The Top 100 Prospects of 2003

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. Mark Teixeira, 3B, Texas
Premium offensive talent with skills to play infield.

2. Joe Borchard, OF, Chicago (A)
Middle-of-the-order power and solid defensive skills.

3. Brandon Phillips, SS, Cleveland
Rare offensive shortstop that can also field his position well.

4. Michael Cuddyer, OF, Minnesota
Major League-ready slugger with few holes in his offensive game.

5. Jesse Foppert, RHP, San Francisco
Power fastball and slider combination are lethal on right-handers.

6. Jose Reyes, SS, New York (N)
Flashy teenager with blazing speed and developing power.

7. Jerome Williams, RHP, San Francisco
Four quality pitches led to success in PCL at age 20, very rare indeed.

8. Marlon Byrd, OF, Philadelphia
Above-average major-league center fielder ready to play.

9. Justin Morneau, 1B, Minnesota
Classic left-handed first baseman with premium power potential.

10. Casey Kotchman, 1B, Anaheim
Best "pure" hitter around, should win a batting title or two.

11. Hee Seop Choi, 1B, Chicago (N)
All-or-nothing slugger with prodigious power. Won't add much else.

12. Cliff Lee, LHP, Cleveland
Found his command, still makes batters miss. Best of average lefty crop.

13. Victor Martinez, C, Cleveland
All-around talent who will contribute at the plate and behind it.

14. Adam Wainwright, RHP, Atlanta
6'7" youngster only getting better with Aaron Sele-style curveball.

15. Wilson Betemit, SS, Atlanta
Will learn from disappointing campaign and rebound in 2003.

16. Chris Snelling, OF, Seattle
Once he shows he can stay healthy, he'll be a mainstay in the big leagues.

17. Rocco Baldelli, OF, Tampa Bay
Defense is most advanced part of his game. Could be in for tough year.

18. Francisco Rodriguez, RHP, Anaheim
Lethal two-pitch arsenal perfect in relief. A real force on championship team.

19. Rafael Soriano, RHP, Seattle
Seattle's answer to K-Rod, if his arm stays together.

20. Joe Mauer, C, Minnesota
Amazingly advanced for his age, but questionable power output in future.

21. Kurt Ainsworth, RHP, San Francisco
After reestablishing success in AAA, ready for big-league rotation.

22. Andy Marte, 3B, Atlanta
Has as much potential as anybody in the game.

23. Shin-Soo Choo, OF, Seattle
The complete package in the outfield, will contribute at each facet of the game.

24. Scott Kazmir, LHP, New York (N)
Tortured older hitters with impressive stuff in pro debut, endurance a question mark.

25. Miguel Cabrera, 3B, Florida
Extra weight caused move from short but will allow for raw power to develop.

26. Grady Sizemore, OF, Cleveland
Classic ballplayer with terrific skills and knowledge of the game.

27. Todd Linden, OF, San Francisco
Pure hitter with emerging power who doesn't add much besides offense.

28. Clint Nageotte, RHP, Seattle
His two power pitches simply need improved command and consistency.

29. Justin Huber, C, New York (N)
Quality receiver with advanced offensive skills and a good work ethic.

30. Brad Nelson, 1B, Milwaukee
Untapped power at young age; projects as classic cleanup hitter.

31. Drew Henson, 3B, New York (A)
Don't jump off the bandwagon just yet. Still has loads of potential and youth.

32. Gavin Floyd, RHP, Philadelphia
Three big league pitches and quality command rare for a kid his age.

33. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Florida
Held his own in AA at 20, though doesn't have the same power as others at first base.

34. Kelly Johnson, SS, Atlanta
Numbers deflated by home park. Bound for another position, will definitely hit.

35. Laynce Nix, OF, Texas
Run producer with no noticeable flaws. Does everything well, nothing great.

36. Rich Harden, RHP, Oakland
Legitimate major league curve gives him a real out pitch, but needs a year in AAA.

37. Aaron Heilman, RHP, New York (N)
Polished innings-eater who is ready for big leagues and very durable.

38. Gabe Gross, OF, Toronto
Disappointing 2002 doesn't override talent. Still a quality hitter and capable fielder.

39. Josh Hamilton, OF, Tampa Bay
Injury-plagued career beginning to resemble a bad dream. Needs a full season in AA.

40. Macay McBride, LHP, Atlanta
Unheralded southpaw commands devastating slider and good fastball.

41. Mark Phillips, LHP, San Diego
Flamethrower hasn't put it all together yet, but has tantalizing velocity.

42. David Wright, 3B, New York (N)
Terrific defense may overshadow the fact that he's a very nice hitter.

43. Sean Burnett, LHP, Pittsburgh
Great control and exceptional changeup, but needs to get more swings-and-misses.

44. Andy Sisco, LHP, Chicago (N)
Super-sized southpaw with matching velocity and a world of potential.

45. Colby Lewis, RHP, Texas
Slider among the best in the game and command has taken a big step forward.

46. Jeremy Bonderman, RHP, Detroit
Handled high-A at a young age, but gets to adjust to new organization.

47. Jack Cust, OF, Colorado
Defense always suspect, now a four-month slump raises concerns about his bat.

48. Dewon Brazelton, RHP, Tampa Bay
Solid fastball and good changeup, but still learning to throw strikes consistently.

49. Hanley Ramirez, SS, Boston
Sometimes the hype is justified. We'll find out next year.

50. Jason Stokes, 1B, Florida
Questionable future with Gonzalez ahead of him, but bat should land him somewhere.

Go to page 2 (51-100)

About the top 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.