Minor League Rankings

Ranking minor leaguers is as risky as investing in dotcom stocks and as subjective as choosing a favorite ice cream flavor. Everybody looks for different things in prospects. Some look for players who will help immediately, other look for the highest potential. Criteria such as age, health and organization all play a role. In this list, we have attempted to consider these factors and more, resulting in rankings that attempt to answer the question: which players would we most like to have on our minor league rosters in a keeper league?

1) Mark Prior – SP, Cubs

As if being the best pitching prospect in baseball wasn’t enough, he’s started hitting home runs. Prior throws mid-90’s heat, has good breaking stuff and unbelievable command. Will he live up to the tremendous hype? We’ll find out very soon, and all signs are positive.

2) Brett Myers – SP, Phillies

A wicked curve is Myers’ best weapon, and the rest of his arsenal isn’t far behind. He may be somewhat streaky, but he’ll post excellent overall numbers. Note: The Phillies see him as a top-of-the-rotation starter, but given his cocky attitude and assortment of out pitches, we wouldn’t be at all surprised to see him closing games at some point.

3) Jake Peavy – SP, Padres

A late draft pick who combines skills and smarts, Peavy has been underrated throughout his career. Don’t make the same mistake. Whether you grab him for his high k/ip ratio or for the composure that sets him apart from other players his age, you won’t be disappointed.

4) Jack Cust – OF, Rockies

Cust’s defense has been much maligned, but the Rockies aren’t terribly concerned. Besides, a good glove isn’t what we’re looking for from a fantasy player. If he sticks with the Rockies, Cust could become the next great power hitter. If not, he could turn into a have-bat-will-travel type or wind up as a DH in the AL. NL-only players may wish to be cautious, but it’s hard to pass on a pure masher playing at Coors. Points leaguers should also take his high k totals into account, although he’ll get enough walks to compensate.

5) Marlon Byrd – OF, Phillies

After a lackluster 2000 season, Byrd finally put together all the pieces that make him one of baseball’s top five-category prospects. The one negative in an otherwise stellar resum頩s his relatively high age, but all other factors point to Byrd being able to perform well at the major league level. Expect to see him in the Phillies’ outfield very soon.

6) Mark Teixeira – 3B?, Rangers

While health is a concern, Teixeira has more pure potential than any other hitter in the minors today. Teixeira is a switch-hitting slugger in the Lance Berkman mold who has scouts around the league drooling. Just don’t draft him based on positional scarcity – a move to the outfield is possible.

7) Carl Crawford – OF, Devil Rays

With good speed and developing power, Crawford has eclipsed Josh Hamilton as the Rays’ best prospect. Crawford is still somewhat raw; hopefully, Tampa Bay will give him the time he needs to develop. Given the scarcity of speed in the AL, Crawford could become a top-notch fantasy player.

8) Choo Freeman – OF, Rockies

Two Rockies outfielders in the top ten? This wouldn’t by any chance have anything to do with that ballpark in Denver, would it? Yes, being in the Rockies organization elevates Freeman’s value, but with the way he’s putting everything together now, he’d be an excellent prospect anywhere. If the Rockies tire of Cust’s glove – not to mention Benny Agbayani and Todd Hollandsworth – Freeman could be an important cog in Colorado’s lineup for a long time.

9) Chris Snelling – OF, Mariners

Remarkably advaneced for his age, Snelling has the potential to be at the forefront of the next generation of hitters. Already blessed with a great eye for hitting, the Mariners are hopeful he’ll develop power as he gains experience. Don’t expect to see him in Seattle this year, but remember his name.

10) Brandon Claussen – SP, Yankees

A lefty who led the minors in strikeouts in 2001, Claussen could turn into a very solid pitcher if he continues to improve his control. The prospect of playing for that team in the Bronx doesn’t hurt his value, either.

11) Mike Cuddyer – OF, Twins

So he won’t play 3B. Never mind – Cuddyer can flat out hit.

12) Wilson Betemit – SS/3B?, Braves

Has all the tools except speed. Could become the next great Brave.

13) Jose Lopez – SS, Mariners

Only eighteen years old, Lopez is worth keeping an eye on. He could be very special.

14) Adrian Gonzalez – 1B, Marlins

Whether he can add power to his list of skills will determine just how valuable he can become.

15) Josh Phelps – C, Blue Jays

Catchers who can hit are always worth watching.

16) Boof Bonser – SP, Giants

Not just a great name, Bonser has the stuff to dominate.

17) Joe Borchard – OF, White Sox

Some see him as challenging for a home run title a couple of years down the road.

18) Jesse Foppert – SP, Giants

Can the Giants find room for all the arms in their system? Foppert should certainly be among those that make it in the bigs.

19) Orlando Hudson – 2B, Blue Jays

Should provide above average offense at 2B.

20) Jimmy Gobble – SP, Royals

Grab him while he’s still unknown. He’ll be on everybody’s wish list soon.

21) Chin-Feng Chen – 1B, Dodgers
22) Alexis Gomez – OF, Royals
23) Oscar Villareal – SP, Diamondbacks
24) Jon Hart – 1B, Brewers
25) Eric Bedard – SP, Orioles
26) Jeff Austin – RP, Royals
27) Rocco Baldelli – OF, Devil Rays
28) Brandon Phillips – SS, Expos
29) Joe Mauer – C, Twins
30) Chris Burke – SS, Astros
31) Tim Hummel – 2B, White Sox
32) Josh Hamilton – OF, Devil Rays
33) Hee Seop Choi – 1B, Cubs
34) Eric Cyr – SP, Padres
35) Jerome Williams – SP, Giants
36) Jim Journell – SP, Cardinals
37) Chad Tracy – 3B, Diamondbacks
38) John-Ford Griffin – OF, Yankees
39) Mario Ramos – SP, A’s
40) Jae-Kuk Ryu – SP, Cubs
41) Justin Morneau – 1B, Twins
42) Bobby Bradley – SP, Pirates
43) Drew Henson – 3B, Yankees
44) Ryan Anderson – SP, Mariners
45) Kelly Johnson – OF?, Braves
46) Mike McClung – SP, Devil Rays
47) Casey Kotchman – 1B, Angels
48) Francisco Rodriguez – SP, Angels
49) Antonio Perez – SS, Mariners
50) J.R. House – C, Pirates