Prospect Report:
Organization Strength Part 3: The Good

David Cameron

For the last two weeks, we've covered the bottom two-thirds of MLB in terms of minor-league talent. This week we move into the upper echelon. Each organizational summary also includes its player most likely to make it to the majors, its player with the most potential in the system, and its likely breakthrough candidate for 2003.

10. Anaheim Angels

Things are good for the Rally Monkey and friends right now. After a shocking World Series win, Disney's bunch is primed to add several homegrown stars to its roster in the next two years. While nearly all of the premier prospects spent the year in A-ball, there are role players who can help in 2003, along with a leading rookie-of-the-year candidate coming out of the bullpen.

Most Likely Major-leaguer: Francisco Rodriguez, RHP
Most Potential: Casey Kotchman, 1B
2003 Breakthrough: Johan Santana, RHP

9. Seattle Mariners

Injuries to nearly every one of their major pitching prospects have depleted the M's depth, but there is still enough balance to put them in the top ten. The top-tier players will start mostly at AA next year, so the help isn't as far away as with other clubs. The Mariners may get more impact from their rookies in 2004 than any other team.

Most Likely Major-leaguer: Chris Snelling, OF
Most Potential: Clint Nageotte, RHP
2003 Breakthrough: Emiliano Fruto, RHP

8. Chicago Cubs

After producing talents like Mark Prior, Bobby Hill, and Corey Patterson, the system is a bit thin at the upper levels. They debuted some quality arms in short-season ball, but the bats aren't as impressive. After giving the Cubs their new first baseman, Chicago's farm might not grow another big-league starter for a couple of years.

Most Likely Major-leaguer: Hee Seop Choi, 1B
Most Potential: Andy Sisco, LHP
2003 Breakthrough: Luke Hagerty, LHP

7. Tampa Bay Devil Rays

The Devil Rays could assemble a world-class track team, but haven't yet figured out how to make that translate into major-league wins. They have several hitters with a ton of potential, but very few understand the concept of balls and strikes. The pitching side is thin, but highlighted by several power arms that have reached AA. If the athletes ever become ballplayers, Tampa might have something to root for.

Most Likely Major-leaguer: Dewon Brazelton, RHP
Most Potential: Josh Hamilton, OF
2003 Breakthrough: Mike Prochaska, LHP

6. Philadelphia Phillies

Ed Wade has thrown a lot of cash at veterans in an attempt to win in 2003, but he shouldn't lose sight of the bright future the club has. The Phillies boast a large number of power right-handed arms on their way to an already loaded young rotation. Offensively, most of the prospects project as solid, unspectacular regulars. While there isn't a franchise player in the bunch, the Phillies have a large quantity of effective major-leaguers on the way.

Most Likely Major-leaguer: Marlon Byrd, OF
Most Potential: Gavin Floyd, RHP
2003 Breakthrough: Carlos Cabrera, RHP

5. San Francisco Giants

If the game really were 80 percent pitching, as some commentators would lead you to believe, the Giants would be nearly unstoppable. They feature three of the five best right-handed arms in the minor leagues, and all three spent the season in AAA, knocking on the door to the Bay. There are other notable arms beyond those, and the G-men could develop two or three quality major-league starters by 2004. The offense lags behind, with only one real prospect of note, but the surplus of pitching carries the Giants to an upper echelon ranking.

Most Likely Major-leaguer: Jesse Foppert, RHP
Most Potential: Jerome Williams, RHP
2003 Breakthrough: Fred Lewis, OF

4. Minnesota Twins

The Twins feature several impact hitters, two of whom could make the club out of spring training. While they may not have room for all their prospects, they have enough value to bring a nice player in trade, giving the Twins an upper hand in bargaining. The pitching is a bit thin, but Minnesota doesn't lack for starting pitchers at the major-league level anyway. Terry Ryan has done a terrific job turning the franchise around.

Most Likely Major-leaguer: Michael Cuddyer, OF
Most Potential: Joe Mauer, C
2003 Breakthrough: Scott Tyler, RHP

3. Texas Rangers

Anchored by the best prospect in baseball, the Rangers boast an impressive array of hitters. Texas features at least one prospect at every position, including as much depth at first base as any organization in the game. The pitchers have struggled to stay healthy, but there several quality arms who have already reached AA. The Rangers will get as big a boost from their rookies as any club in 2003.

Most Likely Major-leaguer: Mark Teixeira, 3B
Most Potential: Mark Teixeira, 3B
2003 Breakthrough: Julin Charles, OF

2. Atlanta Braves

The Braves have as much front-line talent as any minor league system. They have six potential all-stars, and two guys who could be league MVP types in their prime. The Braves have also restocked the lower levels with a tremendous depth of arms. There isn't one prospect that is likely to contribute in 2003, which is the only negative thing you can say about the current group of kids. I strongly considered the Braves for the number-one spot on the list, but they were just edged out in a very tight race.

Most Likely Major-leaguer: Adam Wainwright, RHP
Most Potential: Andy Marte, 3B
2003 Breakthrough: Jeff Francouer, OF

1. Cleveland Indians

Mark Shapiro has done as good a job of reloading a franchise as I've ever seen. He took a mostly barren farm system and aging veteran core and has created the best group of young talent in baseball. They had a tremendous draft in June, maximizing their extra picks, and adding several all-star-quality talents. They have talent at every level and every position. The arms come in waves, and they'll likely be able to assemble most of their pitching staff from the farm. You'll have to look really hard to find any flaws in the Indians' system.

Most Likely Major-leaguer: Victor Martinez, C
Most Potential: Brandon Phillips, SS/2B
2003 Breakthrough: Matt Whitney, 3B

about the author

David Cameron plans to spend his holiday hitting off a tee. Tell him that's no tee, that's David Eckstein, at dac@strikethree.com.