Prospect Report:
Hot Child In The Corner

David Cameron

Third base remains loaded with talent, despite the graduation of future all-stars Hank Blalock, Sean Burroughs, and Eric Hinske from last year's list. For the second consecutive year, the Rangers boast the best third-base prospect in baseball. He also just happens to be the best hitting prospect in baseball.

The superlatives tossed around when Mark Teixeira was drafted rival any college draftee since J.D. Drew. After missing the first six weeks of the season due to injury, Teixeira bounced back and proved why his bat is near-major-league-ready. He dominated high-A in his professional debut, then improved after a jump to AA.

Teixeira's getting work in the Arizona Fall League to make up for lost time. His future position is still in doubt, but he could handle third if asked. The Rangers might move him to first just to get his bat in the lineup sooner. He'll hit like an all-star no matter where he plays.

Much has been made about the disappointment that was the 2002 season for Drew Henson. People are beginning to mention him with other failed quarterbacks such as Josh Booty. Indeed, Henson struggled for Columbus, posting a terrible walk-to-strikeout ratio, a low batting average, and playing shaky defense.

However, he has continued to display the best power of any prospect in the game. Nearly all of Henson's problems are mental, as his physical skills are overwhelming. He needs to rebound in 2003, but he's an intelligent kid capable of making the necessary adjustments.

The South Atlantic League had more talent than any other league in 2002, yet Andy Marte still managed to stand out. Despite being just 18, he showed a major-league swing with serious power potential. His approach at the plate was very good for someone with his experience and he's absolutely oozing with tools. He was the best defensive third baseman I saw all year and has gold glove potential around the bag. If Marte follows a normal development path, he could be among the top tier of prospects in the game next year.

The Marlins have been talking about Miguel Cabrera since he set a record with his $1.8 million signing bonus as a 16-year-old. He outgrew shortstop this year and made the shift full-time to third base. He had an extremely impressive year in the pitcher-friendly Florida State League, showing off the power that could make him a cleanup hitter in the big leagues. He still struggles with the strike zone, but is making improvements. AA will be a test for him and I expect he'll need to make adjustments, but he's got plenty of time to work those out.

David Wright also had a tremendous campaign in the South Atlantic League as a teenager and shows a lot more polish than several of the players ahead of him. His batting average wasn't anything to write home about, but he drew a good amount of walks and was among the leaders in extra base hits. He doesn't have the same raw power of Marte or Cabrera, but he's a better line-drive hitter and should post higher averages as he gains experience.

The Indians absolutely stole Matt Whitney with the 36th pick in the June draft. His bat carries some serious juice and he'll get a lot stronger as he fills out his 6'4" frame. He hits everything hard and has enough power to be an elite slugger during his prime. While he's not a star defensively, he's playable at third. He'll eventually outgrow the position, but will probably begin his major league career at the hot corner.

Dallas McPherson struggled to get recognition with teammates Casey Kotchman and Jeff Mathis having tremendous years for Cedar Rapids, but McPherson is a good hitter in his own right. He doesn't have one standout ability, but is at least average at everything, with potential to turn into a 30-home-run guy. He's got a good glove at third, but will likely move to the outfield if the Angels decide to keep him, as he won't be unseating Troy Glaus anytime soon.

It could be argued that Kevin Youkilis was the most valuable hitter in the minors this year, as his ability to get on base is unmatched. He's got one of the best eyes in baseball, major-league or minor-league, and will not get himself out. The questions surround his ability to play third and whether he has enough power to play an offensive position such as first base.

Youkilis has an awkward body, but his coaches claim he can handle the hot corner for a few more years. He'll need to, because he likely won't show enough power to be a contributor at first base or DH. Like Erik Hinske, he'll probably get a shot to play third on a team that doesn't value defense, but his long-term value is questionable.

The Diamondbacks just may give Chad Tracy a chance to win their starting third base job in spring training. His .346 batting average in the Texas League piqued people's interest, though it wasn't accompanied by much power. Unfortunately for Tracy, history is against him. The list of players who have blitzed through the Texas League recently includes Adam Piatt, Jason Hart, Keith Ginter, Jason Lane, and Ken Harvey. None of them were able to repeat their success at higher levels, and I have my doubts about Tracy as well.

The Brewers, realizing a logjam was forming at first base, shifted Corey Hart across the diamond to help his chances of reaching Milwaukee sooner. Hart has drawn comparisons to Richie Sexson because of his size, but that's really where the similarities end. Hart put up great numbers in High Desert, but a large part of that was his home park. He was overmatched in a move to AA Huntsville and will have to show that he can hit at sea level against quality pitchers.

about the author

David Cameron is committed to building the perfect minor-leaguer. Draw parallels to "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" at dac@strikethree.com.