY
He's got a rocket for an arm, but you have to wonder what the Yankees know that we don't, that they keep him on such a tight leash. He could be an injury waiting to happen. He may also bounce around between the bullpen and the rotation, which may take away some of his value. All of the NY hype doesn't help a young pitcher succeed. He's still a strikeout machine with a nice makeup, but it may take another year for him to show consistency.
Matt Mangini - 3B LAA
Considered a pure hitter who has a great feel for the game. He's a big kid who should hit for power with maturity. A batting title and gold glove could be in his future. He's still a couple of years away from the majors.
Matt Harvey - P LAA
He has a high upside, but needs some fine tuning. He's still raw, and tends to tire as the game wears on. His mechanics will need minor adjustments, but he's still got a great arm and could be a future ace. He was drafted out of high school, so he's a few years away.
Jair Jurrjens - P Atl
He throws heat, often hitting 97 on the radar gun. He'll be a high strikeout pitcher. He may very well contribute to the Braves this season, and he should be good for 12 wins and decent stats. He's ready for the majors now.
Drew Stubbs - OF Cin
Pure hitter who's overlooked in a stocked Reds organization. He's a five tool player who can steal bases. He may just be as good as Jay Bruce, but will spend another season in the minors. He could see a September call up. He's a keeper.
David Price - P TB
Tampa Bay rarely produces a top notch pitcher, so that is a concern. He has solid stuff, but can be wild at times. He needs to be reminded to stick to his mechanics. He's a talented lefthander who can become a very good pitcher for a long time.
Colby Rasmus - OF STL
Five tool player, though his average may not exceed .260 early on in his MLB career. Nonetheless, he'll be a fixture in St Louis for some time.
Andrew McCutchen - OF Pit
Difficult to rate a Pittsburgh prospect so high, but he appears to have the tools necessary to succeed...and what do the Pirates have to lose playing him? He's still young, but he should be doing better in the minors. He may still be a year away.
Chris Marrero - OF Was
He can't run, but he can hit...and hit for a high average. He has a great approach at the plate. His time is near in Washington.
Chase Headley - 3B SD
Talented third baseman who may move to the OF. He can hit and has gap power. He may not hit more than 20HR very often, but he'll still be a major league hitter.
Will Inman - P SD
Strikeout machine who's still getting better. San Diego knows how to develop young pitchers, so Inman is a keeper who could be a number two starter right away.
Carlos Carrasco - P Phi
Still young, but damn near ready. He is able to work his way out of jams. He's got good control and a knack for pitching. He could be up in the bigs by September.
JR Towles - C Hou
His time is now in Houston. He's a great contact hitter who could hit for a .300 batting average. He may not break any HR records, but he's a nice option behind the plate. Could be a Jason Kendall type with a bit more power.
Joe Savery - P Phi
Decent lefthander. He's not a future strikeout king, but he bears down and gets the job done. He may need a few seasons before becoming a consistent winner at the MLB level. Pitching in that tiny ballpark won't help however, and pitchers out of Rice College are starting to worry me. Nonetheless, he has a great makeup, and should help the Phillies fairly soon.
Jeff Niemann - P TB
Somewhat disappointing that he's not up already. He's been good in the minors, and clearly has the ability to be a dominant strikeout pitcher. He needs to win a spot out of Spring Training, and the Rays need to find a place for him.
Daniel Moskos - P Pit
He may be the best closer prospect in baseball. He's got electric stuff and he should continue to get better...even if he is in Pittsburgh.
Gio Gonzales - P ChW
Been traded twice, and I can't figure out why. He's going to be a solid number two starter for the A's. The Sox may regret this deal over the years. Gonzales strikes out many and his control has improved each year. He's the real deal.
Troy Patton - P Bal
Houston rushed him to the majors, and he was over-matched. He needs refinement in the minors before pitching in Baltimore, or his confidence will be shot. He'll be good in 2009 if he remains in AAA this season.
Fernando Martinez - OF NYM
Okay, I have him lower than most others, but so far, the kid has struggled in the minors. He's still a few years away, and the Mets don't often give kids a chance to start. He needs to step it up, starting with this season.
Carlos Triunfel - SS Sea
Just 18 years old and has little to no power. He may be a Luis Castillo clone in the making. He has baseball smarts, which will help him. He needs to continue to be a good contact hitter to be considered in the next year or two.
Andy LaRoche - 3B LAD
He's ready now, but will he get a chance? He didn't exactly light em' up when he was called up. He may have been pressing. He should be a decent player for the Dodgers, and he should be able to contribute this year, though Nomar will be blocking his path.
Angel Villalona - SS SF
Considered a five tool player, though he's reluctant to steal bases. He's a big guy who should improve with age...he's just 18. He's a few years away, but should be a very good infielder.
Chin-Lung Hu - SS LAD
He can hit MLB pitching right now, but his path is blocked by Furcal. When he inherits the job, he should be an exciting player to watch. He has the skill, so it's just a matter of time.
Justin Masterson - P Bos
Highly sought after pitcher by other clubs. He could easily be higher on my list, if not for many great pitchers already in Boston. He knows how to pitch, and isn't far from being MLB ready. He'll be a good one.
Jose Tabata - OF NYY
Could be the Yankees next great position player, though his HR totals have been a bit of a disappointment in the minors. He's still young, so that should not be a concern. The homers will come.
Eric Hurley - P Tex
Texas needs a decent pitching prospect, and Hurley may be just that. Did well at AA last season, struggled somewhat in AAA. He's a good strikeout pitcher who shows poise and command. He should be up at some point this season for the Rangers.
Phil Humber - P Min
His stock has dropped due to surgery a few years ago...but it shouldn't. Don't overlook Humber. He knows how to pitch and should improve with time. He's near MLB ready. The Mets didn't give him a chance...the Twins will.
Josh Vitters - 3B ChC
Good hit, no glove prospect. He is almost MLB ready as a hitter despite his young age. He's a pure hitter who is capable of putting up monster numbers one day if his defense doesn't cause him to lose playing time.
Ricky Romero - P Tor
He has regressed a bit in the minors, but if he gets his act together, he's a solid strikeout pitcher with the tools necessary to succeed. This is a critical year for him to showcase his talented arm.
Adam Jones - OF Bal
Five tool player who has a rocket for an arm in CF. he'll get a chance to play in Baltimore, and he should more than justify the Bedard deal for the Orioles. He is that good!
Brandon Jones - OF Atl
He'll get a chance to win playing time for the Braves in 2008. He's a decent run producer who can play the outfield well. He may just hit 20 homers in his first full season.
Michael Burgess - OF Was
He's still a kid, and pretty raw, but in a few years, he could become a fixture in the Washington OF. Watch his progress closely.


Court Adjourned!