The Path Ahead at Minor League Ball

by John Sickels on Jan 9, 2026 1:01 PM EST

The Great Pathfinder: John C. Fremont, 19th century explorer, Presidential candidate, and Civil War General

I finished the rough draft of the 2012 Baseball Prospect Book this morning. I don't have an exact count of players yet, but there will be close to 1,200 reports in the book.

The next step is for me to review every borderline grade in the book. After that, I will revise the Top 20 lists to incorporate all trades and grade changes. I hope to have that process complete by the end of this week, and I will notify you when those changes occur. I will also be working on the Top 50/50 list, and likely an integrated Top 100 prospect list for SB Nation and Minor League Ball.

Once all grade changes and trades are accounted for, I will work on organization rankings. The rest of this month will be very busy around here. There is a lot more content to come as we approach the beginning of spring training, so stay tuned!

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Thank-you, John

by Kelsdad on Jan 9, 2026 1:20 PM EST reply actions 2 recs

1200 players in 3 months and a bit

Pretty crazy pace, and greatly appreciated.

Here’s something I’m curious about. By my count, there are currently (ignoring borderline distinctions) 73 players at B+ or higher, and almost an equal number (70) at B. Likewise, there are 144 players at B-, which is almost identical to the total at B or above. Then once again, there are 290 players at C+, almost equal to the 287 above C+.

Obviously the exact numbers are subject to change, but is this by design, at least implicitly? Basically, if you visualize it, it looks kind of like one end of a normal distribution.

by MjwW on Jan 9, 2026 1:39 PM EST reply actions

well...I don't do that ON PURPOSE, in terms of keeping a chart or graph or something. But it usually turns out about that way.

by John Sickels on Jan 9, 2026 2:08 PM EST up reply actions

can't wait John, your book seriously helps me look forward

to baseball season with extra enthusiasm (not that I’m trying to brown-nose-heh).

"Fantasy, reality, science Fiction. Which is which? Who can tell?"

by feslenraster on Jan 9, 2026 2:40 PM EST reply actions

keep up the great work

You & your site are great resources for MiLB aficionados! Thanks.

-peter

by PeterF on Jan 9, 2026 4:33 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions

Excuse my ignorance, but will there be an electronic version available?

by Nikk.m on Jan 9, 2026 5:26 PM EST reply actions

Yes

John’s link will show you the way.

by A Behemoth on Jan 9, 2026 5:48 PM EST up reply actions

great stuff as always john

I wish I could access your site with my pc still, but at least I still can via my Droid.

Don’t listen to the ass-hats on the site that want you to change your montero grade! That bat is special.

by St.Steve on Jan 9, 2026 5:43 PM EST reply actions

Do you need an assistant?

I’d love to help If there was anything I could do John.

"Does it make your life easier to just throw a quick, racist term at somebody? A man who has seen the things I’ve seen… experienced the loss and pain that I’ve experienced… I transcend race, hombre." - Kenny Powers

by casejud on Jan 9, 2026 9:59 PM EST reply actions