2004 Top 100 Prospects
February 27, 2004
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Baseball America's 15th annual Top 100 Prospects list reflects each player's long-term major league value, considering both his ceiling and the likelihood that he reaches that potential. All players who haven't exceeded the rookie limits of 130 at-bats and 50 innings were eligible, regardless of big league service time. Editor in chief Allan Simpson, managing editor Will Lingo, executive editor Jim Callis, national writer John Manuel and former national writer Josh Boyd (now an area scout with the Padres) compiled the top 100 in consultation with general managers, scouting directors, farm directors, scouts, managers, instructors and other Baseball America correspondents and staff members. Executive Editor Jim Callis wrote the summaries. ETA is our estimate of when the player will become a big league regular.
51. Jason Stokes 1b, Marlins
His power made Adrian Gonzalez, the No. 1 overall pick in 2000, expendable in Florida . . . ETA: 2005
No. 52: Adrian Gonzalez |
52. Adrian Gonzalez 1b, Rangers
. . . though Gonzalez landed on his feet as the top prospect for Texas after being traded for Ugueth Urbina. ETA: 2005
53. Jeremy Guthrie rhp, Indians
Reached Triple-A in his first pro season, and has the potential for three plus pitches. ETA: 2005
54. John Maine rhp, Orioles
Life and deception on his low-90s fastball enabled him to lead minors with 185 strikeouts, .177 opponent average. ETA: 2005
55. Kris Honel rhp, White Sox
His knuckle-curve is already nasty, and some project his velocity to reach the mid-90s. ETA: 2005
56. Justin Jones lhp, Cubs
Should give the Cubs their first productive homegrown lefty starter since they traded Ken Holtzman in 1971. ETA: 2006
57. Ian Stewart 3b, Rockies
It's scary to think what might happen when Coors Field amplifies his natural power. ETA: 2006
58. Clint Everts rhp, Expos
His curveball breaks so much that it fools umpires as well as hitters. ETA: 2006
59. Denny Bautista rhp, Orioles
His age just jumped up two years, but Pedro Martinez' cousin still has a mid-90s fastball. ETA: 2005
No. 60: Mike Hinckley |
60. Mike Hinckley lhp, Expos
A guy with a 21-9, 2.81 pro record, a 91-94 mph fastball and a plus curveball stays anonymous only by being an Expo. ETA: 2006
61. Khalil Greene ss, Padres
Raced to the majors just as expected and should be a solid if not spectacular all-around shortstop. ETA: 2004
62. Bobby Jenks rhp, Angels
Jenks' story remains the same: Tremendous fastball and curveball, questionable command and makeup. ETA: 2005
63. Travis Blackley lhp, Mariners
Ability to mix pitches allowed him to tie for minor league lead in wins (17), and he's starting to throw harder. ETA: 2005
64. Sean Burnett lhp, Pirates
Throws strikes and keeps the ball in the park exactly like a crafty lefty should. ETA: 2005
65. Ryan Harvey of, Cubs
Sammy Sosa's eventual successor in right field also has the ability to drive pitches a long way. ETA: 2007
66. J.D. Durbin rhp, Twins
Self-proclaimed "Real Deal" may project better as a reliever in the majors, and could fill Minnesota's closer void in the near future. ETA: 2004
67. Scott Olsen lhp, Marlins
With Dontrelle Willis and offseason trade acquisition Bill Murphy, Florida is loaded with promising lefties. ETA: 2006
No. 68: Chris Lubanski |
68. Chris Lubanski of, Royals
Following Johnny Damon and Carlos Beltran as the next in the line of Kansas City center-field prospects. ETA: 2006
69. Manny Parra lhp, Brewers
While Milwaukee's deep system is most notable for its hitting prospects, Parra headlines a nice pitching crop. ETA: 2006
70. Jose Lopez ss/2b, Mariners
Seattle signed Rich Aurilia to a one-year deal so they wouldn't block Lopez at shortstop. ETA: 2005
71. Alberto Callaspo 2b, Angels
The biggest bargain on the list after signing for $8,000, he has hit .337 as a pro and is a magician with the bat. ETA: 2006
72. Gabe Gross of, Blue Jays
Regained his hitting stroke last year and will claim a starting job in Toronto once his power manifests itself more. ETA: 2004
73. Adam LaRoche 1b, Braves
All in the family: father Dave was an all-star reliever, and brother Andy signed for $1 million with the Dodgers last year. ETA: 2004
74. Jason Bay of, Pirates
Bay, Oliver Perez and Cory Stewart may not look like a bad return for Brian Giles in a couple of years. ETA: 2004
75. Bubba Nelson rhp, Braves
Led the minors with a 1.66 ERA in 2002, reached Triple-A in 2003, could help Atlanta out of the bullpen in 2004. ETA: 2004
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