|
|
2005 Top 100 Prospects: 76-100
February 28, 2005
Baseball America's 16th annual Top 100 Prospects list reflects each player's long-term major league value, balancing his ceiling and his chances of maximizing his potential. Players who have not exceeded the rookie limits of 130 at-bats and 50 innings, regardless of their big league service time, are eligible for the list. Editor in chief Allan Simpson, managing editor Will Lingo, executive editor Jim Callis and assistant managing editor John Manuel put together the top 100 after consulting with general managers, scouting directors, farm directors, scouts, managers and instructors. And yes, we analyzed statistical performance as well. Jim Callis compiled the quotes for each player from Baseball America staff and correspondent interviews. Managers are identified with the teams they were with in 2004.
| 76. |
KENDRY MORALES, of, Angels |
Scouting Report |
"He's a middle-of-the-order hitter that's getting ready to play in the big leagues. He's on the big league roster going into camp with a chance to win a job."
--Angels scouting director Eddie Bane
| |
| 77. |
JOAQUIN ARIAS, ss, Rangers |
Scouting Report |
"One of the more exciting players around. Very high ceiling, but a long way to go."
--Bakersfield manager Arnie Beyeler
| |
| 78. |
FRED LEWIS, of, Giants |
Scouting Report |
"He's a tremendous athlete, but now he's also a baseball player."
--AL scout
| |
| 79. |
GUILLERMO QUIROZ, c, Blue Jays |
Scouting Report |
"He looks like a baby Pudge Rodriguez. He'll shut down the running game, and he has some power."
--NL scout
| |
| 80. |
EZEQUIEL ASTACIO, rhp, Astros |
Scouting Report |
"Everything got better and more consistent last year. His fastball and curveball got harder, and he picked up a splitter overnight."
--NL scout
| |
| 81. |
NEIL WALKER, c, Pirates |
Scouting Report |
"You wonder if he might be too athletic to stay behind the plate. He could play practically anywhere on the field."
--GCL Pirates manager Woody Huyke
| |
| 82. |
UBALDO JIMENEZ, rhp, Rockies |
Scouting Report |
"I drool at the mention of his name. He was right there with Matt Cain and Felix Hernandez in the Cal League before he got hurt."
--AL scout
| |
| 83. |
BRANDON WOOD, ss, Angels |
Scouting Report |
"He's slender but he can jolt the ball, and he makes the plays at shortstop."
--AL scout
| |
| 84. |
BRAD SNYDER, of, Indians |
Scouting Report |
"He's a strong, physical athlete that's going to be a tremendous big league player. He's the complete package that stands up and demands your attention."
--Kinston manager Torey Lovullo
| |
| 85. |
MARK TEAHEN, 3b, Royals |
Scouting Report |
"He was probably the best third baseman in the Texas League. He's got the whole package as a guy who can hit and plays good defense at third."
--Frisco manager Tim Ireland
| |
| 86. |
KYLE SLEETH, rhp, Tigers |
Scouting Report |
"This kid has a funky delivery, but he has great life on his fastball. He's got an idea of how to pitch."
--Tampa manager Billy Masse
| |
| 87. |
JOEY GATHRIGHT, of, Devil Rays |
Scouting Report |
"He's the kind of leadoff hitter that you don't run into much anymore."
--Buffalo manager Marty Brown
| |
| 88. |
ANGEL GUZMAN, rhp, Cubs |
Scouting Report |
"He just needs to get healthy. He'll show you three plus-plus pitches at times."
--NL scout
| |
| 89. |
RUSSELL MARTIN, c, Dodgers |
Scouting Report |
"He's very advanced in all aspects defensively, but the thing we really got excited about was the way his bat came around in the Arizona Fall League."
--Dodgers scouting director Logan White
| |
| 90. |
JEREMY SOWERS, lhp, Indians |
Scouting Report |
"He locates everything well, especially the fastball. He automatically becomes one of the most polished pitchers in a system deep with arms."
--NL scout
| |
| 91. |
JON PAPELBON, rhp, Red Sox |
Scouting Report |
"Papelbon may not be getting his due credit after such a strong year. On most nights, he features three plus pitches."
--Red Sox assistant general manager Josh Byrnes
| |
| 92. |
JAKE STEVENS, rhp, Braves |
Scouting Report |
"He's got the fastball and changeup, but that curveball is so good, that's the pitch you've got to watch for."
--Augusta manager Chad Epperson
| |
| 93. |
RICHIE GARDNER, rhp, Reds |
Scouting Report |
"He might have been the best guy I saw all year in terms of changing speeds."
--AL scout
| |
| 94. |
HAYDEN PENN, rhp, Orioles |
Scouting Report |
"He can run his fastball inside and broke a lot of bats. He had a lot of polish for the Sally League."
--Charleston (W.Va.) manager Ken Joyce
| |
| 95. |
JOSH FIELDS, 3b, White Sox |
Scouting Report |
"He was one of the better athletes available in the draft. We think he will be an impact guy at the major league level."
--White Sox senior director of player personnel Duane Shaffer
| |
| 96. |
TADAHITO IGUCHI, 2b, White Sox |
Scouting Report |
"The way he goes about the game, he's a perfect fit for what we need at the top of the order. He plays the game the right way. He plays it hard."
--White Sox general manager Ken Williams
| |
| 97. |
HUSTON STREET, rhp, Athletics |
Scouting Report |
"His velocity surprised me, and obviously his makeup is just off the charts."
--AL scout
| |
| 98. |
IAN KINSLER, ss, Rangers |
Scouting Report |
"I managed Hank Blalock in the minors and Kinsler has the same approach."
--Clinton manager Carlos Subero
| |
| 99. |
ANTHONY LEREW, Braves |
Scouting Report |
He was up to 96, and it was an easy 96. It's easy power like Jose Capellan."
--Lynchburg pitching coach Scott Lovekamp
| |
| 100. |
GREG MILLER, lhp, Dodgers |
Scouting Report |
"He's going to be fine. We're going to make some correction to make him more comfortable in his delivery."
--Dodgers farm director Terry Collins
| |
|
