Life On The Farm: Texas Rangers (# 1)

The top system coming into the year, is it still at the end of the year?

Graduated To Majors: Julio Borbon (OF, # 9), Greg Golson (OF, # 26), Craig Gentry (OF, UR), Elvis Andrus (SS, # 4), Joaquin Arias (SS, # 27), Taylor Teagarden (C, # 6), Max Ramirez (C, # 10), Neftali Feliz (SP, # 1), Tommy Hunter (SP, # 17), Guillermo Moscoso (SP, # 23), Doug Mathis (SP, UR), Warner Madrigal (RP, # 14), Pedro Strop (RP, UR), Derek Holland (SP, # 2)

The Rest Of The Top 10 (with quick commentary)
Hitters: BA-OBP-SLG, AB, HR-RBI, BB-K, SB-CS
Pitchers: G-GS, W-L, ERA, IP-H-HR-BB-K

3 - Justin Smoak: 1B
R: .667-.714-2.000, 6, 2-5, 1-1, 0-0
AA: .328-.449-.481, 183, 6-29, 39-35, 0-0
AAA: .244-.363-.360, 197, 4-23, 35-45, 0-0
Quick Take: Finally hit some struggles in AAA, but has a good shot at making his debut next season.

5 - Martin Perez: SP
Lo A: 22-14, 5-5, 2.31, 93.2-82-3-33-105
AA: 5-5, 1-3, 5.57, 21-29-2-5-14
Quick Take: Got a big late promotion to AA and looks like he should start next year at High A.

7 - Engel Beltre: OF
R: .300-.364-.600, 10, 0-0, 0-3, 2-0
Hi A: .227-.281-.317, 357, 3-23, 17-77, 17-7
AA: .071-.133-.143, 14, 0-1, 0-2, 1-0
Quick Take: Rough year for Beltre and looks to be a little further away then previously thought.

8 - Michael Main: SP
R: 2-2, 0-0, 0.00, 3-3-0-0-5
Hi A: 14-12, 4-6, 6.83, 58-72-9-37-49
Quick Take: Rough year for the once touted prep righty and will look to bounce back next season.

AAA: Oklahoma City RedHawks (PCL)
Breakout Hitter: Julio Borbon (# 9): .307-.367-.386, 407, 2-34, 33-40, 25-7
Disappointing Hitter: Jose Vallejo (# 18): .233-.282-.307, 309, 2-28, 22-73, 3-2
Breakout Pitcher: Warner Madrigal (# 14): 42-0, 2-2, 2.57, 49-42-5-11-48
Disappointing Pitcher: Josh Rupe (UL): 24-14, 5-7, 6.67, 89-115-5-41-62
Quick Take: Borbon made his major league debut and looks to try and take the leadoff hitter job for next season. Madrigal showed that he has the chance to be a strong middle reliever for the major league team. Vallejo's struggles got him included in the Pudge Rodriguez trade to Houston, where he will try to regain his prospect status. Rupe was supposed to be a solid option for Texas in the pen, but he struggled throughout the season.

AA: Frisco RoughRiders (TL)
Breakout Hitter: Mitch Moreland (UR): .326-.373-.488, 301, 8-59, 23-42, 1-1
Disappointing Hitter: Steve Murphy (UR): .200-.265-.384, 255, 10-41, 19-66, 3-2
Breakout Pitcher: Kasey Kiker (# 19): 25-23, 7-7, 3.86, 126-108-9-66-120
Disappointing Pitcher: John Bannister (# 30): 24-0, 3-3, 6.30, 30-29-4-14-22
Quick Take: Moreland saw his growth accelerate after he stopped focusing on both pitching and hitting and instead on just hitting. He just has a Texas sized detriment in front of him and the future 1st base job named Justin Smoak. Kiker, a former 1st round lefty, appears finally ready to capitalize on all his promise. Murphy struggles at AAA got him demoted to AA where he encountered even more struggles while Bannister struggles led him to ending up in the Royals system.

Hi A: Bakersfield Blaze (CL)
Breakout Hitter: Elio Sarmiento (UL): .344-.415-.475, 183, 2-25, 19-35, 3-2
Disappointing Hitter: Engel Beltre (# 7): Line above.
Breakout Pitcher: Zach Phillips (UR): 16-3, 2-3, 1.23, 44-19-1-11-46
Disappointing Pitcher: Tim Murphy (# 22): 27-26, 10-10, 6.80, 135-184-12-59-86
Quick Take: Sarmiento appears ready to take back the shine from his prospect star. Phillips, a former lefty starter, converted to the pen and showed a quick acceleration. Getting a midseason promotion to AA, he appeared in 20 games and had a 1.60 ERA with 19 walks against 29 strikeouts in 33 and 2/3 innings. Beltre showed he wasn't quite ready for the big time while Murphy took a huge step back.

Lo A: Hickory Crawdads (SAL)
Breakout Hitter: Mike Bianucci (UR): .331-.401-.600, 260, 15-49, 24-50, 8-5
Disappointing Hitter: Cristian Santana (UR): .224-.275-.458, 312, 18-56, 19-113, 2-2
Breakout Pitcher: Martin Perez (# 5): Line above.
Disappointing Pitcher: Joe Wieland (# 16): 19-18, 4-6, 5.31, 83-102-7-24-73
Quick Take: Bianucci, an 8th round pick in 2008, had a huge year in his full-season debut, but had some struggles in High A. However, in 458 minor league at bats split between the 2 levels, he put up 30 homers and 90 runs batted in with 458 at bats. Perez showed he is amongst the better left handed prospects in the game. Santana struggled in his full-season debut while Wieland experienced the same types of struggles.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Justin Smoak: 1B
One of the top hitting prospects in the minors.
2) Martin Perez: LHP
One of the better left handed prospects in the game.
3) Tanner Scheppers: RHP
One of the top arms available should move quickly through the system.
4) Danny Gutierrez: RHP
Starter acquired from Kansas City looks to regain his prospect status.
5) Wilmer Font: RHP
Made a strong full-season debut at Low A (29-24, 8-3, 3.49, 108.1-93-4-59-105)
6) Robbie Ross: LHP
Starter made his pro debut and threw well at SS. 15-15, 4-4, 2.66, 74.1-68-5-17-76
7) Kasey Kiker: LHP
Lefty may be able to make pro debut as soon as next season.
8) Blake Beavan: RHP
Prep righty got a promotion got a midseason promotion to AA.
9) Zach Phillips: LHP
Lefty may be able to make team out of spring training as a lefty reliever.
10) Mike Bianucci: OF
Anytime an outfielder hits 30 homers in his full-season debut, they tend to accelerate up.

Dropped From Top 10: Beltre (# 7), Main (# 8)

Final Overview: Once the hallmark system, this system graduated a ton to the majors and it shows with this latest Top 10 list. Still deep in pitchers, this list would look much better if they would have been able to sign left hander Tyler Purke, regarded as the 2nd best prep lefty behind Tyler Matzek. Need some of their raw hitters to come through, but this system is still fairly strong.

Life On The Farm: Florida Marlins (# 2)

The 2nd best system last year, is it still a hallmark this year?

Graduated To Majors: Cameron Maybin (OF, # 1), Brett Carroll (OF, UR), Chris Coghlan (2B, # 9), Gaby Sanchez (1B, # 8), Brett Hayes (C, # 26), Burke Badenhop (RP, UR), Chris Leroux (RP, # 16), Tim Wood (RP, # 17), Eulogio De La Cruz (RP, # 23, now with Padres), Sean West (SP, # 4), Graham Taylor (SP, # 30), Dan Meyer (RP, # 27)

The Rest Of The Top 10 (with quick commentary)
Hitters: BA-OBP-SLG, AB, HR-RBI, BB-K, SB-CS
Pitchers: G-GS, W-L, ERA, IP-H-HR-BB-K

2 - Mike Stanton: OF
Hi A: .294-.390-.578, 180, 12-39, 28-45, 2-2
AA: .231-.311-.455, 299, 16-53, 31-99, 1-1
Quick Take: Continues to show his massive power potential.

3 - Logan Morrison: 1B
Hi A: .273-.333-.364, 11, 0-2, 1-2, 0-1
AA: .277-.411-.442, 278, 8-47, 63-46, 9-4
Quick Take: Showed above average on-base ability and bat control, but struggled to hit for power.

5 - Ryan Tucker: RHP
R: 2-2, 1-0, 2.25, 8-5-0-2-7
AAA: 4-4, 1-2, 8.04, 15.2-18-1-14-7
Quick Take: Lost season, ended up on the DL with a knee issue.

6 - Matt Dominguez: 3B
Hi A: .262-.333-.420, 381, 11-53, 38-68, 1-0
AA: .186-.292-.320, 97, 2-9, 14-24, 0-0
Quick Take: Still extremely special at third base, but bat is still a question mark.

7 - Kyle Skipworth: C
Lo A: .208-.263, .348, 264, 7-37, 18-91, 1-2
Quick Take: Likely moved too aggressively and needs to repeat Low A.

10 - Jose Ceda: RHP
DNP
Quick Take: Placed on DL in April, likely due to a shoulder related injury he had prior to being acquired, though that is speculation.

AAA: New Orleans Zephyrs (PCL)
Breakout Hitter: Chris Coghlan (# 9): .344-.418-.552, 96, 3-22, 12-10, 9-1
Disappointing Hitter: Brett Hayes (# 26): .240-.281-.324, 321, 4-37, 20-66, 2-0
Breakout Pitcher: Rick VandenHurk (UL): 11-11, 5-2, 2.87, 59.2-43-3-16-51
Disappointing Pitcher: Brett Sinkbeil (# 12): 47-8, 2-8, 6.07, 83-106-9-44-52
Quick Take: Coghlan went from tweener offensive prospect to one of the top young hitters in the game. VandenHurk appears ready to be a full-time starter in the bigs. Hayes, despite a big league promotion, struggled to get going offensively. Sinkbeil has struggled since graduating to the advanced minors (AA and AAA) the last 2 years.

AA: Jacksonville Suns (SL)
Breakout Hitter: Bryan Petersen (# 19): .297-.368-.413, 431, 7-49, 50-66, 13-12
Disappointing Hitter: Lee Mitchell (UR): .227-.339-.378, 362, 11-54, 62-129, 1-0
Breakout Pitcher: Graham Taylor (# 30): 23-23, 8-7, 3.69, 126.2-115-9-54-71
Disappointing Pitcher: None
Quick Take: Petersen may be ready to make his major league debut next season while Taylor got his first major league debut this season. Mitchell struggled to get going this past season. The Suns had tremendous pitching performances from just about everyone that appeared in Jacksonville.

Hi A: Jupiter Hammerheads (FSL)
Breakout Hitter: Mike Stanton (# 2): Line above.
Dissapointing Hitter: Smelin Perez (UL): .181-.256-.241, 116, 2-6, 10-18, 5-3
Breakout Pitcher: Elih Villanueva (UL): 26-25, 9-12, 3.47, 158-159-10-18-110
Disappointing Pitcher: Derell McCall (UL): 10-8, 1-3, 6.47, 40.1-52-6-15-27
Quick Take: Stanton is one of the finest hitting prospects in the game while Villanueva was the best of a lot of similar pitching lines of Hammerheads. Perez struggled offensively at 3 different levels while McCall's performance got him released.

Lo A: Greensboro Grasshoppers (SAL)
Breakout Hitter: Jeremy Synan (UL): .291-.353-.483, 375, 13-63, 33-84, 4-6
Disappointing Hitter: Kyle Skipworth (# 7): Line above.
Breakout Pitcher: Brad Hand (# 18): 26-26, 7-13, 4.86, 127.2-130-12-66-122
Disappointing Pitcher: Graham Johnson (UL): 20-20, 6-7, 4.83, 91.1-100-8-47-52
Quick Take: Synan had a strong midseason debut and got a quick promotion to High A, where he had some struggles. Hand showed a good strikeout rate in his big league debut from the left side. Skipworth struggled through his full-season debut while Johnson didn't do much in his full-season debut.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Mike Stanton: OF
Maybe a step behind Heyward in regards to prospects.
2) Logan Morrison: 1B
Still a pretty good looking prospect at first base.
3) Chad James: LHP
Lefty was 18th overall pick and set to make pro debut next season.
4) Matt Dominguez: 3B
Still ahead of schedule and profiles as a starting third basemen.
5) Kyle Skipworth: C
Prep catcher looks to finally show off hitting ability.
6) P.J. Dean: RHP
Likely will make full-season debut next season.
7) Bryan Berglund: RHP
High school righty was 2nd round pick and set to make pro debut next year.
8) Bryan Petersen: OF
Set to make pro debut next season if he can play well at AAA next year.
9) Brad Hand: LHP
Lefty had good strikeout numbers in pro debut.
10) Jose Ceda: RHP
If he can rebound from an arm injury, he could debut next season.

Dropped From Top 10: Tucker (# 5)

Final Overview: System lost a lot with promotions to majors, but still has some touted guys in it, led by Stanton. First round pick James is another top lefty pitching prospect. A system in a little it of transition and is likely closer to mid teens then amongst the best.

Life On The Farm: Oakland Athletics (# 3)

Is this system still strong after a rash of defections?

Graduated To Majors: Aaron Cunningham (OF, # 4), Cliff Pennington (SS, # 17), Landon Powell (C, UR), Trevor Cahill (SP, # 2), Vin Mazzarro (SP, # 8), Ryan Webb (RP, UR, now with Padres), Henry Rodriguez (RP, # 14), Andrew Bailey (RP, # 23), Brett Anderson (SP, # 1), Gio Gonzalez (SP, # 7), Josh Outman (SP, # 12), Jerry Blevins (RP, # 20), Brad Kilby (RP, UR)

The Rest Of The Top 10 (with quick commentary)
Hitters: BA-OBP-SLG, AB, HR-RBI, BB-K, SB-CS
Pitchers: G-GS, W-L, ERA, IP-H-HR-BB-K

3 - Michael Ynoa: RHP
DNP
Quick Take: Spent the year in extended spring training to get acclimated to the states and build arm strength.

5 - Adrian Cardenas: 2B
AA: .326-.392-.446, 325, 3-55, 38-44, 5-4
AAA: .251-.317-.372, 183, 1-24, 17-29, 3-2
Quick Take: Struggled in a quick look at AAA and will likely start next season there.

6 - Chris Carter: 1B
AA: .337-.435-.576, 490, 24-101, 82-119, 13-5
AAA: .259-.293-.519, 54, 4-14, 3-14, 0-1
Quick Take: In his brief look at AAA, he once again showed his above average power potential.

9 - Jemile Weeks: 2B
Hi A: .299-.385-.468, 201, 7-31, 26-40, 5-1
AA: .238-.303-.343, 105, 2-13, 10-16, 4-0
Quick Take: Likely starts next year at AA after playing in the Futures Game.

10 - James Simmons: RHP
AAA: 23-22, 7-7, 5.72, 119.2-139-8-47-81
Quick Take: Skipped AA and jumped from High A and had some struggles.

AAA: Sacramento River Cats (PCL)
Breakout Hitter: Tommy Everidge (UL): .368-.428-.632, 201, 12-41, 23-34, 0-0
Disappointing Hitter: Gregorio Petit (UR): .244-.292-.336, 357, 5-32, 26-83, 0-2
Breakout Pitcher: Gio Gonzalez (# 7): 12-12, 4-1, 2.51, 61-42-5-34-71
Disappointing Pitcher: James Simmons (# 10): Line above.
Quick Take: Everidge earned a quick midseason look in Oakland and didn't look too out of place. Gonzalez capitalized on his strong half season at AAA to get a look in Oakland's rotation. Petit was expected to be the first call-up if the team needed an utility infielder while Simmons is in need of a bounceback season.

AA: Midland RockHounds (TL)
Breakout Hitter: Chris Carter (# 6): Line above.
Dissapointing Hitter: Josh Horton (UR): .263-.343-.357, 510, 5-62, 65-65, 9-3
Breakout Pitcher: Graham Godfrey (UR): 28-28, 11-8, 3.50, 159.1-153-8-51-110
Disappointing Pitcher: James Heuser (UL): 32-0, 0-2, 6.03, 37.1-40-3-33-37
Quick Take: Carter earned a quick 1-month promotion to AAA while Godfrey showed a semblance of a strikeout rate, which is better then most of the other RockHounds. Horton had the worst season of a pretty strong group of hitters while Heuser's struggles got him released.

Hi A: Stockton Ports (CL)
Breakout Hitter: Grant Desme (# 30): .304-.398-.656, 227, 20-51, 33-67, 16-5
Disappointing Hitter: Christian Vitters (UL): .216-.280-.367, 305, 8-39, 25-80, 4-2
Breakout Pitcher: Ben Hornbeck (UL): 21-11, 5-4, 3.52, 76.2-64-3-32-111
Disappointing Pitcher: Craig Italiano (# 24): 16-16, 5-6, 5.63, 76.2-83-6-40-75
Quick Take: Desme had a huge year and got a look in the Arizona Fall League. Hornbeck showed a great strikeout rate and solid command. Vitters had some struggles. Italiano has failed to capitalize on his former 1st round pick status.

Lo A: Kane County Cougars (ML)
Breakout Hitter: Steve Kleen (UL): .282-.358-.436, 259, 8-46, 28-45, 3-3
Disappointing Hitter: Carlos Arrieche (UL): .180-.232-.205, 239, 1-16, 13-48, 0-4
Breakout Pitcher: Anthony Capra (UR): 18-18, 4-7, 3.24, 100-70-9-40-103
Disappointing Pitcher: Brett Hunter (# 19): 21-8, 0-1, 6.85, 47.1-38-2-59-55
Quick Take: Kleen, a 26 year old OF, excelled in his midseason promotion at Hi A, hitting .342 with 7 homers. Capra got a promotion to Hi A for the last half of the season in his full-season debut and continued to excel, posting a line of 9-9, 2-2, 3.12, 52-42-6-21-67. Arrieche had a lot of struggles while Hunter showed no command of his stuff.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Chris Carter: 1B
Futures Game alum shows massive power potential.
2) Brett Wallace: 1B
Top prospect acquired from Cardinals may be ready for debut next season.
3) Grant Green: SS
1st round pick this past June had a chance to go # 1 overall.
4) Michael Ynoa: RHP
Will likely make a debut in R ball next season.
5) Adrian Cardenas: 2B
May make his debut next season.
6) Jemile Weeks: 2B
Set to start next year at AA and compete with Cardenas to be the A's 2B of the future.
7) Josh Donaldson: C
Passed the AA test and looks ready to be a solid contributor to the big league team eventually (.270-.379-.415, 455, 9-91, 80-92, 7-2)
8) Sam Demel: RHP
In 55 games split between AA and AAA, the reliever struck out 59 in 61.2 innings.
9) Max Stassi: C
3rd round pick was regarded as one of the top catchers available.
10) Grant Desme: OF
One of the true breakout prospects for the Athletics this past year, can he maintain the level of production?

Dropped From Top 10: None.

Final Overview: This system has taken a step back due to the starting pitching graduations, though the acquisition of Brett Wallace provided some support. The team has offensive players coming through the system who should be able to provide some help to those young pitchers. Grant Green looked like a solid 1st round pick and should be an above average shortstop option down the line. Stocked full of bats now and a lot of middle infield prospects, this is likely an early teens system now.

Stats Vs. Scouts: 2006

Everyone likes to say there is some sort of divide between stats and scouts, but they tend to work together (at least according to a GM) on establishing the true value of a player. For instance, if a player oozes tools, but never performs, then he isn't helpful. However, if a player oozes stats at Low A, there still needs to be a scout there to tell you if those tools will play in the majors.

Here is where I thought something would be interesting. Baseball America is widely believed to be a SCOUTING magazine while Baseball Prospectus is widely believed to be a SABERMETRIC publication. So, since I have every prospect handbook and started getting Baseball Prospectus's since 2006, lets compare their Top 50 lists! (I have zero life obviously, b/c I think this would be fun...)

Bottom line is that these rankings come down to this:

BP: Prospects done by Rany Jazayerli, Dayn Perry and BP (according to their '06 book)
BA: Taking Jim Callis' (widely regarded as Mel Kiper Jr. of baseball prospects) Top 50.

Let the fun begin! I will put the prospect in parenthesis of where he ranked in the BA Handbook next to the BP Prospect and vice versa, unless they are the exact same.

2006 Top 50's
BA 1: Delmon Young: OF
BP 1: Delmon Young: OF

BA 2: Brandon Wood: SS (# 6)
BP 2: Jeremy Hermida: OF (# 3)

BA 3: Jeremy Hermida: OF (# 2)
BP 3: Ryan Zimmerman: 3B (# 21)

BA 4: Stephen Drew: SS (# 19)
BP 4: Francisco Liriano: LHP (# 7)

BA 5: Alex Gordon: 3B (# 10)
BP 5: Howie Kendrick: 2B (# 18)

BA 6: Prince Fielder: 1B (# 9)
BP 6: Brandon Wood: SS (# 2)

BA 7: Francisco Liriano: LHP (# 4)
BP 7: Andy Marte: 3B (# 13)

BA 8: Lastings Milledge: OF (# 13)
BP 8: Chris Young : OF (# 24)

BA 9: Matt Cain: RHP (# 12)
BP 9: Prince Fielder: 1B (# 6)

BA 10: Chad Billingsley: RHP (# 24)
BP 10: Alex Gordon: 3B (# 5)

BA 11: Ian Stewart: 3B (# 16)
BP 11: Dustin Pedroia: 2B (UR)

BA 12: Conor Jackson: 1B (UR)
BP 12: Matt Cain: RHP (# 9)

BA 13: Andy Marte: 3B (# 7)
BP 13: Lastings Milledge: OF (# 8)

BA 14: Carlos Quentin: OF (# 27)
BP 14: Joel Guzman: SS (# 29)

BA 15: Justin Verlander: RHP
BP 15: Justin Verlander: RHP

BA 16: Jon Lester: LHP (UR)
BP 16: Ian Stewart: 3B (# 11)

BA 17: Andy LaRoche: 3B (# 22)
BP 17: Jeremy Sowers: LHP (UR)

BA 18: Howie Kendrick: 2B (# 5)
BP 18: Daric Barton: 1B (# 25)

BA 19: Billy Butler: OF (# 20)
BP 19: Stephen Drew: SS (# 4)

BA 20: Troy Tulowitzki: SS (UR)
BP 20: Billy Butler: OF (# 19)

BA 21: Ryan Zimmerman: 3B (# 3)
BP 21: Kenji Johjima: C (UR)

BA 22: Jonathan Papelbon: RHP (# 36)
BP 22: Andy LaRoche: 3B (# 17)

BA 23: Jarrod Saltalamacchia: C
BP 23: Jarrod Saltalamacchia: C

BA 24: Chris Young: OF (# 8)
BP 24: Chad Billingsley: RHP (# 10)

BA 25: Daric Barton: 1B (# 18)
BP 25: Anthony Reyes: RHP (# 42)

BA 26: Felix Pie: OF (# 29)
BP 26: Kendry Morales: 1B (# 47)

BA 27: Nick Markakis: OF (# 32)
BP 27: Carlos Quentin: OF (# 14)

BA 28: Carlos Gonzalez: OF (UR)
BP 28: Joel Zumaya: RHP (UR)

BA 29: Joel Guzman: SS (# 14)
BP 29: Felix Pie: OF (# 26)

BA 30: Hanley Ramirez: SS (UR)
BP 30: Jeff Clement: C (# 35)

BA 31: Jason Kubel: OF (UR)
BP 31: Brian Anderson: OF (UR)

BA 32: Cameron Maybin: OF (UR)
BP 32: Nick Markakis: OF (# 27)

BA 33: Anibal Sanchez: RHP (UR)
BP 33: Yusmeiro Petit: RHP (UR)

BA 34: Scott Olsen: LHP (UR)
BP 34: Justin Huber: 1B (UR)

BA 35: Jeff Clement: C (# 30)
BP 35: Jered Weaver: RHP (# 46)

BA 36: Ryan Braun: 3B (# 37)
BP 36: Jonathan Papelbon: RHP (# 22)

BA 37: Russell Martin: C (UR)
BP 37: Ryan Braun (# 36)

BA 38: Scott Elbert: LHP (UR)
BP 38: Paul Maholm: LHP (UR)

BA 39: Dustin McGowan: RHP (UR)
BP 39: Ian Kinsler: 2B (UR)

BA 40: Homer Bailey: RHP (UR)
BP 40: Phil Hughes: RHP (# 44)

BA 41: Adam Miller: RHP (UR)
BP 41: Justin Upton: SS (Hadn't signed, so not included on BA's list)

BA 42: Anthony Reyes: RHP (# 25)
BP 42: Mike Jacobs: 1B (UR)

BA 43: Bobby Jenks: RHP (UR)
BP 43: Fernando Cabrera: RHP (UR)

BA 44: Phillip Hughes: RHP (# 40)
BP 44: Adam Jones: (UR)

BA 45: Erick Aybar: SS (# 50)
BP 45: Craig Hansen: RHP (UR)

BA 46: Jered Weaver: RHP (# 35)
BP 46: Chris Snelling: OF (UR)

BA 47: Kendry Morales: 1B (# 26)
BP 47: Rich Hill: LHP (UR)

BA 48: Jason Hirsh: RHP (UR)
BP 48: Josh Willingham: OF (UR)

BA 49: Troy Patton: LHP (UR)
BP 49: Josh Barfield: 2B (UR)

BA 50: Cole Hamels: LHP (UR)
BP 50: Erick Aybar: SS (# 45)

BA Prospects Not Ranked By BP:
# 12 Conor Jackson (Honorable Mention)
# 16 Jon Lester (Honorable Mention)
# 20 Troy Tulowitzki
# 28 Carlos Gonzalez (Honorable Mention)
# 30 Hanley Ramirez (Honorable Mention)
# 31 Jason Kubel
# 32 Cameron Maybin
# 33 Anibal Sanchez
# 34 Scott Olsen
# 37 Russell Martin (Honorable Mention)
# 38 Scott Elbert
# 39 Dustin McGowan
# 40 Homer Bailey
# 41 Adam Miller
# 43 Bobby Jenks
# 48 Jason Hirsh
# 49 Troy Patton
# 50 Cole Hamels (Honorable Mention)

BP Prospects Not Ranked By BA:
# 11 Dustin Pedroia
# 17 Jeremy Sowers
# 21 Kenji Johjima
# 28 Joel Zumaya
# 31 Brian Anderson
# 33 Yusmeiro Petit
# 34 Justin Huber
# 38 Paul Maholm
# 39 Ian Kinsler
# 42 Mike Jacobs
# 43 Fernando Cabrera
# 44 Adam Jones
# 45 Craig Hansen
# 46 Chris Snelling
# 47 Rich Hill
# 48 Josh Willingham
# 49 Josh Barfield

Conclusion: In looking at groups that both missed, there are big similarities. In the BP group that BA missed includes command and control pitchers Sowers, Petit, Maholm and Hill, with only Petit being a righty. Also, the BP group helped to account for some of BA's absence of undersized middle infielders, such as Pedroia, Kinsler and Barfield. Missing from the BP list when matched with the BA list were (no surprise) high upside, unfinished products in '06 including H.Ramirez, Gonzalez, Maybin and high velocity arms such as Bailey, Lester, Elbert and Jenks.

Overall, this is probably what you would expect. However, in just looking at the names of the respective Top 50, it appears Jim Callis did a better job then BP. Both had 5 guys in their top 31 that the other didn't list, and I think Callis's selections were better. Here they are in a good format for you:

BA: Conor Jackson, Jon Lester, Troy Tulowitzki, Carlos Gonzalez & Hanley Ramirez
BP: Dustin Pedroia, Jeremy Sowers, Kenji Johjima, Joel Zumaya & Brian Anderson

Overall, there were also some surprises. BA, who tends to lean towards tools, had Alex Gordon listed higher then BP, though that may have been due to a lack of track record that BP likes to have. Billy Butler was another surprise that BA had higher (though by just 1 spot). BP ranked guys like Howie Kendrick (who I get into arguments with guys who lean toward sabermetrics alot about his upside), Andy Marte and Chris Young all higher then BA.

What are your thoughts on both breaking down these 2006 lists and in the player evaluation methods as a whole?

Life On The Farm: Tampa Bay Rays (# 4)

Still stacked to help for a possible run next year?

Graduated To Majors: Fernando Perez (CF, # 14), Reid Brignac (SS, # 4), Wade Davis (SP, # 3), Jeff Niemann (SP, # 10), David Price (SP, # 1).

The Rest Of The Top 10 (with quick commentary)
Hitters: AVG-OBP-SLG, AB, HR-RBI, BB-K, SB-CS
Pitchers: G-GS, W-L, ERA, IP-H-HR-BB-K

2 - Tim Beckham: SS
Lo A: .275-.328-.389, 491, 5-63, 34-116, 13-10
Quick Take: Solid full season debut for 2008 # 1 overall pick.

5 - Desmond Jennings: CF
AA: .316-.395-.486, 383, 8-45, 48-52, 37-5
AAA: .325-.419-.491, 114, 3-17, 19-15, 15-2
Quick Take: Huge season and shows he might be major league ready at spring trianing.

6 - Matt Moore: LHP
Lo A: 26-26, 8-5, 3.15, 123-86-6-70-176
Quick Take: An insane strikeout rate with some control issues.

7 - Nick Barnese: RHP
Lo A: 15-15, 6-5, 2.53, 74.2-56-3-25-62
Quick Take: Solid full season debut was held off early in the year due to a slight shoulder issue.

8 - Jeremy Hellickson: RHP
AA: 11-11, 3-1, 2.38, 56.2-41-4-14-62
AAA: 9-9, 6-1, 2.51, 57.1-31-4-15-70
Quick Take: Righty looks ready to contend for a rotation spot in spring training.

9 - Jake McGee: LHP
R: 5-5, 0-2, 3.52, 7.2-5-0-3-14
Hi A: 11-11, 0-2, 6.45, 22.1-26-2-9-26
Quick Take: Lefty making the return from Tommy John surgery returned with his good strikeout rate.

AAA: Durham Bulls (IL)
Breakout Hitter: Rhyne Hughes (UR): .313-.361-.533, 214, 7-26, 12-69, 0-0
Disappointing Hitter: Chris Nowak (UR): .228-.294-.346, 228, 4-23, 18-54, 2-1
Breakout Pitcher: Wade Davis (# 3): 28-28, 10-8, 3.40, 158.2-139-14-60-140
Disappointing Pitcher: James Houser (UR): 18-15, 4-5, 5.16, 82-83-10-50-44
Quick Take: Hughes takes his act to Baltimore after being the PTBNL in the Gregg Zaun trade while Wade Davis looks ready to establish himself as a solid starter in the majors next season. Nowak struggled in his 1st exposure at AAA while Houser's performance got him released.

AA: Montgomery Biscuits (SL)
Breakout Hitter: Desmond Jennings (# 5): Line above.
Disappointing Hitter: Matt Spring (UR): .196-.272-.362, 224, 8-33, 22-74, 0-0
Breakout Pitcher: Jeremy Hellickson (# 8): Line above.
Disappointing Pitcher: Ryan Morse (UL): 20-14, 4-6, 4.84, 74.1-80-7-38-40
Quick Take: Jennings and Hellickson look ready to compete for jobs in spring training. Spring had some struggles, but if he can just turn the batting average up, the other tools appear to be there. Morse was decent for a team that saw a lot of good performances from their pitchers.

Hi A: Charlotte Stone Crabs (FSL)
Breakout Hitter: Cody Cipriano (UL): .297-.402-.456, 239, 5-35, 39-60, 8-6
Disappointing Hitter: Omar Luna (UL): .185-.219-.216, 259, 0-19, 11-32, 5-3
Breakout Pitcher: David Newmann (UL): 24-24. 9-6, 3.44, 131-108-6-46-128
Disappointing Pitcher: Jesse Darcy (UR): 22-16, 3-9, 5.24, 103-128-14-21-45
Quick Take: Cipriano came back healthy and showed solid offensive stats and earned a midseason promotion to AA. Newmann also returned healthy and showed good stuff from the left side. Luna struggled badly and now will likely begin the conversion to utility infielder while Darcy did not build on his season last year.

Lo A: Bowling Green Hot Rods (SAL)
Breakout Hitter: Kyeon Kang (# 27): .307-.390-.491, 316, 5-42, 40-74, 10-5
Disappointing Hitter: Mike McCormick (# 26): .165-.272-.252, 218, 4-13, 29-76, 1-0
Breakout Pitcher: Matt Moore (# 6): Line above.
Disappointing Pitcher: Shane Dyer (UR): 25-16, 1-10, 5.06, 101.1-121-3-32-76
Quick Take: Kang had a strong full-season debut and earned a chance to play in the Futures Game. Moore was tremendous and shows a huge upside as a lefty starter. McCormick didn't hit again as he was repeating Low A and has likely lost his prospect status. Dyer had some struggles in his full-season debut.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Desmond Jennings: CF
The next Carl Crawford?
2) Matt Moore: LHP
176 K's against 123 innings is absolutely incredible, especially from a lefty starter.
3) Tim Beckham: SS
1st overall pick will likely move up to High A.
4) Jeremy Hellickson: RHP
Will contend to start next year next to Wade Davis in the Rays rotation.
5) Kyle Lobstein: LHP
Starter put up good numbers at SS (14-14, 3-5, 2.58, 73.1-55-4-23-74) and will make his full season debut next year.
6) Nick Barnese: RHP
May repeat Low A next year, but likely will start at High A for his first exposure at playing a true full season.
7) Jake McGee: LHP
Lefty will enter 2nd year back from TJS, usually the year they return with command.
8) Alex Colome: RHP
Righty went 7-4, 1.66 in 15 starts at SS, striking out 94 against 32 walks in 76 innings. Will likely start next yeat at Low A.
9) Alex Cobb: RHP
Righty went 8-5, 3.03 in 24 games, 23 starts at High A, striking out 107 against 31 walks in 124 and 2/3 innings and will look to pass AA test next year.
10) David Newmann: LHP
Lefty flew under the radar, but pro debut was made last year at High A after being a 2nd round pick in 2007 and rehabbing from TJS.

Dropped From Top 10: None.

Final Overview: Man, this system is still really loaded and still a top 5 system. They have an absolute wealth of starting pitching from both the left and right sides, with it stationed at seemingly every level of the system. Failed to sign their 1st round pick, which was another toolsy OF, but this system could withhold that for 1 year at least. Desperately in need of some bats, they have the pitching depth to make some sort of deal to bring in good hitting prospects for good pitching prospects, similar to that of the Delmon Young-Matt Garza deal, only they would be the team bringing in a hitting prospect. Stacked still.

Parker To Have Tommy John

As has been reported elsewhere, Diamondbacks top prospect Jarrod Parker will be undergoing Tommy John surgery on Wednesday.

Shut down with some elbow issues towards the end of the season, this was the worst case scenario for Parker.

He had looked ready to possibly have an impact next season at the major league level, but now this really sets back his development and you wonder if he will come back strong.

Life On The Farm: San Francisco Giants (# 5)

So begins the Top 5...

Graduated To Majors: Matt Downs (3B, # 24), Travis Ishikawa (1B, # 17), Buster Posey (C, # 2), Joey Martinez (SP, # 30), Sergio Romo (RP, # 10), Waldis Joaquin (RP, # 11), Osiris Matos (RP, # 26), Luis Perdomo (RP, # 28, now with Padres), Billy Sadler (RP, # 29, now with Astros), Merkin Valdez (RP, UR), Madison Bumgarner (SP, # 1), Alex Hinshaw (RP, # 18)

The Rest Of The Top 10 (with quick commentary)
Hitters: BA-OBP-SLG, AB, HR-RBI, BB-K, SB-CS
Pitchers: G-GS, W-L, ERA, IP-H-HR-BB-K

3 - Angel Villalona: 1B
Hi A: .267-.306-.397, 292, 9-42, 9-73, 0-1
Quick Take: Have they moved him through the minors too fast? Lack of plate discipline says yes. Also the small matter of a murder investigation.

4 - Tim Alderson: RHP
Hi A: 5-5, 1-1, 4.15, 26-31-4-3-20
AA (Giants): 13-13, 6-1, 3.47, 72.2-76-5-14-46
AA (Pirates): 7-7, 3-1, 4.66, 38.2-39-4-13-18
Quick Take: Sent to the Pirates for Freddy Sanchez.

5 - Nick Noonan: 2B
Hi A: .259-.330-.397, 459, 7-64, 48-97, 9-5
Quick Take: When will the tools match production?

6 - Ehire Adrianza: SS
Lo A: .258-.333-.327, 388, 2-46, 42-66, 7-1
Quick Take: Showed some elements of a game, but would be best served repeating.

7 - Conor Gillaspie: 3B
Hi A: .286-.364-.386, 469, 4-67, 55-68, 2-3
Quick Take: Hit for a good average and drew some walks, but didn't show much power.

8 - Rafael Rodriguez: RF
R: .299-.392-.362, 127, 0-19, 16-23, 5-4
Quick Take: Actually came over to the states already and played his 1st year in the AZL.

9 - Scott Barnes: LHP
Hi A (Giants): 18-18, 12-3, 2.85, 98-82-7-29-99
Hi A (Indians): 3-3, 0-0, 2.13, 12.2-14-1-6-10
AA (Indians): 6-6, 2-2, 5.68, 31.2-35-7-14-29
Quick Take: Sent to the Indians for Ryan Garko.

AAA: Fresno Grizzlies (PCL)
Breakout Hitter: Jesus Guzman (UL): .321-.379-.507, 452, 16-71, 37-82, 0-2
Disappointing Hitter: Adam Witter (UR): .224-.300-.411, 107, 6-21, 11-27, 0-0
Breakout Pitcher: Alex Hinshaw (# 18): 46-0, 1-2, 3.96, 52.1-42-3-32-72
Disappointing Pitcher: Kevin Pucetas (# 15): 28-28, 10-6, 5.04, 159-173-15-50-96
Quick Take: Guzman appears to be a find and made his major league debut last year. Hinshaw once again dominated AAA and appears to just need a sustained look in the big leagues to establish himself. Witter struggled offensively at Fresno and was even worse at Connecticut. Pucetas was setup to debut this past season, but his struggles here have set back his development.

AA: Connecticut Defenders (EL)
Breakout Hitter: Brock Bond (UL): .333-.429-.409, 450, 1-33, 67-69, 13-15
Disappointing Hitter: Jackson Williams (# 16): .223-.316-.310, 300, 2-24, 35-60, 1-5
Breakout Pitcher: Madison Bumgarner (# 1): 20-19, 9-1, 1.93, 107-80-6-30-69
Disappointing Pitcher: Brooks McNiven (UL): 16-13, 1-4, 4.84, 57.2-74-4-14-20
Quick Take: Bond continues to show an advanced offensive approach and looks like his bat should be big league ready for next season. Bumgarner got to make his major league debut and looks ready for a solid career in the majors. Williams has struggled to hit at every stop and at some point he will need to. McNiven was the worst of a pretty good group of pitchers.

Hi A: San Jose Giants (CL)
Breakout Hitter: Brandon Crawford (UR): .371-.445-.600, 105, 6-17, 10-32, 2-4
Disappointing Hitter: Shane Jordan (UL): .237-.304-.295, 156, 0-11, 14-25, 5-4
Breakout Pitcher: Craig Clark (UL): 26-25, 16-2, 2.86, 147.2-131-19-36-135
Disappointing Pitcher: Oliver Odle (UL): 23-21, 8-12, 5.37, 117.1-159-19-24-79
Quick Take: Crawford exploded onto the scene and earned a promotion to AA, where he struggled, and now finds himself in the Arizona Fall League. Clark broke out and dominated Cal Leaguers. Jordan struggled and earned his release. Odle battled every 5th day.

Lo A: Augusta GreenJackets (SAL)
Breakout Hitter: Francisco Peguero (# 22): .340-.359-.437, 238, 1-34, 5-39, 15-5
Disappointing Hitter: Dom Duggan (UL): .220-.307-.311, 296, 3-33, 31-59, 23-11
Breakout Pitcher: Eric Surkamp (UR): 23-23, 11-5, 3.30, 131-129-6-39-169
Disappointing Pitcher: Mike Loree (UR): 22-21, 8-9, 4.67, 123.1-139-9-26-70
Quick Take: Peguero got a midseason promotion to Augusta in his first season in the states and acclimated himself well. Surkamp showed an unbelievable strikeout rate, especially when you add the fact he was a lefty. Duggan really struggled in his 2nd season at Augusta while Loree showed some ability in his full-season debut, but struggled to put up the strikeout numbers.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Angel Villalona: 1B
Top prospect baseball wise, but pending murder investigation may eliminate all his development time.
2) Zach Wheeler: RHP
Prep righty from Georgia was 6th overall pick and set to make pro debut next year.
3) Tommy Joseph: C
Prep catcher was the 2nd rounder this year and set to make pro debut next year.
4) Nick Noonan: 2B
Needs to start hitting to make Chase Utley comparisons come true.
5) Rafael Rodriguez: RF
Likely will start next year in Rookie ball as well with a chance to play at Augusta.
6) Conor Gillaspie: 3B
Hit well, but needs to start showing some power.
7) Ehire Adrianza: SS
Likely repeating Low A, but has all the tools with a lot of projection left (6-1, 155).
8) Francisco Peguero: RF
Toolsy OF will likely play a full-season for first time next year and may start at San Jose.
9) Thomas Neal: LF
OF hit .337-.431-.579 at San Jose with 22 homers and 41 doubles.
10) Eric Surkamp: LHP
Anytime a 6-4, 190 pound lefty puts up 169 strikeouts (against 39 walks) in 131 innings, he becomes an instant prospect.

Dropped From Top 10: None.

Final Overview: A system ripe with raw talent showed evidence of that after the prospects close to the majors got promoted. A lot of there guys have some issues with plate discipline, but most of their arms are high-impact. Villalona is a big key, as the heralded signee is facing a lot of time in prison if he indeed committed murder and would be a huge loss in both prospects and money. System has taken a step back with Bumgarner and Posey graduating to the majors, but likely still a Top 10 system on the strength of their pitching.

Life On The Farm: Atlanta Braves (# 6)

Some say may be amongst the favorites next season, will their system help that?

Graduated To Majors: Jordan Schafer (OF, # 3), Reid Gorecki (OF, UR), Diory Hernandez (2B, UR), Barbaro Canizares (1B, UR), Clint Sammons (C, UR), Tommy Hanson (SP, # 1), Kris Medlen (SP, # 9), James Parr (SP, # 28), Anthony Lerew (SP, UR, now with Royals), Luis Valdez (RP, UR)

The Rest Of The Top 10 (with quick commentary)
Hitters: BA-OBP-SLG, AB, HR-RBI, BB-K, SB-CS
Pitchers: G-GS, W-L, ERA, IP-H-HR-BB-K

2 - Jason Heyward: RF
Hi A: .296-.369-.519, 189, 10-31, 21-30, 4-0
AA: .352-.446-.611, 324, 14-60, 56-38, 10-2
AAA: .364-.462-.364, 22, 0-4, 4-4, 2-0
Quick Take: Takes his spot as the top prospect in the game.

4 - Gorkys Hernandez: CF
AA (Braves): .316-.361-.387, 212, 0-19, 15-54, 10-8
AA (Pirates): .262-.312-.340, 344, 3-31, 24-76, 9-8
Quick Take: Showed a raw game that appeared to take a step back after going to Pittsburgh.

5 - Freddie Freeman: 1B
Hi A: .302-.394-.447, 255, 6-34, 26-41, 1-4
AA: .248-.308-.342, 298, 4-48, 22-38, 0-0
Quick Take: Experienced his 1st struggles at AA, can he bounce back?

6 - Cole Rohrbough: LHP
Hi A: 23-22, 6-8, 5.77, 117-129-12-48-100
Quick Take: Rough season, but got through it fully healthy, which is a plus for him.

7 - Jeff Locke: LHP
Hi A (Braves): 10-10, 1-4, 5.52, 45.2-47-1-26-43
Hi A (Pirates): 17-17, 4-4, 4.08, 81.2-98-4-18-56
Quick Take: Was better with Pittsburgh after going over in the McLouth trade.

8 - Julio Teheran: RHP
R: 7-7, 2-1, 2.68, 43.2-36-2-7-39
Lo A: 7-7, 1-3, 4.78, 37.2-42-2-11-28
Quick Take: The 18 year old got a midseason promotion to Low A, where he pitched as expected.

10 - Craig Kimbrel: RHP
Lo A: 16-0, 0-0, 0.90, 20-9-0-6-38
Hi A: 19-0, 0-2, 5.47, 26.1-18-2-28-45
AA: 12-0, 2-1, 0.77, 11.2-3-0-7-17
AAA: 2-0, 0-0, 0.00, 2-0-0-4-3
Quick Take: Showed unbelieveable strikeout numbers (103 in 60 IP)

AAA: Gwinnett Braves (IL)
Breakout Hitter: Barbaro Canizares (UR): .294-.366-.435, 506, 12-79, 52-67, 2-2
Disappointing Hitter: Van Pope (UR): .202-.279-.286, 322, 4-28, 33-62, 2-1
Breakout Pitcher: Tommy Hanson (# 1): 11-11, 3-3, 1.49, 66.1-40-5-17-90
Disappointing Pitcher: Jonny Venters (UR): 17-17, 4-7, 5.62, 91.1-103-7-42-58
Quick Take: Canizares got a quick promotion to Atlanta and looks to contend for a first-base job next year. Hanson has taken his place as a solid starter for Atlanta and looks on pace to have a strong career. Pope struggled with the bat and Venters struggled to do much.

AA: Mississippi Braves (SL)
Breakout Hitter: Jason Heyward (# 2): Line above.
Disappointing Hitter: Kala Ka'aihue (UR): .157-.306-.262, 191, 4-15, 36-64, 1-1
Breakout Pitcher: Scott Diamond (# 26): 23-23, 5-10, 3.50, 131-152-5-53-111
Disappointing Pitcher: Stephen Marek (# 22): 38-0, 3-3, 5.72, 39.1-40-2-29-31
Quick Take: Heyward was phenomenal and looks to debut in Atlanta at some point next season. Diamond showed a good strikeout rate and should be in AAA next year. Kala really battled offensively and may be done. Marek has been a disappointment since coming over from Los Angeles.

High A: Myrtle Beach Pelicans (CL)
Breakout Hitter: Freddie Freeman (# 5): Line above.
Disappointing Hitter: Chad Lundahl (UL): .157-.189-.225, 204, 2-12, 6-34, 1-1
Breakout Pitcher: Erik Cordier (UR): 25-25. 7-8, 3.87, 121-115-13-74-88
Disappointing Pitcher: Jeff Locke (# 7): Line above.
Quick Take: Freeman was every bit the prospect as Heyward until the promotion to AA. Cordier showed good stuff, but some bad command. Lundahl struggled offensively in every manner of measure. Locke was a disappointment until going to Pittsburgh and then turning it around.

Low A: Rome Braves (SAL)
Breakout Hitter: Adam Milligan (UR): .345-.393-.589, 394, 20-66, 24-86, 8-10
Disappointing Hitter: Braeden Schlehuber (# 18): .199-.265-.308, 351, 5-37, 18-59, 5-1
Breakout Pitcher: Dimasther Delgado (UL): 17-17, 5-7, 3.61, 99.2-89-4-26-104
Disappointing Pitcher: Paul Clemens (# 23): 26-11, 6-5, 5.91, 85.1-105-7-49-64
Quick Take: Milligan showed a very toolsy game after being a 6th round pick last year. Delgado came out of nowhere to put up some big numbers. Schlehuber struggled in his full-season debut, as did Clemens.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Jason Heyward: RF
Best prospect in the game.
2) Craig Kimbrel: RHP
May be the best reliever in the game.
3) Freddie Freeman: 1B
Power bat will look to bounce back after struggles at AA.
4) J.J. Hoover: RHP
Put up 148 strikeouts against 25 walks in 134 and 1/3 innings at Rome.
5) Julio Teheran: RHP
Youngster will make full season debut next year.
6) Mike Minor: LHP
Threw well in brief pro debut, likely will start next year in Myrtle.
7) Cody Johnson: 1B
Power bat hit 32 homers, but struck out 171 times in 422 at bats.
8) Cole Rohrbough: LHP
Lefty will likely start 2009 at AA.
9) Randall Delgado: RHP
25 starts at Rome resulted in 141 strikeouts against 49 walks in 124 innings.
10) Brett DeVall: LHP
Lefty put up 41 strikeouts in 53 and 2/3 innings at Rome.

Dropped From Top 10: None.

Final Overview: System has gotten a little weaker with some of the losses from trade. However, any system with Heyward and Kimbrel is a strong system, as each should debut in Atlanta as soon as April out of spring training. Minor was a criticized 1st round pick, but pitched well in his brief debut. Most of the guys are a little ways away after the top 3, but all have fairly high ceilings. Position players are even further away, as most had some struggles this past season, but still a top 10 system.

Life On The Farm: Cleveland Indians (# 7)

An overhauled system, will it yield dividends?

Graduated To Majors: Matt LaPorta (OF, # 2), Michael Brantley (OF, # 9), Trevor Crowe (OF, # 15), Luis Valbuena (2B, # 10), Michael Aubrey (1B, UR, now with Orioles), Jon Meloan (RP, # 18, now with Athletics), Jeff Stevens (RP, # 19, now with Cubs), David Huff (SP, # 8), Scott Lewis (SP, # 21), Tony Sipp (RP, # 17)

The Rest Of The Top 10 (with quick commentary)
Hitters: BA-OBP-SLG, AB, HR-RBI, BB-K, SB-CS
Pitchers: G-GS, W-L, ERA, IP-H-HR-BB-K

1 - Carlos Santana: C
AA: .290-.413-.530, 428, 23-97, 90-83, 2-2
Quick Take: Not too many blemishes on his track record and still amongst the finest prospects in the game.

3 - Nick Weglarz: LF
AA: .227-.377-.431, 339, 16-65, 75-78, 2-3
Quick Take: Struggled to hit for average, but all his other stats looked solid.

4 - Adam Miller: RHP
DNP
Quick Take: Finger injury may end his career.

5 - Beau Mills: 1B
AA: .267-.308-.417, 516, 14-83, 31-95, 1-2
Quick Take: For a slugging 1st base prospect, he forgot the slugging part.

6 - Lonnie Chisenhall: 3B
Hi A: .276-.346-.492, 388, 18-79, 37-80, 2-1
AA: .183-.238-.387, 93, 4-13, 7-16, 1-0
Quick Take: 21 at the end of the season has made a rapid rise through the system.

7 - Kelvin De La Cruz: LHP
Hi A: 2-2, 2-0, 1.50, 12-6-1-2-19
R: 3-3, 0-2, 9.39, 7.2-10-1-5-5
Quick Take: Tightness in his left forearm set a great start to a season on a setback.

AAA: Columbus Clippers (IL)
Breakout Hitter: Jordan Brown (# 25): .336-.381-.532, 417, 15-67, 30-64, 2-4
Disappointing Hitter: Stephen Head (UR): .246-.291-.368, 280, 6-31, 17-34, 1-2
Breakout Pitcher: Frank Herrmann (UR): 44-0, 2-3, 2.96, 76-83-3-13-50
Disappointing Pitcher: Chuck Lofgren (UR): 17-17, 6-10, 5.31, 98.1-94-15-33-62
Quick Take: Brown excelled in AAA, yet inexplicably did not receive a big league call-up. Herrman was the best of a bad AAA pitching crop. Head was a highly touted prospect from Ole Miss that is close to flaming out. Lofgren just hasn't been able to revive his previous prospect status.

AA: Akron Aeros (EL)
Breakout Hitter: Carlos Santana (# 1): Line above.
Disappointing Hitter: Jared Goedert (UL): .224-.309-.348, 313, 5-37, 34-47, 1-0
Breakout Pitcher: Josh Tomlin (# 28): 26-25, 14-9, 4.16, 145-149-21-27-125
Disappointing Pitcher: Matt Meyer (UL): 23-0, 0-1, 7.36, 22-27-2-20-22
Quick Take: Santana is amongst the best prospects in the game. Tomlin had a solid season in his first exposure at AA and looks to be on the way to Cleveland in the next year. Goedert really struggled to hit while Meyer struggled badly at AA.

Hi A: Kinston Indians (CL)
Breakout Hitter: Matt McBride (UR): .405-.453, .667, 126, 6-36, 11-15, 0-0
Disappointing Hitter: Roman Pena (UR): .204-.311-.310, 313, 5-37, 46-85, 7-10
Breakout Pitcher: Paolo Espino (UL): 22-21, 9-6, 2.59, 118.1-89-9-34-101
Disappointing Pitcher: Gary Campfield (UL): 38-0, 1-2, 6.02, 49.1-44-7-47-60
Quick Take: McBride got a promotion to AA and looks like a solid player. Espino went from relieving in Low A to starting in High A and starting well. Pena really struggled and showed a very raw game. Campfield showed electric stuff with little command.

Lo A: Lake County Captains (SAL)
Breakout Hitter: Abner Abreu (# 16): .305-.351-.488, 246, 7-30, 11-68, 3-3
Disappointing Hitter: Karexon Sanchez (UR): .234-.350-.375, 453, 11-57, 70-136
Breakout Pitcher: T.J. House (# 14): 26-26, 6-11, 3.15, 134.1-127-8-49-109
Disappointing Pitcher: Danny Salazar (UL): 21-20, 5-7, 4.44, 107.1-114-10-40-65
Quick Take: Abreu showed well in his first attempt at full-season ball, while House had a solid debut for left hander. Sanchez showed on base ability but little else. Salazar had some issues, but most of the Captains had solid pitching seasons.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Carlos Santana: C
May make debut as soon as next year.
2) Nick Hagadone: LHP
If healthy, lefty from Boston can be a front end starter.
3) Nick Weglarz: OF
Profiles as a solid league average starting OF at worst.
4) Lonnie Chisenhall: SS/3B
If he can stay at short, his bat is above league average.
5) Jason Knapp: RHP
Righty has huge ceiling if arm problems are behind him.
6) Alex White: RHP
1st round pick in 2009 had a chance at being # 1 overall coming into the season.
7) Jason Kipnis: OF/2B
2nd rounder hit .306 in his pro debut at SS.
8) Jason Donald: SS
Top prospect from Philly will look to have a bounce back season.
9) Beau Mills: 1B
Power bat looks to bounce back and have a power season.
10) Hector Rondon: RHP
Got a midseason promotion to AAA and showed solid enough to contend for a spot in spring training.

Dropped From Top 10: Miller (# 4), De La Cruz (# 7)

Final Overview: Still a pretty stacked system that added quite a few high impact players. System is very deep with a lot of talent at a lot of different positions, led by a star in Santana. The high upside arms (Knapp and Hagadone) will define just how far this system can take the Indians. A top 5 farm system in my eyes.

Life On The Farm: St. Louis Cardinals (# 8)

After falling in the NLDS, was it all worth it?

Graduated To Majors: Nick Stavinoha (OF, UR), Colby Rasmus (OF, # 1), Shane Robinson (OF, # 28), David Freese (3B, # 9), Tyler Greene (SS, # 16), Jarrett Hoffpauir (2B, UR), Matt Pagnozzi (C, UR), Jess Todd (RP, # 4, now with Indians), Clayton Mortensen (SP, # 6, now with A's), Mitch Boggs (SP, # 14), P.J. Walters (RP, # 17), Chris Perez (RP, # 3, now with Indians), Jason Motte (RP, # 8), Luke Gregerson (RP, # 29, now with Padres)

The Rest Of The Top 10 (with quick commentary)
Hitters: BA-OBP-SLG, AB, HR-RBI, BB-K, SB-CS
Pitchers: G-GS, W-L, ERA, IP-H-HR-BB-K

2 - Brett Wallace: 3B
AA: .281-.403-.438, 128, 5-16, 18-34, 0-0
AAA (St. Louis): .293-.346-.423, 222, 6-19, 15-42, 0-1
AAA (Oakland): .302-.365-.505, 182, 9-28, 14-40, 1-1
Quick Take: The prizze of the Matt Holliday deal hit for more power then with St. Louis.

5 - Bryan Anderson: C
R: .313-.450-.500, 16, 1-2, 4-4, 1-0
AAA: .245-.293-.399, 163, 4-11, 10-42, 1-0
Quick Take: Struggled offensively in his 2nd crack at AAA.

7 - Daryl Jones: CF
AA: .279-.360-.378, 294, 3-29, 33-65, 7-4
Quick Take: Got to go to the Futures Game, but didn't have a great season.

10 - Pete Kozma: SS
Hi A: .315-.381-.384, 73, 0-8, 8-16, 1-0
AA: .216-.288-.312, 407, 6-37, 42-88, 4-2
Quick Take: Will try to master AA next year, as his custom is to typically struggle after a promotion only to start hitting when he begins the year there.

AAA: Memphis Redbirds (PCL)
Breakout Hitter: Allen Craig (# 26): .322-.374-.547, 472, 26-83, 37-92, 3-0
Disappointing Hitter: Bryan Anderson (# 5): Line above.
Breakout Pitcher: Blake Hawksworth (UL): 12-12. 5-4, 3.58, 73-61-3-20-57
Disappointing Pitcher: Adam Ottavino (# 22): 27-27, 7-12, 4.75, 144-141-12-82-119
Quick Take: Craig deserved a promotion to St. Louis, but didn't get it for whatever reason. Hawksworth got a promotion to St. Louis and looked to make himself into an integral part of the bullpen. Anderson struggled in his 2nd taste of AAA while Ottavino showed little command and will need to show something more next year.

AA: Springfield Cardinals (TL)
Breakout Hitter: Daniel Descalso (UR): .323-.396-.531, 288, 8-51, 31-41, 0-1
Disappointing Hitter: Arnoldi Cruz (# 27): .220-.281-.366, 404, 10-48, 34-85, 1-0
Breakout Pitcher: Lance Lynn (# 15): 22-22. 11-4, 2.92, 126.1-117-5-51-98
Disappointing Pitcher: Francisco Samuel (# 21): 52-0, 3-4, 5.66, 47.2-36-2-46-59
Quick Take: Descalso got a midseason promotion to AAA, where he had some struggles. Lynn broke out and narrowly beat out Trey Hearne (UL) for this honor. Cruz really didn't hit in his first taste at AA. Samuel got to go to the Futures Game, but struggled when he returned to Springfield.

Hi A: Palm Beach Cardinals (FSL)
Breakout Hitter: Shane Peterson (UR): .298-.367-.428, 285, 6-39, 21-52, 10-1
Disappointing Hitter: Jermaine Curtis (UR): .197-.301-.229, 314, 1-24, 34-52, 7-4
Breakout Pitcher: Nick Additon (# 30): 19-15, 4-3, 3.06, 79.1-69-1-37-66
Disappointing Pitcher: Brian Broderick (UL): 21-19, 9-7, 4.61, 109.1-136-4-17-64
Quick Take: Peterson was part of the Holliday trade. Additon was very good after looking good in 3 starts at High A to end last year. Curtis showed on base ability, but little else. Broderick showed a lot of pitching to contact with little strikeouts and that will likely will not be a good enough equation as he moves up the ladder.

Lo A: Quad Cities River Bandits (ML)
Breakout Hitter: Charlie Cutler (UL): .351-.410-.455, 242, 4-44, 24-25, 1-1
Disappointing Hitter: Niko Vasquez (# 18): .197-.295-.250, 208, 1-14, 28-58, 2-2
Breakout Pitcher: Matt Frevert (UL): 28-0. 2-1, 1.78, 35.1-25-2-10-44
Disappointing Pitcher: Gary Daley (UL): 32-10, 4-3, 6.93, 76.2-89-7-51-72
Quick Take: Cutler got a midseason promotion to High A, where he hit right around league average. Frevert showed a good strikeout rate for a reliever. Vasquez really struggled and got a demotion down to short-season. Daley showed a solid strikeout rate, but little else.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Shelby Miller: RHP
19th overall pick had a brief pro debut in Low A.
2) Lance Lynn: RHP
Sinkerballer may make debut next season.
3) Robert Stock: C
2nd rounder his .322-.386-.550 in R ball and got a brief look in Low A, where he will start next year.
4) Daryl Jones: CF
Toolsy outfielder needs to work his tools into more production.
5) Jaime Garcia: LHP
Bouncing back from an injury and should return to St. Louis next year.
6) Jon Jay: LF
Appears ready to be at least a 4th OF (.281-.338-.394, 505, 10-54, 34-64, 20-8)
7) Bryan Anderson: C
Will look to return to schedule and debut next year.
8) Nick Additon: LHP
Lefty looks ready for AA.
9) Pete Kozma: SS
Kozma is on a similar prospect trajectory to Tyler Greene.
10) Adam Reifer: RHP
Relief prospect showed good strikeout potential, but struggled in many other areas.

Dropped From Top 10: None

Final Overview: This system has gotten much weaker due to defections to the majors and trades. The 2009 draft yielded two very talented players in Miller, one of the top prep righties available, and Stock, a catcher who has always been highly touted even when at USC is at worst a major league prospect as a pitcher. This is another system that tends to produce everyday players that weren't highly touted, but this system will truly be tested and in need of some breakout players. An early to mid twenties system now.

Life On The Farm: Baltimore Orioles (# 9)

A lot of graduations to the majors, is the system still stacked?

Graduated To Majors: Lou Montanez (OF, # 29), Nolan Reimold (OF, # 5), Justin Turner (2B, # 27), Matt Wieters (C, # 1), Chris Tillman (SP, # 2), Jason Berken (SP, # 17), Brad Bergesen (SP, # 18), Kam Mickolio (RP, # 10), David Hernandez (SP, # 16), Bob McCrory (RP, # 22), Brian Matusz (SP, # 3)

The Rest Of The Top 10 (with quick commentary)
Hitters: BA-OBP-SLG, AB, HR-RBI, BB-K, SB-CS
Pitchers: G-GS, W-L, ERA, IP-H-HR-BB-K

4 - Jake Arrieta: RHP
AA: 11-11, 6-3, 2.59, 59-45-4-23-70
AAA: 17-17, 5-8, 3.93, 91.2-97-9-33-78
Quick Take: Has continued his march to Baltimore and will likely be contending for a rotation spot in spring training.

6 - Brandon Erbe: RHP
SS: 4-4, 0-1, 4.61, 13.2-13-3-2-11
AA: 14-14, 5-3, 2.34, 73-44-5-35-62
Quick Take: Got a late start in the season due to an arm injury, but pitched very well when he returned.

7 - Bill Rowell: 3B
Hi A: .225-.284-.336, 423, 9-39, 35-122, 3-2
Quick Take: The former first round pick is looking like he desperately needs a change of organization.

8 - Troy Patton: LHP
AA: 11-11, 6-2, 1.99, 63.1-50-4-18-47
AAA: 9-9, 1-3, 6.45, 44.2-62-12-14-26
Quick Take: Excelled in AA before struggling after mid season promotion to AAA.

9 - Brandon Snyder: 1B
AA: .343-.421-.597, 201, 10-45, 27-45, 0-1
AAA: .248-.316-.355, 262, 2-43, 24-64, 3-1
Quick Take: Will battle with Michael Aubrey to contend for a big league job.

AAA: Norfolk Tides (IL)
Breakout Hitter: Nolan Reimold (# 5): .394-.485-.743, 109, 9-27, 18-25, 6-1
Disappointing Hitter: Carlos Rojas (UR): .179-.239-.211, 223, 0-13, 18-30, 2-3
Breakout Pitcher: Chris Tillman (# 2): 18-18, 8-6, 2.70, 96.2-85-5-26-99
Disappointing Pitcher: Radhames Liz (UL): 17-6, 0-3, 5.68, 44.1-56-2-12-37
Quick Take: Reimold got into Baltimore and made himself into a possible ROY candidate while Tillman accelerated his development into being a strong rotation option for Baltimore next season. Rojas struggled badly even after a demotion to AA. Liz just failed to capitalize on his chances and is going to battle this coming season to not fall into organizational player status.

AA: Bowie Baysox (EL)
Breakout Hitter: Brandon Snyder (# 9): Line above.
Disappointing Hitter: Mike Costanzo (UR): .201-.292-.314, 204, 3-29, 27-58, 0-2
Breakout Pitcher: Troy Patton (# 8): 11-11, 6-2, 1.99, 63.1-50-4-18-47
Disappointing Pitcher: Ryan Rodriguez (UL): 26-2, 1-2, 7.16, 44-59-4-23-28
Quick Take: Snyder got a midseason promotion to AAA and struggled, just like Patton. Costanzo just hasn't hit since entering the Orioles organization as part of the big return for Tejada. Rodriguez struggled badly after throwing 14 shutout innings at High A.

Hi A: Frederick Keys (CL)
Breakout Hitter: Robbie Widlansky (UR): .340-.395-.506, 326, 7-59, 29-48, 5-1
Disappointing Hitter: Bill Rowell (# 7): Line above.
Breakout Pitcher: Brian Matusz (# 3): 11-11, 4-2, 2.16, 66.2-56-5-21-75
Disappointing Pitcher: Chorye Spoone (# 11): 4-4, 0-2, 9.42, 14.1-17-3-14-12
Quick Take: Widlansky had a big year and will now try to prove it was for real in AA. Matusz jumped all the way from Frederick to Baltimore. Rowell is in desperate need of a change of scenery. Spoone was rehabbing from an injury, but was highly disappointing in his brief return.

Lo A: Delmarva Shorebirds (SAL)
Breakout Hitter: Ronny Welty (UR): .290-.373-.425, 431, 10-67, 46-120, 13-5
Disappointing Hitter: Tyler Kolodny (UR): .226-.332-.372, 363, 9-42, 42-97, 10-4
Breakout Pitcher: Cole McCurry (UR): 26-25, 6-9, 2.71, 139.1-118-8-46-145
Disappointing Pitcher: Colin Allen (UL): 12-2, 0-3, 7.04, 23-31-4-16-22
Quick Take: Welty had a solid full-season debut where he showed all 5 tools at times. McCurry is another lefty apparently ready to add to the organization's surplus. Kolodny battled all year in his pro debut while Allen was one of the few Shorebirds pitchers who struggled.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Zach Britton: LHP
The lefty sinkerballer had a strong year at High A (25-24, 9-6, 2.70, 140-123-6-55-131)
2) Jake Arrieta: RHP
Righty will contend for a rotation spot in spring training.
3) Brandon Erbe: RHP
Another righty that may contend for a rotation spot.
4) Troy Patton: LHP
Another strong arm that will contend for a rotation spot.
5) Matt Hobgood: RHP
Didn't show much in his pro debut at R (8-8, 1-2, 4.72, 26.2-32-0-8-16), but was 5th overall pick this year.
6) Josh Bell: 3B/1B
Doubt he stays at third, but his switch hitting power bat will play anywhere.
7) Steve Johnson: RHP
Went 3-2, 2.84 in 7 starts and 37 strikeouts in 38 innings at AA Bowie after coming over in the trade.
8) Caleb Joseph: C
Young catcher hit .284-.337-.450 in 380 at bats with 12 homers and 26 walks against 64 strikeouts.
9) Mychal Givens: SS
Toolsy 2nd round pick will make pro debut next year, likely in R ball.
10) Brandon Snyder: 1B
Will contend for a starting spot this spring training.

Dropped From Top 10: Rowell (# 7)

Final Overview: Even after a rash of defections, they have some very close to the majors pitching. Loaded with both lefty and righty starters and even have another catcher, this system is stocked in some of the hard to find commodities in baseball. This system will be thinned much more next year, but right now it is still a top 10 system.

Life On The Farm: Milwaukee Brewers (# 10)

And so begins the pre-season Top 10...

Graduated To Majors: Mat Gamel (3B, # 2), Alcides Escobar (SS, # 1), Hernan Iribarren (2B, UR), Carlos Corporan (C, UR), Mark DiFelice (RP, UR), Josh Butler (RP, UR), Tim Dillard (RP, # 30), Mitch Stetter (RP, UR)

The Rest Of The Top 10 (with quick commentary)
Hitters: BA-OBP-SLG, AB, HR-RBI, BB-K, SB-CS
Pitchers: G-GS, W-L, ERA, IP-H-HR-BB-K

3 - Brett Lawrie - 2B
Lo A: .274-.348-.454, 372, 13-65, 41-70, 19-11
AA: .269-.283-.308, 52, 0-0, 0-14, 0-2
Quick Take: Big-time late season promotion to AA and wasn't quite ready and conversion to 2B from C weakens his status a little bit.

4 - Jeremy Jeffress - RHP
AA: 8-8, 1-3, 7.57, 27.1-26-1-33-34
Hi A: 6-5, 2-1, 2.18, 33-16-2-22-36
Quick Take: Suspended after testing positive for another drug of abuse, one more is a lifetime suspension...

5 - Angel Salome - C
AAA: .286-.334-.413, 283, 6-44, 22-55, 0-0
Quick Take: Probably deserved a September call-up, but no real power and his size (5-7) will always cause scouts to wonder if he can catch a full-season.

6 - Lorenzo Cain - CF
R: .444-.455-.556, 9, 0-1, 1-0, 0-0
Lo A: .192-.311-.269, 52, 0-3, 9-15, 0-0
AA: .214-.277-.338, 145, 4-15, 10-35, 3-3
Quick Take: Lost season after missing most of it after hurting his knee.

7 - Cutter Dykstra - 2B
Lo A: .212-.310-.303, 99, 1-7, 12-27, 4-2
R: .244-.332-.349, 209, 5-26, 27-50, 14-4
Quick Take: Will get another shot at Low A next season after converting from OF to 2B.

8 - Taylor Green - 3B
Lo A: .400-.538-.600, 20, 1-5, 4-4, 0-0
AA: .258-.330-.356, 306, 5-43, 33-37, 0-2
Quick Take: For a guy whose bat has to carry him, this was a setback season.

9 - Cole Gillespie - LF
Hi A: .349-.431-.605, 43, 1-9, 7-11, 4-0
AAA (Brewers): .242-.332-.424, 236, 7-27, 31-56, 6-5
AAA (D'Backs): .304-.418-.514, 138, 5-27, 27-31, 8-0
Quick Take: Appeared to be reinvigorated by being traded to Arizona as part of the return for Felipe Lopez.

10 - Jonathan Lucroy - C
AA: .267-.380-.418, 419, 9-66, 78-66, 1-1
Quick Take: Showed great on base skills in his first crack at AA and may have passed Salome on the organizational depth chart.

AAA: Nashville Sounds (PCL)
Breakout Hitter: Jason Bourgeois (UL): .316-.354-.401, 424, 2-41, 22-40, 36-7
Disappointing Hitter: Brendan Katin (UR): .244-.305-.499, 459, 24-92, 35-164, 2-0
Breakout Pitcher: Chris Smith (UL): 28-0, 2-0, 1.27, 42.2-31-3-6-49
Disappointing Pitcher: Lindsay Gulin (UR): 27-24, 7-10, 4.78, 139.1-127-9-77-97
Quick Take: Bourgeois got a look in the big leagues after a very strong season. Smith made himself into an important cog of the Brewer bullpen. Katin showed power and an extremely high tendency to swing and miss without the walks. Gulin, if he showed any command, would have had a chance to prove himself this year after all the troubles the Brewers had in the rotation.

AA: Huntsville Stars (SL)
Breakout Hitter: Drew Anderson (UL): .301-.376-.452, 389, 10-57, 45-77, 9-5
Disappointing Hitter: Freddy Parejo (UR): .229-.274-.310, 258, 2-23, 16-49, 3-2
Breakout Pitcher: Chris Cody (UR): 10-10, 5-1, 2.30, 58.2-42-5-10-48
Disappointing Pitcher: Jeremy Jeffress (# 4): Line above.
Quick Take: Anderson, a 27 year old outfielder, was the best of a weak group of prospects at AA offensively. Cody got a midseason promotioin to AAA, where he was league average. Parejo struggled badly while Jeffress was suspended all year.

Hi A: Brevard County Manatees (FSL)
Breakout Hitter: Logan Schafer (# 29): .313-.369-.446, 457, 6-58, 38-53, 16-8
Disappointing Hitter: Brent Brewer (# 17): .222-.288-.287, 356, 1-29, 33-109, 19-7
Breakout Pitcher: Amaury Rivas (# 26): 26-23, 13-7, 2.98, 133-109, 11-43-123
Disappointing Pitcher: Alexandre Periard (# 13): 9-9, 3-2, 5.23, 31-37-1-13-22
Quick Take: Schafer had a strong season with this being an aggressive placement for his full-season debut. Rivas barely ranked ahead of Evan Anundsen (UR) for this honor. Brewer had an all around bad season and will likely be repeating. Periard started the season late due to a shoulder injury and never got in the groove.

Lo A: Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (ML)
Breakout Hitter: Brett Lawrie (# 3): Line above.
Disappointing Hitter: Michael Marseco (UR): .189-.241-.248, 322, 0-26, 22-54, 9-5
Breakout Pitcher: Cody Scarpetta (# 15): 26-18, 4-11, 3.43, 105-83-5-55-116
Disappointing Pitcher: Cody Adams (# 28): 16-12, 3-6, 5.93, 57.2-74-3-33-37
Quick Take: Lawrie got a brief look at AA and likely starts next year at High A. Scarpetta's record sucked, but his hits allowed and strikeout numbers were above average. Marseco will get a 2nd chance at his full-season debut next year while Adams battled all year.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Zach Braddock: LHP
Didn't start his year due to injury, but in splitting time between Hi A and AA, struck out 62 in 40.1 IP with 7 walks and 28 hits allowed.
2) Brett Lawrie: 2B
Will start season at High A with a chance to move quickly.
3) Eric Arnett: RHP
26th overall pick had some command issues in R ball (34.2 IP, 21 BB, 35 K)
4) Jonathan Lucroy: C
Has a chance to make major league debut next year.
5) Jeremy Jeffress: RHP
Stuff is big league stuff. Head is juvenile hall or prison.
6) Lorenzo Cain: CF
Can he bounce back from the knee injury to get back on track?
7) Amaury Rivas: RHP
Big year, can he continue to replicate the success?
8) Caleb Gindl: LF
Showed a 5-tool game at Hi A (.277-.363-.459, 394, 17-71, 57-92, 18-4)
9) Evan Anundsen: RHP
Breakout year at Hi A and will now try to pass the AA test.
10) Kentrail Davis: CF
Supplemental 1st rounder will make pro debut next year.

Dropped From Top 10: Salome (# 5), Dykstra (# 7), Green (# 8)

Final Overview: This system has taken a big step back. Braddock is by far the weakest # 1 I have chosen and Lowrie isn't too much stronger as a # 2. There is more depth in this system then quite a few of the other recent ones, but these guys are so far away that some are bound to fail due to attrition. Salome was hard to leave off the Top 10, but the lack of a September call-up with an aging catcher has to say something on how they value him. The loss of Jack Z is a big loss to any team, as he was the best scouting director in the majors. A mid to late teens system that is in desparate need of some breakout seasons next year.

Life On The Farm: Kansas City Royals (# 11)

Disappointing year in majors, what about the minors?

Graduated To Majors: Mitch Maier (OF, # 23), Carlos Rosa (SP, # 8), Dusty Hughes (RP, UR)

The Rest Of The Top 10 (with quick commentary)
Hitters: BA-OBP-SLG, AB, HR-RBI, BB-K, SB-CS
Pitchers: G-GS, W-L, ERA, IP-H-HR-BB-K

1 - Mike Moustakas: 3B
Hi A: .250-.297-.421, 492, 16-86, 32-90, 10-6
Quick Take: Needs to find some plate discipline eventually.

2 - Eric Hosmer: 1B
Lo A: .254-.352-.382, 280, 5-49, 44-68, 3-2
Hi A: .206-.280-.299, 97, 1-10, 9-22, 0-0
Quick Take: Mid-season promotion to High A was surprising.

3 - Daniel Cortes: RHP
AA: 26-25, 7-11, 4.33, 135-128-7-85-112
Quick Take: Dealt to Seattle due to some off-field issues, but on the field he needs to discover some command.

4 - Mike Montgomery: LHP
Lo A: 12-12, 2-3, 2.17, 58-42-1-24-52
Hi A: 9-9, 4-1, 2.25, 52-38-0-12-46
Quick Take: Continues on a rapid ascent to KC and may start next year at AA.

5 - Tim Melville: RHP
Lo A: 21-21, 7-7, 3.79, 97.1-89-10-43-96
Quick Take: Strong pro debut and the fact he was a HS draftee who debuted in Low A and threw well is a good sign.

6 - Danny Duffy: LHP
Lo A: 24-24, 9-3, 2.98, 126.2-108-6-41-125
Quick Take: Strong season earned him chance to pitch in Futures Game.

7 - Danny Gutierrez: RHP
Hi A: 8-4, 1-0, 1.65, 27.1-17-0-7-25
AA: 1-1, 0-0, 3.60, 5-3-1-0-3
Quick Take: Dealt to Texas for catcher Manny Pina and left fielder Tim Smith.

9 - Kila Ka'aihue: 1B
AAA: .252-.392-.433, 441, 17-57, 102-85, 0-1
Quick Take: He is what he is, an on base machine that just doesn't have the power for a 1B and not much defense.

10 - Blake Wood: RHP
R: 3-2, 0-1, 0.00, 4-4-0-1-4
AA: 17-13, 2-8, 5.83, 78.2-92-8-28-49
Quick Take: Struggled in over a half season at AA this year and then struggled again this year.

AAA: Omaha Royals (PCL)
Breakout Hitter: Cory Aldridge (UL): .316-.361-.582, 354, 22-71, 24-86, 0-1
Disappointing Hitter: Mario Lisson (UR): .236-.282-.410, 339, 12-43, 19-89, 7-4
Breakout Pitcher: Luke Hochevar (UL): 8-8, 5-1, 1.50, 48-41-2-12-36
Disappointing Pitcher: Brandon Duckworth (UL): 20-19, 3-6, 5.31, 105-105-12-37-67
Quick Take: Older team that reflects the past struggles of the previous regime. Aldridge is an older guy who looks like he should have merited a call-up. Hochevar appears ready to become a major league starter and be consistent. Lisson struggled in AAA and was one of many to do so. Duckworth was supposed to be the 1st call-up and got passed by guys like Bruce Chen, Lenny DiNardo and Dusty Hughes.

AA: Northwest Arkansas Naturals (TL)
Breakout Hitter: David Lough (# 15): .331-.371-.517, 236, 9-31, 12-30, 13-4
Disappointing Hitter: Joe Dickerson (# 24): .230-.338-.317, 126, 0-13, 18-19, 5-1
Breakout Pitcher: Chris Hayes (UR): 18-0, 3-0, 0.98, 36.2-33-1-6-17
Disappointing Pitcher: Blake Wood (# 10): Line above.
Quick Take: Lough hit a ton at both levels and has a chance to be in Kansas City by the middle of next year. Hayes got a midseason promotion to AAA, where he had struggled. Dickerson had a lost season. Wood has battled to do much at AA in his 1 plus years there.

Hi A: Wilmington Blue Rocks (CL)
Breakout Hitter: Jeff Bianchi (UR): .300-.360-.427, 220, 4-28, 20-47, 12-2
Disappointing Hitter: Ryan Eigsti (UL): .201-.306-.278, 324, 3-35, 42-95, 4-2
Breakout Pitcher: Brandon Sisk (UR): 45-0, 2-3, 1.92, 61-30-2-18-78
Disappointing Pitcher: Alex Caldera (UR): 27-27, 5-10, 4.77, 137.1-141-12-53-105
Quick Take: Bianchi joined Lough with a promotion to AA and also played very well. Sisk showed a lot of strikeout potential as a lefty reliever. Eigsti got a lot of at bats and didn't do much. Caldera was the worst of a pretty solid crop of pitchers at Wilmington.

Lo A: Burlington Bees (ML)
Breakout Hitter: Nick Van Stratten (UL): .318-.393-.447, 255, 1-38, 28-32, 15-6
Disappointing Hitter: Jose Bonilla (# 26): .217-.281-.311, 351, 5-36, 29-92, 6-4
Breakout Pitcher: Tim Melville (# 5): Line above.
Disappointing Pitcher: Sam Runion (# 28): 28-28, 5-11, 6.60, 135-193-17-45-62
Quick Take: Van Stratten came out of nowhere to post a pretty solid line while Melville showed he should have been a 1st rounder last year. Bonilla didn't do much offensively in his full-season debut while Runion failed in his 2nd attempt at Low A.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Danny Duffy: LHP
Duffy is the best, in my opinion, of the other 3 potential stud starters.
2) Mike Montgomery: LHP
Should be a crime to have 2 lefty starters with these ceilings.
3) Tim Melville: RHP
Showed he was worth the hype of being top prep pitcher available last year.
4) Eric Hosmer: 1B
Interesting full-season debut and looks to translate his tools into production.
5) Mike Moustakas: 3B
He is getting close to needing a breakout season to prove his tools can be production.
6) Tyler Sample: RHP
6-7 righty will be making full-season debut next year.
7) David Lough: CF
Closest hitting prospect to majors may make debut next year.
8) Aaron Crow: RHP
Has the layoff affected his stuff?
9) Wil Myers: C
3rd round catcher hit .426-.488-.735 at Rookie ball.
10) Salvador Perez: C
Will be making his full-season debut next year and showed some good offensive tools.

Dropped From Top 10: Ka'aihue (# 9), Wood (# 10)

Final Overview: The top 5 prospects are guys that may be Top 50 prospects period. The others are guys that are tough to tell their upsides due to them being so far away. While Dayton Moore has shown an inability to assemble an offense (and to apparently teach plate discipline to his younger hitters) has assembled a very good farm system. The main question is whether Duffy, Montgomery and Melville can be their version of Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz. Still likely a Top 10 system.

Life On The Farm: Philadelphia Phillies (# 12)

Made the trek back to GA last night and this morning, so that is the reason for none yesterday.

Graduated To Majors: John Mayberry (RF, # 24), Lou Marson (C, # 3, now with CLE), Carlos Carrasco (SP, # 2, now with CLE), Drew Carpenter (SP, # 22), J.A. Happ (SP, # 9), Antonio Bastardo (SP, # 11), Sergio Escalona (RP, # 27)

The Rest Of The Top 10 (with quick commentary)
Hitters: BA-OBP-SLG, AB, HR-RBI, BB-K, SB-CS
Pitchers: G-GS, W-L, ERA, IP-H-HR-BB-K

1 - Domonic Brown: RF
R: .500-.583-.900, 10, 0-0, 1-1, 0-1
Hi A: .303-.386-.517, 238, 11-44, 34-48, 15-8
AA: .279-.346-.456, 147, 3-20, 14-37, 8-1
Quick Take: Showed all 5 tools at some point and has projectability to match.

4 - Jason Donald: SS
R: .231-.286-.346, 26, 0-1, 2-5, 1-0
AAA (PHI): .236-.297-.332, 208, 1-16, 14-53, 6-0
AAA (CLE): .257-.350-.400, 35, 1-1, 3-11, 1-0
Quick Take: Will try to make up for lost season in Indians organization.

5 - Kyle Drabek: RHP
Hi A: 10-9, 4-1, 2.48, 61.2-49-0-19-74
AA: 15-14, 8-2, 3.64, 96.1-92-9-31-76
Quick Take: Breakout year caused him to be talk of many rumors, but is staying with Phils.

6 - Michael Taylor: LF
AA: .333-.408-.569, 318, 15-65, 35-51, 18-4
AAA: .282-.359-.491, 110, 5-19, 13-19, 3-1
Quick Take: Finally put his vast tools into production.

7 - Travis D'Arnaud: C
Lo A: .255-.319-.419, 482, 13-71, 41-75, 8-4
Quick Take: Struggled in his full season debut.

8 - Zach Collier: CF
Lo A: .218-.275-.319, 298, 0-32, 23-80, 13-7
SS: .226-.280-.336, 137, 1-13, 9-42, 7-0
Quick Take: 2008 HS draftee was placed aggressively and failed.

10 - Jason Knapp: RHP
Lo A: 21-21, 2-7, 4.18, 97-73-3-47-123
Quick Take: #'s were solid, discomfort in shoulder after trade wasn't.

AAA: Lehigh Valley IronPigs (IL)
Breakout Hitter: Lou Marson (# 3): .294-.382-.370, 211, 1-24, 30-40, 3-1
Disappointing Hitter: Jason Donald (# 4): Line above.
Breakout Pitcher: Drew Carpenter (# 22): 25-24, 11-6, 3.35, 156-162-18-47-120
Disappointing Pitcher: Carlos Carrasco (# 2): 20-20, 6-9, 5.18, 114.2-118-14-38-112
Quick Take: Marson, Donald and Carrasco all took their games to Cleveland as part of the Cliff Lee trade and Carpenter propelled himself into a start against the Nationals earlier this year.

AA: Reading Phillies (EL)
Breakout Hitter: Michael Taylor (# 6): Line above.
Disappointing Hitter: Brad Harman (UR): .201-.271-.310, 422, 5-41, 39-119, 0-2
Breakout Pitcher: Sergio Escalona (# 27): 32-0, 2-1, 1.77, 40.2-31-1-14-38
Disappointing Pitcher: Vance Worley (# 16): 27-27, 7-12, 5.34, 153.1-163-17-49-100
Quick Take: Taylor finally had his tools equal production this year while Escalona got to pitch in the Phillies pen for the stretch run. Harman just hasn't hit since reaching AA while Worley had a disappointing AA debut.

Hi A: Clearwater Threshers (FSL)
Breakout Hitter: Domonic Brown (# 1): Line above.
Disappointing Hitter: Mike Durant (UR): .211-.312-.365, 375, 12-37, 51-142, 0-3
Breakout Pitcher: Kyle Drabek (# 5): Line above.
Disappointing Pitcher: Julian Sampson (# 12): 17-15, 3-9, 7.36, 69.2-93-10-27-37
Quick Take: Brown and Drabek both got promotions to Reading, where they played well. Durant and Sampson saw their prospect statuses take a hit after struggling badly.

Lo A: Lakewood BlueClaws (SAL)
Breakout Hitter: Harold Garcia (UR): .291-.350-.414, 8-55, 29-100, 42-12
Disappointing Hitter: Travis Mattair (# 21): .236-.326-.333, 450, 3-39, 54-131, 12-2
Breakout Pitcher: Jason Knapp (# 10): Line above.
Disappointing Pitcher: Ryan Bergh (UL): 45-0, 3-6, 5.05, 71.1-83-4-21-51
Quick Take: Garcia showed a lot of tools and some rawness in his full season debut while Knapp takes his big K numbers to Cleveland. Mattair didn't do much in his full season debut and neither did Bergh.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Domonic Brown: RF
Only Heyward profiles better as a corner OF in players I have seen.
2) Kyle Drabek: RHP
Has he put his troublesome past behind him?
3) Michael Taylor: LF
Should battle for job in spring training, if there is a job to be had...
4) Trevor May: RHP
2008 4th rounder from HS made full season debut and shined (15-15, 4-1, 2.56, 77.1-58-3-43-95)
5) Jarred Cosart: RHP
Another '08 HS draftee will likely make full season debut next year after going 2-2, 2.22 with 25 K's in 24 IP's at R.
6) Joe Savery: LHP
Pitchability lefty just kept winning this year.
7) Anthony Gose: CF
Stole 76 bases, about all the good.
8) Zach Collier: LF
Needs to rebound from a bad season.
9) Freddy Galvis: SS
19 year old made it to AA. Wasn't quite ready, but made it there nonetheless.
10) Anthony Hewitt: 3B/OF
Has more tools then a Home Depot and is a project, but that end result is very tantalizing.

Dropped From Top 10: D'Arnaud (# 7)

Final Overview: A system in a little bit of transition, the Top 3 guys are as good as anyone in the minors. The next 2 had solid breakout years and project well, but everyone after that isn't exciting either because they are all projection (Hewitt, Gose, Galvis, Collier) or their end package just isn't that scintillating (Savery). The nucleus is there to continue to add to their titles and this is a system that is probably right about the same (early teens) as last year on the strength of their top guys.

Life On The Farm: Boston Red Sox (# 13)

It's a friggin nation man!

Graduated To Majors: Josh Reddick (OF, # 5), Aaron Bates (1B, UR), Jeff Bailey (1B, UR), Dusty Brown (C, UR), Michael Bowden (SP, # 2), Junichi Tazawa (SP, # 7), Daniel Bard (RP, # 4), Hunter Jones (RP, UR), Dustin Richardson (RP, UR)

The Rest Of The Top 10 (with quick commentary):
Hitters: BA-OBP-SLG, AB, HR-RBI, BB-K, SB-CS
Pitchers: G-GS, W-L, ERA, IP-H-HR-BB-K

1 - Lars Anderson: 1B
AA: .233-.328-.345, 447, 9-51, 63-114, 2-0
Quick Take: He is human after all and has finally experienced a setback.

3- Nick Hagadone: LHP
Lo A: 15-15, 0-3, 2.49, 39.2-21-0-19-53
Hi A: 2-2, 0-0, 5.06, 5.1-5-0-5-6
Quick Take: Takes his act to Cleveland as part of the return for Victor Martinez.

6 - Casey Kelly: RHP
Lo A: 9-9, 6-1, 1.12, 48.1-32-0-9-39
Hi A: 8-8, 1-4, 3.09, 46.2-33-4-7-35
Quick Take: Only list his pitching stats because this is his future and he had a very strong season.

8 - Ryan Westmoreland: CF
SS: .296-.401-.484, 223, 7-35, 38-49, 19-0
Quick Take: 19 year old appears ready for full season ball next year.

9 - Michael Almanzar: 3B
Lo A: .207-.261-.293, 188, 3-17, 9-53, 0-0
SS: .230-.288-.302, 222, 1-29, 16-52, 1-2
Quick Take: Sent down as he continues to struggle to hit at the Low A level, though he hasn't yet turned 19.

10 - Yamaico Navarro: SS
SS: .238-.304-.286, 21, 0-2, 2-3, 0-2
Hi A: .319-.373-.543, 94, 4-17, 6-12, 2-2
AA: .185-.270-.304, 135, 2-11, 14-28, 5-1
Quick Take: Passed his test at High A before struggling badly in his first exposure to AA.

AAA: Pawtucket Red Sox (IL)
Breakout Hitter: Chris Carter (UR): .294-.358-.465, 428, 16-61, 42-63, 0-0
Dissapointing Hitter: Paul McAnulty (UL): .233-.331-.402, 326, 11-48, 45-83, 0-1
Breakout Pitcher: Clay Buchholz (UL): 17-16, 7-2, 2.36, 99-67-7-30-89
Disappointing Pitcher: Charlie Zink (UR): 27-23, 6-15, 5.59, 135.1-134-10-93-47
Quick Take: Carter takes his act to the Mets as part of the return for Billy Wagner. Buchholz regained his mojo enough to be a playoff starter. McAnulty was supposed to be a solid emergency lefty for the major league team, but instead ended up in Colorado Springs. Zink's knuckle keeps dancing away from him.

AA: Portland Sea Dogs (EL)
Breakout Hitter: Daniel Nava (UR): .364-.479-.568, 118, 4-23, 25-12, 0-0
Disappointing Hitter: Lars Anderson (# 1): Line above.
Breakout Pitcher: Junichi Tazawa (# 7): 18-18, 9-5, 2.57, 98-80-8-26-88
Disappointing Pitcher: Ryne Lawson (UR): 23-23, 3-12, 5.93, 115.1-124-10-57-57
Quick Take: Nava, a 26 year old OF, had a breakout season at of nowhere finishing in Portland after he hit .339-.434-.495 at Hi A prior to the promotion. Tazawa made a jump to the bigs. Anderson battled his swing at AA while Lawson struggled to do much at AA.

Hi A: Salem Red Sox (CL)
Breakout Hitter: Ryan Kalish (# 13): .304-.434-.513, 115, 5-21, 26-20, 7-3
Disappointing Hitter: Jered Stanley (UR): .211-.337-.270, 152, 0-11, 26-51, 1-1
Breakout Pitcher: Eammon Portice (UL): 25-25, 8-8, 4.35, 128.1-128-12-36-141
Disappointing Pitcher: Jose Capellan (UL): 29-16, 6-4, 6.34, 93.2-122-14-65-63
Quick Take: Kalish finally tapped into his power potential and got a quick promotion to AA. Portice stayed healthy and maintained his K rate. Stanley really struggled at both A's this year. Capellan had a setback filled season.

Lo A: Greenville Drive (SAL)
Breakout Hitter: Tim Federowicz (UR): .345-.393-.562, 226, 10-34, 15-42, 1-0
Disappointing Hitter: Jeremy Hazelbaker (UL): .167-.280-.233, 150, 1-9, 23-58, 11-2
Breakout Pitcher: Fabian Williamson (UR): 28-12, 10-5, 2.42, 108-71-3-53-104
Disappointing Pitcher: None notable.
Quick Take: Federowicz had a strong half year here before struggling upon a promotion. Williamson came out of nowhere to put up a strong season. Hazelbaker showed he wasn't quite ready for the big time.

TK's Early 2010 Top 10 Prospects:
1) Casey Kelly: RHP
Very special arm that pitched in Futures Game.
2) Lars Anderson: 1B
Everyone gets one bad season, right?
3) Ryan Westmoreland: CF
Will get a chance to show just how a good a prospect he is next year.
4) Ryan Kalish: RF
Power finally came around and a very complete offensive player.
5) Yamaico Navarro: SS
Reminds me of Yunel Escobar.
6) Alex Wilson: RHP
2nd rounder had a .50 ERA in SS in 13 starts (36 IP, 7 BB, 33 K)
7) Reymond Fuentes: CF
Debatable 1st rounder had decent debut (.290-.331-.379 at R)
8) Derrik Gibson: SS
Solid season at SS (.290-.395-.380) and will likely get chance to prove worth in Greenville next year.
9) Che-Hsuan Lin: CF
Last year's Futures Game MVP, appears to be on track to be starting CF.
10) Stolmy Pimentel: SP
Solid full season debut for the 19 year old (10-7, 3.82, 117.2-135-12-29-103)

Dropped From Top 10: Almanzar (# 9)

Final Overview: This system has taken a hit. A lot of their top prospects received promotions and a lot of their midlevel guys were involved in deals in attempts to win a championship now. There is still quite a bit upside here, but likely an early twenties to mid twenties farm system.