After reading over Scout.com's Top 100 prospect list, I got so worked up that I had to put together my own list.
So, now for my Top 10 list with Prime Projections(I'm going to do the Top 5 hitters, and then the Top 5 pitchers)...
Hitters
1. Matt Wieters - We're talking Johnny Bench good, people. His defense isn't quite there yet, but he'll stick at catcher, he'll hit 30-40 home runs a year, and he'll hit over .300. End of debate. Prime: .330 ave., 45 home runs, 1.020 OPS
2. Matt LaPorta - He's basically a one skill guy, but who cares? Any hitter that has the potential to hit 40-50 home runs with an OPS frequently in the .950-1.000 range deserves to be near the top of the list. Prime: .310 ave., 53 home runs, .990 OPS
3. Chris Davis - I almost want to put Davis at the #2 spot since his defense plus 50 home run power makes him a little more attractive than LaPorta, but I think his high strike out rate will slow him down at the plate at times. Prime: .315, 55 home runs, .950 OPS
4. Jason Heyward - I can't find anything to dislike about Heyward. He's a great all around hitter, with solid splits against lefties and righties, has good plate discipline, and projects to have very good power production. Prime: .330 ave., 38 home runs, .940 OPS
5. Josh Vitters - As much as Mets fans love David Wright, the Cubs are going to love Josh Vitters even more. His potential to hit for a high average as well as power makes him almost as appealing as Heyward. Prime: .320 ave., 36 home runs, .930 OPS
Well, there you have it. Those are my top 5 hitting prospects of mid-2008. I'll try to put together my top 5 pitchers by the end of the day, so be on the look out.
Also, let me know if you think I overlooked anyone, or if I'm just dead wrong with my rankings. I feel very good about them, but I'm open to discussion.
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Tuesday, July 22, 2008
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3 comments:
How many SBs do you project Heyward to have?
The Braves don't steal much, and that probably won't change over the next decade. So, given that Heyward has 15 attempts so far this year with 14 successful steals, I could see him getting 20+ a year, with the chance of 30 or more during any given season. As he gets older he obviously won't run as much, but a 30/30 guy in his early 20's is a very nice commodity.
I like Wieters as well, but I don't know about Johnny Bench good. I would also put LaPorta as the #1 prospect. Also, I'm not as high on Heyward as you are I would put Colby Rasmus there instead.
He's only 21 and alraedy at AAA, and although he isn't putting up monster #'s he is holding his own. Plus he's a disciplined hitter leading his team in BB's, and he can steal bases also leading the team with 15.
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