Prospect Report:
Er,...Who?

David Cameron

Last week we took a look at the ten most overrated prospects in the minors. Now let's take a more friendly approach and introduce you to ten names you should know but may not. None of these guys will appear on the Top 100 (which you'll see next week), but they are all solid major-league prospects. They may not share the classic prospect mold of great athletic skills or a long, impressive track record of success, but I believe each of these guys has a legitimate chance to stick in the big leagues for quite some time.

Probably the most notable name on the list is Dodgers right-hander Joel Hanrahan. He gained notoriety by throwing two no-hitters this season, including a complete-game variety in April. However, for the most part Hanrahan has escaped attention. His 4.20 ERA in the pitcher-friendly Florida State League doesn't open a lot of eyes, even though his supporting numbers were very good. He doesn't have top-shelf stuff like fellow Dodger prospect Jonathan Figueroa, and he was lit up in a brief trial at AA.

Despite that, I think he's got a chance to become a very solid number-two or -three starter in the major leagues. His command needs polish, but he's got several major-league pitches and has the makings of a real workhorse.

Tony Miller won't get much praise in the Rockies system, where his accomplishments have gone largely unnoticed. Despite an anonymous year in the South Atlantic League, Miller has the makings of a solid major-league outfielder. He's got legitimate speed, stealing 50 bases in 69 attempts, and also has surprising power in his bat. Those 44 extra-base hits show a young man who can hit the ball with some authority, and he's got enough offense to be a force in center field. His defense is solid and he covers enough range to be a legitimate asset with the glove. He, not Choo Freeman, is the Rockies' center fielder of the future.

The Mets' system is much improved, but nearly all the talk is about the big five on their way to New York. Lost in the group is lefthander Lenny Dinardo, the Mets' third-round pick in 2001. His curveball is major-league-ready right now, though his velocity hasn't returned to where it was in college. There are questions about his durability, and at 23, he's yet to face any competition above low-A. However, he's got command of two pitches and a knowledge of how to set up hitters, and he could move quickly in 2003 if he can cut down on the walks.

The Marlins have a nice collection of young bats, but failing to get his share of respect is left fielder Will Smith. He's not a great defensive player, and some question whether he may eventually have to move back to first base. Couple that with a mediocre .336 on-base percentage, and you understand why he's been overlooked. He can hit though, and most people don't realize that he conquered high-A at age 20 while playing in a pitchers' park.

Smith has some serious juice in his bat and understands the strike zone pretty well. He needs to be less aggressive at the plate, but he's learning. He may never post eye-popping numbers in the minors, but he's got a chance to hit his way into a major-league lineup in a few years.

You won't find many people with better numbers than Robb Quinlan, the Angels outfielder/first baseman who has been totally disregarded as a prospect to date. Quinlan's not a real pretty player, but he gets the job done and was easily the best player in the Pacific Coast League in 2002. He doesn't have great power or draw a lot of walks, but he's shown the ability to hit for average and keep his on-base percentage respectable. He turns 26 in March and has nothing left to prove in the minors. While he'll never be a star, he's exactly the sort of player that good teams can pick up for little cost and get league-average production from.

Its pretty hard to escape attention when you post a 15-3 record with a 2.00 ERA as a 21-year-old lefty in the minors, but that's what Tyler Johnson did this year. His curveball is among the best in the game and a definite strikeout pitch, but his lack of other supporting pitches scare some people off. His fastball is a high-'80s type and he's still working on spotting it consistently. However, he's blistered through the minors in his first two years and has shown no signs of slowing down. Johnson's health remains a bit of a concern, but there are reasons to think he may be the most overlooked young pitcher in the game.

Considering the state of affairs in Detroit, it is surprising that Cody Ross hasn't received much attention as someone who could help rather soon. Ross isn't much of an athlete and will get written off by some as too slow or too rigid, but the man can hit. 50 of his 112 hits this year went for extra bases, and he wasn't just a slugger, posting a .280 batting average and drawing 44 walks. Ross also stole 16 bases in 18 attempts, though he's not particularly fast. He's got good instincts and plays the game hard, and he'll likely outwork every limitation that has been placed on him. He may not be a superstar, but Detroit needs more players like Cody Ross.

The Cleveland Indians traded incumbent catcher Einar Diaz to clear up a starting job for a 24-year-old catcher, but it's not Prospect of the Year Victor Martinez. It's the completely unheralded Josh Bard, who is going to get a chance to show that he can be an everyday catcher starting in spring training. Bard's aggressive style of play endears people to him, and he's an extremely likable fellow. He's got above-average power for a backstop and is a quality defender. He's not going to draw enough walks to be an all-star, but the Indians are going to give him a chance to showcase his skills and let Martinez polish his game in AAA. That alone should tell you what they think of him.

Fellow Indians prospect Jake Dittler has also gotten lost in the sea of talent that is the Tribe's farm system. Dittler has been overshadowed by more famous teammates J.D. Martin and Dan Denham, but he's got as much potential as any of the young Indian hurlers. After starting slow, Dittler began to put it all together down the stretch last year and could be in for a breakout 2003 campaign. His command is solid and he's learning how to pitch. Watch out for this kid.

Heading the list of underappreciated prospects is Houston catcher Hector Gimenez, who may have as much potential as any minor-league catcher not named Joe Mauer. He's extremely raw at the moment, but a switch-hitting catcher with above average power and a serious package of defensive skills should not be ignored.

After a hot start, Gimenez's production fell off, but he still managed to produce 28 extra base hits. He's extremely aggressive at the plate and needs to cut the strikeouts, but that can come with experience. He's going to spend 2003 as a 20-year-old and likely shedding the anonymity he's carried so far. If you're looking to invest in one player whose stock could shoot up dramatically next year, Gimenez is your guy.

Next week, we roll out the 100 best prospects in the game and let the debates begin.

about the author

David Cameron is also on the lookout for the underappreciated peanut vendors. If your son can toss a 8-oz bag two aisles over with accuracy, yet struggles in the Carolina League, give David a jingle at dac@strikethree.com.