Prospect Report:
Bubble Boys

David Cameron

Last week's Top 100 list generated quite a few responses, which is not surprising, given the nature of rankings. What I did find surprising is that I was referred to as the hindquarters of a donkey only once, and even that was a passing reference. My thanks to you all for your restraint, even if you find my opinion differs from your own.

As I noted last week, there are players not on the list who nevertheless will be prominent figures next year and likely have quite successful major-league careers. The number-one pitching prospect in the game, Jesse Foppert, did not make my Top 100 last year. Likewise, Prospect of the Year Victor Martinez did not find himself among the elite twelve months ago. However, in the always-clear view of hindsight, there were signs that both players were in for breakout seasons. This week, I'm going to attempt to name the ten players who I feel have the best opportunity to make a big impact next year and rank among the premier talents in the game.

The Cubs have a wealth of arms with a lot of potential, but Luke Hagerty still manages to stand out. It doesn't hurt that he's 6'8" and left-handed, which instantly makes him interesting. The Cubs selected Hagerty 32nd overall in last June's draft and he posted an eye-popping 1.13 ERA in his Northwest League stint. The Cubs may choose to be aggressive with him and he should see AA this year. While he may not have Andy Sisco's potential, Hagerty is more polished and could move quickly.

Not that the Indians need any more prospects, but Jason Cooper tends to get lost in the sea of talent that Cleveland houses. If you're looking for a slugger who isn't getting any notice, Cooper is your guy. A second-round pick out of high school, he attended Stanford instead but didn't boost his stock during three years in the Pac-10. He signed as a third-round pick last summer and found the wood bat to his liking during a short stint in Columbus.

While he only hit .255, nine of Cooper's fourteen hits were extra bases. His defense isn't going to show up on SportsCenter very often, but the kid can hit, and he'll get a chance to separate himself from the pack this year.

While the Twins get notice for the four quality bats they have coming through the system, less-heralded right-hander Scott Tyler had quite the impressive season in Elizabethtown. His stuff is legitimate and his 12.23 strikeouts-per-nine-innings ratio is absurd. He led the Appalachian League in both walks and strikeouts, yet he still needs to harness his breaking ball. While he's not a finished product, Tyler's got the makings of an electric arm. Twins fans should definitely track his status.

I wrote up Astros' catcher Hector Gimenez a few weeks ago in my list of the most underrated prospects in the game, so I'll save a few words here. He's terrific behind the plate and has intriguing skills with the bat in his hands. You don't find too many switch-hitting catchers who can hold their own in full-season ball at age 19.

The Braves' collection of arms has allowed Matt Belisle to slide into the background a bit after posting average numbers in Greenville. Considering he missed most of 2001 with back problems, his performance in AA should actually be considered a success. His command was terrific, though his stuff wasn't as consistent as it had been previously. With a full season of work behind him, he will head to AAA with a chance to remind people why he was so highly regarded several years ago.

I tried to find a way to get Taylor Buchholz on the list, but he ended up as number 101, and I have a feeling that may haunt me in years to come. The right-hander didn't turn 21 until after last season, but he was making big strides in the Florida State League at the end of the year. Despite an average performance, his stuff gets everyone excited and the Phillies love his future. He's been pushed quickly so far, but there are some who think he'll get to Philadelphia ahead of Gavin Floyd, who receives more attention among Philadelphia hurlers.

You won't find too many people talking up Kyle Pawelczyk after a debut that could best be described as erratic. He managed to hold his ERA at 4.62 in 25 innings for Cedar Rapids, despite walking 27 batters. The southpaw, from baseball factory Chipola Junior College, was a third-round pick by the Angels last fall after the Expos failed to sign him as a draft-and-follow.

While he doesn't throw as hard as most with control problems, Pawelczyk will likely fill out his 6'5" frame and bring a low-to-mid-'90s fastball to compliment a pair of decent breaking balls. The walks look like an aberration, and if his command improves, he could make a name for himself in a hurry.

The Reds' farm system hasn't fared too well in my rankings, but Edwin Encarnacion has the potential to make an impact. Originally traded by the Texas Rangers, he's spent most of his career at third base, although the Reds tested him at shortstop the last few weeks of the season. He's an extremely athletic player who does the exciting things but hasn't mastered the nuances of the game.

Encarnacion's got rare power for a kid who can handle the middle infield, but his plate discipline leaves quite a bit to be desired. He will spend the season as a 20-year-old, likely in the Carolina League, with an eye on AA if he plays well. The Reds are aggressive with kids they like, and they've certainly grown fond of Encarnacion.

The Braves have a second pitcher on this list in the form of Dan Meyer, a polished southpaw who was the 34th pick in the draft out of James Madison University. Meyer had no problems in his debut against Appalachian League hitters, but few college pitchers do. Meyer's changeup is one of the more advanced you'll see, and he's got a knack for pitching that you can't teach. The Braves don't need to rush him, but Meyer could force the issue early. He's got a real shot at seeing Atlanta in 2004.

The number-one prospect on this list is used to that title, as the Pirates selected him first overall last June. Bryan Bullington emerged as the best college pitcher in the country and teamed with Hagerty to form a nasty one-two punch for Ball State. He signed late and didn't make his pro debut in 2002, but the Pirates are ecstatic to have him in the fold. His command is exceptional and he has three above average pitches. The Pirates won't hurry him, but Bullington may not need a full season in the minors. Expect to hear his name often at this time next year.

about the author

David Cameron asks you to keep those creative epithets coming. Head over to the Random Shakespearean Insult Generator, then mail away at mc@strikethree.com.