Detroit Tigers Top 20 Prospects

DETROIT TIGERS TOP 20 PROSPECTS

1. Justin Verlander, RHP, Grade A
   
2. Joel Zumaya, RHP, Grade B+
   
3. Cameron Maybin, OF, B
   
4. Brent Clevlen, OF, B
   
5. Jordan Tata, RHP, B-
   
6. Tony Giarratano, SS, C+
   
7. Jeff Larish, 1B, C+
   
8. Jeff Frazier, OF, C+
   
9. Kevin Whelan, RHP, C+
   
10. Clete Thomas, OF, C+
    
11. Michael Hollimon, SS, C+
    
12. Matt Joyce, OF, C+
    
13. Jair Jurrjens, RHP, C+
    
14. Eulogio De La Cruz, RHP, C+
    
15. P.J. Finigan, RHP, C+
    
16. Chris Robinson, C, C+
    
17. Wilkin Ramirez, 3B, C
    
18. Humberto Sanchez, RHP, C
    
19. Kody Kirkland, 3B, C
    
20. Dallas Trahern, RHP, C

I love Verlander. Zumaya also has an excellent arm, and if he can maintain a modicum of command he could also be an excellent pitcher. Maybin is a tools hound that we have to see against pro pitching. Clevlen took a major step forward last year after a poor '04 campaign.

This is another club with a mass of C+/C type prospects, who could turn into something interesting but have question marks of some sort. Whelen is a relief sleeper who you should watch closely. Thomas has good tools but his power needs to develop. Hollimon has tools and drew a lot of walks last year after turning pro, but was older than most of his peers in the New York-Penn League.

Grade C guys Wilkin Ramirez and Humberto Sanchez have very high ceilings. . .both could end up being Grade B guys if things pan out, but both have enough questions that I can't rate them highly at this point. Ramirez is young and athletic but has very poor strike zone judgment. Sanchez has a Grade B+ arm, but command and health are serious concerns.