50. Christian Friedrich LHP
Friedrich is one of many young Rockie pitchers with high upside. The 2008 1st round pick has shown his tremendous talent since going pro. His fastball/curve combo is one of the better 1-2 punches in the minors. If he can develop better command of his fastball, he could be a top of the rotation starter. If not, he will be a mainstay in the Colorado bullpen. He ranks in the top 50 because there is a distinct possibility that he makes his way to the show sometime in 2010.
49. Freddie Freeman 1B
Freeman is an all-bat stud 1B prospect for the Atlanta Braves. He hasn't shown a ton of power to this point but the 6-foot-5 20 year old should add strength as he matures, turning many of his doubles into home runs. If he stays healthy in 2010, it's not unthinkable that he makes an appearance at the end of the season. The more likely scenario is that he plays out the year in AAA and comes out swinging in 2011 as the Braves' every day first-sacker.
48. Mike Leake RHP
Mike Leake has single handedly justified my laziness. Trevor has been harping on me to write this article for weeks and I've been putting it off. As it turns out, Mr. Leake will crack the Reds' starting rotation, skipping the minor leagues completely. As a result, he instantly becomes valuable in any format, but should be left on the waiver wire in shallower leagues until he proves that he won't crumble. His stuff has never blown scouts away, so he will have to rely on pitchability and impeccable command to get outs at the major league level.
47. Donavan Tate OF
Perhaps one of the biggest risks on this list, Donovan Tate appears here for his immense upside. He is a 5-tool player who turned down football to go pro in baseball. His selection by the Padres began a trend of taking high-upside players, which is a strategy that could make or break their organization. Tate has the potential to be a top fantasy player. He also has the potential to never make it past AA. The downside is that it will be a few years before we know either way.
46. Tyler Flowers C
When playing fantasy, one consideration you have to make is position eligibility. Flowers has immense power combined with great plate discipline so his bat profiles as a 3 or 4 hitter. At 1B, that is good but not uncommon. At catcher, that is incredible. The only question is whether he sticks at C long term because his defense leaves a lot to be desired. With Paul Konerko aging rapidly, Flowers could make the move to 1B sooner than later. Either way, his bat will carry him to the middle of the order in Chicago.
45. Aaron Crow RHP
Aaron Crow has seen a thing or two. He was drafted by the Nats in 2008 but opted to play independent ball. He was then drafted by the Royals and signed to a lucrative deal. He has a great fastball/slider combo, the only question is whether or not his change up can get MLB hitters out. If he can develop his change, he can be a legit top of the rotation starter. If not, he will be relegated to a role in the bullpen in front of the Mexicutioner, Joakim Soria.
44. Jared Mitchell OF
Mitchell is another high-upside outfielder who has work to do. He is a burner who profiles as a center fielder in the bigs. He played football in addition to baseball before signing with the Chisox so he is still raw at the plate. The White Sox are working with him to improve his approach. If it works he will be a dynamic lead off man with game changing speed.
43. Jeremy Hellickson RHP
Hellickson had a stellar season between AA and AAA last season and as a result he his climbing the prospect charts. The reason for his success was improved command, particularly of his heater. What sets Hellickson apart from the pack is that he has an above-average change up, a pitch that is virtually a prerequisite to becoming a successful starter. He is blocked by a ton of young flamethrowers in the Rays' rotation, but he has the talent to make an impact in the bigs today.
42. Derek Norris C
Norris ranks this highly mostly because he plays a premium position. He is a very patient hitter and has above average power, but if he were an outfielder of first baseman, his bat would not have been enough to crack the top 50. His ability to stay behind the plate makes him a future all-star candidate and somebody to watch out for at the always shallow backstop position.
41. Lonnie Chisenhall 3B
Chisenhall will likely never be an all star. He doesn't have as much power as your typical 3B and his defense needs some work. The good news is that he is a good hitter who has a polished approach at the plate. As a result, he will crack the bigs as soon as this season depending on when he refines his defense to a point that satisfies the Cleveland brass.
40. Josh Bell 3B
Bell, like Chisenhall, has struggled with playing the hot corner. The difference between the two is the fact that Bell has much more upside at the plate highlighted by raw power. He's a switch hitter, a rarity for a third baseman, but he's good at it. His approach at the plate is solid as he has shown the ability to work the count and take a walk. He is all offense, but that's all you really care about...right?
39. Yonder Alonso 1B
The Reds have a logjam at 1B with Yonder Alonso in the minors and Joey Votto in the show. The good news is that, with Yonder's advanced approach at the plate and his above average power, they will be forced to make room for both bats soon. The Reds reportedly tried Yonder at the outfield corners and third base this spring. Hopefully the kid can play good enough defense to crack the big league roster some time in 2010 as his bat is good enough right now.
38. Todd Frazier 2B/OF
Frazier is a versatile player who has taken the field all over the diamond in his career. However, his bat is what will get him to the big leagues. He has good contact skills so he will hit for a good average. He combines his coordination with solid power that would be perfect for second base. The only problem is that the Reds have one of the best second baseman in the game in Brandon Phillips. Frazier will hit well with decent power wherever he plays, but his numbers would look best at second.
37. Kyle Gibson RHP
Gibson fell to the twins in the draft because he broke his forearm during his final college campaign. Believed to lead eventually to elbow trouble, the injury scared away most team. Not the Twins. Profiling as a potential No. 1 starter, Kyle Gibson has all the fixings to dominate hitters if he can stay healthy. Flashing three potential plus pitches, including the coveted change up, Gibson should see the big leagues in around late 2010 or 2011. If he stays healthy, the sky's the limit.
36. Zack Wheeler RHP
Wheeler, drafted by the pitching laden Giants in 2009, could be another in a long line of talented youngsters drafted and developed by San Francisco. Like Gibson, Wheeler shows the makings of three plus pitches, also including the change up that is needed to succeed as a starter. Just 19 years old, Wheeler will need time to perfect his command and his pitchability, but he has legit upside.
35. Mike Montgomery LHP
Montgomery is similar to Wheeler, but is left handed and plays for the Royals. He has ace potential as he shows many plus pitches. His change up has the potential to be his second best offering behind his low-90's fastball. Like any young pitcher, he needs to continue to refine his command. When he does that, he'll be a force to be reckoned with.
34. Grant Green SS
Green appears so high on this least for two reasons: he plays short stop and he can hit. While he won't be a big-time power threat, he has the ability to stick at short meaning that even 20 home runs per season would be stellar. He has great contact ability, so he'll be able to put the ball in play with ease. Having played college ball, he is pretty refined already. He'll likely head to AA to begin 2010 and could bring his all-star caliber game to a big league field near you by 2011.
33. Casey Crosby LHP
Nearly all of the pitchers on this list are similar. They have great stuff and they need to work on their command. What sets one apart from another is being left handed, being more durable, having a positive personality and being just slightly more refined. In Crosby, we have a guy who can dial his fastball up to 98, throws left handed and shows the ability to mix in other plus pitches. He has more upside than most pitchers on this list because of his velocity and movement, but he has a ways to go before he shows his potential at the big league leve.
32. Dee Gordon SS
Gordon is like a shortstop version of Casey Crosby. He has immense upside, but needs to refine his approach at the plate and prove that he can compete against the highest levels of major league baseball. With game changing speed, Gordon has the upside of a fully healthy Jose Reyes, which means that if he pans out he will be a first round pick in fantasy leagues. We love upside, and Gordon is oozing with it. The only problem is that even the most generous timetables have him cracking the big leagues in 2012 at the earliest. Patience is a virtue...stupid patience.
31. Matthew Moore LHP
In Moore, we have a near clone of Casey Crosby. He has the stuff to be a frontline starter but what sets him apart in our eyes is his ability to keep the ball down in the zone. He needs to work on his ability to command the ball to both sides of the plate, but when he makes a mistake, he makes it at a hitters knees rather than in his wheelhouse. He, like any Rays prospect, is blocked by a plethora of young talent so he will not be rushed. He has the potential to be one of the best prospects in all of baseball and an ace on a championship team.
30. Tyler Matzek LHP
Ranking Matzek above Moore means very little. They are very identical players but Matzek has shown the ability to command the ball slightly better. He needs to learn how to compete with the best athletes in the world, and will get that chance at a leisurely pace as the Rockies don't normally like to rush their prized prospects. Though the humidor has helped quell concerns about Coors Field, the fact remains that Rockie pitchers tend to have higher ERA and WHIPs than most because of their home field. In fantasy, that makes a difference that should matter to you
29. Brett Wallace 1B/3B
Wallace has had a hard time getting comfortable as he has been a part of three major league organizations in his short professional career. Now a member of the Blue Jays, he has a shot at starting for most of the 2010 season, and ranks highly as a result. His ability to hit for average is better than most players his age. The concern is that his upside of about 20 home runs per season is well below the standard for a corner infielder. Either way, he'll be a good hitter this season. He just won't win you HR any time soon.
28. Kyle Drabek RHP
Drabek is another player who will be purchasing real estate in Tornoto in the near future. The prize of the Roy Halladay trade, the Blue Jays have had their eye on Drabek for a while. His upside is limited because his change up lags behind is top two offerings. If he can't figure out how to make his change up a legit third pitch, he will likely be sent to the bullpen where he will dominate. The reason he ranks as highly as he does is because of his proximity to the bigs. The Jays could give him a taste this season, though it's more likely that he makes his presence felt in 2011.
27. Aroldis Chapman LHP
A-Rold is an enigma. The Cuban defector signed with the Reds of all teams and began showing the world why MLB organizations have been drooling over him. He can dial his heater up to triple digits and uses a change up, curve ball and slider. None of his pitches are as dynamic as his heater which is among the best in all of baseball. Just like any youngster, he needs to refine his game. He won't likely be getting quality numbers for a year or two but base on sheer potential, we couldn't rank him outside of the top 30.
26. Jarrod Parker RHP
There is only one reason why Parker ranks this low...and it's a big one. The young Diamondback flame thrower will miss most of, if not the entire 2010 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in October. While this is an obvious setback, he was very good before the operation and is younger than most players at his stage of development. Despite its serious nature, TJ surgery is not a death sentence for a pitcher so Parker is expected to make a full recovery as early as 2011. With his advanced arsenal and command, Parker has ace potential.
25. Aaron Hicks OF
In Hicks, the Twins have a 5-tool outfielder who can do it all. His best tool may be his throwing arm, which is probably the least relevant for fantasy purposes, but he has above average speed, plate discipline, contact ability and has potential for power. He's still young and has work to do at the plate, but he can play anywhere in the outfield and is a dynamic offensive player. He should reach the bigs sometime around 2012.
24. Brett Lawrie 2B
Lawrie ranks this highly because he plays up the middle. He tried to play catcher but was recently moved to 2B to accelerate his path to the bigs. He has a good bat with solid pop and has drawn comparisons to Jeff Kent at 2B but his defense needs work if he hopes to avoid a move to the outfield. Either way, Lawrie had a bat that will be solid anywhere on the diamond.
23. Chris Carter 1B
Chris Carter is a slugger. He has light tower power and could hit 40 home runs annually in the big leagues. As is the case with many power hitters in baseball, strikeouts have been Carter's Achilles heel. He reportedly worked hard to improve his approach at the plate and produced good results but in the major leagues he will likely be an all or nothing hitter who hits for a decent average, perhaps in the .265-.275 range. With 40 HR power, you'll be more than happy to take that hit.
22. Martin Perez LHP
Perez was a surprise...to everybody other than the Rangers. When he first joined the organization, he was a skinny young soft-tosser who knew how to pitch. As he's gotten older, he's filled out. As a result, he has added velocity and movement to his arsenal. What the Rangers banked on all along has come to fruition as Perez has morphed into a southpaw who can reach 95 MPH with good pitchability. He needs to refine his change up if he hopes to be an ace in the bigs, but he's not far off.
21. Jacob Turner RHP
Turner checks in as the highest ranked 2009 draftee not named Strasburg or Ackley. The reason being that he throws gas with good command and movement. He's still young, just 18 years old, so he needs experience against the upper levels of baseball competition. There is little reason to doubt that Turner will develop into a top of the rotation starter as soon as 2012.
20. Casey Kelly RHP
When the Red Sox selected Kelly in the first round of 2008, they thought he was the most advanced high school pitcher in the draft. The problem was, Kelly wanted to play short stop. In order to sign the youngster, Boston agreed to let him play shortstop as long as he agreed to pitch as well. After two seasons of playing both in the field and on the mound, Kelly has succumbed to the wishes of the Red Sox and taken to pitching full time. Now that he can concentrate on pitching full time, Kelly isn't too far away from bringing his front of the rotation potential to Boston.
19. Michael Taylor OF
Taylor, who has technically been a part of three organizations in the last few months, has found a home in Oakland. Traded from the Phillies to the Blue Jays as apart of the Roy Halladay deal, Taylor was quickly flipped to Oakland for Brett Wallace. In Taylor, the A's have an athletic 5-tool outfielder who showcases magnificent power and above average speed. Taylor could see playing time in 2010 but it's more likely that he spends his summer in Sacramento and makes his presence felt in the big leagues full time by 2011.
18. Logan Morrison 1B
Morrison profiles as a #3 hitter in a good big league lineup. He shows tremendous power combined with a good approach at the plate. In conjunction with his makeup, he has all the ingredients to be a force at the plate. It's possible that he could see playing time in the big leagues at the end of 2010, but it's more likely that he makes it up in 2011, 2012 at the latest.
17. Wade Davis RHP
If not for the incredible depth possessed by the Rays, Davis would have been in the bigs at least a year ago. As it turns out, Davis had to wait until 2010 to make his presence felt full time as he has earned a spot at the back of the Tampa Bay rotation. With the upside just short of an ace, Davis will not strike out enough to be a #1 pitcher, but he will have a solid ERA, WHIP and W total for the contending Rays. Unlike many of the players on this list, he will help your team right now.
16. Domonic Brown OF
When the Phillies were negotiating to acquire the best pitcher in the American Leauge, they had one condition: do not include Dominic Brown. As a result, the Phillies gave up a ton of prospect depth in Kyle Drabek and Michael Taylor, but they kept their prized outfielder. Brown is ready to contribute now, but wit the organizational depth the Phillies have, they are opting to give him a bit more seasoning in AAA before giving him the call. Brown has the talent to be a force in a major league line up, but he lacks the power potential to be more than a dynamic leadoff hitter.
15. Starlin Castro SS
After splitting time at SS with Junior Lake in the lower minors, Starlin Castro burst on to the prospect scene a season ago. His defense is good enough to stick at short, but the Cubs boast the best shortstop depth of any club in the world so he may eventually move to second in favor of the more defensive-minded Hak-Ju Lee. Wherever Castro ultimately lands on the diamond, he brings dynamic speed and contact ability with solid power potential to rank as one of the best shortstop prospects in the majors. The best news is that, even though he turned 20 just a couple weeks ago, Castro could reach the bigs by the end of this season, though 2011 is more likely.
14. Neftali Feliz RHP
Neftali Feliz is one of the most dynamic pitchers in all of baseball. The only problem is that, as of right now, the Rangers plan on bringing Feliz out of the bullpen...and not as the closer. Feliz has a good change up, but it's the same speed as some people's fastball. If he can refine his command, he can be a #1 starter. If he doesn't, he can be a dynamic closer. But as of right now, he is just a high-K middle reliever. Players like those have value, especially in deeper leagues, but he will need to bring his dominance to either the 1st or the 9th inning to be a fantasy force.
13. Madison Bumgarner RHP
Bumgarner has been plummeting down charts since his velocity dipped in 2009. When he was drafted by the Giants, he was a high school flamethrower who had reportedly never thrown a breaking ball in his life in an effort to preserve his young elbow. He has developed a good curve to combine with his advanced fastball/change up combo but rather than pitching in the low-mid 90's, he finished the year pitching in the mid-high 80's. Despite the drop in velocity, he has had success everywhere he's played so we remain optimistic that he will regain his top-prospect billing.
12. Dustin Ackley OF/2B
Ackley may end up being remembered as "that guy who was taken after Stephen Strasburg". Or, he may end up being remembered as a guy who contends for batting titles on a yearly basis. We're banking on the latter. Ackley has drawn comparisons to David Wright for his advanced hitting approach, above average speed and solid-average power. Obviously his value is amplified if he plays at 2B, but whether he plays the outfield, middle infield or first base, his high-average, good speed and decent power will make him an impact fantasy player sooner rather than later.
11. Buster Posey C
We can't say it enough, but players who can hit and field a premium position will always have a place in fantasy baseball. The reason Posey ranks ahead of other catchers on this list is because he has a legit shot at sticking at catcher and he can hit. He will never hit 30 home runs, but he will hit for a high average. .315 and 20 HR from a catcher is good enough to rank as a perennial all-star and an invaluable asset to a fantasy team.
10. Alcides Escobar SS
Throughout his professional career, Escobar has been lauded as a defense-first player, and he is. The good news is that, because of his stellar defense he will have a full-time job in the Brewers' lineup on opening day. He will hit for a solid average in the bigs and will use his speed to steal enough bases to one day be recognized as a force on the base paths. He will never have much power, but his solid average and good speed make him an asset at short.
9. Brian Matusz RHP
Matusz is another dynamic youngster who will have a big league job out of spring training. He has advanced command of big league stuff, but the main concern for him is that he may not be able to strike out enough hitters to be a fantasy ace. That remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure. The kid knows how to pitch. He will have to face powerhouses like the Yankees, Red Sox and Rays, but when he's not getting knocked around by his division rivals, he will be an asset to your fantasy squad this week.
8. Desmond Jennings OF
The Rays just can't help but own a top-10 prospect. Whether it be Carl Crawford, BJ Upton, Delmon Young or David Price, they are simply magnificent at acquiring and developing top young talent. In Jennings, the Rays have a replacement for Crawford who is believed to be playing his last season in a Tampa Bay uniform. Jennings has the speed to steal 40 or more a year, the bat to hit around .300 and the power to hit double digit home runs in his prime. He's basically a Carl Crawford clone.
7. Justin Smoak 1B
When a player draws comparisons to a perennial all-star and MVP candidate, we listen. That is just what we have as Justin Smoak is inevitably compared to Mark Teixeira. Both began their careers in Texas, both are switch hitters, both play good D at first and both have outstanding bats. Smoak obviously has a lot to prove before we consider his career a success, but for a team as good at developing young hitters as the Rangers, we'd be willing to bet that he reaches his considerable ceiling.
6. Carlos Santana C
When a player draws comparisons to a perennial all-star and MVP candidate, we listen...wait... Carlos Santana = a young Victor Martinez = really good. He's a good defensive catcher, he has dynamic power and can handle a bat very well. He might even get time behind the plate as soon as 2010. Like any young catcher, he could always use more experience managing games or blocking curve balls in the dirt, but he will hit his way into the Indian lineup soon.
5. Pedro Alvarez 3B/1B
Pedro Alvarez was once heralded as the best hitter to come out of college in many years. Though he hasn't quite lived up to some lofty expectations, he has shown that he will slug his way to a fantasy line up near you. His defense at third leaves a lot to be desired and he hasn't shown the ability to stay healthy on a regular basis, but he has 40 home run power when he's at his best. A move to first may be inevitable, but who cares? The guy can absolutely rake.
4. Mike Stanton OF Mike Stanton is basically Pedro Alvarez with good outfield defense and speed potential. He has tremendous power and should hit over 30 home runs on a consistent basis once he reaches the majors. The Marlins are another organization that has the uncanny ability to acquire and develop young studs, and Stanton is no different. Once the Marlins decide to stop delaying his arbitration clock, he will be a stud outfielder who hits 35ish home runs, steals 20ish bases, hits around .275 and helps you win a fantasy championship.
3. Jesus Montero 1B/C
Jesus Montero is a beast. He has a near-perfect hitting technique and unrivaled power potential. Often drawing comparisons to slugger Miguel Cabrera, Montero is currently slated to play catcher in the big leagues, which could not be better for fantasy owners. The problem is that he will almost certainly not stick behind the plate long term. Regardless of where he plays, his bat will carry him to the top of your fantasy draft as soon as the Yankees trade him or give him full-time at bats. With the brittle Nick Johnson currently entrenched as the New York designated hitter, some of those at-bats will likely come this season.
2. Jason Heyward OF
Close your eyes and imagine this experience: (don't actually close your eyes...how would you be able to read?) You are taken out of a bag, tossed in the air and caught by a random man. This random man rubs you down like you're at some Korean massage parlor. All of a sudden, you are hurtling at break-neck speeds in some direction for a split second before you are whacked with what feels like a 747. You black out for a second, and before you realize it, you are crashing through the wind shield of some rich guys ride. You are a baseball struck by the seemingly god-like Jason Heyward. You've heard the stories. This guys is going to be good...like...right now.
1. Stephen Strasburg RHP
Yes...we have chosen Stephen freaking Strasburg over Jason Heyward to top our prospect list. Why, you ask? Why rank Strasburg ahead of the J-Hey Kid? Well, to put it simply, they are basically equal in our eyes. I know...it's a cop out. But it's our blog. We can do what we want. At the end of the day, we feel that both of these guys will dominate. Rostering the best pitcher in baseball is more difficult than rostering a top-5 hitter. There is debate as to who ranks #1 in real baseball counting Heyward's stellar defense. While Heyward's defense does not translate to fantasy, every bit of Strasburgs dominating goodness does. Bottom line, you can't go wrong either way.
