Prospect Report:
Team Beat

Michael Cox

Is there a better day in pro sports than Major League Baseball's opening day? Sure, they've butchered it like everything else by only having 10 games, but the combination of a day off work, DirecTV, and nonstop baseball makes for a tremendous day. With all due respect to Maryland­Indiana, they had the unenviable task of competing with Oakland­Texas, and the major-league debut of Hank Blalock. You can guess which channel my TV was tuned to.

The minors crank up April 4, and now that players have been assigned let's take a look around the rosters and see which teams you need to go out of your way to go see. It follows that the best farm systems would also have the best individual teams, and that is pretty much what we find.

It's actually a bit rare to find a AAA team with more than a few good prospects, as most teams stock their top farm clubs with veterans who could help the big-league club for a few weeks in case of an injury. However, the Texas Rangers have quite a few legitimate prospects just a step away in Oklahoma City. Mario Ramos and Joaquin Benoit will front a good rotation, while Jason Romano, Ryan Ludwick, Kevin Mench, Jason Hart, and Travis Hafner combine to make a formidable lineup.

Over in the International League, the Columbus Clippers boast some of the best the Yankee farm system has to offer. Drew Henson, Juan Rivera, Marcus Thames, and Erick Almonte all have the ability to help the Yankees this year, and Brandon Claussen makes his pitch to join the Yankees' rotation sooner rather than later.

You probably won't find a better matchup all season than the opening weekend series between the Southern League's West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx and Mobile Baybears. AA baseball is generally where you'll find your best prospects, and these two teams are stocked with talent. The Cubs were kind enough to send Mark Prior, Ben Christensen, Nic Jackson, and David Kelton (once he recovers from his injuries) to West Tennessee this year. Put simply, watching Mark Prior pitch is worth admission by itself, and he makes his season debut on Sunday. If you're anywhere near Pringles Park this weekend, make the trip.

The BayBears have hoarded most of San Diego's top talent, and boast an impressive rotation with Dennis Tankersley, Jake Peavy, Ben Howard, and Eric Cyr. The offense isn't as strong, but Ben Johnson and Bernie Castro should provide a spark. Mobile should be a traveling glimpse into the Padres' future.

Moving on to the Texas League, the Round Rock Express should provide another season of terrific pitching. Last year's Round Rock rotation was one of the best in recent history, and there is no shortage of talent on the staff this year either. Brad Lidge is back and trying to stay healthy, and joined by Mike Nannini, Rodrigo Rosario, Chad Qualls, and Kirk Saarloos.

The Express' offense features John Buck, who isn't that far from being the Astros' everyday catcher, power-hitting middle infielder Tommy Whiteman, and last year's first round pick, Chris Burke, who will alternate between short and second with Whiteman.

The Express don't meet up with the San Antonio Missions until May, but that should be a fun series to watch. The Missions have almost all of the top Mariners prospects, and boast what is likely the best rotation in minor league baseball this year. Rafael Soriano, Matt Thornton, Craig Anderson, Gil Meche, and Josue Matos form a lethal 1-5, and J.J. Putz will ready to step in when Meche gets promoted to either AAA or the majors.

The Missions' offense is loaded as well, with Jamal Strong, Chris Snelling, Ryan Christianson, and Antonio Perez. The Mariners also stuck former top prospect Ntema "Papy" Ndungidi at San Antonio as he works to overcome a disappointing season following some personal problems. There are few teams in the minors that can claim to have a legitimate five of the top 100 players in the minors, but the Missions do it with ease.

Moving on the Florida State League, we find another loaded Yankee affiliate, which should tell you something about their farm system. The prize here is John-Ford Griffin, who is one of the best pure hitters in the minors. The comparisons to Paul O'Neill are legitimate, but that could be underrating Griffin. Fellow outfielder Jason Grove has power, but is old for high-A ball.

The real stars of the Tampa Yankees will be on the mound, however, where Jason Arnold, Dave Martinez, and Manny Acosta are a tough trio to face. Catcher Omar Fuentes is a name most haven't heard of, but he could be in for a surprise year.

Lastly, we look at a team that isn't going to get a lot of recognition going into the season. The Midwest League's Cedar Rapids Kernels have a very young team with some real promising players. Most everyone will be waiting to see Casey Kotchman, and for good reason. The Midwest League annually produces a few of the finest young hitters in the game, and Casey's as good a bet as any to fill that role this year.

The Kernels also have Jeff Mathis behind the plate, Dallas McPherson at third base, Greg Porter in the outfield, and Joe Torres, Johan Santana, and Jake Woods on the mound. There's a lot of potential for some real breakthrough talent here.

about the author

David Cameron wouldn't be where he is today if it wasn't for Delaware River Rubbing Mud. Let him know that there are better ways of getting the minor-league scoop than covering one's self with mud and sneaking into offices in the dead of night at dac@strikethree.com.