Midseason Top 50 Prospects

Compiled by Jim Callis, J.J. Cooper and John Manuel
July 7, 2011


In many ways, compiling the midseason Top 50 prospects is significantly tougher than putting together our preseason Top 100 Prospects list. By our rules, no players in the majors as of July 6th, no players who have exhausted their rookie status, and no player currently in the minors on a major league rehab assignment (like Brandon Belt) qualify for the list. Also, 2011 draftees are not yet eligible. So seven of our preseason Top 10 and 11 of the Top 20 prospects are no longer eligible for the list.

That talent gap has been filled by a large number of talented young arms, including one, Cardinals righthander Carlos Martinez, who went from off of the preseason Top 100 to into the Top 20.

At the top of the list the debate for No. 1 revolved around the same two players who were in the discussion for No. 1 at the beginning of the season—Bryce Harper and Mike Trout. Harper's present power and somewhat underrated athleticism ended up being the determining factor as he remained No. 1. There  was a similar debate as to which was the top pitcher on the list. In the preseason, Julio Teheran ranked ahead of Matt Moore. But Moore's ever-improving command helped lead to a switch this time. Both Teheran and Moore have excellent stuff, but Moore has a better breaking ball according to scouts. That, and the fact that in a tie, always go with the lefthander, proved to be enough of a difference to move him up to No. 3.

MIDSEASON TOP 50 PROSPECTS
1.	Bryce Harper, of, Nationals	Double-A's youngest player has done nothing to lose his grasp on top spot
2.	Mike Trout, of, Angels	In many years, this linebacker-sized center fielder would rank  No. 1
3.	Matt Moore, lhp, Rays	Improving command paired with three plus pitches is a devastating combination
4.	Julio Teheran, rhp, Braves	Improving his breaking ball is the final item on his promotion to-do list
5.	Manny Machado, ss, Orioles	Youngster shows a corner-quality bat while handling shortstop defensively
6.	Martin Perez, lhp, Rangers	On most nights shows three plus pitches with improved command
7.	Shelby Miller, rhp, Cardinals	Pieces are all there to be a future No. 1 or No. 2 starter
8.	Jesus Montero, c, Yankees	Don't be swayed by so-so first half, his hit/power tools are still the same
9.	Jameson Taillon, rhp, Pirates	Pirates have limited his innings, but his power stuff is apparent
10.	Brett Lawrie, 3b, Blue Jays	Move to 3B, chance to play in hitter-helping Las Vegas has put him on fast track
11.	Jacob Turner, rhp, Tigers	Easy delivery, excellent command make for an advanced package
12.	Jurickson Profar, ss, Rangers	Hard to put a limit on potential of 18-year-old shortstop who can hit and field
13.	Manny Banuelos, lhp, Yankees	Was dominating in spring training, but stuff isn't as firm now as it was
14.	Drew Pomeranz, lhp, Indians	Lefties with 92-94 mph fastballs with good life always make life tough on hitters
15.	Devin Mesoraco, c, Reds	Has been hitting for a year and a half. It's always hard to find catchers with impact bats
16.	Arodys Vizcaino, rhp, Braves	Staying healthy was his big task for 2011, so far so good on that front
17.	Wil Myers, of, Royals	Still working to develop his defense in outfield,
18.	Carlos Martinez, rhp, Cardinals	Fastest riser on the list has shown 94-100 mph fastball, solid secondary stuff
19.	Tyler Skaggs, lhp, Diamondbacks	Polished lefthander is part of a revitalized Diamondbacks' farm system
20.	Desmond Jennings, of, Rays	With a healthy wrist, Jennings once again showing solid power
21.	Dee Gordon, ss, Dodgers	Showed flashes of brilliance in his 22-game big league stint, but needs to work on patience
22.	Hak-Ju Lee, ss, Rays	Game-changing speed plus improving middle infield defense adds up to intriguing package
23.	Jake Odorizzi, rhp, Royals	Key player in Greinke trade has taken expected step forward in 2011
24.	Aaron Hicks, of, Twins	Always a slow starter, but combines athleticism with excellent plate discipline
25.	Leonys Martin, of, Rangers	Cuban defector could be a four-tool player with 40 power as his weakest tool
26.	Dellin Betances, rhp, Yankees	Impressive stuff, but Betances rarely makes it look easy
27.	Mike Montgomery, lhp, Royals	Stuff is still there, so don't worry too much about his Triple-A hiccups
28.	Wilin Rosario, c, Rockies	Rosario's catch-and-throw skills, power make you overlook his OBP struggles
29.	Travis d'Arnaud, c, Blue Jays	Not particularly flashy, but all-around skills at catching position always stand out
30.	Matt Harvey, rhp, Mets	Move to Double-A should provide impetus to start refining his changeup
31.	Jason Kipnis, 2b, Indians	Could join fellow prospects Chisenhall, Phelps in Cleveland before long
32.	Brett Jackson, of, Cubs	Jackson doesn't have superstar potential, but his speed and hitting ability mean he's low risk
33.	Gary Brown, of, Giants	2010 first-rounder has game-changing speed and knows how to get on-base
34.	Robbie Erlin, lhp, Rangers	Average fastball, but succeeds with two plus secondary pitches and feel for pitching
35.	Zack Wheeler, rhp, Giants	Control isn't always there, but easy 92-97 mph velocity stands out
36.	Kyle Gibson, rhp, Twins	Lack upside of some other pitching prospects, but he is a safer bet than most
37.	Anthony Ranaudo, rhp, Red Sox	RHP slipped in the draft because of injuries, has left no doubts about his health this year
38.	Taijuan Walker, rhp, Mariners	Great athleticism plus great stuff is a great combination, long ways away, but a fast-riser
39.	Zach Lee, rhp, Dodgers	Plus fastball, two future plus breaking balls pairs well with excellent athleticism
40.	Jarrod Parker, rhp, Diamondbacks	Still showing some rust from Tommy John surgery, but he projects as front-end rotation
41.	Jonathan Singleton, of/1b, Phillies	Not a great year, but is only 19, still has raw power and plate discipline
42.	Brad Peacock, rhp, Nationals	Former shortstop has taken big steps forward, should be a solid No. 3/No. 4 starter
43.	Jarred Cosart, rhp, Phillies	Hard not to like a starter with 93-97 mph fastball and plus breaking ball
44.	Randall Delgado, rhp, Braves	In best-case scenario, he's another Braves' front-line starter, but still working on breaking ball
45.	Anthony Gose, cf, Blue Jays	Younger than Aaron Hicks, base-stealing prowess has improved significantly this year
46.	Nolan Arenado, 3b, Rockies	Always has had the bat, but improved defense at third base makes him a better prospect
47.	Allen Webster, rhp, Dodgers	Posting a 2.50 ERA in Rancho Cucamonga is an impressive feat
48.	Matt Szczur, of, Cubs	Still catching up because of time lost, but toolsy outfielder also shows a feel for hitting
49.	Jedd Gyorko, 3b, Padres	Scouts knew he could hit, Padres' nabbed a potential steal in second round
50.	Paul Goldschmidt, 1b, Diamondbacks	Scouts still worry about projection, but his production, power demands a spot in Top 50