1. Billy Butler
It's been a long time since the Royals have had an prospect with this kind of offensive pedigree.  The 1000+OPS at High Desert was impressive--even with the ballpark considerations.  The 880 OPS at Wichita showed that he could make the sometimes tricky jump from A to AA.  The defensive questions are there--can he be a not-terrible fielder?  (the one positive is that he's a got a great arm) His walk rate dropped some last year (but was still acceptable).  There have been whispers about his attitude--but that sounds more like a guy who is confident and backs it up by mashing the ball.  He is, from what we hear, a hard worker.  The list of players who have put up those kind of numbers at that level at his age is pretty short, I'm guessing.  I think he's the best hitter in the minors.  This guy's offensive ceiling is scary.  His number compare favorably to Jim Thome, Manny Ramirez, and Albert Pujols.  The difference being those guys elevated their play as they were promoted.  Can Mr. Butler do the same?
Grade: A

2. Alex Gordon
A lot of people think Gordon should be at the top of this list.  I'd like to see him put up some numbers first (the AFL stint was rather brief).  As much as I hope Mark Teahen develops into a solid 3rd baseman, Gordon must be left at third this year.  His value drops if he goes to the outfield and he is supposed to be a find defender at the hot corner.  But it will be Gordon's bat that will be his calling card.  Quick hands, a good eye, developed power--he is supposed to be the whole package.  His ceiling could be Scott Rolen or Mark Texeira.  A fine player who should start at AA.    Grade: A-

3. Justin Huber
Huber was discussed in the "Trade Matt Stairs" thread.  Justin had a really bad 78 AB's (similar to Donnie Murphy).  This came on the heals of 450 outstanding AB's in Wichita and Omaha.  Huber led the Texas league in BA/OBP/SLG.  He is still learning first base.  So far his career path looks eerily like Mike Sweeney`s.    
Grade: B+

4. J. P. Howell
I got to looking at his stats, and I don't think he is a rookie anymore.  Well, I'm not going to change all my rankings.  Consider JP representative of all those players who should be prospects still, but we rushed them: Burgos, Nunez, Sisco (we had to rush him), Bautista (to a lesser extent).  Howell's only barrier to being an good pitcher is control.  If he can spot that curveball, then watch out.  The way the Royals handled him last year was a shame.  He needed to stay in one place and simply get some innings under his belt.  Hopefully, he can spend the year in Omaha and work on controlling his stuff.
Grade: B

5. Luis Cota
Supposed to have great stuff, but was inconsistent at Low-A.  Tailed off towards the end of the year.  Of course, he was a teenager most of the year.  Still his peripherals were good, less than 1H/1ip, 1HR/15ip.  Needs to improve control and command.  I have no idea how he will do at High Desert, but a jump to Wichita would be foolish.  He might have bad numbers this, but I'll be happy as long as he doesn't get hurt.  Grade: B

6. Jeff Bianchi
I didn't like this pick when the Royals took him in the 2nd round.  Funny how a 1200 OPS can change your thinking.  All the caveats about rookie ball apply, but Bianchi seems like a good find.  He is a polished High School player.  Scouts didn't think (some still don't think) he has a very high ceiling.  But, as we know, projecting High Schoolers is more art than science.  I hope he will be pushed a little and go to the Midwest League.  If he does go to the Midwest League, expect some struggles, but he could be a good player for us in a few years.
Grade: B

7. Donnie Murphy
I'm probably the only person on the planet to give him this high a grade.  Funny what 77 AB's can do.  He's got a good glove and then posts an 885 OPS at Wichita (it was only 200+ AB's but still).  Then he tanks in 77 AB's with the big club and people are ready to drop him off the roster.  It's not like this guy is 27, he is still 22 (23 in two months).   A good prospect.     Grade: B

8. Chris Lubanski
Is he the poster boy for inflated High Desert stats?  Or is he someone who made genuine strides towards becoming a good prospect?  The first month of the season he was awful.  In his first 92 AB's he hit: .163/.214/.293 .  After that, he hit: 348/397/643(including a cool 13-15 in the playoffs) in 454 AB's.  That a 1040 OPS for those of you keeping score at home.  He also improved his base running, going 14-15 in steals.  I haven't heard if his fielding in CF improved (he was atrocious in 2004).  He is obviously more valuable if he can stay in CF.  They say the biggest jump in the minors is from A to AA, so this is a critical year.  If he hits 260/310/430 with a K-BB of 4-1, then we are looking at a High Desert Mirage.  If he hits 290/350/475 with a K-BB of 2.5-1, then we have a prospect.  If he hits 310/375/550, then we have a stud.  I'm guessing somewhere between the 1st or 2nd scenerio.
Grade: B-

9. Billy Buckner
Billy doesn't get much love.  But he pitched pretty well at Burlington and then did a better job than his ERA shows at High Desert.  He K's about 1 per inning.  His control suffered in the promotion, but he gave up fewer HR's.  I assume he'll go to Wichita this year and I think he could be a solid pitcher.  Grade: B-

10. Chris McConnell
According to last year's Baseball America's Prospect Handbook, McConnell is good defensively.  So, his 919 OPS in Idaho Falls looks pretty good.  He moves to a much tougher hitting environment this year in Burlington.  But he walks about as much as he strikes out.  If he can have an 800 OPS at Burlington, then he will be a very good prospect. Grade: B-

11. Kila Kaaihue 1B
I know it was High Desert, but come on: 97 walks, 97 K's.  I don't care where you do that, it's impressive.  Kila doesn't get much love.  He doesn't have a ton of power, but the guy can get on base.  He might develop into a 20 homer guy.  He was only 21 at High A.  I'm thinking he could be Sean Casey-lite or better.  Power is one of the skills that tends to develop later.  We all know HD helped our hitters, the question is: how much did it help them?   For the sake of those of us who follow prospects, I hope the Royals don't stick in HD, it will make it a lot easier to rate prospects.  This season at Wichita will prove a lot for guys like Kaaihue, Lubanski, Donachie and Moye.
Grade: B-

12. Chris Nicoll RHP
Just a good, solid starting pitcher.  Average stuff, very good control.  Won't be a front end pitcher, but has a shot to be league average or perhaps a tick above.  Pitched really well in the Pioneer League, which is a hitters' haven.  I'm guessing he'll go to Burlington (he might be advanced enough to go to High Desert, but that can ruin a guy's confidence in a hurry).  If he's able to be league average, then by the time he's ready for free agency, he can collect a 3 year, $27 million contract.   Grade: B-

13. Mario Lisson 1B/3B/OF/?
The best Royals prospect you've never heard of.  He was having a fine year at Burlington last year before he got hurt.  Had an almost 800 OPS, and a 386 OBP while only having a 250 batting average (lots of walks).  I'm guessing that average will go up and with it the OBP.  He still needs to find a position, but that is more a matter of he is supposed to be athletic (not that he is a butcher with the glove).  Keep an eye on him at High Desert this year. (sadly, both Lisson and Donachie were not graded by John in his latest book.  I don't know why he left them out) Grade: B-

14. Adam Donachie C
842 OPS, but his home park was yada yada yada...He may not hit.  But, from what I hear, he consistently throws out half of all would be base stealers.  Adam was a 2nd rounder in 2002.  He had had a rough go up until 2005.  He struggled with the bat and then was hit by a bat and had a fractured skull in 2004.  He rebounded with a very solid year.  He will be 22 this year.  The development curve for catchers is always tricky.  But catchers who are cheap, can have an OPS of above 700 and play good defense are rarer than you think.  How else do we get stuck with Paul Bako?  Grade: C+

15. Shane Costa OF
One of those guys who will probably never be a starting outfielder, but could develop into a good 4th.  If he can muster the power that his frame looks like it should have, he would then have starting potential.  But, he'll be 25 this year and I'm guessing he will get to know I-29 pretty well this year after he starts at Omaha.  Grade: C

16. Mitch Maier  OF
One of the more frustrating Royal draft picks of the past few years because he was the type of guy you were pleasantly surprised the Royals would pick.  In his final college season, Mitch walked 25 times and K's 9 times.  He looked like he could be someone who would give a great OBP and a handful of power.  This year, he did great in the hitting Mecca of High Desert, but was then promoted and struggled at Wichita.  The rumor is that his struggles last year can be attributed  to trying  working something out with his swing.  We shall see.  I'm guessing he will start again at Wichita.  Show me something, Mitch.
Grade: C

17. Andres Blanco  SS
I wasn't even sure if I should put him on here.  I just don't think he will ever crack a 650 OPS.  If he can sustain a 700 OPS he could be an asset (hey, that would be better than our current SS).  The Royals need to let him have a whole year in the hitter friendly Pacific Coast League and see if he can hold his own, then maybe we can talk next spring.
Grade: C  

18. Joseph Dickerson CF
Widely considered a signability pick in the 4th round last year.  Dickerson had a good short-season in Arizona.  Had a little more power than I expected (but its hard to read in the AZ League).  Supposedly has speed, but needs to learn how to use it (9SB 12 CS)
Perhaps he will start in Burlington or might wait until Idaho Falls.
Grade C:

19. Miguel Vega 1B/3B
Vega slid to the 4th round.  A very strong kid from Puerto Rico he is still learning to hit.  He was hurt most of last year.  This year he, like McCall (see below) will be at High Desert.  I'll be he will hit some fun moon shots.  Watch the K/BB ration to see if he should move up this list or not.
Grade: C

20. Eric Cordier
I had Brian McFall here originally, but I put Cordier on b/c I think his stuff is good, his arm is sound and hopefully he'll have a big year at Burlington.  He had knee problems last year and is somewhat raw, but he is supposed to have 3 above average pitches.
Grade: C

The Royals have an average farm system that could look good next year if Gordon, Butler and Andrew Miller are the top 3.

1. Francisco Liriano SP - Stuff, youth, physical build, stats, lefthandedness.  He's got everything going for him.  The injury history is a nagging concern however.
   
2. Jason Kubel OF - He really pummeled AA, AAA, and MLB in 2004.  Injury is the main concern.  I'd like to see him take a few more free passes, too.  Poor man's Jeremy Hermida.
   
3. Scott Baker SP - From observation, I think he's got the stuff to strike out around 7 batters per 9 innings at the MLB level.  If he does that, he could be an ace, despite having what some label as #2/3 stuff.  He's got the other sabermetric stats going for him with his low walk and homer rates.
   
4. Glen Perkins - College finesse lefty.  I was very concerned with his AA transition; his H/9 was over 9, his K/9 was under 9, and his ERA ballooned to 4.90.  He answered my fears with a very solid Arizona Fall league, posting a 2.53 ERA and a 37/6 K/BB ratio in 32 IP in the notorious hitter's league.
   
5. Anthony Swarzak - Has better than average stuff and put up good numbers in AA despite being only 19.  Displays a nice blend of stuff and control for a young pitcher.
   
6. Matt Moses 3B
   
7. Trevor Plouffe SS
   
8. Adam Harben SP
   
9. Jay Rainville SP
   
10. Denard Span OF
    
11. Alex Romero OF
    
12. Kyle Waldrop SP
    
13. Boof Bonser SP
    
14. JD Durbin SP
    
15. Kevin Slowey SP
    
16. Matt Garza SP
    
17. Eduardo Morlan SP
    
18. Henry Sanchez 1B
    
19. Juan Portes 2B/OF
    
20. Jose Mijares SP

1. Delmon Young- super-star potential
   
2. Jeff Niemann- HUGE upside, IMO higher than Kazmir, which is why I rank him here despite the injury concern.
   
3. Wes Bankston- solid 1st base prospect.  Has his for good power and had decent dicipline at the last two years.
   
4. Elijah Dukes- 5-tool prospect, would be in the uber prospect if he didn't have such make-up issues.  Outperformed Jeff Francouer in the same league, 7 months younger.
   
5. Jason Hammel- Upside of a #2, more likely a #3 stater.  A good fastball that sits at 92-93 and touches 96.  A plus curve, that when on, reminds me of Zito's.  Not quite as good, but still a good pitch.  Change is a work in progress.
   
6. Wade Davis-The next big thing in the Rays' organization.  Has a good curve and slider with a fastball that touches 98.
   
7. Chuck Tiffany- Former Dodgers prospect with a 90mph fastball and a good curve and change.  No great pitch, but locates everything.
   
8. Jake McGee-
   
9. Reid Brignac
   
10. Chris Mason
    
11. John Jaso
    
12. Jamie Shields
    
13. James Houser
    
14. Andy Sonnanstine
    
15. Matt Walker
    
16. Jeremy Hellikson
    
17. Elliot Johnson
    
18. Fernando Perez
    
19. Shawn Riggans
    
20. Chris Seddon

1. Jarrod Saltamacchia... arguably the best Catching prospect and could be the next Victor Martinez.
2. Chuck James- A SABRmetric favorite, his statistics are very impressive but his scouting report are so-so... reminds me of Mark Mulder or Doug Davis.
3. Elvis Andrus- One of the unknowns in the minors, he has the potential to be a major league all-star and compares to could be anyone from Juan Uribe- Miguel Tejada since he is still 17-year-old.
4. Joey Devine- Rushed to the Majors but coould def. be the next Braves clloser in a few years... reminds me of Trevor Hoffman or Franciso Cordero.
   

2)OF Corey Hart -- I seem to like him more than others, but I think he'll be a good one.  He doesn't look it, but the numbers indicate he could be a 20/20 or even 30/30 man in the majors with his well-developed base-stealing talent.  He has good of power, is very athletic, and has refined his command of the strike zone the last few years.  If he can stick in centerfield he'll be one of the more valuable commodities in all of baseball, but even in the (likely) event that he can't he should be a very good player in a corner outfield spot.

3)3B Ryan Braun -- High ceiling and on the fast track.  Good plate discipline in college, not so good in A ball, but when someone's hitting .355 with a near .300 ISO I can't really blame him for swinging at everything.  The bat should play well anywhere on the diamond, and the Brewers seem to think he can play third defensively in the majors which only helps his value.  He might need a consolidation year after such a blistering start, but if the lack of discipline is an aberration(which I think it is), he should be ready for the big leagues by mid 2007.

4)SP Zach Jackson -- Moderate upside but very close to the big leagues.  More of a control lefty than a dominator, but he limits his walks and homeruns and should be a strong #4 starter in the near future.

5)SP Mark Rogers -- Standard high school pitching prospect; great stuff, bad control, long ways off.  They spent last year overhauling his mechanics, primarily correcting a propensity to throw across his body according to what I've read.  Reports are he's made great progress in that regard, and the fact that he was able to keep his stuff throughout certainly bodes well.  Finished strong, though I wouldn't be entirely surprised to see him repeat Low-A this year.  He's still several years away, though he has great upside and should be arriving in Milwaukee right about when the team's really hitting its stride.  Hopefully he'll still be a starter at that time, though if his mechanics and command don't improve significantly he'll be moved to relief.

6)SP Dana Eveland -- Nice upside, closer to the majors than Rogers, but not ready yet.  AAA will do him some good, though he ought to be ready for a permanent move to the majors by late next year.  Few weaknesses in his statistical record, and his bigget asset is an ability to greatly limit home runs.

7)OF Nelson Cruz -- Just about ready for the big leagues, though as of yet doesn't have a spot to play and is behind Hart in the queue.  Unfortunately for him he's about as old as one can be and still be considered a prospect.  Not a good contact hitter, doesn't consistently hit for average and strikes out a lot, but has a ton of power, draws his walks, and is fairly athletic.  He's somewhat reminiscent of Jeromy Burnitz statistically (like Nelson will, Burnitz debuted late), though with his athleticism and a somewhat superior contact ability Cruz should be a bit better player.

8)SP Yovani Gallardo -- Has pretty good stuff and a good pitcher's body for what that's worth.  Mechanics need some tweaking.  Stuff may improve with time as he's still very young.  Has pretty good control, especially for a guy who'll just be 20 this year, and also has done a very good job limiting home runs so far.

9)SS Alcides Escobar -- His primary virtue is his age.  Just 18 last year, he held his own in A-ball, hitting about .300 for the season before going in the tank at the end.  He's "toolsy," mostly very very fast.  Scouts say he has decent pop in his bat, though if it's there it sure hasn't shown itself yet.  Showed decent base-stealing acumen, 30 steals vs. 13 caught, which should improve in time.  Strike zone discipline needs a ton of work, though 90 Ks in 520 ABs isn't irredeemable (I won't mention the walk totals).  By all acounts is strong defensively and should stay at shortstop.  PECOTA lists Joaquin Arias and Luis Rivas as his top comparables, and I can live with that, though he reminds me of Cristian Guzman a bit too much for my liking.  Still, has some considerable upside and time is most definitely on his side.

9)SP Carlos Villanueva -- Something of a sleeper.  Had real pretty stats in the FSL and made AA, where I'd imagine he'll atart 2006.  He's limited HR allowed everywhere he's played except 2004 in the Midwest League, though that's not a ton of places.  Not young, but not old either, and has very good command.  I can't seem to find any info on his stuff other than BA saying he has the best changeup in the Brewers' minor-league organization.  High K rates and low hits allowed suggest it's at least pretty good.

10)SP Will Inman -- 2005 draftee out of high school.  Good stuff, broke the HS State strikeout record in Virginia.  The Brewers are making him stop throwing his splitter in order to protect his health.  As far as I am aware he still needs to develop a change-up, though he's obviously very young and has plenty of time.  Dominated the Pioneer League for 45 innings, and had only one negative statistical marker, 6 WP.  Granted that's not worth beans, but he's got a high upside and is off to a promising start.

11)RP Jose Capellan
12)SP Manny Parra
13)2B Hernan Iribarren
14)SP Dennis Sarfate
15)C Angel Salome
16)CF Dave Krynzel
17)SP Josh Wahpepah
18)SP Rolando Pascual
19)OF Brad Nelson
20)SP Ben Hendrickson

Honorable Mention:
Enrique Cruz(technically not a prospect, but seems to have a future)
Callix Crabbe
Lou Palmisano
Tim Dillard
Charlie Fermaint

My Observations:
It's a much deeper system than I realized when I began researching for this, particularly in the pitching department.  They seem to be collecting a lot of pitchers who limit the long ball.  I'm not sure if this is an organizational philosophy or just luck, but it is interesting.  They also need a catching prospect in the worst way.  Salome imploded in Low-A, and while he's young and intriguing it's highly unlikely he'll be ready when Damian Miller leaves or retires.

1. Matt Cain
   
2. Kevin Frandsen
   
3. Dan Ortmeier
   
4. Craig Whitaker
   
5. Fred Lewis
   
6. Nate Schierholtz
   
7. Marcus Sanders
   
8. Sharon Martis
   
9. Pablo Sandoval
   
10. Waldis Joaquin
    
11. Travis Ishikawa
    
12. Merkin Valdez
    
13. Eddy Martinez-Esteve
    
14. Brian Wilson
    
15. Jonathan Sanchez
    
16. Kelyn Acosta
    
17. Ben Copeland
    
18. Dan Griffin
    
19. Bill Sadler
    
20. Mark Minicozzi

Pitchers:

1. Jason Hirsh - He finally put it together & will be in the rotation by years end.
   
2. Troy Patton - Flashes Oswalt potential from the left side.  Has to prove it above A ball.
   
3. Fernando Nieve - SP now, but will be a dominant reliever in the bigs
   
4. Jimmy Barthmaier - As good as Hirsh, but needs to work on control.
   

6. Matt Albers - personal problems behind him. *BREAKOUT PICK
   
7. Brian Bogusevic - not a great debut, but tons of innings in 2005.
   
8. Mark McLemore - Nice lefty who just needs to conintue what he's been doing...improving control.  Needs to recover from injury though.
   
9. Felipe Paulion del Guidice - Will be right behind Nieve with his 100 mph FB in 2008.
   
10. Chance Douglas - finese guy who will make it onto people's radar this year  BREAKOUT PICK

Hitters:

1. Hunter Pence - OF - Great hitter, just needs time to develop.
   
2. Luke Scott - OF - Old, sure, but he'll hit 30-35 HR in MLB when given the chance.  Burnitz but better average & power.
   
3. Ben Zobrist - SS - Continues to achive.  Great plate discipline.
   
4. Josh Anderson - CF - Taveras II, but needs take more pitches.  SLIGHLY less speed than Willy, but more power.
   
5. Humberto Quintero - C - GREAT defensively.  Just needs to translate hitting to MLB.
   
6. Eli Iorg - RF - Gath's son. Recovering from stress fracture and still .333/.391/.565.  Needs to show at higher levels.
   
7. Josh Flores - CF - Taveras III.  Believe it or not, as fast as Taveras and more power.
   
8. Jonny Ash - 2B - Consistantly productive w/ great eye  BREAKOUT PICK
   
9. Sellers - 3B - Old for his league, but seems to be putting it together.  BREAKOUT PICK*
   
10. Mitch Einterson - OF - Dropped on many lists too far.  After returning from "family issues" was killing the ball.

1) Daric Barton, 1B-- LHB. The clear cut number one, probably in the top 20 prospects in baseball. Exceptional discipline, but with power questions. Just 20 and handling AA very well, home run production will determine if he is John Olerud semi-lite or Jason Giambi. More fits the Giambi mold with defensive questions, but has good work ethic and just moved to first, so he has time to develop (he also has Ron Washington to teach him)

Grade: A-

2) Javier Herrera, CF-- RHB. Seems to be a clear cut number 2 as well. Toolsiest player Oakland has, he is raw but advancing well. On offense, he shows good power, and great speed. In 360 at bats he had 13 homers and 18 doubles, and was 26-31 in SB's. He has a decent and improving strike zone judgement, though still needs to cut down the walks. (OBP 99 points above Average, that's isoOBP or something right?), but he did strike out 110 times in Low A Kane County. The Midwest league is regarded as a pitchers league though.May never hit for a high average. Herrera is also 20 years old, look for him to break out in the California League next year. On defense, he's very fast and covers a lot of ground, and has possibly the best arm in the system. As he fills out and gets stronger, a move to RF is possible. Comparable to possibly Carlos Beltran, lite, though i may be reaching here.

Grade: B+

3) Cliff Pennington, SS-- SH.Drafted 21 in the 2005 draft. Very solid tools. On offense, he's a switch hitter, spraying line drives, with doubles power. Very fast, good baserunner. In Low A, hit .276/.364/.359/.723 with 3 homers and 15 doubles in 290 at bats. 25/31 SB's. Controls the K zone well, 39/47 BB/K ratio. Should move fast, but has Crosby and Ellis blocking him. On defense, he has solid tools across the board, though can be a bit erratic. Has a strong arm, and quick feet and athleticism, though not always setting his feet leads to erratic throws. Concensus is that he can stay at SS. Sort of a Jose Reyes, with much better discipline. Maybe Furcal is better.

Grade: B

4) Travis Buck, LF-RF-- Also drafted in the 2005 draft, he is another polished college hitter. He still  has more room to fill out though, as he is a little skinny. Like with Barton (though different players), power will determine whether he is an all star or an average left fielder. In Low A, 123 at bats, he hit .341/.427/.472/.898 with 1 homer and 13 doubles, and a great 19/19 BB/K ratio. On defense, he is average. Decent arm, decent range. He has great work ethic and competitiveness, attempting to move to 3B  for ASU  when that was a positional need. Will move quick as well, and if he adds lift in his swing could be OPSing around 850+ in the majors.

Grade: B

5)Kevin Melillo, 2B-- 23 years old. LHB. Melillo, drafted in the 2004 draft in the fifth round, enjoyed a great breakout year, making it all the way to AA (started in Low A). Melillo controls the strike zone very well, and hits for power (great commodity at second base). 2005 totals: 501 at bats, 35 doubles, 24 homers, 93 rbi's, 101 runs, 79/81 BB/K ratio. .305/.399/.535/.934. Melillo will continue at AA and will reach Sacramento (and possibly Oakland) by years end. Defensively, he is average. Nothing special, though working with Washington will help him a lot. Ceiling could be Chase Utley, lite.

Grade: B

6) Craig Italiano, RHP-- The first of the high school trio drafted in 2005, he has the best stuff. can reach triple digits with his fastball, and has a power slider, comparable to Brad Lidge. Mechanics questions have some scouts wondering whether he'll haev to become a closer, and if he doesn't develop his changeup, the move might be necessary. Best stuff in the system. If the A's challenge him, he'll start at Kane County. Might go back to rookie league, or short season ball.

Grade: B

7)Dan Meyer, LHP-- Acquired for Tim Hudson in the offseason, Dan Meyer came into ST hiding a shoulder injury. He sucked in ST, with velocity well below average at 85, and no break on the slider. He started the year in Sacramento, and sucked.  The injury was discovered, he came back, sucked, and then was shut down. He wasn't himself the whole year. Luckily, he's still 24, and when healthy, has a ceiling of a numnber 2 starter. Normally at 92-93, with a mid 80's hard breaking slider and a decent but developing changeup. He'll start the year in AAA, and if he can regain form, will open up 2007 as the A's 5th starter.

Grade: B

8) Santiago Casilla (RHP)-- Formerly known as Jairo Garcia. His stock has dropped a little, though still at 25 is a good prospect. Has great stuff, comparable to Octavio Dotel (even in looks). 95+ fastball, power slider, developing change. Needs to refine the way he pitches, as he was rattled with runners on base. Also, must improve command. Might be on the way, dominated unfairly in the Dominican league. 4.47 ERA last year, though great ratios (aside from the dreaded walk). If he can get himself together, can be a top setup man and possibly closer (though not on the A's)

Grade: B

9) Vincent Mazzaro, RHP-- The third picked of the HS trio, Vincent Mazzaro is also a power right hander. Currently pitchign at 88-92 and touching 93, he has tremendous movement on his pitches though. He also has a put away slider, which he sometimes has trouble controlling. Questions of makeup and mechanics arise. DIdn't pitch as he signed late, Mazzaro might be challenged with Kane County. Ceiling is a decent 2, good 3.

Grade: B-

10) Shane Komine, RHP-- Hawaiian Punchout, came out of Nebraska. Returned last year from TJ surgery and got better as he went on, finishing with 30 great innings and AA, and 25 great (under 2 era) innings in the AFL. Unclear whether he will start or relieve, though looks like he will relieve. Has mid 90's fastball and good changeup.

Grade: B-

11) Jared Lansford RHP-- THe second picked of the HS trio, Jared is probably the most refined. He's the son of Carney, and would only be drafted as a second baseman, but the A's drafted him and Carny's ties to the A's paved the way for Lansford to sign as a pitcher. Lansford has good stuff, clocked at 93-94, with a good slider and good changeup. Lansford owns good command on all three pitches. He dominated rookie league, probably will start at Kane County (following in the footsteps of Ryan Webb). Ceiling as a 3 starter, fringy 2.

Grade: B-

12) Dallas Braden, LHP,-- A 24th round pick in 2004, Braden has surprised everyone. In his first full season (22 years old), Braden reached AA, and succeeded there.After dominating Stockton, he started in Midland 16 times, managing a 3.9 ERA. In 97 innings he gave up 104 hits, 6.59 K/9, 2.97 w/9, 1.4 whip. His peripherals were not up to par, but are a little skewed by  a few of his last starts, and was shut down in August with a tired arm. There is nothign to worry about, Braden must continue to build up arm strenghth though. THere are questions as to whether he will haev to become a lefty out of the pen, because he dominates primarily with his screwball. He throws in the high 80's.

Grade: B-

13) Danny Putnam, LF-- LHB. Danny Putnam is a 23 year old LF'er drafted in 2004 out of Stanford. He's a polished lefty with solid/very good plate discipline, and a sweet swing. VERY VERY similar to Andre Ethier. He's a line drive doubles type, won't hit more than 20 homers (ceiling). He'll be a 23 year old all of next year in the Texas league, and i expect him to do exactly what Ethier did, possibly better. The similarities are just, wow. 37 doubles, 15 homers, 100 rbi's, 66/92 BB/K ratio. 867 OPS. Keep an eye on him. Build is compared to Brian Giles, but ceiling is nowhere near as high. On defense, he's fringy, with below average range and an average arm.

Grade: B-

14) Richie Robnett, CF-- RHB. 22 all of next year, he'll be challenged most likely in AA. GREAT raw power, strikes out too much. He's similar as a batter to Ryan Harvey. Very similar. Difference is, Robnett is a super freak athlete, built like, well, a bodybuilder. He had a horrendous start to the year, similar to Chavez, but recovered with 20 homers and 30 doubles in 457 at bats. 56/151 bb/k ratio, 764 OPS. Watch him. ON defense, he is very athletic and has improved his range, and his arm has improved as well, increasing his arm speed. He is still around average though.

Grade: B-

15) Jason Windsor, RHP-- Drafted in 2004 (in what's increasingly looking like a great draft), just after he led CSF to the CWS title. He dominated, and i watched every game he threw to Kurt Suzuki. He has a great changeup, throws his fastball in the high 80's. He also has an average slurve type, curveball (or some type of breaking ball). He came in as a C+ in John's preseason ranks, and i don't think it's changed. He dominated the Cal League (High A), with his peripherals even better than his 3.58 ERA. Called up to AA, his story is very similar to that of Dallas Braden. 5.72 ERA, horrendous 1.62 WHIP, he was shut down with a tired arm. Just been overworked. He'll come back to the Texas League, and he has a bulldog personality, he'll get through it even though his stuff is not the best. Some think his future like Braden is in middle relief.

Grade: C+

16) Jason Ray, RHP--Drafted in the 8th round in 2005, he looks like a steal so far. A JUCO pitcher, he was converted because of his arm from RF to pitcher. So he's relatively new to the pitching experience. Carries a mid 90's fastball with solid curve and circle change, though inconsistent with command on all pitches. He's a hard throwing setup man/closer. 21 years old, he pitched 29.2 innings in SS Vancouver. Amazingly, get this, he struck out 56 (!!!!) batters, good for a 16.99 k/9. Granted best pitchers park and weak competition, but the K's were just racked up. Command problems as well, walked 23 batters. Gave up 17 hits. Basically unhittable, literally. 2.12 ERA. He looks great.

Grade: C+

17) Kurt Suzuki, C-- RHB. Pretty much opposite of expectations. Came in with offensive questions, and with a great defensive reputation. Finished with a huge dissapointment on defense, though solid on offense. 22 years old. Controls the K'Zone very well, and has doubles power. Runs well for a catcher. 441 at bats in Stockton (Cal League), 12 homers, 26 doubles, 5 triples, 85 runs, 63/61 BB/K ratio. .277/.378/.440/818. Will move to the Texas league, looking for him to OPS around the same, possibly 10 points higher. Hopefully his defense will get back on par.

Grade: C+

18) Ryan Webb: LOADED with projectability (in the words of BA employee Kevin Goldstein). High school 4th rounder in 2004. Turns 20 on Sunday. Had a decent year in Low A Kane County. Breakout candidate next year or in two years. 4.76 ERA, 5.88  k/9, 9.72 h/9, 2.87 w/9, 1.4 whip. Not very good numbers. Look for him to improve significantly on this.

Grade: C+

19. Gregorio Petit, SS-- RHB. Renowned for his GG potential, quetsions about his bat have carried with him. Last year, he had to have put some of them away. He OPS'ed in the Midwest League 795. .289/.349/.446. 9 homers, 10 doubles, 4 triples,  55 runs in 287 at bats. 26/44 BB/K ratio. 8/10 SB's. Overall a good offensive year. Will be 21 all of 2006 season. My favorite sleeper, he'll be playing in Stockton.
20. Anthony Recker, C-- RHB. Limited information on this guy. He was drafted in the 18th round of the 2005 draft. He's a big man. 6'3, 230. Recker starred for Alvernia College before entering the draft, where he led the school in batting average, slugging percentage, home runs, total bases and walks. In the words of Jim Callis, Recker has "amazing raw power". In Vancouver while basically platooning, he got 150 at bats, with 5 homers and 8 doubles. .233/.315/.387/702. 16/40 bb/k ratio. Had soem trouble adjusting to wooden bats with the playing time division, as well as the most extreme pitching park in the minors. Hopefully he'll be able to play in Kane County next year, with a full time gig. We'll see what he can do.

My main sleepers are:

Jason Ray
Gregorio Petit
Anthony Recker
Jared Lansford

Also, someone who didn't make the list, primarily on lack of information, is Ramon Alvarado. Taken from the A's academy in the Dominican Republic, he OPS'ed 909 in rookie league. 5 tool type, sort of like Alexi Ogando but younger (age is undisclosed though)

Sorry for the length of this post. Also, since i'm a homer, feel free to take (if you think so) down my grades a notch for half these players. A notch being from like B+ to a B.