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 51-100 (Back to 1-50)

51. Michael Restovich, OF, Minnesota
Power is legitimate, but so are concerns about his contact ability.

52. Jeff Francouer, OF, Atlanta
Legitimate gold-glove center fielder who has the potential to hit well.

53. John Buck, C, Houston
Capable all-around catcher who should take over in Houston before too long.

54. Francisco Liriano, LHP, San Francisco
Arm problems overshadowed a fine season; If healthy, a real talent.

55. Jim Journell, RHP, St. Louis
After overcoming injuries, ready for relief work in the majors.

56. Omar Infante, SS, Detroit
Solid defensive shortstop with improving skills at the plate.

57. Jose Lopez, SS, Seattle
Breakthrough season in Cal League raised eyebrows, but needs to repeat success.

58. Chin-Hui Tsao, RHP, Colorado
Velocity and movement almost back to pre-surgery form.

59. Matt Whitney, 3B, Cleveland
Best hitter from 2002 class? His power is among the best in the game.

60. Joey Thurston, 2B, Los Angeles
Walks a concern, but work ethic and athletic skills should compensate.

61. Kris Honel, RHP, Chicago (A)
Nasty curveball, improving changeup, and the frame to add velocity. Watch out.

62. Jeff Mathis, C, Anaheim
Defensive skills among the best around; bat has made more noise than expected.

63. Dontrelle Willis, LHP, Florida
Bulldog mentality and command a plus. Average stuff a concern.

64. Jonathan Figueroa, LHP, Los Angeles
Moving fastball overpowered hitters in remarkable debut. Command needs work.

65. Chris Burke, 2B, Houston
Good defensive player with ability to get on base. Power may develop later.

66. Kelly Shoppach, C, Boston
Above-average hitter and solid catcher, but not much projection left.

67. Franklyn German, RHP, Detroit
Velocity gets notice but the splitter gets the strikeouts. Should help Tigers this year.

68. Jimmy Gobble, LHP, Kansas City
Command of four pitches and understanding the art of pitching will carry him.

69. John Patterson, LHP, Arizona
Stuff among best in the game before surgery. Not totally back, but pretty close.

70. Scott Hairston, 2B, Arizona
Awful defense, attitude questions overshadowed an impressive season at the plate.

71. Boof Bonser, RHP, San Francisco
Took a step backwards and health a concern, but stuff still legitimate.

72. John-Ford Griffin, OF, Toronto
Gets on base and has developing power but adds little beyond that.

73. Francisco Cruceta, RHP, Cleveland
Young power arm with premier changeup. Loads of potential.

74. Ryan Ludwick, OF, Texas
If healthy, he's a capable center fielder with good power and plate discipline.

75. Travis Hafner, 1B, Cleveland
Will not get himself out. Gets on base and has emerging power.

76. Ben Kozlowski, LHP, Texas
The Braves regret giving up his curveball and solid command.

77. John Van BenSchoten, RHP, Pittsburgh
College slugger making transition to the mound. Yet to be challenged.

78. Scott Thorman, 1B, Atlanta
Plus-sized slugger with pull tendency. If he adjusts, he could be a cleanup hitter.

79. David Krynzel, OF, Milwaukee
Found patience and power but sacrificed average in the process. Legit centerfielder.

80. Prince Fielder, 1B, Milwaukee
Giant man, giant power. Good knowledge of strike zone and could move quickly.

81. Josh Karp, RHP, Montreal
Arm injuries have slowed his development, but commands three big-league pitches.

82. Anderson Machado, SS, Philadelphia
Tremendous defensive shortstop with surprising power and ability to draw walks.

83. Bobby Jenks, RHP, Anaheim
Talent-wise, ranks much higher. Maturity a giant question mark, but stuff is legit.

84. Jon Rauch, RHP, Chicago (A)
Wasn't totally back from surgery, but could return to 2001 form this year.

85. Khalil Greene, SS, San Diego
Solid hitter, average defender, but will outwork everyone else on the field.

86. Dustin McGowan, RHP, Toronto
Converted HS catcher needs to gain polish, but has two major-league out pitches.

87. Eric Munson, 1B, Detroit
Move to third likely short-lived. Won't move Carlos Pena, so could be trade bait.

88. Jeff Francis, LHP, Colorado
Polished southpaw was untouchable in pro debut. Rockies should challenge him.

89. J.J. Hardy, SS, Milwaukee
A good athlete with intriguing potential, but needs several years of development.

90. Kevin Youkilis, 3B, Boston
On-base machine with below-average power, may need to move to first base.

91. Juan Rivera, OF, New York (A)
Good power and capable right fielder, but likely a platoon player in big leagues.

92. Travis Foley, RHP, Cleveland
The least imposing stuff of the Indians' arms, but the best idea of how to use it.

93. B.J. Upton, SS, Tampa Bay
Shortstops who can hit are extremely valuable. We'll see if B.J. can.

94. James Loney, 1B, Los Angeles
Surprise pick as a first baseman, than dominated in pro debut. Huge power potential.

95. Chad Tracy, 3B, Arizona
Makes solid contact and has gap power, but no standout abilities.

96. Bobby Basham, RHP, Cincinnati
Exploded onto the scene with pinpoint control of four pitches.

97. Corey Hart, 3B, Milwaukee
Legitimate power, but questions about contact ability and defense make him a project.

98. Ryan Hannaman, LHP, San Francisco
Racked up 152 strikeouts with essentially one pitch. Fastball is nasty.

99. Dan Haren, RHP, St. Louis
Throws three pitches for strikes and works deep into games. Polished for his age.

100. Johan Santana, RHP, Anaheim
Twins' version weighs seventy pounds more, but stuff is comparable.

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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.