AL Top 150 (and system rankings)

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I've finished my AL East Top 51 (link), AL Central Top 51 (link), and AL West Top 51 (link), and the culmination of those three lists is my AL Top 150. Making this list, and encountering the challenges it presents has given me a newfound respect for everyone who tries to put these things together. A few grades have been changed, most notably Chris Carter down from a A- to a B+ (hat tip Alskor). He's still a very good prospect, but his struggles with the breaking ball have instilled a little doubt in me. Also Alex Colome is up to a B+ (from a B), I think I may have not really understood what kind of an electric arm he has until recently. All ages are of opening day. As always, I appreciate any feedback. 

1. Neftali Feliz, 21.11, RHS (TEX)- Absolute stud, confident he can start. Grade A

2. Brian Matusz, 23.2, LHS (BAL)- May not ever be a true number 1, but should be a 2 for a long time. Grade A

3. Desmond Jennings, 23.5, CF (TB)- Rare 5 tool/ 7 skill player that should impact the game in a lot of ways. Could challenge Matusz for AL ROY in 2010. Grade A

4. Carlos Santana#, 24.0, C (CLE)-  Combines patience, contact ability, average, and power into one special package. To top it off he plays a premium position, and he plays it well. Grade A

5. Jesus Montero, 20.4, C/DH (NYY)- May be the best hitter in the minors right now, but where is he going to play? Grade A-

6. Martin Perez, 19.0, LHS (TEX)- One of the best pitching prospects in the game. With Feliz, Perez, and Holland in one rotation the Rangers could be scary in a few years. Grade A-

7. Casey Kelly, 20.6, RHS (BOS)-  I'm not sure he has the pure stuff of a number one, but he could definitely be a solid number 2. Great athlete, people are too worked up about Ks. Grade A-

8. Ryan Westmoreland, 20.0, CF (BOS)-  Like Jennings, Westmoreland is a 5 tool/7 skill player. Unfortunately, like Jennings, he has battled injuries throughout his pro career. If he stays healthy he could be a Grady Sizemore like impact player. Grade A-

9. Dustin Ackley*, 2B/CF (SEA)- He has the potential to win a few batting titles to go along with 15-25 homerun power and some stolen bases. Reminds me of Johnny Damon. Grade A-

10. Jeremy Hellickson, 23.0, RHS (TB)- I love the K/BB ratio. My one concern is that he will be hurt by the longball in the majors. I see him as a 2/3 starter.  Grade A-

11. Justin Smoak#, 23.4, 1B (TEX)- I'm not quite as high on Smoak as most. I think he profiles as a solid regular (6) rather than a perennial all-star. I love his glove, his patience, and his power potential, but oblique injury or not I'm concerned about the lack of power. Grade A-

12. Kyle Drabek, 22.4, RHS (TOR)- I think he may have gotten a little overrated in all the trade talks over the last year, but he is still an extremely good prospect. Grade A-

13. Aaron Hicks#, 20.6, CF (MIN)- Tremendous athlete, but he is more polished than most give him credit for. He has walked in almost 14 percent of his plate appearances and he struck out in just 22 percent of his at-bats as a teenager in the Mid West League. Confident power will come Grade A-

 14. Chris Carter, 23.4, 1B (OAK)-  One of the best hitters in the minors. Concerned about ability to hit breaking ball, but still a great prospect. Grade B+

15. Matt Moore, 20.9, LHS (TB)- Unbelievable K/9 rates the last two years, and he gets some ground balls too. If he can improve his command he could become a number 1 starter. Grade B+

16. Casey Crosby 21.7, LHS (DET)- Competing with Perez and Moore for best stuff for a left-hander in the minors. I'm a big fan. All he needs to do is prove he's healthy. Grade B+

17. Mike Montgomery, 20.10, LHS (KC)- I feel like there are two camps forming around Montgomery. One views him as a potential ace and is overrating him, and in response a second group has formed that is too low on him. While I don't think he is a future ace, he has a great blend of polish and projection. Grade B+

18. Wade Davis, 24.7, RHS (TB)- Davis has good stuff, and no doubt projects as a major league starter, but I think he has been overrated due to his impressive major league debut. But a close look at his AAA peripherals doesn't suggest a #2 starter- only a 2.34 K/BB ratio and .74 GO/AO ratio for a guy repeating the league. I think he is a 3rd starter long-term, but I would caution those who expect him to replicate his exceptional debut in 2010. Grade B+

19. Jake Arrieta, 24.1, RHS (BAL)- I might be higher on Arrieta than most, but I believe in the stuff. He reminds me a lot of Kevin Millwood- big fastball, plus slider, a serviceable change, and durable starters frame- and I think his career could look very similar to Millwood's. Grade B+

20. Josh Bell, 23.5, 3B (BAL)- Improved his defense and continued to hit and walk. Grade B+

21. Jacob Turner, 18.10, RHS (DET)- Potential top of the rotation arm. Grade B+

22. Zach Britton, 22.4, LHS (BAL)- He's underrated nationally. Gets ground ball after ground ball, and improved his strikout numbers in 2009. Needs to improve FB command, 3rd starter with higher ceiling. Grade B+

23. Lonnie Chisenhall*, 21.6, 3B (CLE)- Second best third base prospect in the AL. Grade B+

24. Michael Taylor, 24.3, RF (OAK)- Put me in the camp that thinks the A's came out on top in the Taylor for Wallace deal. I think Taylor will be a solid 5-6 in right for a long time. Grade B+

25. Nick Hagadone, 24.3, LHP (CLE)- Starter's frame, good delivery, and gets ground balls. Needs to prove he's healthy and develop his change. I think he will be a solid 2/3 starter. Grade B+

26. Wilson Ramos, 22.8, C (MIN)- Lack of plate discipline limits his ceiling, but he is still pretty clearly the second best catching prospect in the American League (Montero is not a C). Reminds me a bit of Yadier Molina, not quite the defender, but he should hit for more power. Grade B+

27. Alex Colome, 21.3, RHS (TB)- World of potential, but far away. Grade B+

28. Tim Beckham, 20.2, SS (TB)- I'm still a believer that he will hit and play short. Grade B+

29. Danny Duffy, 21.3, LHS (KC)- Safe bet to become a solid #3. Better secondary stuff than he is given credit for. Grade B+

30. Trevor Reckling, 20.10, LHS (LAA)- A long-time favorite of mine. Good three pitch repertoire, needs to polish command, but still just 20! Grade B+

31. Dan Hudson, 23.1, RHS (CWS)- Posted an absurd 4.86 K/BB ratio in 2009. Some scouts worry about his ceiling, but I find it hard to believe he will be less than a solid 3rd starter. Grade B+

32. Aaron Crow, 23.5, RHS (KC)- Needs to make progress with his change to become a 2/3 starter. If he can't he could become a closer. He should move through the system quickly, even as a starter. Grade B+

33. Eric Hosmer*, 20.5, 1B (KC)- Disappointing year for Hosmer whichever way you slice it, but I love his swing, and I am confident he will bounce back with a strong 2010 campaign. Grade B

34. Grant Green, 22.6, SS (OAK)- To be completely honest, I'm not sure what to make of Green. Depending upon who you read, Green is either likely to have to move off of short or a future gold glove candidate. Some think he won't hit for power with wood, others like his power. Like in a lot of things, I think the answer lies somewhere in between. I think Green could be the right-handed version of Reid Brignac, only probably more offensive and less defensive value. Grade B

35. Zach Stewart, 23.6, RHP (TOR)- I think he could start (but he would most likely a 4). Out of the pen he could be a closer/set-up guy. Depends upon what you want. Grade B

36. Brett Wallace, 23.7, 1B (TOR)- I'm not a big fan. While his bat is plus at third it seems just average at first. He has risen through the minors quickly, but he hasn't shown the exceptional plate discipline many say he has. While he is still young, with his "bad" body I can't see him growing into more power. A safe pick to be a major leaguer, but not an impact guy for me. Grade B

37. Matt Hobgood, 19.8, RHS (BAL)- He certainly didn't distinguish himself in his pro debut, but I'm a big fan. He's athletic, and he has a bulldog mindset that is perfect for the AL East. I see him as a 2/3 when all is said and done. Grade B

38. Josh Reddick, 23.1, RF (BOS)- He wasn't ready for the big leagues last year, but with his tool set it shouldn't be long before he is. He may not ever post big OBP numbers, but he is a plus defender in right with the power for the bat to profile there. Grade B

39. Kyle Gibson, RHS (MIN)- If he is healthy, Gibson could fly through the minor leagues. He doesn't have a ceiling much (if any) higher than a 3rd starter, but he is a pretty safe bet to reach that. Grade B

40. Tanner Scheppers, 23.3, RHP (TEX)- No denying his stuff, but most teams seem to think that it is just a matter of time before he gets hurt. Grade B

41. Michael Ynoa, 18.6, RHS (OAK)- Long ways away, but I can't pass up his upside here. Grade B

42. Reid Brignac, 24.3, SS (TB)- Because he has been on prospect radars for so long I think people forget how young he still is. Should be a solid short stop for a lot of years. Grade B

43. Austin Jackson, 23.2, CF (DET)- Not a future star, but he should have a long career as a major league center fielder starting in 2010. Grade B

44. Brandon Snyder, 23.5, 1B (BAL)- I like the swing and I think he will hit enough to profile at first i the big leagues. AAA slump is nothing to get too carried away with. Grade B

45. Michael Main, 21.4, RHS (TEX)- Suffered some injuries but they have not been arm related. When he is on the field he features a lively fastball and two potential plus breaking balls. He is healthy heading into 2009, and I look for him to put up big numbers in the California league. Grade B

46. Alex Liddi, 21.8, 3B (SEA)- No I don't think Liddi is as good as his ridiculous 2009 Cal-league-aided numbers would indicate, but I think he will be a major league regular at third. Scouts love his defense, and he has solid offensive tools. He reminds me of Mike Lowell. Grade B

47. Mike Moustakas*, 21.7, 3B (KC)- Josh Bell type ceiling for me. Below average defense at the hot corner, above average bat. Offensive numbers have been depressed by hitting environments. Grade B

48. Carlos Carasco, 23.1, RHS (CLE)- Easy to forget how young he still is. Has pitched under his stuff, but I think he will figure it out. He strikes me as a solid 3/4 starter (with the potential to become more). Grade B

49. Anthony Rizzo, 20.8, 1B (BOS)- In my view one of the most underrated prospects in the game. I love the plate discipline, but like Snyder the question with Rizzo is whether he will develop homerun power. Considering his youth, his fight with cancer, and the gap power he has shown, I think he will have plenty of power down the road. Grade B

50. Tyler Flowers, 24.2, C (CWS)- Improved enough to stay behind the plate. Will post OBP and HR numbers, but still likely to be below average defensively. Grade B

51. Wil Myers*, 19.2, C/3B/RF (KC)- Important not to read too much into 80 plate appearances in the Pioneer League, but it's tough not to get carried away when envisioning what Myers could become. Grade B

52. Tim Melville, 20.6, RHS (KC)- Very solid pitching prospect. There is projection remaining in the frame, and scouts like the delivery. Needs to improve command and changeup to take the next step. Grade B

53. Jemile Weeks#, 23.2, 2B (OAK)- I like Jemile's tools a lot. He should be at least average defensively, he walks, has solid speed, and surprising power. He needs to iron out his right-handed swing, and to stay healthy, but I like him. Grade B

54. Travis D'Arnaud, 21.2, C (TOR)- Under the raw numbers there were signs for optimism.He has good defensive tools, and his overall package suggests that he should be a solid big league catcher. Grade B

55. Brandon Erbe, 22.4, RHP (BAL)- Scouts love his pure stuff, but there are concerns that he may profile better in the bullpen. I'm also concerned about his flyball tendancy, but I believe in the stuff. Grade B

56. Ben Revere*, 21.11, CF (MIN)- Great defensive potential, and could develop some pop. Walked more than he struck out in 2009. He should have a long career as a leadoff hitter. Grade B

57. Jason Knapp, 19.7, RHP (CLE)- Love the stuff, but there are a lot of questions- health? delivery? secondary stuff? Seems a likely candidate to end up in the pen. Grade B

58. Jared Mitchell*, 21.5, CF (CWS)- Great athlete but very raw. Grade B

59. Miguel Sano, 17, 3B/RF (MIN)- High bust potential, but his ceiling is just about as high as anyone's on this list. Grade B

60. Scott Sizemore, 25.3, 2B (DET)- Sizemore should be a solid regular starting in 2010 (provided he is fully healthy). His range is below average, but he walks, hits for average, and could hit 15-20 homeruns. Grade B

61. Carlos Triunfel, 20.1, SS/2B/3B (SEA)- When he has been on the field he has hit, but he has struggled to stay on the field. Probably a third baseman, will need to show more power, think he will. Grade B

62. Hank Conger#, 22.2, C (LAA)- Likely always a below average defender, but I think he will become a similar player to Flowers- enough OBP and HRs to make defense acceptable. Grade B

63. Mike Trout, 18.8, CF (LAA)- Important not to get too worked up over 187 plate appearances in rookie ball. I think Trout will be a solid regular in center, although I think I question the bat more than most. I see him as a 280/340/420 type hitter with solid defense. Grade B

64. Alex Avila*, 23.2, C (DET)- Avila should be a solid catcher, but I'm not reading much into his major league trial. Making evaluations bases on small sample sizes in September is a recipe for disaster. Avila has made strides defensively, but he is still a bit below average. His bat should be average to a tick above. It will be interesting to see if the Tigers chose to move Laird at some point. Grade B

65. Alex White, 21.7, RHP (CLE)- I think he is a reliever long-term, but a good one. Grade B

66. Junichi Tazawa, 23.10, RHP (BOS)- Tazawa wasn't ready for the big leagues in 2009, but he should be a solid 4th starter long-term. Fact that he is major league ready keeps him this high. Grade B

67. Fabio Martinez, 20.5, RHS (LAA)- Under the radar to this point. Led the Arizona league in Ks. Could be a front of the rotation arm if he improves his command. Grade B

68. Austin Romine, 21.4, C (NYY)- No standout tool or skill, but looks like a solid catcher. Impressive that he has risen to AA at 21. Grade B

69. Jose Iglesias, 20.3, SS (BOS)- Glove is major league ready, but bat? He's not a speed or power guy, so his offensive value will be almost completely tied to his average. Because he plays a premium position, even if he only hits in the 260 range he should still have serious big league value. He reminds me of Jack Wilson. Grade B

70. Noel Arguelles, 19, LHS (KC)- Tough guy to grade. KLAW had his as a top 5 pick in this year's draft, but the consensus has him as a late-first/sandwich talent. Grade B-

71. Derrick Gibson, 20.4, SS/2B (BOS)- One of my favorite prospects in the game. What's not to like when a middle infielder shows great discipline, athleticism, base-running savvy, and power potential? Grade B-

72. Lars Anderson, 22.6, 1B (BOS)- Walks were still there, and he cut his strikeouts. Willing to cut him some slack due to injuries. Grade B- 

73. Robbie Ross, 20.9, LHS (TEX)- Gets strikeouts, doesn't walk many guys, and posted an impressive 3.21 GO/AO ratio last year. Durability is a concern, if he stays healthy could really shoot up. Grade B-

74. Slade Heathcott, 19.6, CF/RF (NYY)-  A potential 5 tool difference maker, it's tough to say what the Yankees have until we have some pro data. Injury/makeup concerns to keep in mind. Grade B-

75. Wilmer Font, 19.10, RHP (TEX)- Electric fastball, but it is hard to judge his future prospects because the Rangers have been so careful with his development. Weight and injuries in the past. Grade B-

76. Daniel Schlereth, 23.11, LHR (DET)- I originally had Schlereth as a B, but command and durability concerns pushed him to a B-. He has the potential to be a dominant late-inning reliever. Grade B-

77. Chad Jenkins, 22.3, RHS (TOR)- Blanton comparisons seems to fit. Could be a 3rd starter, more development remaining than the typical college 1st rounder, due to raw secondary stuff. Grade B-

78. Adrian Salcedo, 18.11, RHS (MIN)- Posted an absurd 58-3 K/BB ratio in GCL! He has a loose arm and projectable frame. He may not have ace potential, but he is a very interesting name to watch. Grade B-

79. Hector Rondon, 22.1, RHS (CLE)- I feel like I might be the low man on Rondon. The numbers are great, but I'm concerned that he relies too heavily on his fastball. His secondary stuff is fringy, and he profiles as a 4th starter at the big league level, for me. Grade B-

80. Jake McGee, 23.8, LHP (TB)- Worked his way back from TJ nicely in 2009. I'm not sure how the Rays see him, but his power stuff and struggles with control scream bullpen arm to me. Grade B-

81. Danny Valencia, 25.6, 3B (MIN)- He is a good Spring Training away form seizing the big league third base job, and I think he'll do it. Projects to have a nice career as a second-division regular at third. Grade B-

82. David Renfroe, SS/3B (BOS)- A favorite of mine in the 2009 draft. He's a great athlete with the potential to be an impact player in the field and and at the plate. Grade B-

83. Stolmy Pimentel, 20.2, RHS (BOS)- A lot of projection remaining in Pimentel's skinny frame. If he adds some velo as he fills out he could open some eyes in 2010. Grade B-

84. Nick Barnese, 21.3, RHS (TB)- Classic repertoire of a 3/4 starter- low 90s fastball with a average breaking ball and a promising change- and that is what he should become Grade B-

85. Kyle Lobstein, 20.8, LHS (TB)- Great delivery and a lot of projection remaining in his frame suggest there might be more to come. Could be a 2/3 starter if he continues to develop. Grade B-

86. Max Stassi, 19.1, C (OAK)- His defense lags behind his bat at this point, but he should be able to stay behind the plate. I'm pretty high on him. Grade B-

87. Tyler Skaggs, 18.8, LHS (LAA)- Supremely projectable, he reminds me of the Lobstein. Tremendous get for the Angels in the supplemental first round. It might take him a while, but he has a huge ceiling. Grade B-

88. Andy Oliver, 22.4, LHS (DET)- Secondary stuff went backwards, but he has shown promise with both his change and slider in the past. Could rise quickly as a late-inning arm, or take on a slower development path as a starter. I'd choose the latter.  Grade B-

89. Carlos Gutierrez, 23.6, RHP (MIN)- Love the groundballs and stuff. May not be suited to start, I think he could become a 2 inning set-up guy, similar to what Masterson was in Boston for several months. Grade B-

90. Nick Weglarz*, 22.4, LF (CLE)- Not sure what to make of Weglarz. OBP is great, but needs to show some more power. He is still very young and could become a monster if he does. Grade B-

91. Adrian Cardenas*, 22.6, 2B/3B (OAK)- Not the typical third baseman, but I think he will hit for a high enough average to make it work. More of a second division regular than a true 5. Grade B-

92. Ryan Kalish, 22.0, OF (BOS)- Another guy who strikes me as a lower division regular rather than a true 5. Saw him play in the AFL and I'm not at all convinced he can play center. I like the plate discipline and he showed more power in 2009, but he's not a classic corner outfield bat. I think he is the type of player who offers traditionally undervalued things such as good defense and OBP, but Im not sure he'll do enough to profile as a regular for a contending team. He's still young, but seems pretty much maxed out physically. Grade B-

93. Fautino De Los Santos, 24.2, RHP (OAK)- Reports have been positive since he has come back from TJ. I've always liked the arm, but lets see what his command is like in 2010 before going higher. Grade B-

94. Jordan Walden, 22.5, RHS (LAA)- Higher ceiling than a lot of B- prospects, but command and health injuries prevent me from going higher. Grade B-

95. Gabriel Noriega, 19.8, SS (SEA)- Really burst onto the prospect scene with a huge 2009 season. I think KG is a little high, but I like him. Plays defense and should hit enough to have a lot of value. Grade B-

96. Reymond Fuentes, 19.1, CF (BOS)- He's raw but has a lot of talent. With his blazing speed he could be a future gold glove center fielder, and scouts think he will hit for power. Grade B-

97. Alex Torres, 22.4, LHP (TB)- Love ground balls and strikeouts, but I'm concerned about command. His breaking balls could make him a dynamite left-handed specialist. Grade B-

98. Michael Pineda, 21.3, RHP (SEA)- Scouts don't like him, but I find it very hard to believe that a kid who put up a 7.89K/BB and 1.65 GO/AO as a 20 year-old in the Cal league- who, by the way, has projectable 6'5" frame- won't be able to stick in the rotation! I think he becomes a solid 4th starter, provided he stays healthy. Grade B-

99. Adam Moore, 25.11, C (SEA)- I don't think the ceiling is as high as most, but there is a lot of value in 6 controllable years of a major league catcher. Grade B-

100. Xavier Avery, 20.3, CF (BAL)- 4 star running back recruit committed to Georgia. He is just learning the finer arts of the game, but the strides he has made are astounding considering his lack of baseball experience. Hasn't shown much power to date, but scouts think it's there. Grade B-

101. Peter Bourjos, 23.0, CF (LAA)- I question whether he will hit enough to be a regular. He raised his walk rate after a wrist injury, but didn't hit when he walked, and before that he didn't walk when he hit. I see him winding up as a very good 4th OF. Grade B-

102. Jean Segura, 20.1, 2B (LAA)- According to his Pioneer league manager, Tom Kotchman, Segura may have been the best position player prospect in the league. If he can stay healthy he could play next to Erick Aybar for a long time. Actually reminds me a lot of Howie Kendrick. Grade B-

103. Grant Desme, 24.0, RF (OAK)- Not sure anyone really has a good handle on this guy. Tools are there, but he swings and misses at too many pitches for me. Grade B-

104. Pedro Figueroa, 24.4, LHP (OAK)- The winner of the A's 2009 pitcher of the year award, he rushes his fastball from 90 all the way to 95 mph with a good slider, but he's 24 and his command is poor. Should become a very good left-handed specialist. Grade B-

105. Danny Gutierrez, 23.1, RHS (TEX)- Stuff will play, but there are makeup and injury concerns. I think he will become solid 4th starter. Grade B-

106. Christopher Dweyer, 22.0, LHP (KC)- He is very raw, but when he is on he shows electric stuff. Whether he is a starter or reliever depends on development of change and command. Grade B-

107. Gary Sanchez, 17.4, C (NYY)- $3 million dollar bonus baby. Yankees like his athleticism and offensive potential, but it is tough to grade him with absolutely no pro data. Grade B-

108. Luis Lebron, 25.1, RHR (BAL)- One of the best pure arms in the minors. Must improve control, but he could become an interesting late inning reliever by 2010-11. He reminds me of Jose Arrendondo. Grade B-

109. Manny Banuelos, 19.1, LHS (NYY)- At only 5'10" 155 can he stay in the rotation long-term? Love the results but stuff seems to dictate that he's more of a back-of-the rotation arm. Grade B-

110. Greg Halman, 22.7, CF (SEA)- 2009 was a disaster, but he still has the 5-tool potential that enticed scouts in 2008. I wouldn't bet on him figuring it out, but he has so much potential I'm willing to roll the dice here. Grade B-

111. Max Kepler*, 17, CF (MIN)- Signed for $800,000 out of Germany (the most ever given to a player from Europe or Australia), Kepler is a potential 5-tool monster. A very good article about Kepler can be found here. Grade B-

112. Michael Brantley*, 22.11, CF/LF (CLE)- Unorthodox player. Not sure he's a regular, but he is major league ready, walks and can run. There is a lot of value in that. Grade B-

113. Zach McAllister, 22.4, RHS (NYY)- I think McAllister is generally overrated. He's not a big strikeout or ground ball guy. The only thing he really does well is limiting the walks. I think people get sucked in by the 6'6" frame, but his stuff is just solid. More of a back of the rotation guy, for me. Grade B-

114. Jordan Danks, 23.8, CF (CWS)- Ryan Sweeney clone (but a better center fielder). Solid second division regular. Should join his older brother in 2011. Grade B-

115. Angel Morales, 20.4, RF (MIN)- He has big-time power, a strong arm, and plus speed. Morales is still raw, but he made great strides in 2009 by cutting his strikeout rate almost twelve percent. Grade B-

116. John Lamb, 19.9, LHS (KC)- Potential first round pick before broke his arm in a car accident and missed his entire senior season. The Royals took a chance on his potential, and that gamble could pay off big. He is a projectable left-hander, who profiles as a 3/4 starter. Grade B-

117. Randall Grichuk, 18.7, LF (LAA)- Lost in the shuffle of Trout's great debut was the fact that the Angels had another 2009 first round pick who performed well. He needs to watch the Ks as he moves up, but an interesting power hitter to watch. Grade B-

118. Nick Franklin#, 19.1, SS (SEA)- Reminds me of a slightly less toolsy version of fellow 2009 draftee Jiovanny Mier. Mier offers a little more athleticism and bat, though. Grade B-

119. Julio Morban*, 18.2, CF/LF (SEA)- He has solid pitch recognition skills and exceptional hand-eye coordination. Those traits allowed him to put up solid numbers as a seventeen year-old in the AZL. Grade B-

120. Jon Bachanov, 21.2, RHP (LAA)- Bachanov is another underrated prospect IMO. He has a big 6'5" frame, and an even bigger fastball. He underwent Tommy John in 2008, but he looked great coming back in 2009. Durability questions will probably confine him to the pen, but he has the stuff to close. Grade B-

121. Ryan Strieby, 24.8, 1B (DET)- Strieby is probably the most unknown power-hitting prospect in the minor leagues. If he's healthy he could be a monster, but chronic wrist problems have me worried. Grade B-

122. Lou Marson, 23.9, C (CLE)- People are too hung up on what he doesn't do (hit for power) and loose sight of what he can do (play defense and provide OBP) Major league ready 2nd division regular. Grade B-

123. Kelvin De La Cruz, 21.8, LHS (CLE)- Popular breakout candidate before injury. Reports from instructional league were positive, so I look for De La Cruz to have a big 2010 season. Grade B-

124. Jeff Bianchi, 23.5, SS/2B (KC)- Not a star, but safe bet to contribute. Should hit for good average. Question is whether he can handle short. A move to second hurts his value. Grade B-

125. Mychal Givens, 19.11, SS (BAL)- Obviously no pro data to go on, but I love to scouting reports on Givens. Hit 97 off the mound, so he obviously has the arm to go with plus range and solid hands at short. At the plate he is more raw, but he has bat speed and a patient approach. Big time sleeper IMO. Grade B-

126. Joe Benson, 22.1, CF (MIN)- Phenomenal athlete who had an offer to play football at Purdue. Tools are all there, but needs to translate them into skills. Like increased walk rate, needs to watch Ks. Grade B-

127. Mitch Moreland*, 24.7, LF (TEX)- Bat will carry him to the bigs, but he's a below average outfielder, and he doesn't have the power for first. I see him as more of a reserve than a regular, but I seem to be the low man. Grade B-

128. Tyler Chatwood, 20.4, RHS (LAA)- Love the athleticism and stuff. Needs to improve command. Grade B-

129. Ryan Chaffee, 21.2, RHS (LAA)- CLove the ground balls and strikeouts, but he needs to improve his command. A sleeper of mine. Grade C+

130. Jason Kipnis*, 23.0, 2B/OF (CLE)- I like the bat. Can he handle second? Grade C+

131. Kam Mickolio, 25.11, RHR (BAL)- Hitters are not comfortable in the box against him (especially righties). Could be a set-up guy provided he is healthy in 2010. Grade C+

132. Michael Bowden, 23.7, RHS (BOS)- I might be a little harsh on Bowden (anyone out there who wants to convince me go ahead), but I don't see him as more than a middle reliever or 5th starter. His peripherals were pretty bad in AAA- 1.87 K/BB and a .55 GO/AO ratio. Those kind of numbers are not going to play at the big level, especially in the AL East. In fairness, he was a lot better in 2008, but I'm not sure I believe in the stuff. Grade C+

133. Daniel Fields*, 19.2, SS/3B/CF (DET)- Good athlete, but he's not likely going to be a good defensive center fielder, so he is really going to have to hit. Lot of upside. Grade C+

134. Zach Putnam, 22.9, RHP (CLE)- Putnam is Carlos-Gutierrez-light, for me. He's a sinker/slider guy, who has bounced between starting and relieving. He doesn't have the same pure stuff, but I think he could become a solid two-inning reliever. Grade C+

135. Mark Melancon, 25.0, RHR (NYY)- Love the minor league numbers- struck guys out, showed good control, and got ground balls. But he really struggled in his big league debut. Grade C+

136. TJ House, 20.6, LHS (CLE)- House put together an impressive season in 2009, especially considering he had no prior pro experience. Fluid delivery, could become solid mid-rotation starter. Grade C+

137. Alex Perez, 20.8, LHS (CLE)- One of the most underrated prospects in the minors, IMO. Perez has advanced secondary stuff, and while he fastball sits in the upper 80s right now, as he fills out his 6'2" 156 pound frame he should gain some mph. I look for him to take off in 2010. Grade C+

138.  Cameron Coffey, LHS (BAL)- Recovering from Tommy John surgery, but the Orioles liked him enough to dole out a $990,000 bonus. Great 6'4" projectable frame, could be a monster if he comes back from the surgery strong. Grade C+

139. Madison Younginer, 19.5, RHP (BOS)- Big time fastball, and a ton of potential, but a lot of questions. I imagine he will be used very cautiously in his pro debut. Grade C+

140. Garrett Richards, 21.10, RHS (LAA)- Love the stuff, but college struggles tell me that hitters get a good look at him. Angels might be able to help him fix that, but it won't be easy. Grade C+

141. Kelvin De Leon, 19.5, RF (NYY)- Very good athlete with big time power potential. Has the arm to stay in right. Needs to hone his pitch recognition skills. Grade C+

142. Josh Donaldson, 24.4, C (OAK)- Very good 2009 season, but it's important to remember hitting environment. Not confident he can remain behind the plate. Grade C+

143. Stephen Fife, 23.6, RHS (BOS)-  I think he could find himself as an innings eating 4th starter for the right team (read NL). But in the AL he probably fits in more as a middle reliever. Grade C+

144. Brent Morel, 22.11, 3B (CWS)- He put up very good numbers in the Carolina league last year and then won the AFL batting title, but I'm not convinced he has the tools to profile as a regular. Grade C+

145. Dayan Viciedo, 21.1, 3B/1B (CWS)- Chances of him sticking at third are almost nil, but he is still very young and has a lot of raw power. I'm not a believer, but there is still a lot of potential. Grade C+

146. JR Murphy, 18.10, C (NYY)- Murphy only began catching his senior year of high school, so it will be interesting to see whether or not he can stick behind the plate. He has the tools to, and the bat should certainly play there. Grade C+

147. Sean Doolittle*, 23.6, 1B/LF (OAK)- Actually pretty similar to Mitch Moreland- two-way college player who plays 1st and left as a pro. I give the edge to Moreland, because he is a better outfielder and has stayed healthy. Grade C+

148. Roman Mendez, RHS (BOS)- Intriguing combination of stuff, polish, and projection. Grade C+

149. Miguel Velazquez, 21.11, RF (TEX)- Big time makeup concerns, but 5-tool potential. He is a long way away, but has the tools to be a major league right fielder. Grade C+

150. Joe Wieland, 20.2, RHS (TEX)- I'm a big fan of Wieland. He's a projectable right-hander who has already gained some velo since high school. He has plus command for a young starter and the makings of a plus curve. His ceiling isn't huge, but I look for him to open some eyes in 2010. I think he will eventually settle in as a 4th starter. Grade C+

Honorable Mentions:

Drake Britton, LHR, (BOS)- Reports out of instructional league had him hitting 97. If he can maintain that throughout the season he could be an impact reliever along the lines of Matt Thorton

Matt Sweeney, 3B/1B/LF, (TB)- Huge raw power, but big time problems against lefties and questions over his position keep him out of the top 50.

Ian Krol, 18.11, LHS (OAK)- Makeup concerns, and a lower ceiling than most over-slot high school guys, but he has three solid pitches and good pitchability. Could become a solid 3rd starter.

Max Ramirez, 25.6, C/DH (TEX)- Willing to give him an injury mulligan, but I was never a big fan to begin with. The bat is nice, but I'm not sure he can stay behind the plate.

Carlos Rosa, 25.6, RHR (KC)- Big time arm, but he lacks consistency. He should help the Royals out of the pen starting in 2010. <!--EndFragment--> 

Rich Poythress, 22.8, 1B (SEA)- Probably won't hit enough to profile at first, but who knows? He's a patient hitter who was a great college slugger. 

System Rankings:

1. Tampa Bay Rays (5*)- Awesome combination of depth and potential impact talent. Jennings, Hellickson, Davis, and Brignac should all make significant contributions to Tampa's 2010 playoff push, and guys like Colome, Beckham, Lobstein, and Barnese make a nice second wave of talent. Even without signing their first two picks, the Rays added some intriguing talent into an already very deep farm. The Rays totaled 11 players in the 150 (1 A, 1 A-, 4 B+, 1 B, 4 B-). System Sleeper: Joe Cruz- Projectable right-hander posted a 3.8K/BB ratio in the Sally League, secondary stuff is coming around

2. Texas Rangers (5*)- Four potential impact talents in Feliz, Perez, Smoak, and Scheppers. I think Main and Ross are in for big 2010 seasons as well. This system doesn't have quite the depth of the Rays or Red Sox, but they have been very aggressive in Latin America- most recently signing Jurickson Profar- to augment some solid drafts. The Rangers totaled 11 players in the 150 (1 A, 2 A-, 2 B, 4 B-, 2 C+). System Sleeper: Robbie Erlin- The Rangers' third rounder in 2009, he's a bit undersized at only 5'11", but he has good command for a 89-92 mph fastball and promising breaking stuff. 

3. Boston Red Sox (5*)- Tremendous amount of depth. Most of the system's talent is in the low minors, but they have stockpiled so many high upside guys the risk is somewhat mitigated. I love Kelly and Westmoreland, and think those two give them a sensational 1-2 combo. The Red Sox led the American League with 16 players in the 150 (2 A-, 4 B, 6 B-, 4 C+). System Sleeper: Pete Hissey- Good athlete who held his own in the Sally League at 19. He shows great patience and ability to hit for average, question is whether power will come.

4. Cleveland Indians (4*)- Very good system, could be a 5 star system, but I want to see how the National League plays out before moving them up. They lag behind the Rays and Rangers in potential impact talent and the Red Sox in depth (although slightly). I think they could have done better in the Lee and V-Mart deals, but those trades made an already deep system even deeper, as well as bringing in some potential impact talent. I think Knapp and White are likely to end up in the pen, but I think Hagadone is going to be able to remain in the rotation. Indians totaled 15 players in the 150 (1 A, 2 B+, 3 B, 5 B-, 4 C+). System Sleeper: Abner Abreu- He's very raw, but he has big time raw power. He quietly put together a very solid year in the Sally League.

5. Baltimore Orioles (4*)- The fact that the system remains this strong after graduating a slew of prospects to the big leagues in 2009 is a very good sign for Oriole fans. The system is thin on position players, but I like Snyder and Bell. The system also features a lot of players in the high minors (although that is not a bad thing). I liked the Orioles' 2009 draft, and it will be very important that those players progress to fill in some of the holes in the lower minors. I think this system has more depth than it is given credit for, but the Top 7 is what makes it an above-average system. The Orioles totaled 12 players in the top 150 (1 A, 3 B+, 3 B, 3 B-, 2 C+). System Sleeper: Aaron Wirsch- The Orioles' 7th round pick in 2009 had a great pro debut. He's got a big time curve, and the frame to grow into some velo.

6. Kansas City Royals (4*)- The Royals have been very aggressive of late, spending in the draft and going out and signing Arguelles. The result is a much improved farm system over the past couple of years. This system has a lot of potential, but probably more risk than most because the vast majority of the system's talent are pitchers and a lot of them are far away. The depth of this system is just fair. The Royals totaled 11 players in the 150 (3 B+, 4 B, 4 B-). System Sleeper: Blake Wood- He struggled in the Texas League as a starter, but really came on strong in the AFL. I think he has a bright future as a power reliever.

7. Minnesota Twins (4*)- Tremendous amount of intrigue in this system. Big time international free agents in Sano and Kepler. A lot of great athletes, and one of the more unique situations in Kyle Gibson. I love the top 15 or so, but after that it falls off pretty sharply for the Twins. But I think the top 15 is good enough to make this a solid four star system. The Twins totaled 11 players in the 150 (1 A-, 1 B+, 3 B, 6 B-). System Sleeper: Ben Tootle- Small school kid who the Twins took a chance on in the third round. When he is right he can dial up some serious heat, but his secondary stuff is unrefined.

8. Oakland A's (3*)- Borderline 4 star system, depending upon how the NL shapes up they might get bumped up. Carter and Taylor give them some guys that can help in the near future, and there is solid depth, but this strikes me as more of a solid-average system than a truly above average one. The A's totaled 12 players in the 150 (2 B+, 3 B, 5 B-, 2 C+). System Sleeper: Tyler Ladendorf- Acquired for Orlando Cabrera, Ladendorf should stay at short, shows patience and the ability to hit for average, the question is whether he will develop any power.

9. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (3*)- Arguably the worst top three in the American league (Reckling, Conger, and Trout), but this system has a lot of intriguing depth. They quietly do a great job in Latin America, and they made some smart selections with their extra picks in 2009. The Angels had 13 players in the 150 (1 B+, 3 B, 7 B-, 2 C+). System Sleeper: Rolando Gomez- Great combination of patience, speed, and some power. He has good actions at short, but his arm is a little short

10. Seattle Mariners (3*)- Ackley gives them a potential impact player at the top of the system, but there are few other big time prospects. There is some solid depth in the B-/C+ range, including a lot of high upside latin signees. This system could look a whole lot better next year depending upon how those guys fare. The Mariners had 9 players in the 150 (1 A-, 2 B, 6 B-). System Sleeper: James Jones- Most teams like Jones as a pitcher, but the Mariners like him as an athletic right fielder and it is hard to argue with the initial returns. He showed nice patience and some power in his debut.

11. Detroit Tigers (3*)- Jackson and Schlereth give this system some much needed depth. The Top 10 is solid, but once you get outside the top 14 or so, things fall off quickly. This systems rank next year will be largely dependent upon how Crosby and Turner fare in 2010. The Tigers had 9 players in the 150 (2 B+, 3 B, 3 B-, 1 C+). System Sleeper: Melvin Mercedes- Projectable right-handed reliever who put up a sensational 5.38 GO/AO ratio in the GCL in 2009. He feature a low 90s sinker and a slider that shows some promise.

12. New York Yankees (2*)- The Yankees have more risk than most systems, but they have enough high upside players (Heathcott, Sanchez, De Leon, Murphy, and even Brackman to a lesser extent) that I give them a slight edge over the Blue Jays. I'm not wild about McAllister or Bleich but they both should become big leaguers. The Yankees had nine players in the top 150 (1 A-, 1 B, 4 B-, 3 C+). System Sleeper: DJ Mitchell- A former center fielder at Clemson, Mitchell is extremely athletic. He gets a lot of ground balls and should find his way to the big leagues in the next couple of years.

13. Toronto Blue Jays (2*)- Can you imagine what this system would look like without the Halladay and Rolen trades? Wow! With those trades this is still a below average system, but Drabek, Stewart, Wallace, and D'Arnaud give them some legitimate top 100 prospects. I like Henderson Alvarez, but I need to see some more strikeouts before I put him in the AL Top 150. The Blue Jays had an American League low 5 players in the 150 (1 A-, 3 B, 1 B-). System Sleeper: Gustavo Pierre- Toolsy short stop whose debut was a bit of a mixed bag in 2009.

14. Chicago White Sox (1*)- The lone one star system in the American League, the White Sox have less depth and a worse top of the system than the Blue Jays. The good news for White Sox fans is that their top two guys (Hudson and Flowers) are pretty much ready to contribute at the big league level. However, behind them there isn't much. I put Viciedo in the top 150 after some posters supported him in my AL Central list, but I'm about ready to call him a bust. The White Sox had six players in the 150 (1 B+, 2 B, 1 B-, 2 C+). System Sleeper: Santos Rodriguez- The forgotten piece of the Javier Vasquez haul, Santos has an electric arm from the left side, getting his fasbtall up to 97 on occasion. However, he's a one pitch guy (although he's in an organization with a good track record of developing those types of arms).