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.
76. Fausto Carmona rhp, Indians
Tied for the minor league lead in wins as a teenager, thanks to pounding heat low in the strike zone. ETA: 2006
No. 77: Andy Sisco
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77. Andy Sisco lhp, Cubs
Six-foot-9 southpaws with projectable 92-94 mph fastballs can't help but draw Randy Johnson comparisons. ETA: 2006
78. Kelly Shoppach c, Red Sox
A budding Jason Varitek for an organization that already has the original. ETA: 2005
79. Michael Aubrey 1b, Indians
Ranked right behind Rickie Weeks among pure college hitters in the 2003 draft, then hit .348 in low Class A. ETA: 2005
80. John Danks lhp, Rangers
The No. 9 overall pick in 2003 fanned Rickie Weeks in his first two at-bats when they met in Rookie ball. ETA: 2007
81. Matt Moses 3b, Twins
He's a few years behind Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau, but Minnesota has another productive bat on the way. ETA: 2006
82. Dan Meyer lhp, Braves
Lefty with plus stuff, plus command has surrendered two earned runs or less in 30 of 41 pro starts. ETA: 2005
83. Dustin Nippert rhp, Diamondbacks
Only a benign tumor in his armpit has slowed this former 15th-rounder, who owns a career 2.39 ERA. ETA: 2005
84. Mike Jones rhp, Brewers
Power pitcher was making rapid progress before elbow problems shut him down last June. Offseason prognosis called for no surgery. ETA: 2005
85. Felix Pie of, Cubs
Joined Miguel Cabrera as the only 18-year-olds ever chosen to play in the Futures Game. ETA: 2006
86. Lastings Milledge of, Mets
Top high school athlete in the 2003 draft is a bit raw, but his tools are worth waiting for. ETA: 2007
87. Francisco Rosario rhp, Blue Jays
After missing a year following Tommy John surgery, he's looking good and ready to reclaim his mid-90s heat. ETA: 2006
88. Matt Peterson rhp, Mets
Finished 2003 with a one-hitter in the playoffs, which could set the stage for a breakout season in 2004. ETA: 2005
89. Jesse Crain rhp, Twins
Has better stuff (92-96 mph fastball, vicious slider) and is more qualified to close for Minnesota than Joe Nathan. ETA: 2004
90. Nick Markakis of, Orioles
Potential two-way star for the Greek Olympic team projects as a prototype right fielder for Baltimore. ETA: 2006
91. Matt Cain rhp, Giants
Stealth power pitching prospect would have made a bigger name for himself if not for an elbow stress fracture last year. ETA: 2006
92. Bobby Brownlie rhp, Cubs
May yet prove that the Cubs got the top college pitcher in the 2001 (Mark Prior) and 2002 drafts. ETA: 2005
93. Jeff Francis lhp, Rockies
The hottest minor league pitcher down the stretch last year, going 10-1, 1.06 in his final 15 starts. ETA: 2005
94. Jayson Nix 2b, Rockies
Might surpass his brother Laynce, who would have made this list if he hadn't lost his rookie status last September. ETA: 2005
No. 95: Joey Gathright
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95. Joey Gathright of, Devil Rays
The fastest legitimate prospect in the game, he's also the lowest draft pick (32nd round) on the Top 100. ETA: 2005
96. Aaron Hill ss, Blue Jays
Orlando Hudson and Chris Woodward better start looking over their shoulders at this 2003 first-rounder. ETA: 2005
97. Bryan Bullington rhp, Pirates
The No. 1 overall pick in 2002 wasn't as sharp as expected in his 2003 pro debut but still has upside. ETA: 2005
98. Brent Clevlen of, Tigers
The best future No. 3 hitter you've never heard of, he batted .290/.373/.500 away from West Michigan last year. ETA: 2006
99. Jake Dittler rhp, Indians
A 2001 second-rounder, he has easily surpassed Cleveland's four first-round picks from that draft. ETA: 2006
100. Jason Lane of, Astros
Still searching for a role in Houston, should have been the club's big league center fielder last season. ETA: 2004
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