Triple-A Best Tools

August 1, 2006

Triple-A Best Tools

Our week-long survey of the best tools in the minors is over. We began by featuring the Triple-A leagues, followed by Double-A, then high Class A, and finally low Class A to wrap up the coverage. The Best Tools Slideshow consists of photos of some of the toolsiest players in the minors along with quotes about their tools from those who know them best.

		INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE	PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE
	Best Batting Prospect	Josh Fields, Charlotte	Howie Kendrick, Salt Lake
	Best Power Prospect	Scott Thorman, Richmond	Nelson Cruz, Nashville
	Best Strike-Zone Judgment	Chris Denorfia, Louisville	Alberto Callaspo, Tucson
	Best Baserunner	Jerry Owens, Charlotte	Charlton Jimerson, Round Rock
	Fastest Baserunner	Rajai Davis, Indianapolis	Freddy Guzman, Oklahoma
	Best Pitching Prospect	Jeremy Sowers, Buffalo	Jered Weaver, Salt Lake
	Best Fastball	Brandon League, Syracuse	Chad Billingsley, Las Vegas
	Best Breaking Pitch	J.D. Durbin, Rochester	Rich Hill, Iowa
	Best Control	Jeremy Sowers, Buffalo	Jason Hirsh, Round Rock
	Best Reliever	Pat Neshek, Rochester	Jack Taschner, Fresno
	Best Defensive Catcher	Shawn Riggans, Durham	Jeff Mathis, Salt Lake
	Best Defensive First Baseman	Casey Rogowski, Charlotte	James Loney, Las Vegas
	Best Defensive Second Baseman	Anderson Hernandez, Norfolk	Alberto Callaspo, Tucson
	Best Defensive Third Baseman	Andy Marte, Buffalo	Brendan Harris , New Orleans
	Best Defensive Shortstop	Danny Sandoval, Scranton	Stephen Drew, Tucson
	Best Infield Arm	Sergio Santos, Syracuse	Erick Aybar, Salt Lake
	Best Defensive Outfielder	Chris Denorfia, Louisville	Adam Jones, Tacoma
	Best Outfield Arm	Keith Reed, Ottawa	Shin Soo Choo, Tacoma
	Most Exciting Player	Lastings Milledge, Norfolk	Howie Kendrick, Salt Lake
	Best Manager Prospect	Torey Lovullo, Buffalo	Craig Colbert, Portland

Players were selected from a poll of league managers, plus consultation with scouts.