MiLB Top 10 Prospects Flashback: 2009 Pioneer League

Even with its picturesque backdrops, the Rookie-level Pioneer League earned a reputation as unrelenting. It plays 76 games, more than any other Rookie league. Its North and South divisions are separated by great distances and mountainous terrain. Oh, and because of its altitude, the Pioneer League is one of the highest scoring environments in affiliated baseball.

Some scouts eagerly volunteer for Pioneer League coverage because of its scenic beauty; players are less eager. Even still, the league has seen its share of epic prospect classes: David Wells and Cecil Fielder in 1982, Helena teammates Gary Sheffield, Greg Vaughn and Darryl Hamilton in 1986; Great Falls teammates Pedro Martinez and Raul Mondesi in 1990 and Joey Votto and Chad Billingsley in 2003.

However, the Pioneer League class of 2009 has them all beat for sheer volume of future major league regulars.

2009 Pioneer League Top 10 Prospects

Nolan Arenado (No. 8) showed a “mature, balanced approach” and the “bat speed and raw strength suggest potential plus home run power.” His “soft hands and plus arm strength” play well at third base. “You know he wants the ball hit to him, and that’s an intangible you can’t teach,” Arenado’s manager said.

Wil Myers (No. 1) fell to the third round in 2009 but signed for first-round money. Of his offensive upside, we wrote that he “uses no batting gloves or finger tape, trusting his quick hands and strong wrists to hit with authority.” Myers signed as a catcher, where he wasn’t “always fluid behind the plate,” though he projected for “well above-average power.”

Patrick Corbin (No. 5) played baseball and basketball in junior college and his “premium athleticism and loose arm portend more velocity down the road.” His “quiet confidence” and hard slurve that “sometimes features sharp, deep tilt” marked him as a starter.

The 2009 Pioneer League top 10 was so deep it also featured future quality big leaguers Jake Odorizzi (No. 2), Garrett Richards (No. 4) and Jean Segura (No. 6).

Pioneer League All-Time BA No. 1 Prospects

Players listed with career major league plate appearances/innings and FanGraphs WAR. Stats for active players current through mid August.

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