We had several requests to create a longer prospect list for the people in deeper leagues. I had some free time over the break, so I decided to create a first draft of the next 150 prospects. This list is a starting point, and I’ll continue updating as I do more research. Feedback is huge, so if you see any players you think are overrated or underrated, definitely let us know.
101. Oswaldo Arcia—OF, Twins
102. Adeiny Hechavarria—SS, Blue Jays
103. Ben Revere—OF, Twins
104. Zach Stewart—P, Blue Jays
105. Nolan Arenado—3B, Rockies
106. Carlos Perez—C, Blue Jays
107. Delino Deshields—2B, Astros
108. Tsuyoshi Nishioka—SS, Twins
109. Guillermo Pimentel—OF, Mariners
110. Matt Harvey—P, Mets
111. Nick Castellanos—3B, Tigers
112. Jaff Decker—OF, Padres
113. Michael Kirkman—P, Rangers
114. Brandon Beachy—P, Braves
115. Reymond Fuentes—OF, Padres
116. Andrew Brackman—P, Yankees
117. Jared Mitchell—OF, White Sox
118. Felix Doubront—P, Red Sox
119. Joe Benson—OF, Twins
120. Reese Havens—2B, Mets
121. Alex Wimmers—P, Twins
122. Corey Luebke—P, Padres
123. Jason Knapp—P, Indians
124. LJ Hoes—2B, Orioles
125. Rubby De La Rosa—P, Dodgers
126. Donavan Tate—OF, Padres
127. Liam Henricks—P, Twins
128. Garrett Richards—P, Angels
129. Stolmy Pimentel—P, Red Sox
130. Chad James—P, Marlins
131. Matt Lipka—SS, Braves
132. Juan Francisco—3B, Reds
133. Hector Noesi—P, Yankees
134. Stetson Allie—P, Pirates
135. Miguel De Los Santos—P, Rangers
136. Gary Brown—OF, Giants
137. Johnny Giavotella—2B, Royals
138. Alexander Torres—P, Rays
139. Xavier Avery—OF, Orioles
140. Drew Cumberland—SS, Padres
141. Drake Britton—P, Red Sox
142. Michael Taylor—OF, Athletics
143. Michael Burgess—OF, Nationals
144. Aaron Crow—P, Royals
145. Kaleb Cowart—3B, Angels
146. Yamaico Navarro—2B, Red Sox
147. Fabio Martinez-Mesa—P, Angels
148. Hak-Ju Lee—SS, Cubs
149. Marcell Ozuna—OF, Marlins
150. Brent Morel—3B, White Sox
151. Enny Romero—P, Rays
152. Luis Heredia—P, Pirates
153. Francisco Peguero—OF, Giants
154. Allen Webster—P, Dodgers
155. Thomas Neal—OF, Giants
156. Kyle Parker—OF, Rockies
157. Justin O’Connor—C, Rays
158. Adrian Salcedo—P, Twins
159. Zach Cozart—SS, Reds
160. Yorman Rodriguez—OF, Reds
161. Christian Friedrich—P, Rockies
162. Jordan Walden—P, Angels
163. Sterling Marte—OF, Pirates
164. Jake Marinsick—OF, Blue Jays
165. Fernando Martinez—OF, Mets
166. Lars Anderson—1B, Red Sox
167. Josh Vitters—3B, Cubs
168. Max Stassi—C, Athletics
169. Scooter Gennett—2B, Brewers
170. Robinson Yambati—P, Royals
171. Jeremy Jeffress—P, Royals
172. Chris Marrero—1B, Nationals
173. Chris Owings—SS, Diamondbacks
174. Kolbrin Vitek—3B, Red Sox
175. Drew Vettleson—OF, Rays
176. Oscar Tavares—OF, Cardinals
177. Hector Gomez—SS, Rockies
178. Wilking Rodriguez—P, Rays
179. Tim Beckham—SS, Rays
180. Trevor Reckling—P, Angels
181. Brad Boxberger—P, Reds
182. Ivan Nova—P, Yankees
183. Kirk Niewenhuis—OF, Mets
184. Jed Gyorko—3B, Padres
185. Robbie Ross—P, Rangers
186. Yunesky Maya—P, Nationals
187. Jemile Weeks—2B, Athletics
188. Brad Hand—P, Marlins
189. Mark Trumbo—1B, Angels
190. Edward Salcedo—SS, Braves
191. Andy Oliver—P, Tigers
192. AJ Cole—P, Nationals
193. Lucas Duda—OF, Mets
194. Mike Foltywicz—P, Astros
195. Yordano Ventura—P, Royals
196. Tyson Ross—P, Athletics
197. Oscar Tejada—2B, Red Sox
198. Sebastian Valle—C, Phillies
199. Brett Eibner—OF, Royals
200. Cameron Bedrosian—P, Angels
201. Yordy Cabrera—3B, Athletics
202. Randall Grichuk—OF, Angels
203. Tyrell Jenkins—P, Cardinals
204. Matthew Davidson—3B, Diamondbacks
205. Asher Wojciechowski—P, Blue Jays
206. Dayan Viciedo—1B, White Sox
207. Brandon Guyer—OF, Cubs
208. Adrian Cardenas—2B, Athletics
209. Jonathan Villar—SS, Astros
210. Chad Bettis—P, Rockies
211. Josh Reddick—OF, Red Sox
212. Ian Krol—P, Athletics
213. Aaron Sanchez—P, Blue Jays
214. Cody Scarpetta—P, Brewers
215. Christian Yelich—OF, Marlins
216. Max Kepler—OF, Twins
217. James Darnell—3B, Padres
218. Paul Goldschmidt—1B, Diamondbacks
219. TiJuan Walker—P, Mariners
220. Domingo Santana—OF, Phillies
221. Aaron Altherr—OF, Phillies
222. Chris Withrow—P, Dodgers
223. Luke Bailey—C, Rays
224. Matt Carpenter—3B, Cardinals
225. Chance Ruffin—P, Tigers
226. Marcus Littlewood—SS, Mariners
227. Kentrail Davis—OF, Brewers
228. Nick Barnese—P, Rays
229. Tim Wheeler—OF, Rockies
230. Sammy Solis—P, Nationals
231. Alex Liddi—3B, Mariners
232. Kellan Deglan—C, Rangers
233. Jay Jackson—P, Cubs
234. Nick Hagadone—P, Indians
235. Christian Bethancourt—C, Braves
236. Garin Cecchini—3B, Red Sox
237. Junior Lake—SS, Cubs
238. JD Martinez—OF, Astros
239. Bobby Borchering—3B, Diamondbacks
240. Casey Crosby—P, Tigers
241. Wily Peralta—P, Brewers
242. Charlie Culberson—2B, Giants
243. Colton Cain—P, Pirates
244. Chevy Clarke—OF, Angels
245. Kyle Heckathorn—P, Brewers
246. Aderlin Rodriguez—3B, Mets
247. Adonis Cardona—P, Blue Jays
248. Tanner Bushue—P, Astros
249. Ryan Brett—2B, Rays
250. Derrick Robinson—OF, Royals
I think Reynolds is one of the toughest players to project for the upcoming season. He’s capable of posting huge numbers but strikeout totals are ridiculously high. It’s hard to predict how that will adjust to a new team. Josh Bell played poorly last season, but if his performance improves (and Baltimore falters), the team could decide to give Bell increased playing time at Reynolds’ expense.
I’ve read some stuff that predicted a breakout from Jones, but I think his “ideal” numbers wouldn’t be much higher than last year’s performance (maybe .285, 20-25 HR’s, 70-80 RBI’s). I think he could steal 20 bases, but everybody predicted that last year and it didn’t happen. I’m guessing he produces about $15-20 in value. I would probably take Jones slightly ahead of Reynolds, who I think will produce between $7-$25. But their are values are pretty close.
Jones is in 3+ group.. Anderson is in the Young group.. The league is head to head so I need to have some sort of a balance between power-speed-hitting discipline on offense and good power arms that rack up ks and have low era’s for pitching. I actually have 15 Amateur draft picks for this years draft now after wheeling and dealing.. I have the option to forfeit some of those picks to claim young keepers that werent protected (i.e. Anderson or Perez).. and I intend on doing so for both of those guys. Jones however I would lose.. Some have been saying its going to be a breakout year for him in Baltimore this year with all the added talent around him. Reynolds should be good for 40+ HRs in Camden Yards Id think? And I know the AL East is loaded with good pitching which could hurt his AVG and even raise his K’s.. I need a power bat with serious production and he should do that. Plus he swipes bags so he has the tools.
I like those renewals and it depends on the league rules (categories counted, etc). One player I might have considered dropping is Mark Reynolds in favor of Adam Jones (think Jones is in the 3+ yrs group). I think Jones and Reynolds are close, but ultimately, I might go w/ Jones. Could you have placed Brett Anderson in the “young” group? If so, depending on the scoring, I might have placed him ahead of Smoak, Storen, and Sale. If Anderson is in the older group, I think he and Jones are a close call. On the whole, I think the players you picked are good.
Recently I just submitted my 5 MLB Keepers and 4 Young Keepers (players with 3 years or less MLB Experience).. here they are..
MLB Keepers: Troy Tulowitzki, Mark Reynolds, Justin Upton, Jon Lester
Young Keepers: Andrew McCutchen, Justin Smoak, Chris Sale, Tommy Hanson, Drew Storen
I left guys like Brett Anderson, Martin Perez, Daniel Bard, and Adam Jones open to free agency.. what are your thoughts on this?? Did I make the right moves with my keepers compared to these 4 I left off? I like Adam Jones and I’m also quite a believer Brett Anderson as well. Thanks.
Jed
Buckel is an intriguing high school pitcher the Rangers picked in the second round of this year’s draft. He comes from California and I learned some about him following the draft stuff last summer . I would say the best high school pitcher drafted by the Rangers this year was Luke Jackson, a high school pitcher from Florida who received an impressive bonus. Jackson ranks on the same caliber as the Rangers’ two first round selections, Kellan Deglan and Jake Skole. I would place Buckel just below those guys, probably on the same level as Justin Grimm, an intriguing pitcher the Rangers drafted from the University of Georgia. Basically, Buckel has plenty of talent to make the lists, and a good performance in low-A will definitely put him in the rankings.
What about Cody Buckel?
Amazingly, Rogers didn’t make the list! He’s a guy w/ substantial upside who’s been appearing on prospect lists for years. He had a good season last year and people say he is finally healthy. BA rated Rogers the top prospect in the Brewers’ system while Heckathorn (who made the top 250) rated #9. I’d place Rogers behind Davis, Scarpetta, Gennett, Peralta, and Heckathorn. But I could easily be underrating Rogers b/c he’s been known to throw pretty fast when he’s healthy.
Did I miss Mark Rogers on the lists?
Absolutely. Another great example this year was Jon Jay. I always overlooked him, but he had a nice debut hitting .300 over 300 AB’s.
No your definitely right about the unseen cards, jaime garcia is the perfect example.
It’s definitely awesome info. I’ll read about those guys, and Matias was a player I completely overlooked. The Cardinals are a great system to learn more about because they always seem to have guys who go through their system somewhat unnoticed who end up playing a major role.
O and especially keep an eye on matt adams and deryk hooker of the players I mentioned to watch. Both of them had amazing seasons but they have no track record. But adams has .914 career ops through 709 ABs and hooker had a very good year in 2010 a year removed from a drug suspension. Sorry to harp on cards but they are the only system I know
Very good stuff! Thanks!
The vid is weird, ive seen it prior. Here is the best scouting on him ive seen.
http://www.i70baseball.com/?p=3390
And here is badlers actual report:
http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=8957
Those stats are unbelievable. I tried to find video of Matias pitching, and the one video I could find is pretty funny. I’m 99% sure it’s him, and it’s created before he signed from the Dominican. It’s the most painful background music ever, and for whatever reason, the video goes 90 seconds without ever showing him pitch!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGwTuVuhBII
But I’ve been reading more about him, and when he does pitch, people say his fastball is in the high-90’s with solid control. Thanks for reminding me about this guy! I hadn’t really learned much about him, but he sounds really impressive.
Link on matias’ stats
http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=matias001car#standard_pitching::2
Era= 0.76, Whip= 0.712, K/BB ratio= 5.57, K/9= 11.9, BB/9= 2.1, the low walk rate and 1 hr allowed over 54 innings are rare for such a hard thrower. I realize he only played in the dsl and needs to repeat in the states but I have never seen stats that sick, o and the kid only weighs 165, just imagine when he fills out
Great feedback and information from the Cardinals’ system. I will definitely take a second look at those players. Seth Blair is a very good pitcher who missed the list by five spots (Aaron Miller, Zach Von Rosenberg, Eury Perez, and Alex Cobb). I need to learn more about Matias because he’s one of those lower-level players I probably didn’t research enough.
Sorry just noticed cox is ranked, missed him the first time
Zack cox(best college hitter in draft) and eduardo sanchez(future closer) should both be ranked. Carlos martinez(matias) and seth blair should prob be ranked. Matias has a fastball that rates 80 out of 80, great control, great movement and it touches triple digits and he is 19. Then there are a few players in the cards sytem who should shoot up with another good year, they are matt adams, derek hooker, anthony garcia, phillip cerreto(lil old for league), nick longmire, cody stanley, and rainel rosario.
Thanks for all the comments!
I really like Sale. My question is mainly whether he can remain healthy (some mechanics questions but no injury history), but depending on what the White Sox need, I think Sale can be used as a closer or near the front of the rotation.
Good question on Aaron Altherr and Colton Cain. Altherr is sort of a random pick and the selection is totally based on “buzz” from both prospect publications and people who follow the Phillies system. Some people like him more than Domingo Santana and Jiwan James. Cain is another of the Pirates’ young overslot pitchers who has all the material to develop into a top notch starter.
The Cardinals’ system definitely got a little thin, and they’ve been aggressive trying to upgrade. Oscar Tavares is a really intriguing prospect, and Tyrell Jenkins is a Texas pitcher who lots of people here really liked coming into the draft. Imagine if Stl had also signed Austin Wilson.
Heckathorn had a really solid season this year. Even though the Brewers traded most of their farm system away, they still have a group of about 4-5 really intriguing pitchers. I’ve always been a Cody Scarpetta fan.
Hoes/Giavotella is a tough call…perhaps that ranking could improve. Giavotella shows solid batting average and on-base ability. The concern is how much his size will affect his power. Hoes is an athletic player with huge upside, but to some degree, putting him ahead of Giavotella goes against the numbers.
I’ll go ahead and add Cesar Puello to the next list. He was already really close and two votes is enough to move him onto the list.
Sorry these responses are a little less researched than I’d like. I’m actually in Colorado this weekend learning how to ski. I’m having fun, but I don’t think the Winter Olympics are in my future. Checking site on my phone, but I wanted to get back w/ everyone b/c it’s great feedback that is really appreciated.
Intriguing list of sleepers Bradley. A lot of high ceiling/floor guys. Kinda puzzled on LJ Hoes being much higher than Giavotella. It’s hard to nitpick a list like this, ranking one prospect versus another is certainly a challenge.
Could you elaborate more on Colton Cain and Aaron Altherr? I’ve heard relatively little about the lattter, and I’d love to hear your take on the former.
Also, I’ll echo another commenter’s call for Cesar Puello. I think he deserves consideration for a spot among the top 250.
Thanks for the in-depth addition to the rankings, happy new year!
I was looking up a few St. Louis prospects.. Oscar Taveras and Carlos Martinez (Matias).. these boys both put up great number in their 2nd and 1st seasons, respectively. Could St. Louie’s farm be a quietly but surely getting better? Cox, Jenkins, and Miller all seem to be considered legit prospects, but add these 2 guys to the mix and theyd have a pretty good quintet of players. Oh, and Tavares = 18yrs old, Martinez = 19yrs old, Jenkins = 18yrs old! These boys are young, but all things look to point upward for the Cards.
Kyle Heckathorn had a very nice first professional season.
How would you project Chris Sale? I see him eventually being a 1-2 type starter.. But some think he’s gonna be Chicagos closer of the future. Also now with a log jame at 1B do you see them moving off Viciedo at some point. Some are questioning his D at 3rd base. A trade like this may be something the Sox should look into:
Jonathan Broxton for Viciedo, Jared Mitchell, and some young arm who is an above avg prospect.
Nah, Kalish would actually have ranked fairly high on the top 100 list but exceeded the # AB’s (130) to still be considered a prospect.
No Ryan kalish?
Yeah, Flowers dropped a great deal this season and I ended up listing him outside the top 250. It’s pretty surprising considering he was generally considered a top 100 guy coming into 2010. It wouldn’t be totally surprising to see him bounce back so he might be worth holding in really deep leagues.
No Tyler Flowers in the top250? I know he had a down year but that is quite a drop.
Nah, no Puello. There are a number of players w/ serious major league potential who didn’t make the list. From the Mets system, I think you could make a strong case for putting Puello, Darren Cecilliani, and Juan Urbina on the list. In terms of speed guys, the toughest omission was Eury Perez from the Nationals.
I’ve been doing more research trying to make this list better. Feedback is definitely appreciated, so if you follow a certain system closely and see a guy who clearly should (or should not) be on the list, definitely let me know.
To make feedback easier, here are 20 guys who can make a strong case for appearing on this list: Aaron Miller, Zach Von Rosenberg, Alex Cobb, Eury Perez, Seth Blair, David Sappeldt, Mike Olt, Reggie Golden, Matt Lollis, Jake Skole, Cesar Puello, Mychal Givens, Slade Heathcott, Todd Frazier, Jiwan James, Jesse Biddle, Bryce Brentz, Todd Cunningham, Eduardo Escobar, and Mel Rojas, Jr.
No Cesar Puello in the top 250 prospects in baseball? No that is odd.
I’ll definitely check his progress this season. The young international shortstops are the hardest group to rank because there are always a significant number (Salcedo, Osvaldo Martinez, Eduardo Escobar, Junior Arias, etc) of seemingly comparable players. It’s tough to figure out who the prospects are! It’s mainly because they are young, and from my standpoint, what makes it even tougher is their games aren’t generally on milbtv, so I don’t get to see them at all.
I don’t know much either. Defense I think, but I thought he might have more based on the bonus $$.
I don’t know too much about Valor except he was an international guy signed by the Reds last season who got pretty nice bonus. The Reds definitely have some solid MI options in the future. Billy Hamilton and Cozart get most of the attention, but they have a whole group of intriguing players: Junior Arias, Didi Gregorious, Valor, Devin Lohman, etc. What are Valor’s strongest attributes (speed, defense, power, etc)?
So, how about Humberto Valor?
Very good call! That makes sense b/c I had too many names…I moved Kentrail up and must have forgot to delete the first listing. Fixing it right now…
Thanks for the list! Just an FYI, you have Kentrail Davis at 227 and 246.