Sorry, the page you're looking for is either like Sidd Finch and does not exist, or like Josh Hamilton and has moved. Where would you like to go instead?
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.
"What we like about him is his package of skills: his size, his mental makeup, and what we think he's going to bring to the table. When you put the whole package together, we thought this kid had an upside."
--Brewers scouting director Jack Zduriencik
"He has a chance to be a No. 1 or 2 starter in the big leagues. He throws three pitches for strikes, and they're all plus pitches."
--Cedar Rapids manager Bobby Magallanes
"What was already a really good out pitch for him became even better than what I saw last year. That was the best slider in the International League."
--Indianapolis manager Cecil Cooper
"He's going to be a major league power hitter and he's going to be a very productive major league hitter."
--Blue Jays roving hitting instructor Merv Rettenmund
"Everybody knows about that fastball, but his slider is always in the back of your mind. He'll show it to you once outside the zone, but he's just setting you up for later on."
--Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard
"He could go to the bullpen right now and throw fastball-breaking ball and pitch in the big leagues, but I believe the Twins want him to develop into a starter, and to do that he's going to have to learn to slow the ball down a little."
--Grand Canyon coach Jose Marzan
"His changeup is one of the better ones I've seen. He has tremendous arm action and the ball just tumbles to the plate."
--Phillies catcher Mike Lieberthal
"He can do a lot of damage if he gets his pitch to hit. And every time we were there, when he did get his pitch to hit he was able to do something with it."
--Royals scouting director Deric Ladnier
Sorry, the page you're looking for is either like Sidd Finch and does not exist, or like Josh Hamilton and has moved. Where would you like to go instead?
Baseball America
