I know that Balentien has been mentioned as a possible option for the Mariners to add some power to their lineup.  One has to wonder if they will now look to pick up Frank Thomas.

This occured in Saturday's game:

On another note, top outfield prospect Wladimir Balentien hurt himself sliding into a concrete wall Saturday. The early indication is that the damage isn't too bad, but Bavasi said the second-day look is a better guide, and the Mariners hope to know Balentien's status later in the day.

I know this thought has been discussed in a few different places, but I wanted to collect everyone's thoughts all in one place.
I wanted to compare some player's minor league level after 3 years out of high school based on whether they went the college route or minor league route.
For instance, where would you expect to see players such as Heyward, Vitters, Porcello, J Parker, Moustakas, Lars Anderson, Rowell, Snider, Burgess after 3 years in the minors VERSUS players such as Smoak, Pedro Alvarez, Price, Wieters, or Detwiler?  I am not really wanting to discuss these players specifically, but more in general:  Would you expect a player with 3 years minor league experience straight out of high school to be--roughly--in A+, AA or higher?  Would you expect a player with 3 years of college experience to be at what level?  A+, AA or higher?
Does anybody have any research over the past 5 years of some of the top prospect's levels based on this question?  Do high school draftees reach the MLB level sooner or do college prospects generally reach the MLB level sooner?
I guess I am really trying to figure out if there is an advantage for a player to jump straight to the minors or play college ball.  There are certainly outside influences such as the $$ to play professionally versus the experience of college ball and then you also have the wood bat versus the "ping" debate as well.

Hey all--
Where do I find a list of the signings of high school players?  I looked at Baseball America already and they only allow you to look at things if you are a subscriber.
I have read so far that North Carolina had the top recruiting class and that Tim Beckham signed with USC.
Maybe we could come up with a list below of where the high schoolers have signed and what chances you give them of attending those schools.  I know it all depends upon where they get drafted in June, but it seems that most players are taking the money and skipping college.

I've been reading quite a bit lately about top prospects from this year as well as minor league all star teams and so forth.  It seems as if the DRays are just loaded with prospects as well as good young players in the big leagues.
Minor league prospects:
Jennings, OF
Hellickson, P
McGee, P
Davis, P
Price, P
Longoria, 3B
Brignac, SS
Niemann, P
Mason, P
Royster, DH
Ruggiano, OF
Jaso, C
F Perez, OF

Major league potential stars:
Kazmir, P
Orvella, P
Salas, P
Shields, P
Sonnanstine, P
Guzman, IF
Pena, 1B
Baldelli, OF
Upton, OF
Dukes, OF
Crawford, OF
D Young, OF

OK, so you cannot argue with the potential that exists.  My question is:  Will the DRays ever be able to make the playoffs? As long as they stay in the same division with the Yankees & Red Sox, is it realistic for them to be able to compete for a playoff spot?  I have heard that management is not interested in winning, they just want to make money.  Will they be able to keep their all stars and pay them?  Will they ever be able to translate all this talent into a winning franchise?
If they will be a playoff team, how long will it take?  Will they be a playoff team in 2 years?  5 years?  8 years?

So far John has completed 5 teams (KC, Atl, Min, Wash, & NYY).  He has graded 6 prospects as an A or A-.  Let's see if we can predict who will be some of the other A/A- prospects.
I can definitely see Homer Bailey and Andrew Miller.
Others--Longoria?  Gallardo?  Carlos Gonzalez?  Lincecum?  Carrasco?  Lofgren?  Braun?  Jay Bruce?  Clement?  Elbert?  LaRoche?  Rasmus?  Votto?  Tulowitzki?  Veal?  Wood?