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FLORIDA STATE LEAGUE TOP 20 PROSPECTS

1. Rick Porcello, rhp, Lakeland (Tigers)
2. J.P. Arencibia, c, Dunedin (Blue Jays)
3. Logan Morrison, 1b, Jupiter (Marlins)
4. Jeremy Jeffress, rhp, Brevard County (Brewers)
5. Adrian Cardenas, 2b, Clearwater (Phillies)
6. Jeremy Hellickson, rhp, Vero Beach (Rays)
7. Sean West, lhp, Jupiter (Marlins)
8. Wilson Ramos, c, Fort Myers (Twins)
9. Scott Cousins, of, Jupiter (Marlins)
10. Michael Taylor, of, Clearwater (Phillies)
11. Todd Frazier, ss/3b, Sarasota (Reds)
12. Drew Stubbs, of, Sarasota (Reds)
13. Chris Valaika, ss, Sarasota (Reds)
14. Jose Ceda, rhp, Daytona (Cubs)
15. Juan Francisco, 3b, Sarasota (Reds)
16. Taylor Green, 3b, Brevard County (Brewers)
17. Cale Iorg, ss, Lakeland (Tigers)
18. Francisco Samuel, rhp, Palm Beach (Cardinals)
19. Jonathan Lucroy, c, Brevard County (Brewers)
20. Zach McAllister, rhp, Tampa (Yankees)

The high Class A Florida State League always seems to get a glimpse of the best pitching prospects in baseball. In 2004, Chad Billingsley and Scott Kazmir stopped by, followed by Justin Verlander the following season. Homer Bailey and Yovani Gallardo dueled for the top spot in 2006, while Joba Chamberlain launched his pro career in Tampa last year.

This year David Price, the first overall pick in the 2007 draft, showed up in Vero Beach, dominated and moved on before he logged enough innings to qualify for this list. If he had stayed longer, he easily would have ranked No. 1. With Price out of the running, another pitcher from last year's draft claimed the top spot on the prospect list. Lakeland's Rick Porcello jumped from high school to high Class A and had no difficulty looking like he belonged.

Besides Price, there were several other first-rounders who didn't stick around long enough to qualify. Dunedin outfielder Travis Snider hit four homers in 17 games before beginning a rapid ascent to Toronto. Sarasota first baseman Yonder Alonso, Dunedin first baseman David Cooper, Fort Myers righthander Carlos Hernandez and Lakeland righty Ryan Perry also impressed in limited action.

Subscribers can see scouting reports for the entire Florida State League Top 20 Prospects list.