By Aaron Fitt
February 3, 2008

Baseball America's Top 10 Prospects lists are based on projections of a player's long-term worth after discussions with scouting and player-development personnel. All players who haven't exceeded the major league rookie standards of 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched (without regard to service time) are eligible. Ages are as of April 1, 2008.

Complete Index of Top 10 Prospects
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As it became apparent the Rangers were going to miss the playoffs for the eighth straight season in 2007, second-year general manager Jon Daniels faced some tough decisions, and he ultimately embraced a true commitment to rebuilding the organization from the ground up.

Texas limped out of the gates under first-year manager Ron Washington, finding itself in last place and 51⁄2 games back of the first-place Angels by the end of April. By the end of May, the Rangers trailed by 131⁄2 games, and when the deficit had stretched to 161⁄2 games by the end of June, Daniels had little choice but to look toward the future.

That meant trading franchise cornerstone Mark Teixeira to maximize the return for a player who faces free agency after the 2008 season. He did just that by shipping Teixeira to the Braves along with lefthander Ron Mahay for a bounty of five highly regarded prospects: catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, shortstop Elvis Andrus, righthander Neftali Feliz and lefties Matt Harrison and Beau Jones.

Texas went even further by moving Eric Gagne and Kenny Lofton to the Red Sox and Indians, bringing back more prospects in outfielders Engel Beltre and David Murphy and catcher Max Ramirez, plus a young big league lefty in Kason Gabbard.

Those three deals highlighted the dramatic overhaul of the farm system, and what had been one of baseball's thinnest organization's is now one of its most talented.

The system's transformation was augmented by strong work in the draft by scouting director Ron Hopkins and his staff. The Rangers had five picks before the second round, which they used on a trio of high-upside prep righthanders (Blake Beavan, Michael Main and Neil Ramirez), a safe college righty (Tommy Hunter) and a college center fielder who could be the team's leadoff man of the future (Julio Borbon). And as usual, the Rangers were active in the Latin American market under international scouting director A.J. Preller, landing a solid crop led by Venezuelan lefthander Martin Perez.

The net result is greatly improved minor league depth, particularly on the mound. Developing impact pitchers long has been a challenge for the Rangers, whose 4.75 major league team ERA ranked 24th in baseball in 2007. Now a majority of their top prospects are pitchers, giving some reason for optimism. However, much of the high-ceiling talent remains in the lower levels of the minors, so it will take another couple of years before the Rangers will start seeing dividends in Arlington.

The Rangers expect to continue their rebuilding process in 2008, field a competitive team by 2009 and make a serious playoff run in 2010. In addition to the foundation in the farm system, Texas has whom it regards as a few core players to build around at the big league level, including outfielder Josh Hamilton (brought over in an offseason trade with the Reds for righthander Edinson Volquez), second baseman Ian Kinsler, righthander Brandon McCarthy, Saltalamacchia and shortstop Michael Young. The most significant major league bright spot from a gloomy 2007, Young recorded his fifth straight 200-hit season. Since 1940, only Young, Wade Boggs and Ichiro Suzuki have accomplished that feat.

1.	Elvis Andrus, ss   Born: Aug. 26, 1988 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-0 • Wt: 185
Signed: Venezuela, 2005 • Signed by: Rolando Petit/Julian Perez (Braves)
Background: Background: As the younger brother of Rays minor leaguer Erold Andrus, Elvis was on the prospect landscape at an early age. The Rangers had a chance to sign him during international scouting director A.J. Preller's first week on the job in 2005, when the club had Andrus at its Dominican complex for a workout. But Andrus was hampered by a leg injury and Texas couldn't justify blowing 70 percent of its then-modest international budget on him. Instead, he signed with the Braves for nearly $600,000 and held his own against much older competition in his first three years in the United States. Last July, he and Jarrod Saltalamacchia were the centerpieces of a five-prospect package Atlanta surrendered for Mark Teixeira and Ron Mahay. After changing organizations, Andrus thrived in the hitter-friendly high Class A California League and then batted .353 as the youngest player in the Arizona Fall League. Strengths: Strengths: After his regular season ended, Andrus arrived early at instructional league and had dinner with Preller and farm director Scott Servais. He dazzled the pair with his desire to lead, telling them that his favorite shortstop is Derek Jeter because "he's a leader and a winner, and that's what I am." He also picked Sammy Sosa's brain about how to get other players to respect him as a leader. That makeup sets Andrus apart, not just off the field but on it, where he has a unique ability to slow the game down and always put himself in the right position to make plays. He also makes sure that his teammates on the infield are positioned where they're supposed to be. Andrus long has been regarded as a naturally gifted defensive shortstop, with sure hands to go with plus range and plus arm strength, which is especially evident when he goes into the hole or on relay throws from the outfield. He's an above-average runner who's improving as a basestealer, and he shows the ability to make adjustments at the plate. A gap-to-gap hitter with a mature approach for his age, Andrus has a short, direct swing path and enough strength to project to hit 10-20 homers a year in the big leagues. Weaknesses: Weaknesses: Andrus remains somewhat raw offensively, but he has made progress with the Rangers, who wanted him to narrow his wide, spread-out stance to get more weight transfer and drive the ball better. His inconsistent stride causes him to get out of rhythm at times, but he showed improvement in the fall. He has decent pitch recognition but needs to do a better job staying back against breaking balls. Texas gave Andrus the green light to run whenever he wanted, and he's still refining his technique and picking up nuances such as when he can steal third base. Though he has an accurate arm and gets plenty of carry on his throws, he sometimes makes careless throwing errors. The Future: The Future: Andrus' all-around game draws comparisons to an in-his-prime Edgar Renteria's. As with Renteria, defense will always be Andrus' calling card, but he has a chance to be a solid No. 2 hitter in the big leagues if he's given more time and at-bats to develop. He figures to get a shot at playing at Double-A Frisco as a teenager in 2008.
2007 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB Myrtle Beach (Hi A) .244 .330 .335 385 59 94 20 3 3 37 44 88 25 Bakersfield (Hi A) .300 .369 .373 110 19 33 2 0 2 12 10 19 15
2.	Chris Davis, 3b   Born: March 17, 1986 • B-T: L-R • Ht: 6-3 • Wt: 210
Drafted: Navarro (Texas) JC, 2006 (5th round) • Signed by: Randy Taylor
Background: A prep two-way star who also pitched after transferring from Texas to Navarro (Texas) JC, Davis has taken off as a power hitter in pro ball. He followed up his solid 2006 debut with a monstrous first full season, finishing second in the minors with 36 homers and 118 RBIs and posting a California League-record 35-game hitting streak. Strengths: Not only does Davis have well-above-average power, but he knows how to use it, thanks to a balanced approach and willingness to use the whole field. He has improved against lefthanders, shortened up his swing somewhat and showed an ability to make adjustments against more advanced pitching as he has moved through the minors. Weaknesses: Despite a plus arm, Davis is a below-average defender at third base, with poor footwork and actions. He played right field in his pro debut but is a below-average runner who likely will be limited to first base down the road. Though he has a good feel for hitting, he swings and misses a lot. He tends to start his hands high then drop them down before the pitch, making him vulnerable against pitches above the belt. The Future: Davis could be an impact middle-of-the-lineup bat in the majors even if he is tied to first base. He needs another season in the minors to see more quality pitching, and he will split 2008 between Frisco and Oklahoma.
2007 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB Bakersfield (Hi A) .298 .340 .573 386 69 115 28 3 24 93 22 123 3 Frisco (AA) .294 .371 .688 109 21 32 7 0 12 25 13 27 0
3.	Eric Hurley, rhp   Born: Sept. 17, 1985 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-4 • Wt: 200
Drafted: HS—Jacksonville, 2004 (1st round) • Signed by: Guy DeMutis
Background: At the lower levels of the minors, Hurley was often able to dominate hitters simply by overpowering them, but he had to learn how to adjust to hitters at higher levels. When he began overmatching Double-A batters in the first half of 2007, the Rangers moved him up to Triple-A, where he wore down late and experienced his first real taste of adversity. Strengths: Hurley has a pair of plus offerings in his sinking 92-95 mph fastball that runs down and in and his firm slider with good depth. He refined his command of both pitches in 2007, and Texas forced him to focus on developing his changeup in Triple-A. He made some progress with the changeup early, flashing turnover fade. Weaknesses: As Hurley ran out of gas down the stretch, his changeup wasn't as comfortable coming out of his hand and he struggled to locate it. He also got hit hard when he left his fastball up in the zone. It usually takes him a few innings to get his velocity up, as he works at 88-92 mph early in games. The Future: Hurley will likely get a chance to crack the big league rotation in spring training, but a return to Triple-A and a midseason callup seems more likely. He projects as a mid-rotation starter in the Kevin Millwood mold.
2007 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG Frisco (AA) 7 2 3.25 15 14 1 0 89 71 13 27 76 .219 Oklahoma (AAA) 4 7 4.91 13 13 0 0 73 65 13 28 59 .236
4.	Taylor Teagarden, c   Born: Dec. 21, 1983 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-1 • Wt: 200
Drafted: Texas, 2005 • Signed by: Randy Taylor
Background: Teagarden worked his way back from 2005 Tommy John surgery as a DH late in 2006 and entered 2007 mostly healthy, but elbow fatigue in late April set him back. He wound up catching just two or three games a week the rest of the way and serving as a DH the rest of the time. Strengths: Most Rangers officials regard Teagarden as a major league-ready defensive catcher, thanks to his soft hands, solid footwork and feel for the game. His arm is slightly above-average but plays up thanks to his footwork, quick release and accuracy. Offensively, he entered pro ball with a rather flat swing path at times, but he since has improved his load and been able to generate more loft and backspin, giving him solid-average pull power and doubles pop the other way. Weaknesses: Teagarden still needs work calling games, but his intelligence should expedite that process as he gets more work behind the plate. Because of his patient offensive approach, he takes his share of strikeouts. The Future: The Rangers took the reins off Teagarden in the fall, and he should be ready to catch nearly every day in 2008, likely back at Double-A to start the year. Texas may not need him thanks to Jarrod Saltalamacchia, but Teagarden should be ready to be an everyday catcher by 2009.
2007 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB Bakersfield (Hi A) .315 .448 .606 292 75 92 25 0 20 67 65 89 2 Frisco (AA) .294 .357 .529 102 19 30 3 0 7 16 10 39 0
5.	Neftali Feliz, rhp   Born: May 2, 1988 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-3 • Wt: 180
Signed: Dominican Republic, 2005 • Signed by: Julian Perez/Roberto Aquino (Braves)
Background: Feliz could wind up as the crown jewel of the Mark Teixeira haul. Rather than blowing hitters away with his fastball after the trade, he focused on developing his secondary stuff and still struck out 27 in just 15 innings. Strengths: With some time to refine his command, Feliz's fastball could rate as an 80 on the 20-80 scouting scale. With a smooth, effortless arm action, he pumps heaters that sit at 94-97 mph and touch 99, exploding on hitters. He is athletic and a hard worker. Weaknesses: Feliz flashes a promising three-quarters breaking ball in the high 70s, but it's inconsistent. One day he'll show a plus curve with very good depth, and the next day he'll drop his arm, causing the pitch to flatten out and spin but not bite. He tends to throw his changeup too hard, right into hitters' bat speeds, but he has some feel for the pitch and made progress with it in instructional league. He shows good control but not command. The Future: Feliz has a chance to open 2008 as a 19-year-old at low Class A Clinton, but he's still a long way from the majors. If it all comes together for him, he has the potential to be a true No. 1 starter, though some scouts see him as a flame-throwing closer down the road.
2007 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG Danville (R) 2 0 1.98 8 7 0 0 27 18 0 12 28 .191 Spokane (SS) 0 2 3.60 8 1 0 0 15 13 2 12 27 .228
6.	Michael Main, rhp   Born: Dec. 14, 1988 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-2 • Wt: 170
Drafted: HS—DeLand, Fla., 2007 (1st round) • Signed by: Guy DeMutis
Background: Since he was named Baseball America's top 15-year-old in 2004, Main has generated buzz for his lightning-quick arm and supreme athleticism. A number of clubs thought hard about drafting him as a center fielder, and the Rangers even let him DH for eight games in the Arizona League, where he batted .267. Strengths: Main evokes Bret Saberhagen for his slight build, plus-plus arm strength, intelligence and determination. He pitches with minimal effort at 92-97 mph with a lively fastball, and he did a much better job keeping the pitch down in the zone in 2007 than he did in high school in 2006. Main's 75-78 mph downer curveball has tight rotation and good depth. It's an average pitch at times and could wind up better than that. He has good command for his age. He has plus-plus speed and the athleticism to field his position well. Weaknesses: Main has the makings of an average changeup, but he seldom used it in high school. He also must get more consistent with his curve. Added strength would improve his long-term durability. The Future: Main could wind up as a legitimate front-end starter in the majors. He figures to follow Kasey Kiker's development plan and start 2008 in extended spring training before going to low Class A around mid-May.
2007 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG AZL Rangers (R) 0 1 1.42 5 5 0 0 13 9 1 6 16 .196 Spokane (SS) 2 0 4.70 5 5 0 0 15 14 1 7 18 .237
7.	Kasey Kiker, lhp   Born: Nov. 19, 1987 • B-T: L-L • Ht: 5-10 • Wt: 170
Drafted: HS—Seale, Ala., 2006 (1st round) • Signed by: Jeff Wood
Background: The Rangers have been careful with the undersized Kiker, first keeping him on a strict pitch count in his pro debut, then holding him back in extended spring training to start his first full pro season last spring. The idea was to keep him to 20 starts in 2007, and Texas preferred to have him peaking at the end of the season rather than in July. It worked perfectly, as he repeatedly ran his fastball up to 97 mph in a Midwest League playoff game. Strengths: A bulldog who wants the ball in big spots, Kiker has the stuff and tenacity to make up for his slight build. He pitches comfortably at 91-93 mph and has the ability to elevate the ball in the zone to get strikeouts when needed. He has a plus changeup with some tail to it. He always has thrown the changeup with good arm speed and commanded it much better in 2007. Weaknesses: Kiker's 75-78 mph curveball has tight downward rotation and is a plus pitch at times, but it remains inconsistent. Though he has a strong lower half and keeps himself in great shape, his size raises questions about his ability to shoulder a starter's workload over the long term. The Future: Kiker will start 2008 in the hitter-friendly California League, which will be a major test for him as a flyball pitcher. His three-pitch mix gives him a shot to be a mid-rotation starter in the big leagues by 2010.
2007 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG Clinton (Lo A) 7 4 2.90 20 20 0 0 96 84 10 41 112 .237
8.	Blake Beavan, rhp   Born: Jan. 17, 1989 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-7 • Wt: 210
Drafted: HS—Irving, Texas, 2007 (1st round) • Signed by: Jay Eddings
Background: Beavan was Baseball America's 2006 Youth Player of the Year after serving as the ace for the U.S. junior national team, which included striking out 11 in a shutout against Cuba on Cuban soil. He followed his standout summer with a dominating senior season, which included an 18-strikeout perfect game, and bypassed a commitment to Oklahoma to sign with the Rangers for $1,497,500 right before the Aug. 15 signing deadline. Strengths: Beavan has an imposing, workhorse frame and a swagger on the mound. He pounds the zone with a heavy fastball that sits at 92-94 mph and reaches 96. His mid-80s slider can be a plus pitch at times as well. Weaknesses: Beavan tends to use a lower arm slot with his slider than he does with his fastball, causing it to flatten out. He should be able to tighten the pitch by cleaning up his delivery, and his velocity could climb if he learns to finish pitches instead of cutting himself off. He'll need to develop his nascent changeup to stick as a starter. He can be too brash at times, and he got a taste of humble pie in instructional league. The Future: Some scouts think Beavan profiles best as a two-pitch bullpen ace with a nasty streak, but the Rangers will give him every chance to start. He figures to make his pro debut at short-season Spokane in June.
2007 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG Did Not Play—Signed Late
9.	Julio Borbon, of   Born: Feb. 20, 1986 • B-T: L-L • Ht: 6-1 • Wt: 190
Drafted: Tennessee, 2007 (1st round supplemental) • Signed by: Jeff Wood
Background: Borbon helped lead the Volunteers to Omaha as a freshman before exploding onto the prospect landscape for Team USA in 2006. He missed the first eight weeks of his junior year after fracturing his ankle while sliding awkwardly during an intrasquad game, and though he never fully got on track during the season, the Rangers signed him to a major league contract worth $1.3 million, including an $800,000 signing bonus. Strengths: Borbon garners comparisons to Johnny Damon for his prototypical center-field tools. His plus-plus speed and good instincts make him a quality defender in center. He has a strong, physical frame with gap-to-gap power, and he projects to hit 10-20 homers annually in the big leagues. He makes consistent, line-drive contact, is a good bunter and isn't afraid to work the count. He's also a natural leader. Weaknesses: Like Damon, Borbon has a below-average arm, though Texas thinks it could become average if he can improve his exchange from his glove. Offensively, the Rangers want him to narrow his stance to get more weight transfer, and to use the opposite field more. The Future: Borbon has the tools to be an everyday center fielder in the big leagues. He should open 2008 in low Class A and could move quickly.
2007 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB AZL Rangers (R) .250 .333 .375 8 0 2 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 Spokane (SS) .172 .226 .172 29 1 5 0 0 0 2 2 3 3
10.	Engel Beltre, of   Born: Nov. 1, 1989 • B-T: L-L • Ht: 6-1 • Wt: 169
Signed: Dominican Republic, 2006 • Signed by: Pablo Lantigua (Red Sox)
Background: The Red Sox signed Beltre for a $600,000 in 2006 and traded him to Texas along with Kason Gabbard and David Murphy for Eric Gagne last July. After shining in his Rangers debut, Beltre reported early to instructional league and continued to impress with his work ethic. Strengths: Scouts drooled over Beltre's legitimate five-tool potential after he signed with Boston, with one even comparing him to a young Barry Bonds. He has a wiry-strong frame and plus speed, and  he gets good jumps and reads in center field to go along with a plus arm. Beltre has a loose swing and quick wrists and projects to hit for above-average power as he fills out. Weaknesses: Though Beltre has good bat control and isn't afraid to work the count, he tends to get jumpy with runners on base. His swing can get too big and he's prone to chasing pitches in the dirt. He's raw in every phase of the game and hasn't yet figured out how to use his speed on the basepaths. The Future: Given time and at-bats, Beltre could blossom into a true five-tool superstar, but he's a long way off. He'll likely start 2008 in extended spring training before heading back to Spokane.
2007 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB GCL Red Sox (R) .208 .310 .400 125 20 26 3 3 5 13 12 44 6 AZL Rangers (R) .310 .388 .583 84 19 26 3 4 4 15 8 21 3 Spokane (SS) .211 .250 .211 38 3 8 0 0 0 1 2 10 2

Complete Index of Top 10 Prospects

Pre-Order the 2008 Prospect Handbook 30 scouting reports on every team

Photo Credits:
Brian Bissell (Andrus)
Paul Gierhart (Kiker)
Bill Mitchell (Davis, Hurley, Teagarden, Feliz, Main, Beavan, Borbon, Beltre)