By Josh Boyd
September 23, 2002

1. Hanley Ramirez, ss, Lowell Spinners (Red Sox)
Had Kazmir pitched enough innings, he might have ranked No. 1 on this list. Ramirez, who did qualify despite his own late start, earned the top ranking in both the GCL and the NY-P. When they faced each other, Ramirez won the matchup by showing off his tremendous bat speed and driving a 96-mph fastball off the wall.

Ramirez spent a year in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League after signing in 2000. While the Red Sox were excited about his five-tool ability and natural athleticism, he far surpassed all expectations in his first taste of pro ball in the States.

"He's the best player in this league, and the best prospect in the Red Sox organization," Lowell manager Mike Boulanger said. "He can do everything. He's got a feel for the game you can't teach. You could put him in Triple-A right now and he'd fit in."