Top Prospects for Spring 2008

[Zagi-CRO]

... This is a list of the 15 greatest prospects for Spring 2008 ...

You could vote for two favourite prospects!
My votes go to Joba and Cameron.

Enjoy... http://www.bloger.hr/settings/nesvrstani/images/3047fa21_zagi.jpg

[holyroman]

I would like to submit JR Towles who will be the primary catcher for the Astros

[Zito75]

I'd say a couple of those guys aren't prospects anymore... None the less, fun pole.

[-Kyle-]

Long term projection, or biggest impact type of thing? Because I am pretty sure Ian Kennedy will not become as Kernshaw, but Ian Kenney is definitly closer.

[Zagi-CRO]

I'd say a couple of those guys aren't prospects anymore... None the less, fun pole.

Yes? Are you so sure?? I'm not fun. Maybe you are?
Ako ne znaš o čemu se radi, nemoj praviti glupe primjedbe.

See /FYI/: http://www.topprospectalert.com/

Who is prospect? NOTE - Each player CANNOT have pitched more than 50 innings, nor had more than 130 ABs in the Majors in a single season

[31,173]

I picked the BoSox kids. They had better prove to be absolute studs considering the Sox chose them over Johan.

[Erik Bedard]

Where are you getting this list from? Longoria and Bruce would have been my first two choices no matter what, but the absence of Matt Wieters, David Price, Travis Snider, Andrew McCutchen, among others, is confusing. And why Kennedy but not Hughes? Why Soto and Adenhart at all?

[NJMetfan4life]

What, no mets?

[Erik Bedard]

Were you expecting any? Martinez is their best, and he's generally considered a fringe-top 20 guy.

[RubeBaker]

Who is prospect? NOTE - Each player CANNOT have pitched more than 50 innings, nor had more than 130 ABs in the Majors in a single season

And why Kennedy but not Hughes?

Hughes- 72.7 IP
Kennedy- 19 IP

[jsmets92]

The other pitchers listed are in a different league than Kennedy though. IMO, he has the potential to be a nice mid-rotation guy, but almost no shot to be a top of the rotation guy with his stuff. The other guys listed, along with guys like Price, Porcello etc. all have to stuff to be a #1 or 2, if they reach their full potential.

That said, I'll take Longoria and Kershaw, with Bruce in a very close 3rd.

[Erik Bedard]

Hughes- 72.7 IP
Kennedy- 19 IP

Oh. That explains it. Still, Kennedy isn't close to the rest of the guys in this group.

[Westlake]

I'd say a couple of those guys aren't prospects anymore... None the less, fun pole.

Prospect is a defined word, and all these players are defined as one.

[Zagi-CRO]

Where are you getting this list from? Longoria and Bruce would have been my first two choices no matter what, but the absence of Matt Wieters, David Price, Travis Snider, Andrew McCutchen, among others, is confusing. And why Kennedy but not Hughes? Why Soto and Adenhart at all?

See /: http://www.topprospectalert.com/

I chose only 15... that's why others aren't on the list. It's only my choise.
Ok, Wieters is 11th, Price is 20th,, Snider is 37th, McCutchen is 36th... on official BPL.
Ian Kennedy is 6th on the BPL for Spring 2008. Hughes isn't prospect anymore.

Soto? I think he is going to have an excellent season. Is he prospect!?
I think, yes. He's too much underestimated, IMO.
#77 Geovany Soto -- Chicago Cubs
(MLB) 18G .389, 6(2B), 3HR, 36RBI, 5BB, 14K
(AAA) 110G, .353, 31(2B), 3(3B), 26HR, 109RBI, 53BB, 94K

Adenhart? Maybe he didn't deserve a room. Ok.

[Zagi-CRO]

What, no mets?

Bedard---Were you expecting any? Martinez is their best, and he's generally considered a fringe-top 20 guy.




yes, it's a little bit surprise. But the first Mets on the official list is Fer.Martinez on 27th place!!

See:
SB #27 | BP #51 | BA unranked | SN unranked | SI unranked


FYI SB= Scouting Book's Top Prospects list
BP= Baseball Prospectus
BA=Baseball America's rankings
SN=?? /I dont know.../
SI=Sports Illustrated

[redlegsfan21]

yes, it's a little bit surprise. But the first Mets on the official list is Fer.Martinez on 27th place!!

See:
SB #27 | BP #51 | BA unranked | SN unranked | SI unranked


FYI SB= Scouting Book's Top Prospects list
BP= Baseball Prospectus
BA=Baseball America's rankings
SN=?? /I dont know.../
SI=Sports Illustrated

SN is probably The Sporting News

[jsmets92]

yes, it's a little bit surprise. But the first Mets on the official list is Fer.Martinez on 27th place!!

See:
SB #27 | BP #51 | BA unranked | SN unranked | SI unranked


FYI SB= Scouting Book's Top Prospects list
BP= Baseball Prospectus
BA=Baseball America's rankings
SN=?? /I dont know.../
SI=Sports Illustrated

He is # 20 on the BA list.

[Erik Bedard]

See /: http://www.topprospectalert.com/

I chose only 15... that's why others aren't on the list. It's only my choise.
Ok, Wieters is 11th, Price is 20th,, Snider is 37th, McCutchen is 36th... on official BPL.
Ian Kennedy is 6th on the BPL for Spring 2008. Hughes isn't prospect anymore.

Soto? I think he is going to have an excellent season. Is he prospect!?
I think, yes. He's too much underestimated, IMO.
#77 Geovany Soto -- Chicago Cubs
(MLB) 18G .389, 6(2B), 3HR, 36RBI, 5BB, 14K
(AAA) 110G, .353, 31(2B), 3(3B), 26HR, 109RBI, 53BB, 94K

Adenhart? Maybe he didn't deserve a room. Ok.

Kennedy? Sixth? Oh, no.

Soto, if he's #77 on this "official" prospect list, doesn't belong in this top 15 ranking, largely because he's only had one good season. Wieters and Jeff Clement are waaaaaayyy better catching prospects.

[Zagi-CRO]

Kennedy? Sixth? Oh, no.

Soto, if he's #77 on this "official" prospect list, doesn't belong in this top 15 ranking, largely because he's only had one good season. Wieters and Jeff Clement are waaaaaayyy better catching prospects.

I'll bet on Soto! He does belong in top 15. :)

From the Cubs Team Report Soto --->
The key to C Geovany Soto’s success last year was twofold: The Cubs were patient with him and gave him another year at Class AAA. The other was that Soto got himself into good physical shape. He looked slim and trim over the winter. Soto calls games like a veteran, and he possesses a strong arm.
Soto firmly holds C position in the Cubs lineup.

Wieters--- >
Matt Wieters 1st Round Draft Pick; Did Not Play Pro Ball In 2007
He's not on the 40-man roster, even not mentioned like top prospect in the Orioles team report.

J. Clement --->
(MLB) 9G .375, 1(2B), 2HR, 3RBI, 3BB, 3K
(AAA) 125G .275, 35(2B), 3(3B), 20HR, 80RBI, 61BB, 88K

Because he’s a left-handed bat with power, Clement could make the roster as a third catcher and backup first baseman.
C Jeff Clement could make the roster and get some time at first base with his left-handed power.

So, because of ahead I'll bet on Soto.

[Erik Bedard]

Wieters is the best catching prospect in baseball, and the Orioles' top prospect. He won't be in the majors this year, but he was the best position prospect in last year's draft. He was given the highest bonus in Orioles history. He is the #12 prospect in baseball, according to BA, the best list out there.

Clement is the Mariners' top prospect. He is the 42nd best prospect in baseball, and the second best catching prospect. He has a career .819 OPS in the minors.

Geovany Soto is the Cubs' #2 prospect. He is the 47th best prospect, and the #3 catcher. He has a career .784 OPS in the minors. Prior to 2007, his highest OPS was .750. He was not in the top 100 prospects for 2007.

If you're going strictly by 2008, then maybe you take Soto over Clement. But don't expect 2007 production from Soto, who has struggled mightily each time he's been moved up a level. Clement, on the other hand, has been relatively consistent. Clement will probably not start for the Mariners as long as they have Kenji Johjima, but in the long run, I'll take him over Soto any day. Wieters will probably be the best of the bunch. He's got the potential to be a consistent All-Star. Soto will be lucky to be a one-time All-Star.

In less words, one great year does not a superstar make.

[holyroman]

I'm hoping JR Towles is the best catching prospect in baseball this year. He has some pretty good numbers in the minors too. He appears to be as close to a five tool catcher as it gets.
I think he belongs in this discussion and will be the opening day catcher for the astros this year.

[Imgran]

Geovany Soto is the Cubs' #2 prospect. He is the 47th best prospect, and the #3 catcher. He has a career .784 OPS in the minors. Prior to 2007, his highest OPS was .750. He was not in the top 100 prospects for 2007.
.

Sounds like the 1998 version of this dude.

http://www.redsoxnation.net/forums/style_emoticons/default/Varitek.jpg

Minor league numbers don't always tell the whole story.

[Erik Bedard]

I'm hoping JR Towles is the best catching prospect in baseball this year. He has some pretty good numbers in the minors too. He appears to be as close to a five tool catcher as it gets.
I think he belongs in this discussion and will be the opening day catcher for the astros this year.

Towles is, IMO, a little better than Soto. He's not as far along, and I'm not sure if he can handle being the everyday catcher for the Astros yet, but he's far more consistent.

Imgran: There's a huge difference between Soto and Varitek. Varitek was a first-round draft pick, meaning that people knew for a long time that he had talent. Soto, on the other hand, was not in the Cubs' top ten prospects before 2007 -- ever.

[Zagi-CRO]

Wieters is the best catching prospect in baseball, and the Orioles' top prospect. He won't be in the majors this year, but he was the best position prospect in last year's draft. He was given the highest bonus in Orioles history. He is the #12 prospect in baseball, according to BA, the best list out there.

Clement is the Mariners' top prospect. He is the 42nd best prospect in baseball, and the second best catching prospect. He has a career .819 OPS in the minors.

Geovany Soto is the Cubs' #2 prospect. He is the 47th best prospect, and the #3 catcher. He has a career .784 OPS in the minors. Prior to 2007, his highest OPS was .750. He was not in the top 100 prospects for 2007.

If you're going strictly by 2008, then maybe you take Soto over Clement. But don't expect 2007 production from Soto, who has struggled mightily each time he's been moved up a level. Clement, on the other hand, has been relatively consistent. Clement will probably not start for the Mariners as long as they have Kenji Johjima, but in the long run, I'll take him over Soto any day. Wieters will probably be the best of the bunch. He's got the potential to be a consistent All-Star. Soto will be lucky to be a one-time All-Star.

In less words, one great year does not a superstar make.

I am talking about 2008 Top Prospects /thread is Top Prospects for Spring 2008
/.
http://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy/mlb/news;_ylt=AiuVZUikOEsfjZjtQNlO.xM.FId4?slug=be-posprimer08-c

2008 Catchers: Prospects to Watch

#1 Geovany Soto
Lowdown: Soto's well-rounded offensive and defensive assets have him on the fast-track to fantasy stardom. In 439 at-bats between Triple-A Iowa and the senior club, Soto smashed 29 homers, drove in 117 runs and posted a Mauer-like .357 BA. The reigning Pacific Coast League MVP showcased outstanding plate discipline at both levels, notching a 10.6 BB%. Given his eagle eye, natural power and the Cubs' loaded offensive arsenal, he could reach the bleachers 17-22 times and drive in 70-plus runs this year – only V-Mart, R-Mart, Jorge Posada, Bengie Molina and Brian McCann attained that level in '07. Move over Rich Hill, Soto's name encased in hearts may become the featured doodle in the Noise's fantasy diary this season.
Fearless Forecast: 430 at-bats, .284 BA, 18 HR, 73 RBI, 59 R, SB


#2 J.R. Towles
Lowdown: Fantasy owners investing high dollars in Towles are hoping he's not a lethal concoction of once revered, now jeered catching prospects Chris Iannetta, Miguel Montero and Jeff Mathis. The 24-year-old newcomer is a polished prospect at the plate who posted a respectable 8.1 BB% in 299 combined minor and major league at-bats last season. More impressive, Towles made contact 87 percent of the time in those at-bats, a clear sign he's capable of hitting .280-plus. Athletic and aggressive, the youngster could be the only catcher other than Russell Martin to reach double-digits in homers and steals this season. Reports out of Houston have said that, barring a spring collapse, he'll be the 'Stros Opening Day starter over Brad Ausmus. The possibility of drafting Soto and Towles after pick 160 in 12-team mixed drafts is titillating.
Fearless Forecast: 400 at-bats, .279 BA, 12 HR, 62 RBI, 65 R, 12 SB


#3 Jeff Clement
Lowdown: Blocked by "George McKensey" (Johjima, Kenji), Clement was the subject of several trade rumors during the offseason. However, it appears Seattle is content on keeping its former No. 1 pick. In 455 at-bats at Triple-A Tacoma last season, the booming lefty blasted 20 homers, drove in 80 runners and tallied a .275 batting average. His blazing bat speed and keen eye (11.8 BB% at Triple-A) are Major League ready, but his suspect defense is disconcerting. If he scorches this spring, look for John McLaren to find creative ways to get him into the lineup regularly. Given Richie Sexson's proneness for epic droughts, the rookie could earn at-bats splitting time between first, catcher and DH. Those in AL-only leagues should slap the wallet for an extra dollar. With 300 at-bats, Clement could be an unexpected offensive juggernaut.
Fearless Forecast: 325 at-bats, .270 BA, 11 HR, 46 RBI, 40 R, SB


#4 Jesus Flores
Lowdown: With Estrada and Lo Duca ahead of Flores on the depth chart, Nationals fans will have to wait for the Rapture. A former Rule 5 draftee, Flores has been described by scouts as a rare blend of power-hitting and defensive aptitude. Still rather callow at 23, he's expected to be assigned to Triple-A to continue developing his plate discipline and overall hitting skills. Making the leap from Single-A to the Majors in '07, Flores logged an unrestrained 26.7 K% in 180 at-bats. Flores has the potential to be a perennial 10-15 homer contributor, but he's not rosterable in non-keeper leagues until 2009.
Fearless Forecast: 145 at-bats, .250 BA, 3 HR, 19 RBI, 17 R, SB

#5 Matt Wieters
Lowdown: Wieters is a Sasquatch with shin guards. The 6-foot-5 switch-hitting skyscraper, the Orioles' No. 1 pick in last year's draft, is a toxic mixture of hitting brawn and defensive brains. Playing with the Honolulu Sharks in the Hawaii Winter League, Wieters batted .283 with nine doubles, a home run and 17 RBI in 106 at-bats. Most appealing, he amassed a .364 OBP and a 10.1 BB%. Several scouts suggest he needs plenty of seasoning in the minors, but given the managerial mindset change in Baltimore and Ramon Hernandez's injury imp magnetism, a September call-up is certainly possible. AL-only keeper leaguers looking for the next Joe Mauer should fight tooth and nail to acquire the former Ramblin' Wreck standout.
Fearless Forecast: 70 at-bats, .278 BA, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 9 R, SB

Everybody has his own opinion! :)

[Erik Bedard]

Oh, that's a fantasy prospect list. Those are next to worthless for judging players. This one (http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/top-100-prospects/2008/265655.html) is ten times better.

[Zagi-CRO]

Oh, that's a fantasy prospect list. Those are next to worthless for judging players. This one (http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/top-100-prospects/2008/265655.html) is ten times better.

Thank's. It's a new site for me!