By Josh Boyd

1. Casey Kotchman, 1b

Age: 19. B-T: L-L. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 210. Drafted: HS–Seminole, Fla., 2001 (1st round) Signed by: Donny Rowland.

Want More? Does 10 prospects per team only whet your appetite? How does 30 sound? If you want the same kind of in-depth information you're finding here on three times as many players, Baseball America's new Prospect Handbook is for you. Click on the book to learn how to order!

Angels Top Prospects 1992 Troy Percival, rhp 1993 Tim Salmon, of 1994 Brian Anderson, lhp 1995 Andrew Lorraine, lhp 1996 Darin Erstad, of 1997 Jarrod Washburn, lhp 1998 Troy Glaus, 3b 1999 Ramon Ortiz, rhp 2000 Ramon Ortiz, rhp 2001 Joe Torres, lhp

Background: The centerpiece of one of the most talented high school teams ever assembled, Kotchman led Seminole (Fla.) High to a wire-to-wire No. 1 national ranking in 2001. Kotchman earned high school All-America honors by hitting .465-5-39 in 88 at-bats. Still, Kotchman slid slightly in the draft because he got pitched around and didn’t take good swings. Anaheim was delighted to find him available with the 13th overall pick in June, and his father Tom–an Angels scout and minor league manager–negotiated Casey’s $2.075 million bonus. Casey has been around pro ball all his life, often accompanying his father during the summer, and they were reunited at Rookie-level Provo last August before a sprained wrist ended Casey’s pro debut.

Strengths: Kotchman had little difficulty leaving aluminum bats behind. Comparisons to sweet-swinging lefthanders abound, starting with Todd Helton and Rafael Palmeiro. Some scouts give Kotchman top grades on the hitting scale, and he’s expected to develop well-above-average power because of his strong frame, bat speed and uncanny ability to put the barrel on the ball. He’s an aggressive hitter, but he stays inside the ball well and uses the whole field. Kotchman’s fielding and throwing also project as plus big league tools. He has all the makings of a future Gold Glover, playing a textbook first base with graceful actions, soft hands and solid footwork. The ball seems to disappear into his glove.

Weaknesses: Though Kotchman is a flexible athlete who excites scouts with his loose body, he’s a below-average runner. Any other perceived flaws are just nitpicking, however. After getting hurt at Provo and being limited by a back injury in 2000, he’ll have to prove he’s durable.

The Future: Kotchman missed instructional league with the wrist injury, but he should be healthy for spring training. Scouts can barely contain their enthusiasm when talking about him. Much like Joe Mauer, the No. 1 overall pick in 2001, Kotchman is refined for a teenager and ready to jump on the fast track. He should be the first high school player from last year’s draft to reach the majors, perhaps in 2004.

2001 Club (Class)	AVG	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB
AZL Angels (R)	.600	15	5	9	1	0	1	5	3	2	0
Provo (R)	.500	22	6	11	3	0	0	7	2	0	0