Complete Index of League Top 20s

By Allan Simpson
September 20, 2004

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TOP 20 PROSPECTS

1. Matt Tuiasosopo, ss, Mariners 2. Hernan Iribarren, 2b, Brewers 3. Mark Rogers, rhp, Brewers 4. Miguel Vega, 1b/3b, Royals 5. Matt Bush, ss, Padres 6. Daryl Jones, 1b, Padres 7. K.C. Herren, of, Rangers 8. Daniel Santin, c, Mariners 9. Elvin Puello, 3b/ss, Cubs 10. Marcus Sanders, 2b, Giants 11. Josh Johnson, ss, Royals 12. Erik Cordier, rhp, Royals 13. Yovani Gallardo, rhp, Brewers 14. Pablo Sandoval, c, Giants 15. Freddy Parejo, of, Brewers 16. Irving Falu, 2b, Royals 17. Andy Santana, lhp, Cubs 18. Alexi Ogando, of, Athletics 19. Alexi Casilla, 2b/ss, Angels 20. Connor Robertson, rhp, Athletics

This year's crackdown on temporary visas to foreign players affected every league at the entry level of professional baseball, none to a greater degree than the Rookie-level Arizona League.

A league normally top-heavy in teenage talent from other nations, the AZL was allowed to relax its rules governing age and experience. With pitching staffs composed of players ranging from 20-24, the Giants and Athletics dominated the league. The Giants won the first half of the league's split-season schedule and the A's the second half, with the Giants beating them 3-2 in a one-game championship final.

With our prospect list, the emphasis was on youth, so few Giants and A's made the grade. Giants second baseman Marcus Sanders, the highest-ranked player from those clubs, came in at No. 10. Only one of the league's top 16 prospects was even 20.

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