Top 51 NL Central Prospects

I've finished my AL Rankings (culminating in my AL Top 150 link) and my NL West list (link). A 5-star system roughly correlates to a top 4 system, 4-star top 5-10 range, 3-star 11-20, 2-star 21-26, 1-star 27-30. For player grading I basically use John's system rankings (although I may be a bit more generous, particularly with the B- guys). An A is a top 4-8 player, A- Top 20-25, B+ Top 65, B Top 135, B- Top 240. All Ages are of Opening Day. In the sleeper section, I try to tab guys outside of each system's top 15.

The central is unique in that there are obviously 6 teams. However, the depth of this list is not stronger than most of the other lists, mainly due to the weakness of the Cardinals' and Astros' systems.

1. Pedro Alvarez*, 23.2, 3B/1B (PIT)- Absolutely destroyed the Eastern League. He's pretty much the ideal middle-of-the-order hitter. He walks, and should hit for average and power. Questions about his defense prevent him from a flat A grade, but his bat is good enough that he should be an impact player even at first. I would be surprised if he is still in the minor leagues come July. Grade A-

2. Starlin Castro, 20.0, SS (CHC)- Maybe the minor leagues' biggest breakout player of 2009, Castro went from the Arizona Rookie League in 2008 all the way to AA in 2009, and he capped off the year with a strong showing in the AFL. He projects as a plus defender at short, and Keith Law has compared his offense to Alfonso Soriano. He isn't likely to hit for the same power as Soriano, but he should be a more patient hitter. I understand why some a not yet on the Castro bandwagon, but I'm jumping on full-force. I think he is going to be an impact player. Grade A-

3. Alcides Escobar, 23.4, SS (MIL)- He doesn't have the same elite upside as other A- prospects, but there is little risk involved with Escobar. He is one of the best defensive shortstops to come through the minor leagues in the past decade, and he is not a zero with the bat. A 300/350/420 slash line with 20-30 stolen bases, and gold glove caliber defense is a realistic (although optimistic) projection for Escobar. He should be the Brewers' opening day shortstop for the next six years. Grade A-

4. Aroldis Chapman*, 22.1, LHS (CIN)- The ceiling is tremendous, but I think he is further away than most realize. His fastball/slider combo give him two possible plus-plus pitches, but his command and feel for the slider are a ways off. Reports out of Goodyear have been positive, but I think he should spend the entire 2010 season in the minors. I think he was worth the $30 million, but there is some risk here. Ceiling of a #1, floor of Oliver Perez. Grade A-

5. Shelby Miller, 19.6, RHS (STL)- My favorite prep arm in the 2009 draft, Miller has true ace potential. Fastball registers 92-96, curve is a potential swing-and-miss offering, and he has great mechanics. His command and feel have a ways to go, so I doubt he will be the first prep arm to reach the big leagues, but I think he may wind up the best when all is said and done. Grade B+

6. Jason Castro*, 22.10, C (HOU)- Castro doesn't have a huge ceiling, but he looks like a solid catcher. He plays defense, and should provide above average offense from the position. I think the AJ Pierzynski comparisons are accurate, although I think Castro will be a better defender. Other player certainly have higher upside, but it is so difficult to find productive catchers that I give Castro the edge here. Grade B+

7. Brett Lawrie, 20.3, 2B/COF (MIL)- The highest drafted Canadian hitter ever, Lawrie put together an impressive offensive season in 2009. From all accounts Lawrie looks like a potential force with the bat. The questions stems from his defensive home. He is a poor defensive second baseman, so a move to one of the outfield corners could be in his future. If he can stay at second, his bat would make him a potential all-star. In the outfield his is more solid regular. Grade B+

8. Mike Leake, 22.5, RHS (CIN)- Undersized, athletic right-hander, he remind me a ton of Tim Hudson. He doesn't have Hudson's splitter, but he has five legitimate pitches. Not likely more than a 3rd starter, but he should rise through the system quickly. Grade B+

9. Yonder Alonso*, 23.10, 1B (CIN)- Limited by a broken hammate bone last year, Alonso still put up a solid season. He has an advanced approach, and once his wrist is 100 percent I think he will show more power. Upside is limited by his struggles against lefties. It will be interesting to see how the Reds attempt to get Alonso, Votto, and Juan Francisco in one lineup. Grade B+

10. Jiovanni Mier, 19.7 SS (HOU)- Mier may have had the best debut of any 2009 1st rounder. He was drafted as a defense first shortstop with some athleticism, but in his debut he showed that his bat was much more advanced that he was given credit for, slugging 7 homeruns and putting up a 276/380/484 slash line. Mier is still at least 3 years away, but he and Castro give the Astros two potential stalwarts at premium positions to build around. Grade B+

11. Jordan Lyles, 19.6, RHS (HOU)- Doesn't quite have the elite stuff to profile as a number one, but his above-average stuff and good command make him a potential 2nd or 3rd starter. He is advanced enough to jump over Lancaster and head straight to AA. Grade B+

12. Josh Vitters, 20.7, 3B (CHC)- One of the more polarizing players in the game, Vitters has all the tools to be an above average third baseman. He consistently squares balls up, slashing line drives all over the park. However, he is one of the most impatient hitters in all of the minors, posting a sub 3 walk percentage in 2009. The Cubs attribute some of that to the fact that he makes too much contact. At only 20, there is still plenty of time for him to adopt a more patient approach. Even with his impatient approach, Vitters profiles as a regular, but if he can't walk he doesn't have much star potential. Grade B+

13. Eric Arnett, 22.2, RHS (MIL)- One of the biggest risers in the 2009 draft, the Brewers may have gotten a steal late in the first round. At 6-foot-5 220, Arnett has a great starter's build, but unlike many big pitchers, Arnett is a great athlete. He was on the Men's basketball practice squad at Indiana, and that athleticism should serve him well in repeating his mechanics. He good stuff in a low-to-mid-90s fastball, a solid slider, and showed a propensity to get groundballs in his debut. I like him as an innings eating 3rd starter. Grade B

14. Andrew Cashner, 23.7, RHP (CHC)- A college closer, the Cubs have transitioned Cashner to the rotation, but it is unclear in what role he will ultimately settle into. His fastball is 92-95 as a starter, but reaches the upper 90s out of the pen. Furthermore, the Cubs kept him on a strict pitch count in 2009, so it is not clear whether Cashner will be able to withstand a starter's workload. As a starter, Cashner's strikeout numbers didn't match the scouting reports on his stuff. With Angel Guzman going down for the year, there is a chance that Cashner could break with the big league club to open the season, although he likely needs some more minor league seasoning. I like him better out of the pen, and his power stuff gives me the impression that he can be a closer. Grade B

15. Todd Frazier, 24.2, 3B/2B/LF (CIN)- I think Frazier is overrated by many. A shortstop in college, he has bounced from position to position as a pro. Reports now say that the Reds will play Frazier at second, but it is unclear at what level he will be able to play there. The bat looks solid, but there isn't a lot of power, and Frazier is not a particularly patient hitter. Frazier looks like a regular, but I see very little star power. Grade B

16. Hak-Ju Lee*, 19.5, SS (CHC)- Signed for $725,000 in 2008, Lee's debut was delayed by Tommy John surgery. Healthy in 2009, Lee showed no ill-effects of the surgery. He received rave reviews for his defense at short, with many projecting that he will ultimately force Starlin Castro to second. Furthermore, he was impressive with the bat. Lee doesn't have much power, but he is a 65 runner who showed a patient approach and the ability to hit for average. He has a similar ceiling to Alcides Escobar. While he may not be quite the same defender, he looks like a more patient hitter. Grade B

17. Tony Sanchez, 21.10, C (PIT)- The Pirates took a lot of criticism for taking Sanchez 4th overall, but it looks as though Sanchez will be a solid regular. Always considered a solid defender, some scouts questioned his bat, but he put some of those concerns to rest with an impressive debut. Sanchez may have a bit more power than Jason Castro, but Castro is more advanced and I think will offer more in the way of walks and average. Grade B

18. Jamie Garcia, 23.9, LHS (STL)- Garcia missed almost the entire 2009 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. He came back looking healthy at the end of the season and pitched very well in the AAA playoffs. His strong performance to close the year put to rest any concerns about the ill-effects of the surgery. Garcia is a classic middle of the rotation starter. He gets groundballs, and has enough stuff to miss some bats. He should be a solid 3rd/4th  starter in time, and he should win the Cardinals' 5th starter's spot to open the season. Very similar profile to Jon Niese. Grade B

19. Jay Jackson, 22.5, RHS (CHC)- A ninth round steal out of Furman, Jackson continued to impress in 2009. A two-way player in college, Jackson is an athletic pitcher. His fastball sits in the low-90s, and his slider is a plus offering. He struggled with his control in AA, but I think he is a safe bet to become a 3rd/4th starter. Grade B

20. Jonathan Lucroy, 23.10, C (MIL)- Not a particularly toolsy player, Lucroy has hit everywhere he has gone since being drafted in the 3rd round. He has average pop for a catcher, but his real value comes from his exceptional discipline. He walked more than he struck out in AA in 2009, and projects as a high OBP hitter. He's not great behind the plate, but he threw out 40 percent of would be base stealers in 2009 thanks to his accurate arm and quick release. Lucroy doesn't have much star potential, but in a game with few solid regulars behind the plate, Lucroy has a lot of value. Grade B

21. Mat Gamel*, 24.8, 3B/RF/1B (MIL)- Considered by many a top 100 prospect heading into the year, Gamel struggled a bit in 2009. He made some strides defensively at third, but almost all observers believe he will have to move to right or first. He got off to a great start with the bat in AAA, but after struggling in his big league debut he couldn't get back on track. Despite his struggles late in 2009, I still believe in Gamel's bat. He is a patient hitter with a good swing. He's not a big time slugger, but he should hit around 300 with 20 homeruns and walk in 10-12 percent of his plate appearances. That line profiles in right, or even at first. Grade B

22. Chase D'Arnaud, 22.2, SS/2B/3B (PIT)- A third baseman at Pepperdine, Florida State League managers rated D'Arnaud as the best defensive shortstop in the league. It is unclear whether he will be able to stay there, but he is an above average runner, has a strong arm, and fields what he gets to. At the plate, D'Arnaud doesn't have much power, but he is a patient hitter who profiles as a solid number 2 hitter. He is a gamer who gets the most out of his abilities. I think he's a big league regular at either short or second. If not, he could become a Mark Derosa-like super utility guy who gets 400 at-bats a year. Grade B

23. Juan Francisco*, 22.9, 3B/LF (CIN)- Francisco has some of the best power in all of the minor leagues, and it is flat out scary to think of the power numbers he could put up in the Great American Ballpark. However, like Gamel, he is a bit of a bat without a position. He has a very strong arm, but his range at third is limited to say the least. He has gotten some time in left, but a move there would obviously hurt his value. At the plate, Francisco is an impatient hitter. While he doesn't strikeout much for a power guy, Francisco walked in only 4.3 percent of his plate appearances last year. To have success in the big leagues he will need to tighten the zone. Grade B-

24. Jose Tabata, 21.8, RF (PIT)- Questions continue to circulate about his age, but nothing substantive has yet to have been raised to suggest that Tabata is older than his listed 21.8. However, it is very unusual for a 22 year-old to have that type of body. Scout love the bat speed and contact ability, but I don't think he will ever hit more than 12 homeruns. He needs to become more selective at he plate. Like Vitters, he may sometimes make too much contact. Tabata profiles as a regular in right, whose value comes from a high batting average. However, he is more of second-division regular for me. Grade B-

25. Brett Jackson, 21.8, CF (CHC)- Due to an impressive pro debut, Jackson is being overrated. It shouldn't be a surprise when a three year college player performs well in the hitter friendly Northwest League. While Jackson is a great athlete, the strikeout concerns that caused him to slip to 31st overall are still there. When he was promoted to the Mid West League, his strikeout rate jumped to almost 29 percent! Jackson is a good defender in center with some pop, but I am still very wary of the Ks. Grade B-

26. Dae-Eun Rhee, 21.0, RHS (CHC)- A guy I think is really underrated. Rhee lost all of 2009 while recovering from Tommy John. When he's healthy he shows a low-90s heater with good sink, a solid curve, and a plus change. At 6-foot-2 he has a good pitcher's frame. If he comes back from Tommy John healthy I think he will shoot up prospect boards. Grade B-

27. Jake Odorizzi, 20.0, RHS (MIL)- Considered by some the best prep arm available in the 2008 draft, the Brewers were extremely careful with Odorizzi in 2009, limiting him to only 47 innings. A high school wide reciever, Odorizzi is a very good athlete, and the Brewers think that between his athleticism, easy delivery, and projectable frame he will add velocity in the next couple of years. Like Rhee, I think Odorizzi is poised for a breakout 2010. Grade B-

28. Brad Lincoln, 24.10, RHS (PIT)- Derailed by arm issues early in his pro career, Lincoln seems back on the track to the big leagues. He has lost a bit of velocity since his college days, now sitting in the low 90s. However, he still profiles as a solid 4th starter thanks to his control and command. He still has some work to do with his change, but I don't consider him a likely candidate to move to the pen. Grade B-

29. Zack Von Rosenberg, 19.6, RHS (PIT)- Winner of four straight Louisiana high school championship games, Von Rosenberg was considered unsignable by most teams due to his commitment to LSU. The Pirates thought he was signable, and were able to get him for a $1.2 million dollar bonus. Von Rosenberg is very advanced for a high school arm. He has command of his fastball, curve, and change, and his off-speed stuff is advanced. He's a high 80s guy right now, but the Pirates love the projection remaining. I like him a lot too. He is advanced enough to handle a full season assignment to start 2010. Grade B-

30. Kyle Heckathorn, 21.10, RHP (MIL)- Pro numbers need to be discounted, because Brewers limited him to only fastballs. Big 6'6" 235 pound frame, and power stuff to match. I wonder if he'll be able to make enough strides with his change to stay in the rotation. Could be a late-inning option out of the pen. Grade B-

31. Wily Peralta, 20.11, RHS (MIL)- A Tommy John survivor, Peralta has one of the better arms in the system. His change is unrefined, and he struggles with his command from time to time, so some project him as a future reliever. He has the power stuff to succeed in any role. I think he will put up big numbers in the Florida State League. Grade B-

32. Zach Braddock, 22.7, LHR (MIL)- Couldn't handle starter's workload, but seems to have found a home in the pen. Low-mid-90s fastball and power slider combination make him nearly impossible for left-handers to hit, and helped him post a video-game like 8.73 K/BB ratio over two levels in 2009. Profiles as a late-inning power arm. Grade B-

33. Yorman Rodriguez, 17.8, CF (CIN)- Signed for $2.5 million in 2008, Rodriguez has the ceiling to match anyone on this list. He's an above average athlete who can play center, and he has the bat speed to become an impact player offensively. Still just 17, Rodriguez is obviously a long way away. Grade B-

34. Daryl Jones*, 22.9, CF (STL)- The best athlete in the Cardinals' system, Jones had a scholarship offer to wide receiver at Rice. Since undergoing LASIK eye surgery in 2007, Jones has displayed a much better approach at the plate. That patient approach, coupled with Jones' plus-plus speed make him an ideal top-of-the-order table setter. Due to Jones' poor arm, he may be better suited for left field rather than center. He is a similar prospect to Michael Brantley. Probably more of a second-division regular, but don't sleep on the athleticism. Grade B-

35. Chris Carpenter, 24.3, RHS (CHC)- Carpenter has always shown great stuff, but two major elbow surgeries while he was at Kansas State caused him to drop t the third round. He has been healthy as a pro, showing a low-90s fastball with sink, and two usable off-speed pitches in his curve and change. If Carpenter can stay healthy he should become a solid 3rd/4th starter. Grade B-

36. Travis Wood, 23.2, LHS (CIN)- Wood's career had stagnated in 2008, but the addition of a cutter to his repertoire has revitalized his career. Wood has always had an above average change, but the cutter has given him a way to keep right-handed hitters honest. At only 5-foot-11 165, there are some concerns about his durability, but he has stayed healthy as a pro. Wood should win the Reds' 5th starters spot to start the year, but I don't think his ceiling is any higher than that of a 4th starter. Grade B-

37. Cody Scarpetta, 21.7, RHS (MIL)- Solid three-pitch repertoire, giving him a chance to become a 3rd/4th starter. Managers rated his curveball the Mid West League's best breaking ball, and he has enough fastball to keep hitter honest. There isn't much projection remaining, and Scarpetta will always have to stay on top of his conditioning. Grade B-

38. Brad Boxberger, 21.10, RHP (CIN)- Boxberger started and closed in college, and scouts seem split on where his pro future lies (although it appears a majority likes him better out of the pen). I happen to agree, and think his fastball/curve combo would make him a solid set-up man. However, it appears the Reds will develop him as a starter. Grade B-

39. Eduardo Sanchez, 21.2, RHR (STL)- Only 5'11" 155, but he has one of the liveliest arms on this list. Reminds me a lot of Leo Nunez. Should be a valuable bullpen arm for the Cardinals, perhaps as soon as the end of 2010. Grade B-

40. Jeremy Jeffress, 22.6, RHR (MIL)- One pure talent alone, Jeffress would rank near the top of this list. However, one has to wonder if baseball is a priority for him. He was suspended in 2009 for testing positive for Marijuana. His third positive test, Jeffress drew a 100 game suspension which will keep him sidelined for the start of 2010. If he tests positive again he will receive a lifetime ban. When Jeffress is on the mound he shows one of the best arms in all of baseball. His clean delivery produces mid-90s fastball, and some have clocked him as high as 100. His curve is a big breaker, but he struggles to command it. His change is, for all intensive purposes, nonexistent. Judging by the time he has missed due to suspension and his lack of command, I think Jeffress may ultimately move to the pen. If he can stay away from the drugs he could be a dominating late-inning reliever. Grade B-

41. Kentrail Davis*, 21.9, CF (MIL)- A potential top 10 pick entering the 2009 season, the draft-eligible sophomore had a poor season and dropped out of the first round. Davis garners some Kirby Puckett comparisons for his small but powerful frame, speed, and power. He needs to improve his pitch recognition and discipline, but he has all the physical tools to become a star. I'm not buying Davis quite yet. Grade B-

42. David Freese, 26.11, 3B (STL)- At 27, there is obviously not a lot of projection remaining with Freese. He is what he is, but he brings some positive things to the table. He has the power to profile as an 18-22 homerun guy, although I don't think he'll be close to the 300 hitter he was in AAA (270 seem about right). In the field, Freese isn't going to win any gold gloves, but he can handle third. Strikes me as a perfect example of a second-division regular. Should be the Cardinals' opening day third baseman. Grade B-

43. Ryan Flaherty*, 23.8, 2B/3B (CHC)- Flaherty put up big numbers in the Mid West League, but it's important to remember that as a three-year college player that is to be expected. Still, the bat looks solid, especially if he can handle second defensively. If he can't he could become a left-handed Mark Derosa. Already 23.8, Flaherty should reach AA at some point during the year. Grade B-

44. Tanner Bushue, 18.9, RHS (HOU)- Extremely projectable high school right-hander from Illinois. He's raw, and will likely spend 2010 in the Appalachian League. However, in a system lacking high upside arms, Bushue is a name worth following. Grade B-

45. Chris Heisey, 25.4, RF (CIN)- Drafted out of Messiah College in the 17th round of the 2006 draft, Heisey had a huge year at AA in 2009. Despite having an unorthodox swing, he consistently squares the ball up. Most feel that he won't have more than 15 homerun power in the big leagues, and he doesn't have the range to play center. Already 25, he's behind the developmental curve. I wouldn't count on Heisey as a big league regular, but he could carve out a niche as a 4th outfielder. Grade B-

46. Starling Marte, 21.6, CF (PIT)- Marte made the jump from the DSL to the Sally Leaue last year and handled himself very well. His biggest asset is his plus-plus speed, making him a legitimate center fielder and a threat on the base paths. At the plate, scouts love his bat speed and think power is on the way. Like many young hitter, his approach needs work, but it's tough not to like the tools. It's worth noting that his numbers were aided by a 400 BABIP. Grade B-

47. Kyler Burke*, 21.11, RF/1B (CHC)- The Cubs discussed moving him to the mound after he struggled with the bat in 2008, but he was adamant that he get one more shot as a position player. The Cubs decided to stick with him, and Burke rewarded their faith. He has always had a good approach at the plate, but he showed more power and a better hit tool in 2009. A solid athlete, Burke is a solid defender in right. I'm not as high on Burke as some, mainly due to the fact that he is very experienced for the MWL and to play right you really have to hit. I want to see another solid offensive season before I bite on Burke. Grade C+

48. Logan Watkins*, 20.7, 2B (CHC)- A Kansas State commitment coming out of high school, it took the Cubs $500,000 to sign him in 2008. An all-state quarterback and defensive back in high school, Watkins is a very good athlete. He is still learning to play second, but he has the range and arm to be a plus defender there. At the plate, Watkins shows a good approach and the ability to make contact. However, there isn't much power there. He profiles as a top of the order table-setter. I like him as a sleeper heading into 2010. Grade C+

49. Lance Lynn, 22.11, RHS (STL)- I really think this guy is overrated. He has the reputation of being a good sinkerballer, but his GO/AO ratio of only 1.10 simply doesn't support that. Furthermore, he doesn't strike many guys out, and he walks a fair amount for a command/control guy. He still is a potential starter, but I don't think he'll be more than a back-of-the-rotation starter. Grade C+

50. John Gaub, 24.11, LHR (CHC)- Acquired from Cleveland in the Mark DeRosa trade, Gaub has the makings of a great left-handed reliever. His strikeout rates have been awesome in the minor leagues, and he shows the ability to get both lefties and righties out. Gaub has excellent velocity, sittting 93-96 and his curve and change both flash plus. He will need to shore up his command, but he should be a valuable part of the 2010 Cubs bullpen. Grade C+

51. Mark Rogers, 24.2, RHP (MIL)- The 5th overall pick in the 2004 draft, it once looked as though Rogers may never pitch again after missing the entire 2007 and 2008 seasons due to arm surgeries. Rogers came back in 2009 and showed the plus stuff that he had pre-injury. His fastball sat 93-96. Although he didn't throw his off-speed stuff much, when he did both looked like future solid-average to plus offerings. He still uses an across his body delivery, so the threat of injury will always be there, but it is hard to find guys who can match Rogers' pure stuff. The Brewers were very careful with his workload in 2009. I think he may ultimately profile better in the bullpen, both from a physical and baseball standpoint. Grade C+

Honorable Mention (In no particular order):

Victor Black, 21.10, RHP (PIT)- Top college arm from the lone star state in 2009 draft. Fastball and slider make him a potential late-inning option out of the pen, but will be developed as a starter. 

Robert Stock*, 20.4, C (STL)- Baseball America's Youth Player of the Year in 2005, Stock graduated from high school a year early and enrolled at USC. He struggled with the bat over his three year college career and most scouts like him on the mound, but he prefers to catch. Got off to a good start with the bat in pro debut. Lot of upside here, but I think there is still a decent chance he winds up on the mound.

Tim Alderson, 21.5, RHS (PIT)- A former top 100 prospect, the Pirates acquired him for Freddy Sanchez. However, his velocity dipped into the mid-to-upper-80s range in 2009. The Pirates are confident that his velocity will come back once he improves his mechanics. Great pitchability guy. Could be a solid 4th starter.

Gorkys Hernandez, 22.7, CF (PIT)- Acquired in the Nate McLouth trade from Atlanta, Hernandez struggled after the trade. He has dealt with hamstring injuries the past couple of seasons, which has taken away his greatest asset- his speed. He needs to get stronger and improve his approach to avoid become a reserve outfield. Still young enough to do so. 

Books Raley, 21.9, LHS (CHC)- One of my personal favorites from the 2009 draft. Raley was a two-way player at Texas A&M, but his pro future is on the mound. He sits 87-90 with good sink, but has gotten up to 93 and could approach that velocity now that he is concentrating on pitching. I think he will be a solid 4th starter.

Sammy Gervacio, 25.3, RHR (HOU)- Unique delivery makes him very tough on righties. I don't think he is more than a middle reliever, but he is already a valuable piece of the Astros pen.

System Rankings:

1. Milwaukee Brewers (4*)- One of the most balanced systems in the game. Escobar, Gamel, and Lucroy are bats who should help in 2010, and there is a plethora of high-upside arms in the low minors. I think Arnett was a steal where the Brewers got him, and Odorizzi, Heckathorn, Peralta, and Scarpetta are all solid prospects. If Jeffress can stay away from Marijuana, he could become an impact late-inning arm. Rogers looks like he could help, although health is still a concern. I liked their 2009 draft a lot. Even though Max Walla got off to a rough start, I wouldn't give up on him yet. The Brewers had thirteen players on the top 51 list: (A-, B+, 3B, 7 B-, 1 C+). The five Brewers next in line to be written up were: Lorenzo Cain, Angel Salome, Logan Schaffer, Brooks Hall, and D'Vontrey Richardson. System Sleeper: D'Vontrey Richardson- The former Florida State football player, Richardson didn't play much baseball his sophomore or junior seasons, but he is an exceptional athlete with five legitimate tools. 

2. Chicago Cubs (3*)- There is more risk in this system than in most, as the talent is in the low minors, but this system also has the potential to produce several impact players. As his ranking indicates, I'm a big believer in StarlinCastro, and the Cubs have the luxury of also having another solid shortstop prospect in Hak-Ju Lee. Beyond those two Darwin Barney, DJ LeMahieu, and Ryan Flaherty give the Cubs rare depth in the middle infield. I think Cashner is better suited to be a reliever long-term, but I still like him. Jay Jackson was a great find in the 9th round, and he and Chris Carpenter could be solid mid-rotation, perhaps both pitching in the big leagues in 2011. The Cubs had 12 players in the top 51 (A-, B+, 3B, 4B-, 3 C+). The five who just missed being written up were: Blake Parker, DJ LeMahieu, Chris Archer, Darwin Barney, and Trey McNutt. System Sleeper: Blake Parker- Former catcher has big time velocity and good sink on his fastball. His secondary stuff is raw, but I think he will be a solid relief option perhaps as soon as the second half of 2010.

3. Cincinnati Reds (3*)- This may be the 2013 team to beat in the NL Central. With Homer Bailey, Johnny Cueto, and Edison Vosquez establishing themselves in the big leagues and Chapman and Leake arriving in the next year or two, the Reds have the makings of a very solid rotation. The lineup should be solid as well, although it will be interesting to see how the team tries to get Votto, Alonso, Francisco, and Frazier in the same lineup. I'm not as big on guys like Travis Wood and Chris Heisey as many seem to be, but both should contribute in the majors in 2010. This system is strong 1-10, but the 11+ depth is fairly weak. The Reds had nine players in the top 51 (A-, 2B+, B, 5 B-). The five reds who just missed being written up were: Zach Cozart, Billy Hamilton, Matt Maloney, Mariekson Gregorius, and Miguel Rojas. System Sleeper: Neftali Soto- Looked to be on the fast track after big 2008, but struggled in 2009. Needs to improve his approach, but the offensive tools are there. I hope the Reds try him behind the plate.

4. Pittsburgh Pirates (3*)- This system is lacking in impact talent outside of Pedro Alvarez, but they have been aggressive the last two drafts in the later rounds trying to find such players. However, the early returns on those players have been somewhat disappointing. Robbie Grossman and Quinton Miller only had so-so full-season debuts, but it is obviously too early to close the book on them. I like Von Rosenberg, but I'm not yet sold on Pounders, Cain, or Evan Chambers. Although I don't mind the strategy of going with Sanchez 4th overall to free up the money in the later rounds. I think the main problem with this system is the return they have gotten in trades. They have given up some substantial talent in the last two years, but they haven't gotten a whole lot back. The Pirates had seven players in the top 51 (A-, 2B, 4B-). The five Pirates who just missed being written up were: Colton Cain, Brooks Pounders, Jeff Locke, Rudy Owens, and Quinton Miller. System Sleeper: Jeff Locke- Acquired in the Nate McLouth trade, Locke had an up-and-down 2009 season. His mechanics are rough, but he has a live arm and gets some groundballs. If he can smooth out his mechanics a bit, I could see him as a solid 4th starter. 

5. Houston Astros (2*)- This system rivals only the White Sox and Cardinals for lack of depth in the 11+ range. An argument could be made to have the Astros as a one-star system, but I like Castro, Mier, and Lyles enough to keep them at the two-star level. Outside of those three, the system gets pretty rough. I like Bushue, but he is a long ways away. I'm not as high on Seaton. He doesn't have his high school velocity, and his lack of secondary stuff hurts his ability to succeed as a pitchability guy. Outside of those five, the system offers little outside of relief arms and outfielders who look like reserves. The Astros had 4 players in the top 51 (3 B+, 1 B-). The five stros who just missed being written up were: Ross Seaton, Chai-Jen Lo, Tommy Manzella, TJ Steele, and Jay Austin. System Sleeper: TJ Steele- Missed a lot of time last year due to a hamstring injury, but he has an impressive blend of tools. He's not a burner, but plays a great center field. If he can become more patient he could make himself into a second-division regular. 

6. St. Louis Cardinals (1*)- This is not a good system. I like Shelby Miller, but there isn't much after him. Jamie Garcia should help solidify the Cardinals' big league rotation, and Freese will play third, but neither offer any kind of star potential. As previously stated, I think Lance Lynn is overrated. Daryl Jones is a great athlete, and Eduardo Sanchez and Francisco Samuel have power arms, but all three are far from sure things. Some like Allen Craig as an underrated bat, but your team is in real trouble if he is getting more regular playing time. The Cardinals major league team looks poised for another playoff berth, but they shouldn't be expecting much help over the coming years. The Cardinals had six players in the top 51: (1 B+, 1 B, 3 B-, 1 C+). The five Cardinals who just missed being written up were Allen Craig, Francisco Samuel, Pete Kozma, Daniel Descalso, and Adron Chambers. System Sleeper: Pete Kozma- The 2007 first round pick disappointed with the bat in 2009, but his approach was still sound. He still rates strong defensively, and I think he's better than he showed with the bat last year.