The Top 100 Prospects of 2002

The top one hundred minor-league players in all the land, as ranked by Strikethree.com's David Cameron.

Number 1-50 (Jump to 51-100)

1. Josh Beckett, RHP, Florida
Legit aces are the rarest commodity in baseball.

2. Hank Blalock, 3B, Texas
Best pure hitting prospect in several years.

3. Sean Burroughs, 3B, San Diego
The power will come soon.

4. Mark Prior, RHP, Chicago Cubs
Might be better than Beckett.

5. Nick Johnson, 1B, New York Yankees
Just get him out, I dare you.

6. Nick Neugebauer, RHP, Milwaukee
Has Roger Clemens potential.

7. Dennis Tankersley, RHP, San Diego
Should produce for Padres in 2002.

8. Carlos Pena, 1B, Oakland
The perfect system for a patient hitter.

9. Ryan Anderson, LHP, Seattle
The perfect ballpark for a young pitcher.

10. Drew Henson, 3B, New York Yankees
Yes, he really is as good as Joe Torre thinks.

11. Mark Teixeira, 3B, Texas
Likely move to first keeps him out of Top 10.

12. Joe Borchard, OF, Chicago White Sox
Best bet to go Adam Dunn in 2002.

13. Jerome Williams, RHP, San Francisco
Rare to find someone so good, so young.

14. Wilson Betemit, SS, Atlanta
He's not ready, but he will be.

15. Jack Cust, OF, Colorado
Just put him in the lineup and smile.

16. Juan Cruz, RHP, Chicago Cubs
Concern about health, not talent

17. Jake Peavy, RHP, San Diego
Expect a few bumps on the road, but he'll get there.

18. Brandon Claussen, LHP, New York Yankees
Could probably make several AL staffs out of Spring Training.

19. Marlon Byrd, OF, Philadelphia
A real Rookie of the Year threat.

20. Justin Morneau, 1B, Minnesota
He'll be Top 5 next year, I think.

21. Austin Kearns, OF, Cincinnati
A year in AAA is all he needs.

22. Josh Hamilton, OF, Tampa Bay
Needs a big year to silence growing critics.

23. Hee Seop Choi, 1B, Chicago Cubs
Don't get down on this guy, he's good.

24. Carlos Hernandez, LHP, Houston
Probably should have had surgery, but bright future.

25. Chin-Feng Chen, OF, Los Angeles
Easier to beat out Brian Jordan than Gary Sheffield.

26. Michael Cuddyer, OF, Minnesota
Could be big boost to Twins offense in 2002.

27. Chris Snelling, OF, Seattle
If he hits in AA, M's could call soon.

28. Brandon Phillips, SS, Montreal
Will give D.C. another reason to see new team.

29. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Florida
Early candidate for 2002 Player of the Year.

30. Joe Crede, 3B, Chicago White Sox
Should grab everyday job soon and keep it.

31. Corwin Malone, LHP, Chicago White Sox
Needs more polish, lots of potential.

32. Rafael Soriano, RHP, Seattle
Outside shot to be closing games in Seattle in 2003.

33. Matt Belisle, RHP, Atlanta
Going out on a limb, but he's special when healthy.

34. Josh Phelps, C, Toronto
Mike Piazza should be the example-let him catch.

35. Keith Ginter, 2B, Houston
A young Jeff Kent, just needs a chance.

36. Jon Rauch, RHP, Chicago White Sox
Closer to David Cone than Randy Johnson.

37. Bobby Hill, 2B, Chicago Cubs
The best leadoff prospect around.

38. Joe Mauer, C, Minnesota
Twins should be patient, but he could come quickly.

39. Carl Crawford, OF, Tampa Bay
Tremendous defense ahead of his offense at this point.

40. Miguel Cabrera, SS, Florida
Long ways to go, but rare power for a middle infielder.

41. Brad Wilkerson, OF, Montreal
Accused of walking too much by those who don't know baseball.

42. Seung Song, RHP, Boston
Performance better than stuff, AA true test.

43. Michael Restovich, OF, Minnesota
Shorten swing, become all-star.

44. Mario Ramos, LHP, Texas
Slow, slower, slowest, strike three.

45. Ryan Christianson, C, Seattle
Those who doubt his offense are ignoring his 42 doubles.

46. Kenny Baugh, RHP, Detroit
Heavy workload will catch up with him. Buyer beware.

47. Boof Bonser, RHP, San Francisco
Name better than stuff, but its not bad either.

48. John Buck, C, Houston
Will be first catcher on list to make majors.

49. Gabe Gross, OF, Toronto
He'll be top 5 next year too.

50. Brett Evert, RHP, Atlanta
Next year, everyone will be on this guy.

Go to page 2 (51-100)

Take issue with these rankings? David Cameron maintains this list, and you can put in a good word for your son at dac@strikethree.com.