By Josh Boyd
August 26, 2002  

Each week the Prospect Hot Sheet gives you our read on the best prospects in the minor leagues, based on how we rated them coming into the season and how they're performing this season.

This is not a list of the players with the best stats in the minors, and it's not even the same thing as our Minor League Player of the Year watch. It's just a snapshot of whose stock is rising or falling in the world of prospects. If you don't agree, you're more than welcome to make your own list and send it to us.

If you want to tell us what you think about it, just drop a note to joshboyd@baseballamerica.com.

Click on player's name for up-to-date stats.

Player, Position, Team

1. Victor Martinez, c, Double-A Akron (Indians)

He has drawn comparisons to Jorge Posada for his switch-hitting prowess.

2. Hanley Ramirez, ss, Short-season Lowell (Red Sox)

The Red Sox can hardly contain themselves—they haven't had an up-and-coming prospect with tools like this since Nomar.

3. Jhonathan Figueroa, lhp, Class A South Georgia (Dodgers)

Big teenage lefty keeps baffling more-experienced South Atlantic League hitters.

4. Rocco Baldelli, of, Triple-A Durham (Devil Rays)

Some are still confused about why he's already in Triple-A; pitchers are still confused about how to get the 20-year-old out.

5. Mark Teixeira, 3b, Double-A Tulsa (Rangers)

Up to 19 doubles and 18 home runs between two levels in just 79 games.

6. Clint Nageotte, rhp, Class A San Bernardino (Mariners)

He became the first, and maybe the only, to surpass the 200-K plateau by registering 10 or more strikeouts in seven of eight starts.

7. Sean Burnett, lhp, Class A Lynchburg (Pirates)

Just when you think he's wearing down, he rebounded after a rough outing with eight scoreless innings.

8. Hank Blalock, 3b, Triple-A Oklahoma City (Rangers)

Blalock is heating up, setting the stage for his September callup—he's hitting .339 with three bombs in his last 66 ABs, and he's still playing with a fractured elbow.

9. Bubba Nelson, rhp, Class A Myrtle Beach (Braves)

He took over as the Carolina League's ERA leader by notching an 0.43 mark during his current three-game win streak.

10. Jose Reyes, ss, Double-A Binghamton (Mets)

If he could only cure his hitting woes at home—.199 vs. .386 on the road.

11. Mike Restovich, of, Triple-A Edmonton (Twins)

Scouts knew the raw power was going to be special, and it's manifested as game power this season—he's among the minor league leaders in home runs and total bases.

12. Macay McBride, lhp, Class A Macon (Braves)

Another premium pitching prospect making major strides in the Braves system.

Others Receiving Consideration

James Loney, 1b, Class A Vero Beach (Dodgers)
Ben Kozlowski, lhp, Tulsa (Rangers)
Ryan Hannaman, lhp, Class A Hagerstown (Giants)
John Barnett, rhp, Class A Myrtle Beach (Braves)
Franklyn German, rhp, Triple-A Toldeo (Tigers)
Scott Kazmir, lhp, Short-season Brooklyn (Mets)
Andy Marte, 3b, Class A Macon (Braves)
Reggie Abercrombie, of, Class A Vero Beach (Dodgers)
Zach Duke, lhp, Rookie-level GCL Pirates
Lew Ford, of, Triple-A Edmonton (Twins)
Kevin Youkilis, 3b, Double-A Trenton (Red Sox)
Lyle Overbay, 1b, Triple-A Tucson (Diamondbacks)
Elizardo Ramirez, rhp, Rookie-level GCL Phillies
Ryan Shealy, 1b, Rookie-level Casper (Rockies)
Travis Blackley, lhp, Class A San Bernardino (Mariners)
Luke Hagerty and Andy Sisco, lhp, Short-season Boise (Cubs)
Hee Seop Choi, 1b, Triple-A Iowa (Cubs)
Edwin Jackson, rhp, Class A South Georgia (Dodgers)
Josh Bonifay, 2b, Class A Lynchburg (Pirates)
Tyler Johnson, lhp, Class A Peoria (Cardinals)
Aaron Alvey, rhp, Kentucky