Complete Index of League Top 20s

By Allan Simpson
September 19, 2005

---

Subscribers can access scouting reports on all twenty players. (How to subscribe)

---

Chat Wrap: Allan Simpson took your questoins on the AZL/GCL

TOP 20 PROSPECTS

1. Mark Pawelek, lhp, Cubs 2. Nick Adenhart, rhp, Angels 3. Craig Italiano, rhp, Athletics 4. Jeff Bianchi, ss, Royals 5. Johnny Whittleman, 3b, Rangers 6. Jared Lansford, rhp, Athletics 7. Waldis Joaquin, rhp, Giants 8. Lorenzo Cain, of, Brewers 9. Joe Dickerson, of, Royals 10. Shairon Martis, rhp, Giants 11. Sharlon Schoop, ss, Giants 12. Manuel Pina, c, Rangers 13. P.J. Phillips, ss, Angels 14. Kyle Blanks, 1b, Padres 15. Ramon Alvarado, of, Athletics 16. Tommy Mendoza, rhp, Angels 17. Sammy Baez, ss, Cubs 18. Brent Fisher, lhp, Royals 19. Ernesto Frieri, rhp, Padres 20. Gustavo Espinoza, lhp, Angels

The Giants won their second straight Arizona League title this year with one of the older rosters in the nine-team Rookie league. But youth was still served as the team’s three youngest players—righthanders Waldis Joaquin and Shairon Martis, and shortstop Sharlon Schoop—stood out as prospects. All played the 2005 season at age 18.

Joaquin, along with Athletics righthander Craig Italiano, was one of two pitchers in the league whose fastballs reached 98 mph. Italiano, Oakland’s second-round pick in June, ranks third on this list, while Joaquin ranked seventh. Cubs lefthander Mark Pawelek, the lone first-rounder from this year’s draft to appear in the league, earned the No. 1 spot.

Overall, pitching was dominant in the AZL this year, as five of the league’s seven best prospects toiled on the mound. A year ago, hitters claimed 10 of the first 11 spots.

Subscribers can access scouting reports on all twenty players. (How to subscribe)