Pacific Coast League Top 20 Prospects List
Drew headlines PCL's season to remember
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Finding 20 top prospects at the Triple-A level is sometimes akin to
discovering a diamond ring in a gumball machine. That was far from the
case this year in the Pacific Coast League.
"This is my third year in the league and I have never seen as much young talent at the Triple-A level as I saw this season," Portland manager Craig Colbert said. "There could easily be a dozen or more impact players at the major league level that came through our league this year."
The PCL's top four prospects--Tucson shortstop Stephen Drew, Salt Lake righthander Jered Weaver and second baseman Howie Kendrick and Las Vegas righty Chad Billingsley--all ranked among the game's most talented minor leaguers and went on to have an instant impact in big league pennant races. Outfielders Matt Kemp (Las Vegas), Chris Young and Carlos Quentin (both Tucson) also adapted easily to the majors.
Several players who narrowly missed the Top 20 would would have been shoo-ins during previous seasons. Nashville outfielder Tony Gwynn Jr. impressed with his athleticism in the outfield and consistent stroke, while Salt Lake outfielder Reggie Willits continued to hit for average and steal bases. Oklahoma City's Joaquin Arias and Albuquerque's Robert Andino drew praise for their glovework at shortstop.
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Drew headlines PCL's season to remember
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subscribe)| TOP 20 PROSPECTS |
| 1. Stephen Drew, ss, Tucson (Diamondbacks) |
| 2. Jered Weaver, rhp, Salt Lake (Angels) |
| 3. Howie Kendrick, 2b, Salt Lake (Angels) |
| 4. Chad Billingsley, rhp, Las Vegas (Dodgers) |
| 5. Andy LaRoche, 3b, Las Vegas (Dodgers) |
| 6. Matt Kemp, of, Las Vegas (Dodgers) |
| 7. Chris Young, of, Tucson (Diamondbacks) |
| 8. Adam Jones, of, Tacoma (Mariners) |
| 9. Jason Hirsh, rhp, Round Rock (Astros) |
| 10. Carlos Quentin, of, Tucson (Diamondbacks) |
| 11. Felix Pie, of, Iowa (Cubs) |
| 12. James Loney, 1b, Las Vegas (Dodgers) |
| 13. Anthony Reyes, rhp, Memphis (Cardinals) |
| 14. John Danks, lhp, Oklahoma (Rangers) |
| 15. Erick Aybar, ss, Salt Lake (Angels) |
| 16. Rich Hill, lhp, Iowa (Cubs) |
| 17. Miguel Montero, c, Tucson (Diamondbacks) |
| 18. Chris Iannetta, c, Colorado Springs (Rockies) |
| 19. Edinson Volquez, rhp, Oklahoma (Rangers) |
| 20. Joel Guzman, 3b/of, Las Vegas (Dodgers) |
"This is my third year in the league and I have never seen as much young talent at the Triple-A level as I saw this season," Portland manager Craig Colbert said. "There could easily be a dozen or more impact players at the major league level that came through our league this year."
The PCL's top four prospects--Tucson shortstop Stephen Drew, Salt Lake righthander Jered Weaver and second baseman Howie Kendrick and Las Vegas righty Chad Billingsley--all ranked among the game's most talented minor leaguers and went on to have an instant impact in big league pennant races. Outfielders Matt Kemp (Las Vegas), Chris Young and Carlos Quentin (both Tucson) also adapted easily to the majors.
Several players who narrowly missed the Top 20 would would have been shoo-ins during previous seasons. Nashville outfielder Tony Gwynn Jr. impressed with his athleticism in the outfield and consistent stroke, while Salt Lake outfielder Reggie Willits continued to hit for average and steal bases. Oklahoma City's Joaquin Arias and Albuquerque's Robert Andino drew praise for their glovework at shortstop.
Subscribers can read scouting reports on all 20 players
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subscribe)
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