Eastern League Top 20 Prospects

Orioles have a solid crop in Bowie

By John Manuel
September 30, 2008

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See also: Eastern League Top 20 Prospects With Scouting Reports

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EASTERN LEAGUE TOP 20 PROSPECTS

1. Matt Wieters, c, Bowie (Orioles) 2. Chris Tillman, rhp, Bowie (Orioles) 3. Travis Snider, of, New Hampshire (Blue Jays) 4. Lars Anderson, 1b, Portland (Red Sox) 5. Jordan Zimmerman, rhp, Harrisburg (Nationals) 6. Carlos Carrasco, rhp, Reading (Phillies) 7. Fernando Martinez, of, Binghamton (Mets) 8. J.P. Arencibia, c, New Hampshire (Blue Jays) 9. Daniel Bard, rhp, Portland (Red Sox) 10. Austin Jackson, of, Trenton (Yankees) 11. David Huff, lhp, Akron (Indians) 12. Jose Tabata, of, Trenton (Yankees)/Altoona (Pirates) 13. Daniel Murphy, 3b/of, Binghamton (Mets) 14. Lou Marson, c, Reading (Phillies) 15. Michael Bowden, rhp, Portland (Red Sox) 16. Wes Hodges, 3b, Akron (Indians) 17. Brett Cecil, lhp, New Hampshire (Blue Jays) 18. Jon Niese, lhp, Binghamton (Mets) 19. Pablo Sandoval, c/1b, Connecticut (Giants) 20. Greg Golson, of, Reading (Phillies)

Bowie didn't win the Double-A Eastern League championship, in part because it ran into a rehabbing Travis Hafner and Matt LaPorta on Akron's roster in the semifinals. But the Baysox left the biggest impression on scouts, as they featured the league's two best prospects. Catcher Matt Wieters earned our Minor League Player of the Year award, while No. 2 prospect Chris Tillman, acquired from the Mariners in the Erik Bedard bonanza, was the league's most talented arm.

Bowie didn't place any other player in the top 20, but that's only because of the depth of the league. Other Baysox receiving support included outfielders Nolan Reimold, who homered four times against Akron in the playoffs, and Lou Montanez, who rejuvenated his career by winning the EL triple crown and MVP award at age 26; and righthanders Brad Bergesen (the EL pitcher of the year), Jason Berken and David Hernandez (the league strikeout leader).

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