Official MiLB/Prospects Thread

[TheHurl]

BA Org rankings

 

 

Updated on: 2/13/2019

1

padres-900x635.jpg

San Diego Padres

Notes:

2018: 3 | 2017: 9 | 2016: 25 | 2015: 14 | 2014: 6

 

9 Top 100 prospects: SS Fernando Tatis Jr. (2), LHP MacKenzie Gore (28), 2B Luis Urias (31), C Francisco Mejia (32), LHP Adrian Morejon (52), RHP Chris Paddack (66), RHP Luis Patino (67), LHP Logan Allen (92), 1B Josh Naylor (99)

 

Notes: Fernando Tatis Jr. is one of baseball's most prized prospects. Three of the Padres' top four prospects are high-end, near-ready hitters who play in the middle of the diamond, and they boast one of the game's top collections of pitchers. Throw in a wide mix of breakout candidates and you have the best farm system in baseball.

 

2

rays-900x6351

Tampa Bay Rays

Notes:

2018: 5 | 2017: 11 | 2016: 13 | 2015: 17 | 2014: 20

 

9 Top 100 prospects: SS Wander Franco (4), RHP Brent Honeywell (23), LHP/DH Brendan McKay (47), C Ronaldo Hernandez (56), LHP Matthew Liberatore (58), OF Jesus Sanchez (62), 2B Vidal Brujan (64), 2B Brandon Lowe (93), 1B Nate Lowe (97)

 

Notes: Tampa Bay's system is stacked from top to bottom, with impact bats around the diamond and strong pitching, led by a potential frontline starter in Brent Honeywell. Shortstop Wander Franco is still 17 but projects as a future star who could be the No. 1 prospect in baseball next year.

 

3

bluejays-900x635

Toronto Blue Jays

Notes:

2018: 8 | 2017: 20 | 2016: 24 | 2015: 9 | 2014: 15

 

7 Top 100 prospects: 3B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1), SS Bo Bichette (8), C Danny Jansen (42), RHP Nate Pearson (70), RHP Eric Pardinho (84), 3B Jordan Groshans (89), SS Kevin Smith (91)

 

Notes: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. alone carries enormous value, but the Blue Jays have serious talent at all levels of the system. Several players took significant steps forward last season, which, along with the 2017 and 2018 amateur additions of players like Eric Pardinho, Nate Pearson and Jordan Groshans, adds both high-end upside and depth.

 

4

braves-900x635

Atlanta Braves

Notes:

2018: 1 | 2017: 1 | 2016: 3 | 2015: 29 | 2014: 26

 

8 Top 100 prospects: 3B Austin Riley (22), RHP Ian Anderson (24), RHP Mike Soroka (25), RHP Kyle Wright (39), RHP Touki Toussaint (53), RHP Bryse Wilson (80), OF Drew Waters (83), OF Cristian Pache (85)

 

Notes: After graduating Ronald Acuña Jr., the Braves still have high-end talent in the minor league system, led by a stellar group of starting pitchers in the upper levels, many of whom have already tasted the big leagues. From low Class A on down, though, prospects suddenly become scarce.

 

5

astros-900x635.jpg

Houston Astros

Notes:

2018: 11 | 2017: 4 | 2016: 2 | 2015: 10 | 2014: 5

 

5 Top 100 prospects: RHP Forrest Whitley (5), OF Kyle Tucker (12), 1B/OF Yordan Alvarez (34), RHP Josh James (77), RHP Corbin Martin (78)

 

Notes: The Astros have accomplished what every new general manager says is his goal when he takes over: Build a sustainable playoff contender while keeping the farm system fully stocked. Baseball's best pitching prospect, Forrest Whitley, should be in Houston soon, leading a core of near-ready pitching prospects.

 

6

whitesox-900x635

Chicago White Sox

Notes:

2018: 4 | 2017: 5| 2016: 23 | 2015: 20 | 2014: 24

 

5 Top 100 prospects OF Eloy Jimenez (3), RHP Michael Kopech (21), RHP Dylan Cease (38), 2B Nick Madrigal (43), OF Luis Robert (76)

 

Notes: For a team in rebuild mode, the White Sox's depth is ordinary, but they are rich in high-ceiling prospects, led by potential cornerstone Eloy Jimenez. Nick Madrigal's advanced bat is a good balance to the higher-risk profiles of outfielder Luis Robert and Micker Adolfo, while Michael Kopech and Dylan Cease both have electric arms.

 

7

twins-900x635

Minnesota Twins

Notes:

2018: 12 | 2017: 22 | 2016: 10 | 2015: 2 | 2014: 3

 

3 Top 100 prospects: SS Royce Lewis (9), OF Alex Kirilloff (15), RHP Brusdar Graterol (55)

 

Notes: With Royce Lewis and Alex Kirilloff, the Twins have two of the most exciting young hitters in the minors. None of Minnesota's top 10 prospects have played a game above Double-A, however, so while the system is good, most of its prospects are still at least a couple of years away from the majors.

 

8

reds-900x635

Cincinnati Reds

Notes:

2018: 10 | 2017: 13 | 2016: 12 | 2015: 16 | 2014: 16

 

5 Top 100 prospects: 3B/2B Nick Senzel (10), OF Taylor Trammell (33), 3B Jonathan India (51), RHP Hunter Greene (57), RHP Tony Santillan (69)

 

Notes: Selecting top five in the draft for three straight years (and netting Nick Senzel, Hunter Greene and Jonathan India) has helped the Reds, with outfielder Taylor Trammell and righthander Tony Santillan giving Cincinnati one of the best top fives in the game. Trades have diminished the depth, but in exchange for making the 2019 big league club better. The Reds need to get more out of their Latin American program.

 

9

dodgers-900x635

Los Angeles Dodgers

Notes:

2018: 9 | 2017: 2 | 2016: 1 | 2015: 3 | 2014: 14

 

5 Top 100 prospects: C Keibert Ruiz (20), OF Alex Verdugo (35), SS Gavin Lux (40), RHP Dustin May (82), C Will Smith (95)

 

Notes: The Dodgers are well stocked in catchers between Keibert Ruiz, Will Smith and Diego Cartaya, with Alex Verdugo and Gavin Lux giving them two more high-end position prospects who play up the middle. That's impressive for a team that hasn't picked higher than 20th in the draft since 2013.

 

10

cardinals-900x635.jpg

St. Louis Cardinals

Notes:

2018: 13 | 2017: 12 | 2016: 14 | 2015: 15 | 2014: 7

 

5 Top 100 prospects: RHP Alex Reyes (19), OF Tyler O'Neill (36), RHP Dakota Hudson (74), 3B Nolan Gorman (75), 3B Elehuris Montero (81)

 

Notes: Alex Reyes barely hanging on to prospect eligibility props up an otherwise solid system. Their next two prospects (outfielder Tyler O'Neill and righthander Dakota Hudson) should bolster the big league club in 2019, and the Cardinals are deep in young third basemen with Nolan Gorman, Elehuris Montero and Malcom Nuñez.

 

11

athletics-900x635

Oakland Athletics

Notes:

2018: 18 | 2017: 17 | 2016: 18 | 2015: 19 | 2014: 23

 

3 Top 100 prospects: LHP Jesus Luzardo (7), LHP A.J. Puk (18), C Sean Murphy (72)

 

Notes: Most of the value in Oakland's system comes from a pair of lefties, Jesus Luzardo and A.J. Puk, both of whom have the attributes to be frontline starters, though the system's depth thins quickly. A large number of the team's top prospects are outfielders, but the loss of Kyler Murray to the NFL does hurt.

 

12

angels-900x635

Los Angeles Angels

Notes:

2018: 14 | 2017: 30 | 2016: 30 | 2015: 27 | 2014: 30

 

2 Top 100 prospects: OF Jo Adell (6), RHP Griffin Canning (63),

 

Notes: Top prospect Jo Adell quickly catapulted his stock to become one of the game's elite prospects. After years of letting their farm system deteriorate, the Angels' renewed focus on that area is nearing payoff, with seven of their top 10 prospects scheduled to open 2019 at Double-A or Triple-A.

 

13

marlins-900x635.jpg (1)

Miami Marlins

Notes:

2018: 24 | 2017: 29 | 2016: 29 | 2015: 25 | 2014: 27

 

2 Top 100 Prospects: RHP Sixto Sanchez (13), OF Victor Victor Mesa (60)

 

Notes: The Marlins got a jolt in October by signing Cuban outfielder Victor Victor Mesa and then added to that by acquiring righthander Sixto Sanchez in the J.T. Realmuto trade. Miami has had to bring in prospect help from the outside to spark its rebuild as returns on their recent first-round picks have been minimal.

 

14

mariners-900x635.jpg

Seattle Mariners

Notes:

2018: 30 | 2017: 21 | 2016: 28 | 2015: 24 | 2014: 25

 

4 Top 100 Prospects: LHP Justus Sheffield (27), LHP Yusei Kikuchi (45), OF Jarred Kelenic (68), 1B Evan White (100)

 

Notes: The Mariners would have contended for No. 30 on this list until they decided to rebuild after the 2018 season. Now, they are a middle-of-the-pack system. They added four of their top six prospects in December trades of Robinson Cano and Jean Segura, including top two prospects Justus Sheffield and Jarred Kelenic, and then got a further boost by signing lefthander Yusei Kikuchi.

 

15

tigers-900x635

Detroit Tigers

Notes:

2018: 20 | 2017: 25 | 2016: 26 | 2015: 30 | 2014: 28

 

3 Top 100 Prospects:: RHP Casey Mize (16), RHP Matt Manning (50), SS Isaac Paredes (94)

 

Notes: Long accustomed to using their prospects as trade chips under former general manager Dave Dombrowski, the Tigers are now trying to build from within. Casey Mize, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft, leads the pack in a stockpile of power arms.

 

16

indians-900x635-2.jpg

Cleveland Indians

Notes:

2018: 21 | 2017: 18 | 2016: 17 | 2015: 23 | 2014: 17

 

2 Top 100 prospects: RHP Triston McKenzie (44), 3B Nolan Jones (96)

 

Notes: Beyond Triston McKenzie, the Indians are light at the upper levels following trades and graduations. The lower levels are full of arrow-up players though, and scouts have taken notice of the team's collection of young Latin American prospects—a sign of the organization's recently revamped international program.

 

17

nationals-900x635

Washington Nationals

Notes:

2018: 15 | 2017: 19 | 2016: 5 | 2015: 12 | 2014: 21

 

3 Top 100 prospects: OF Victor Robles (11), SS Carter Kieboom (41), SS Luis Garcia (61)

 

Notes: The top three prospects in the organization stack up well, led by a premium talent in center fielder Victor Robles and two more middle-of-the-diamond hitters in Carter Kieboom and Luis Garcia. Focusing on arms in the 2017 and 2018 drafts helped their pitching depth.

 

18

pirates-900x6351.jpg

Pittsburgh Pirates

Notes:

2018: 16 | 2017: 7 | 2016: 11 | 2015: 7 | 2014: 1

 

3 Top 100 prospects: RHP Mitch Keller (26), 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes (49), SS Oneil Cruz (79)

 

Notes: It's a top-heavy system, with a core group of players who could be average regulars to stars. Beyond them, the lack of depth in the organization gets revealed quickly.

 

19

mets-900x6351

New York Mets

Notes:

2018: 27 | 2017: 15 | 2016: 15 | 2015: 4 | 2014: 10

 

3 Top 100 prospects: SS Andres Gimenez (30), 1B Peter Alonso (48), SS Ronny Mauricio (98)

 

Notes: Peter Alonso and Andres Gimenez carry the system and both should help soon in Queens. However, much of the system's position talent is several years away, with high-risk, high-reward players like Ronny Mauricio, Mark Vientos and Shervyen Newton.

 

20

yankees-900x6351

New York Yankees

Notes:

2018: 2 | 2017: 3 | 2016: 16 | 2015: 19 | 2014: 18

 

0 Top 100 prospects

 

Notes: After graduating Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez, Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar the last two years, the system has dropped without an elite, near-ready prospect, but they are deep in young pitching. The organization's Latin American pipeline under international scouting director Donny Rowland continues to flourish, with results in the big leagues (Luis Severino, Sanchez, Andujar) and the lower levels now brimming with exciting upside.

 

21

diamondbacks-900x635

Arizona Diamondbacks

Notes:

2018: 26 | 2017: 28 | 2016: 22 | 2015: 6 | 2014: 13

 

2 Top 100 prospects: SS Jazz Chisholm (50), RHP Jon Duplantier (86)

 

Notes: Their prospects in the upper minors are solid, though they lack upside to be elite players. The prospects in the lower levels like Jazz Chisholm, Geraldo Perdomo and Kristian Robinson have big upside but also carry big risk.

 

22

orioles-900x635

Baltimore Orioles

Notes:

2018: 17 | 2017: 27 | 2016: 27 | 2015: 28 | 2014: 12

 

3 Top 100 prospects: OF Yusniel Diaz (37), LHP DL Hall (54), 3B Ryan Mountcastle (90)

 

Notes: The Orioles are generally a disaster, with the team hiring new general manager Mike Elias and quickly gutting the organization's front office and several members of its scouting and player development staff. The farm system is better than it was a year ago after trades, including one to get No. 1 prospect Yusniel Diaz, but being a zero internationally will continue to hurt them for years.

 

23

phillies-900x635

Philadelphia Phillies

Notes:

2018: 7 | 2017: 6 | 2016: 8 | 2015: 22 | 2014: 22

 

2 Top 100 prospects: 3B Alec Bohm (65), SS Luis Garcia (88)

 

Notes: After graduating a wave of position prospects, the Phillies traded away their top prospect, righthander Sixto Sanchez, to acquire J.T. Realmuto. That took a middle-of-the-pack system and turned into a bottom-third farm system. That will be a fair trade if Realmuto gets the Phillies back to the top of the NL East. Shortstop Luis Garcia has exciting upside, while the Phillies will look for 2018 first-round pick Alec Bohm to make up for recent disappointments at the top of their drafts.

 

24

rockies-900x6351

Colorado Rockies

Notes:

2018: 19 | 2017: 10 | 2016: 6 | 2015: 8 | 2014: 11

 

2 Top 100 prospects: SS Brendan Rodgers (14), 2B Garrett Hampson (87)

 

Notes: Proximity to the big leagues for their top three prospects (middle infielders Brendan Rodgers and Garrett Hampson and righthander Peter Lambert) is a strength, because all three have Triple-A experience and should help in 2019. After that, the organization has few high-upside, impact players.

 

25

rangers-900x635.jpg

Texas Rangers

Notes:

2018: 22 | 2017: 23 | 2016: 7 | 2015: 11 | 2014: 9

 

1 Top 100 prospect: RHP Hans Crouse (73)

 

Notes: The Rangers have a trio of promising young center fielders and a stockpile of pitching prospects at the lower levels from recent drafts, led by top prospect Hans Crouse and 2018 first-rounder Cole Winn. They don't have any of the game's elite prospects, however, and they lack pure hitters, with a position player group on the thin side with considerable risk attached to even their best ones.

 

26

brewers-900x635

Milwaukee Brewers

Notes:

2018: 6 | 2017: 8 | 2016: 9 | 2015: 21 | 2014: 29

 

2 Top 100 prospects: 2B Keston Hiura (17), RHP Corbin Burnes (46)

 

Notes: The Brewers had a dynamite year in the major leagues, but their farm system took one of the biggest tumbles from a year ago. Their top two prospects (second baseman Keston Hiura and righthander Corbin Burnes) could factor into their 2019 roster, but the upside dims quickly beyond their top handful of players.

 

27

royals-900x635

Kansas City Royals

Notes:

2018: 29 | 2017: 26 | 2016: 21 | 2015: 13 | 2014: 8

 

1 Top 100 prospect: RHP Brady Singer (71)

 

Notes: The upper levels of the system lack potential regulars, with few high-end prospects anywhere in the organization. Pitching is the focal point of the system, with the Royals bolstering their stash by drafting college pitchers with their first four picks in 2018.

 

28

giants-900x635

San Francisco Giants

Notes:

2018: 25 | 2017: 24 | 2016: 19 | 2015: 26 | 2014: 19

 

1 Top 100 prospect: C Joey Bart (29)

 

Notes: Two big amateur acquisitions in 2018—catcher Joey Bart, the No. 2 overall pick, and shortstop Marco Luciano, the No. 2 international prospect—injected the organization with two-high end talents. That's good, because it's rough beyond them, with recent draft classes that haven't netted much.

 

29

cubs-900x6351

Chicago Cubs

Notes:

2018: 28 | 2017: 16 | 2016: 20 | 2015: 1 | 2014: 4

 

0 Top 100 prospects

 

Notes: Nico Hoerner and Miguel Amaya are both talented prospects who can play premium positions, but the cupboard is nearly bare in the upper minors. Of the Cubs' top 15 prospects, only lefthander Justin Steele has played in Double-A or higher.

 

30

redsox-900x6351

Boston Red Sox

Notes:

2018: 23 | 2017: 14 | 2016: 4 | 2015: 5 | 2014: 2

 

0 Top 100 prospects

 

Notes: After 108 wins and another World Series trophy, the Red Sox won't be too concerned about having baseball's worst farm system. The Red Sox haven't necessarily done poorly at acquiring talent in the draft or internationally, but they've cashed in their best prospects to bolster the major league club.

[TheHurl]

And since pitchers don't matter here is a nice list

 

By Kelsie Heneghan / MiLB.com | February 11, 2019 10:00 AM

 

With the 2019 season rapidly approaching, MiLB.com is looking at the state of all 30 farm systems over the next month and ranking them in several different ways. The first installment, broken into three parts, focuses on position players and considers the quality and quantity of top talent in each system. The rankings, 10-1:

 

10. Washington Nationals

While their outfield likely will be without Bryce Harper for the first time in seven years, the Nationals have an exciting option in Victor Robles. MLB.com's No. 4 overall prospect boasts five strong tools with well-above-average speed, arm and fielding. He spent 21 games in the Majors last season and is a prime candidate to fill the gap this year. Carter Kieboom showed he could hit for power and average with Class A Advanced Potomac and was promoted to Double-A Harrisburg before his 21st birthday. The 2016 first-rounder has spent his entire career at short, though his plus defense could allow him to move elsewhere if the Nats want to keep Trea Turner where he is. Luis Garcia was the youngest player in the All-Star Futures Game at 18 last summer and electrified with his above-average speed and ability to make solid contact from both sides of the plate. While those three players give fans plenty to be excited about, the system's relative lack of depth drops it to No. 10.

 

9. Atlanta Braves

Following in the footsteps of Ozzie Albies and Ronald Acuna Jr., Austin Riley and Cristian Pache are turning heads in this pitching-heavy system. Featuring plus-plus run, arm and fielding tools, Pache is one of the Minors' top outfielders. He finished 2018 in the Arizona Fall League before turning 20 in November. Riley doesn't have any 70-grade tools, but he does show potential across the board, especially with power. Ranked as the Minors' No. 3 third baseman, he shook off a knee injury before finishing the season strongly at Triple-A. Switch-hitter Drew Waters could one day join Acuna and Pache in the Atlanta outfield after displaying plus speed and defense in his first full season. Waters' teammate, William Contreras, has shown an ability to make contact and could be a defensive asset behind the plate. Greyson Jenista, a 2018 draftee, is quickly rising through the system, while 2015 signee Derian Cruz possesses 70-grade speed in the lower levels. Still, the Braves' pitching overshadows their position player counterparts.

 

Review Farm system rankings: Position players 30-21 | 20-11

 

8. Los Angeles Angels

A year ago, the Angels boasted baseball's top prospect in Shohei Ohtani. But since the two-way phenom never played an inning in the Minors, Jo Adell has been the system's true top prospect all along. Adell, whom MLB.com ranks No. 14 overall, has a high ceiling with four plus tools. And if the 2017 first-rounder can cut down on strikeouts, he could be an All-Star. Th Angels also have toolsy outfielders Brandon Marsh and Jordyn Adams and are so stacked on the grass that they moved the athletic Jahmai Jones to second base. After a slow start to his career, outfielder Michael Hermosillo got multiple opportunities in Anaheim last summer and could break camp with the big club this spring. In the infield, catcher-turned-first baseman Matt Thaiss has begun to meet the high offensive threshold of his relatively new position. Switch-hitting infielder Luis Rengifo hit and ran his way onto the 40-man roster, and there remains hope that shortstop Kevin Maitan can grow into the impact player expected at his signing. The Angels might have just one prospect in MLB.com's Top 100, but they have a lot of talent in the pipeline.

 

7. Minnesota Twins

First-round picks lead the way in the Twins system. No. 5 overall prospect Royce Lewis showcased a plus hit tool and plus-plus speed as he climbed from Class A to Class A Advanced last year with Alex Kirilloff. After missing the 2017 campaign following Tommy John surgery, Kirilloff was brilliant, batting .348/.392/.578 with a Minors-best 71 extra-base hits. Trevor Larnach, the 2018 first-round pick out of Oregon State, raked at Rookie Advanced and Class A in his pro debut. His 2014 counterpart, Nick Gordon, got off to a great start in his second taste of Double-A but had trouble adjusting to Triple-A in the second half of the season. Meanwhile, 2017 CBA pick Brent Rooker brought the power (and strikeouts) to Double-A. International signee Wander Javier missed all of 2018 after tearing the labrum in his non-throwing arm, but catcher Ryan Jeffers and infielder Yunior Severino showed a lot of promise in Rookie ball. With Lewis and Kirilloff taking the lead, the Twins have a lot of hope down the line.

 

6. Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers have a potential stud at just about every position, including a few guys who can play multiple spots. Outfielder Alex Verdugo lit up the Pacific Coast League before heading to LA for the second straight season. Keibert Ruiz cut down his strikeouts considerably as a switch-hitter, fanning 33 times in 101 games at Double-A. Shortstop/second baseman Gavin Lux broke out with a .394/.399/.514 line, while fellow 2016 picks Will Smith and DJ Peters powered up with career highs of 20 and 29 homers, respectively. Outfielder Jeren Kendall didn't take much advantage of the hitter-friendly California League, but he used his 70-grade speed to steal 37 bases. In December, Los Angeles picked up shortstop/second baseman Jeter Downs in a blockbuster trade with the Reds. While the 20-year-old didn't hit much in his first pro season, he showed the ability to use all fields. Aside from Downs and backstop Diego Cartaya -- who signed in July and did not play -- most of the Dodgers' top position players reside in the upper two levels, placing a lot of talent one call from The Show.

 

 

5. Cincinnati Reds

Nick Senzel is one of the game's most promising prospects, but injuries took a big toll last season. With five exciting tools, baseball's No. 6 overall prospect could be an All-Star both offensively and defensively. Senzel took reps in the outfield in the instructional league and will be in the running for an Opening Day spot in Cincinnati, potentially in center. Just 10 spots behind Senzel in the Top 100, Taylor Trammell started the year strong and earned All-Star Futures Game MVP honors, but the outfielder lost momentum in the second half. Crashing into a wall and suffering a concussion didn't help. Following their 2018 Draft selections, Jonathan India and Mike Siani got off to hot starts in the Appalachian League. Siani kept raking for Rookie Advanced Greeneville, while India seemed to hit a wall in the Class A Midwest League following a long spring of college ball. Tyler Stephenson, a 2015 first-rounder, hasn't made it past Class A Advanced as he continues to develop at and behind the plate. Outfielders Stuart Fairchild, Jose Siri, TJ Friedl and Michael Beltre along with shortstop Alfredo Rodriguez possess plus speed at the middle levels, with Siri and Friedl earning 70 grades. Center fielder Mariel Bautista continued to show potential but has yet to make his full-season debut in four years. The Reds have a lot of depth, anchored by three big names, but they're not quite as solid as the next four teams.

 

4. Chicago White Sox

For the second year in a row, the White Sox rank in the Top 5, led -- of course -- by No. 3 overall prospect Eloy Jimenez. Jimenez notched his best season in 2018 with a .337/.384/.577 line, 22 homers and 75 RBIs across Double-A and Triple-A, putting himself in position for an early callup this spring. Outfielder Luis Robert could be a five-tool player but has battled injuries. Class A Advanced Winston-Salem showcased much of the club's top talent a year ago, with 2018 fourth-overall pick Nick Madrigal, outfielders Blake Rutherford, Micker Adolfo, Luis Gonzalez, Luis Alexander Basabe and first basemen Gavin Sheets all donning the purple and white at some point. Meanwhile, catcher Zack Collins showed plenty of patience at the plate, outfielder Steele Walker struggled at Class A and 2017 first-rounder Jake Burger missed the entire season with an Achilles injury. The White Sox have enviable depth behind Jimenez, Robert and Madrigal, but it remains to be seen how those lower-ranked prospects will turn out.

 

3. San Diego Padres

The Padres' youth movement has been a long time coming, and it's finally reaching the Majors. No. 2 overall prospect Fernando Tatis Jr. is a shining star with a complete set of tools that grade well-above average. While a thumb injury limited him to 88 games at Double-A last year, the shortstop should be quick to pick up where he left off. Infielder Luis Urias and catcher/outfielder Francisco Mejia already got their first tastes of Petco Park, thanks to potentially special bats. Since being acquired from the Indians in July, the latter's offensive production at Triple-A improved in both power and average. Outfielder/first baseman Josh Naylor, third baseman Hudson Potts and catcher/first baseman Austin Allen all showed power at Double-A, while teammate Buddy Reed (outfield) showcased 70-grade speed with 51 stolen bases. Below that group, the Padres have Tirso Ornelas (OF), Esteury Ruiz (2B/3B), Jeisson Rosario (OF), Gabriel Arias (SS) and Luis Campusano © leading the middle levels, while 2018 picks Xavier Edwards and Owen Miller already have made splashes. The depth, highlighted by Tatis, Urias and Mejia, make this a really exciting time for Padres fans.

 

2. Toronto Blue Jays

Life's good when you have baseball's top prospect. In his third pro season, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. continued to put up monster numbers, and he has the tools -- including a very rare 80-grade hit tool -- to prove it's not a fluke. While his defense remains a question, Guerrero made strides at third base last year but could move to first or DH down the line; his bat still would make him an All-Star. While Bo Bichette was going hit-for-hit with Guerrero in 2017, he came back to earth last year. The shortstop still piled up 61 extra-base hits, 74 RBIs and 32 stolen bases at Double-A. Catcher Danny Jansen collected a career-best 12 homers and 58 RBIs in 88 games en route to his Major League debut, while fellow backstop Reese McGuire, first baseman Rowdy Tellez and outfielders Anthony Alford, Jonathan Davis and Billy McKinney also made it to Rogers Centre. Aside from Guerrero -- who missed six weeks with an injury -- Cavan Biggio was the most electric hitter in the system last year. The left-handed batter led the organization with 26 homers and 99 RBIs and topped the Eastern League with an .887 OPS. In their first full seasons, 2017 picks Kevin Smith and Logan Warmoth climbed to Class A Advanced, though the latter battled injuries. Last year's second-rounders, Jordan Groshans and Griffin Conine, along with 2017 international signee Miguel Hiraldo started off with a bang but were challenged after promotions. Toronto added depth by trading for shortstop Santiago Espinal (from Boston) in June, outfielder Forrest Wall (from Colorado) in July and shortstop Ronny Brito (from the Dodgers) in January, as well as signing shortstop Orelvis Martinez. It's easy to hang your hat on having the top prospect, but the Blue Jays have a great deal more -- and Guerrero really is that good.

 

1. Tampa Bay Rays

No. 1 and No. 2 remain the same for the second straight year, but the Rays have a new leader in the metaphorical (and one day literal) clubhouse. A year after being signed, Wander Franco really made a name for himself (and that says a lot given he has two brothers in the Minors with the same name). The switch-hitter possesses plus tools across the board, electrifying Rookie Advanced with a .351/.418/.587 line in his pro debut. Four years after being signed, outfielder Jesus Sanchez, catcher Ronaldo Hernandez and second baseman Vidal Brujan shined in 2018, with Sanchez reaching Double-A. Second baseman Brandon Lowe improved every part of his game, including a move to the outfield en route to the Majors, while Nathaniel Lowe (no relation) also climbed three levels while clubbing 27 homers and batting .330. Although the Rays have plenty of infield depth, Nick Solak and Lucius Fox provide even more. The former took reps in the outfield to smooth his path to Tropicana and the latter is just plain quick with 70-grade speed. And we haven't mentioned two-way stud Brendan McKay, whom the Rays recently announced will be a designated hitter when he's not pitching. While McKay has found more success on the mound, Tampa Bay has another two-way player on the horizon with 2018 second-round pick Tanner Dodson. The Rays have options upon options at every position to back up their young arms.

[Krylian]

Is it just me or is have 4 (consensus) players in the Top 100 typically a little light for a team that's ranked #2-3 overall? I get we have wonderful depth....I just would've figured 1 or 2 more would've cracked that Top 100 to warrant such a lofty overall ranking.

[Boxcar]

Is it just me or is have 4 (consensus) players in the Top 100 typically a little light for a team that's ranked #2-3 overall? I get we have wonderful depth....I just would've figured 1 or 2 more would've cracked that Top 100 to warrant such a lofty overall ranking.

 

Vlad alone is so ridiculously good that he probably carries the value of an additional 2-3 top 100 guys.

[Boxcar]

This is a strong list

 

Not even ranking Nate Lowe and having Paredes outside the top 100 seems pretty egregious to me.

[Laika]

Not even ranking Nate Lowe and having Paredes outside the top 100 seems pretty egregious to me.

 

Lowe being a 1B prospect saves them. He's more of a high upside fantasy prospect than a slam-dunk top 100 real life prospect.

 

When I did my top 3625 prospects list, the shape of the curve was pretty informative. Prospects in the 50-200 range are basically all the same (the differences between them start to get more linear and the slope flattens out). This is opposed to the top 50 or so, where the differences between prospects speeds up and the shape of the talent curve is actually different, so even being in the top 10 vs. the top 30 might matter. The difference in talent between 50 and 250 might be the same as (or smaller than) the difference between #2 and #51.

 

And there isn't a huge difference between the ~300th best prospect and the ~900th. So on any organizational top 30 list, prospects in the 11-30 range will typically be similar in terms of projected talent and it's probably pretty stupid to care all that much if some blog puts a guy 29th instead of 12th.

 

But people get a bit too concerned with whether or not specific guys were included on a top 100's back end.

 

I am going to finish a blog article about all of this and how to view the "top 100 prospects" meme. Rough rules of thumb for now would be:

- Focus on top 10 placement

- Focus on top ~50 inclusion

- Look for "consensus" top 10 or top 50 prospects that the ranker is putting outside their top 50 or so. They are basically signalling that the player is not special. And vice versa about players ranked higher than the norm.

- Don't care at all if some guy you like did not sneak onto the back of a top 100 because it doesn't matter

- The top 100 meme is arbitrary, it's just a nice round number, rank 100 is not a significant demarcation of anything in particular.

[TheHurl]

Not even ranking Nate Lowe and having Paredes outside the top 100 seems pretty egregious to me.

 

Nate Lowe is an easy top 100 fantasy prospect. His defense and lack of speed hurt his prospect status. He hit lefties pretty good in the minors but probably not big enough that he's going to face a tonne of them in the majors. He's another 1B who probably never makes it through 3 years of Arb before being cut.

[glory]

Is it just me or is have 4 (consensus) players in the Top 100 typically a little light for a team that's ranked #2-3 overall? I get we have wonderful depth....I just would've figured 1 or 2 more would've cracked that Top 100 to warrant such a lofty overall ranking.

 

I think the Jays were the only team that had two players in the top 10 (Vlad/Bo), so that combined with depth is probably what contributed to it.

[Krylian]

Vlad alone is so ridiculously good that he probably carries the value of an additional 2-3 top 100 guys.

 

So once Vlad graduates where does the team rank?

[Boxcar]

So once Vlad graduates where does the team rank?

 

Kinda depends on how the other prospects progress. There are a bunch that could end up on the top 100 next year.

[Boxcar]

Nate Lowe is an easy top 100 fantasy prospect. His defense and lack of speed hurt his prospect status. He hit lefties pretty good in the minors but probably not big enough that he's going to face a tonne of them in the majors. He's another 1B who probably never makes it through 3 years of Arb before being cut.

 

For context, what was your prediction for Ryne Stanek?

[Ray]

Is it just me or is have 4 (consensus) players in the Top 100 typically a little light for a team that's ranked #2-3 overall? I get we have wonderful depth....I just would've figured 1 or 2 more would've cracked that Top 100 to warrant such a lofty overall ranking.

 

Depends on the outlet ranking them. Baseball-America gave us 7 Top 100 prospects, so they're going to have us higher.

[TheHurl]

For context, what was your prediction for Ryne Stanek?

 

Quick to the majors, innings eater, solid number 3

[Ray]

Opening day for College baseball.

 

Looking forward to seeing how Josh Jung does this season.

[jays4life19]

Opening day for College baseball.

 

Looking forward to seeing how Josh Jung does this season.

 

I thought that was tomorrow?

[Ray]

I thought that was tomorrow?

 

They have games scheduled today according to this schedule: https://www.ncaa.com/scoreboard/baseball/d1/2019/02/15/southeastern

[TheHurl]

I thought that was tomorrow?

 

It's Friday NCAA always opens on Friday. Four top 25 teams have already started (Michigan has actually finished...8-0 win over Binghamton)

 

Most intriguing stories this NCAA for me are Stinson's (Go Duke) transition to starter (and Friday starter at that). Austin Martin and his ability to play everywhere for Vandy...does the most versatile College player have pro versatility value? Andrew Vaughn can he improve on last year's historical season at Cal?

 

Best matchups this weekend? TCU vs Fullerton, Vandy and Virginia, Florida vs. Long Beach. UC Irvine's (West Coast's?) best pitcher Andre Pallante vs. Washington tomorrow. Potential first rounder Sean Mooney vs. #3 UCLA.

[Spanky__99]

It's Friday NCAA always opens on Friday. Four top 25 teams have already started (Michigan has actually finished...8-0 win over Binghamton)

 

Most intriguing stories this NCAA for me are Stinson's (Go Duke) transition to starter (and Friday starter at that). Austin Martin and his ability to play everywhere for Vandy...does the most versatile College player have pro versatility value? Andrew Vaughn can he improve on last year's historical season at Cal?

 

Best matchups this weekend? TCU vs Fullerton, Vandy and Virginia, Florida vs. Long Beach. UC Irvine's (West Coast's?) best pitcher Andre Pallante vs. Washington tomorrow. Potential first rounder Sean Mooney vs. #3 UCLA.

 

Are these games televised/streamed? I'm really missing baseball.

[TheHurl]

Are these games televised/streamed? I'm really missing baseball.

 

I'll post streams. ESPN has some games. I will get the Pac10 home games on Dazn through the Pac10 network. J4L or I will post streams tonight

[jays4life19]

Are these games televised/streamed? I'm really missing baseball.

 

From watching a bunch last year most teams stream their home games on their website. I was able to watch almost all of the South Alabama (Tswag) that i wanted.

[jays4life19]

We should probably start a NCAA baseball thread

[TheHurl]

We should probably start a NCAA baseball thread

 

I give you permission to put it on the main board

[Spanky__99]

I'll post streams. ESPN has some games. I will get the Pac10 home games on Dazn through the Pac10 network. J4L or I will post streams tonight

 

From watching a bunch last year most teams stream their home games on their website. I was able to watch almost all of the South Alabama (Tswag) that i wanted.

 

Thanks fellas.

[jays4life19]

I give you permission to put it on the main board

 

Alright i'll do it in a bit.

[jays4life19]

I just realized it was Friday and not Thursday after searching and searching for Thursday games lol

[Spanky__99]

I just realized it was Friday and not Thursday after searching and searching for Thursday games lol

 

You crack me up, mate! Hurl just finished posting about how NCAA always starts on Fridays, lol.

[Ray]

Vandy vs. UVA live stream if anyones interested: https://www.mlb.com/video/vanderbilt-vs-virginia/c-2522331183?tid=7417714

[Spanky__99]

Vandy vs. UVA live stream if anyones interested: https://www.mlb.com/video/vanderbilt-vs-virginia/c-2522331183?tid=7417714

 

You're a champ.

[Spanky__99]

That kid pitched far too many bullets, Friday night lights or not.

 

They were stressful pitches, too.

[TheHurl]

Any guesses to where MiLB.com ranked the Jays as an org...based on pitching prospects only?