Texas League Top 20 Prospects List
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The Double-A Texas League, traditionally one of the more offensive circuits in the minors, wasn't loaded with can't-miss hitters this season.
True, the top two prospects were position players, and they were a clear cut above the rest of the talent in the league. But most of the hitters who followed them have limitations or obvious holes in their games. A notable example is Rangers outfielder John Mayberry Jr., a 2005 first-round pick who has a great body and light-tower power when he connects, but also a long swing and such a poor idea of his own hitting zone that teams were content to let him get himself out most of the time.
That wasn't true for Springfield outfielder Colby Rasmus or San Antonio third baseman Chase Headley, who showed complete skills in the field and at the plate.
Headley was the league MVP and anchored the San Antonio lineup all season. The Missions, in their first season as a Padres affiliate, finished dead last in the Southern Division in the first half, then roared back to win the second-half title and two rounds of playoffs to win not only the Texas League title but also Baseball America's Minor League Team of the Year (see Page 14).
The pitching crop was deeper than usual. Righthanders Nick Adenhart (Arkansas) and Luke Hochevar (Wichita) may not have dominated as much as expected, but their potential was obvious. Tulsa righty Greg Reynolds did carve up TL hitters before getting shut down with shoulder soreness in mid-June.
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(Click here to subscribe)| TOP 20 PROSPECTS |
| 1. Colby Rasmus, of, Springfield Cardinals |
| 2. Chase Headley, 3b, San Antonio Missions (Padres) |
| 3. Nick Adenhart, rhp, Arkansas Travelers (Angels) |
| 4. Greg Reynolds, rhp, Tulsa Drillers (Rockies) |
| 5. Luke Hochevar, rhp, Wichita Wranglers (Royals) |
| 6. Matt Antonelli, 2b, San Antonio Missions (Padres) |
| 7. Franklin Morales, lhp, Tulsa Drillers (Rockies) |
| 8. Eric Hurley, rhp, Frisco RoughRiders (Rangers) |
| 9. Troy Patton, lhp, Corpus Christi Hooks (Astros) |
| 10. J.R. Towles, c, Corpus Christi Hooks (Astros) |
| 11. Chris Perez, rhp, Springfield Cardinals |
| 12. Jaime Garcia, lhp, Springfield Cardinals |
| 13. Juan Morillo, rhp, Tulsa Drillers (Rockies) |
| 14. German Duran, 2b, Frisco RoughRiders (Rangers) |
| 15. Sean Rodriguez, ss, Arkansas (Angels) |
| 16. Felipe Paulino, rhp, Corpus Christi (Astros) |
| 17. Bryan Anderson, c, Springfield Cardinals |
| 18. Richie Robnett, of, Midland RockHounds (Athletics) |
| 19. Josh Geer, rhp, San Antonio Missions (Padres) |
| 20. Joe Mather, of, Springfield Cardinals |
True, the top two prospects were position players, and they were a clear cut above the rest of the talent in the league. But most of the hitters who followed them have limitations or obvious holes in their games. A notable example is Rangers outfielder John Mayberry Jr., a 2005 first-round pick who has a great body and light-tower power when he connects, but also a long swing and such a poor idea of his own hitting zone that teams were content to let him get himself out most of the time.
That wasn't true for Springfield outfielder Colby Rasmus or San Antonio third baseman Chase Headley, who showed complete skills in the field and at the plate.
Headley was the league MVP and anchored the San Antonio lineup all season. The Missions, in their first season as a Padres affiliate, finished dead last in the Southern Division in the first half, then roared back to win the second-half title and two rounds of playoffs to win not only the Texas League title but also Baseball America's Minor League Team of the Year (see Page 14).
The pitching crop was deeper than usual. Righthanders Nick Adenhart (Arkansas) and Luke Hochevar (Wichita) may not have dominated as much as expected, but their potential was obvious. Tulsa righty Greg Reynolds did carve up TL hitters before getting shut down with shoulder soreness in mid-June.
Subscribers can read scouting reports on all 20 players
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