Baseball Prospectus top 101 prospect list

[blackandgold]

The @baseballpro Top 101 Prospects list has arrived: Baseball Prospectus | Prospects Will Break Your Heart: Top 101 Prospects (http://t.co/dLXYf4JtKN)

[VeedonFleece]

Thanks for posting. You have to be up early to beat Jaypers at this sort of thing! First thoughts...

Too Low: My Guys
Too High: CJ Edwards

[mangia1976]

Hmm..initial thoughts:

HUGE gap between Meadows (89) and C. Frazier (36)..

Gausman in top 10??

Urias seems high too, but i'm definitely intrigued to see this kids potential!

Curious to hear Jaypers thoughts on how Prospectus and BA's list typically differ.

[Keyser Soze]

Thoughts.....

1) Walker over Bradley as #1 pitcher? I don't strongly disagree, just seems to go against most other prospect resources

2) Not sure I agree with Yordano Ventura being ahead of Jonathan Gray, Mark Appel, or Robert Stephenson

3) Hedges at 18 just seems absurdly high

4) Who the f%# is Chi Chi Gonzalez?

[IamRalpho]

Hmm..initial thoughts:

HUGE gap between Meadows (89) and C. Frazier (36)..

Gausman in top 10??

Urias seems high too, but i'm definitely intrigued to see this kids potential!

Curious to hear Jaypers thoughts on how Prospectus and BA's list typically differ.

I trust BP more than I do anything else lately, they have really come into their own with scouting and research.

I can answer the Meadows thing, Parks isnt a huge Meadows guy, never has been. I will provide more details when I get to them.

Kevin Gausman is very possibly a top 10 prospect in baseball, can make an argument he is the best or 2nd best pitcher in the minors. Some people dont love Walker.

Sano was lower than I thought, other than that I like this list.

[IamRalpho]

Thoughts.....

1) Walker over Bradley as #1 pitcher? I don't strongly disagree, just seems to go against most other prospect resources

2) Not sure I agree with Yordano Ventura being ahead of Jonathan Gray, Mark Appel, or Robert Stephenson

3) Hedges at 18 just seems absurdly high

4) Who the f%# is Chi Chi Gonzalez?

They are only separated by 3 spots, Gausman/Walker/Bradley so its not that big of a jump

Jason Parks = biggest Hedges lover in all of baseball, and he loves Ventura too.

Chi Chi:

Alex Gonzalez Stats, Bio, Photos, Highlights | MiLB.com Stats | The Official Site of Minor League Baseball (http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=592346)

[Bradforddorman]

Thoughts.....

1) Walker over Bradley as #1 pitcher? I don't strongly disagree, just seems to go against most other prospect resources

2) Not sure I agree with Yordano Ventura being ahead of Jonathan Gray, Mark Appel, or Robert Stephenson

3) Hedges at 18 just seems absurdly high

4) Who the f%# is Chi Chi Gonzalez?

This was my exact thought at first glance.

[mangia1976]

Thoughts.....

2) Not sure I agree with Yordano Ventura being ahead of Jonathan Gray, Mark Appel, or Robert Stephenson

True. That certainly stood out. And although i'm still new to this prospecting thing, I still think Stephenson is one of the best valued chrome autos out there.

4) Who the f%# is Chi Chi Gonzalez?
haha, i said that with about 4 different names!

[QUOTE=IamRalpho;6561858]I trust BP more than I do anything else lately, they have really come into their own with scouting and research.

I can answer the Meadows thing, Parks isnt a huge Meadows guy, never has been. I will provide more details when I get to them.

Ahhh, ok, that makes sense.

[Keyser Soze]

Another observation:

1) Metsplaya is going to be crying real tears

[DSizzle31]

Another observation:

1) Metsplaya is going to be crying real tears

No. He'll just tell us that BP is junk and all that matters is the BA list.

[Keyser Soze]

No. He'll just tell us that BP is junk and all that matters is the BA list.

But we both know that he'll be doing it with tears streaming down his face and falling poetically onto the keyboard.

[IamRalpho]

Why is metsplaya gonna be upset? Syndergard is super high.

I was surprised no Dom Smith tho

[Keyser Soze]

Why is metsplaya gonna be upset? Syndergard is super high.

I was surprised no Dom Smith tho


He viciously rides CJ Edwards jock, and BP has him at 81

[BOOMER7]

SANO at #14
Lol

[Keyser Soze]

SANO at #14
Lol

Dude strikes out A LOT, and might need Tommy John surgery before it's all said and done. I don't have an issue with him dropping out of the top 10, but I think I am lower on him than most.

[charbs91]

Brian Goodwin is alive on a list!

[IamRalpho]

He viciously rides CJ Edwards jock, and BP has him at 81

He should probably be higher but not everyone is buying him as an elite pitching prospect.

[BOOMER7]

Dude strikes out A LOT, and might need Tommy John surgery before it's all said and done. I don't have an issue with him dropping out of the top 10, but I think I am lower on him than most.

Haven't seen him outside top 7 on any other list. No TJ surgery

[Keyser Soze]

Haven't seen him outside top 7 on any other list. No TJ surgery

He very well may not need TJ, but a lot of people that do end up getting it started out saying that they wouldn't need it.

[lazygambler]

I like the list a lot, but why is B. Ham so high? In my opinion, he is already proved he will be a threat to deal with in the majors.

[BOOMER7]

Sano:
The real question is will he hit 45HR's in the minors this year or be with the Twins by July at age 20?

[texgator]

He viciously rides CJ Edwards jock, and BP has him at 81

Not only is he at 81...he's like the 30th ranked RHP and he called MLB's list crap because he wasn't in the top 3.

[Cubs]

yeah baez at 4!

[Wrightfan85]

Wilmer Flores over Montero? Eh...

Good to see Thor high. Still wish he was top ten...just for number roundness :D

[blackandgold]

This is even cooler than the list itself. The 101 Sliced and Diced. Baseball Prospectus | The Top 101 Prospects of 2014 (http://t.co/EU4V2jJN4D) (free)

[jewcer2k5]

Polanco at 24?????????????

[toppsfan]

I count 32 right handed pitchers above CJ Edwards, 39 total.

[matvoo]

Im a royals fan and I still think Ventura should be around 20-25 but im pretty happy at 29 for mondesi

[DSizzle31]

I hate Lindor at 6.

[jewcer2k5]

I hate Lindor at 6.

My blue Lindor likes it...shame no one wants it :/

[texgator]

I count 32 right handed pitchers above CJ Edwards, 39 total.

I ONLY CARE ABOUT SICKELS!!!!

I think Parks has CJE too low, to be honest. He has a pretty high ceiling, and prospect lists shouldn't be overly concerned with floors. Its all about potential. Now....I don't CJE is a top 10 RHP.....but I don't see 32 guys ahead of him with his ceiling.

[holyWahoos]

I hate Lindor at 6.

His defensive skills definitely influence his rank, probably best defensive SS prospect.

[sigmachi]

Whoa, wonder what Gregory Polanco did to these guys? 24?

[blackandgold]

I hate Lindor at 6.

Parks has always been high on Lindor he was ranked 10 last year

[bbcardsrgreat]

Compared to MLB Networks top 50 just shows how subjective these lists are after the first few prospects

[texgator]

Compared to MLB Networks top 50 just shows how subjective these lists are after the first few prospects

Well, they are subjective by nature, aren't they? There is no "science" to ranking prospects that span different levels of of professional play not to mention mixing position players and pitchers. Most of these guys have a standard approach to evaluating prospects....those approaches frequently result in different rankings. But they aren't choosing names at random. A lot of work goes into these and they are using standard criteria.

[Keyser Soze]

I ONLY CARE ABOUT SICKELS!!!!

I think Parks has CJE too low, to be honest. He has a pretty high ceiling, and prospect lists shouldn't be overly concerned with floors. Its all about potential. Now....I don't CJE is a top 10 RHP.....but I don't see 32 guys ahead of him with his ceiling.

Folks like me see his arms, which closely resemble those of an Ethiopian marathoner, and see cause for some durability concerns. Although, I guess you can't strain muscles that you don't have. You can't argue that his stuff isn't electric. I do agree that 81 is low, I'd be comfortable with him in the 40 - 55 range.

[Wrightfan85]

Funny how he's the lowest on C.J. and he's a huge Cubs homer :D

[guitardirky]

Lucas Giolito at 13 overall! Huge difference than MLB's list at 44!

AJ Cole in the upper 50s vs upper 60s on MLB.

Nice to see Brian Goodwin still on there!

[blackandgold]

Funny how he's the lowest on C.J. and he's a huge Cubs homer :D

Via Jason Parks #2/3 type. Not sure why people...

Via Jason Parks
#2/3 type. Not sure why people think he's an ace. RT @Demarrer2790 @ProfessorParks If durability wasnt a ?, what would be CJ Edwards ceiling

[texgator]

@Demarrer2790 @ProfessorParks If durability wasnt a ?, what would be CJ Edwards ceiling

And once again, someone misunderstands how "ceiling" works. Durability has no effect on a player's ceiling...just the chances he can hit that ceiling.

[toppsfan]

I ONLY CARE ABOUT SICKELS!!!!

I think Parks has CJE too low, to be honest. He has a pretty high ceiling, and prospect lists shouldn't be overly concerned with floors. Its all about potential. Now....I don't CJE is a top 10 RHP.....but I don't see 32 guys ahead of him with his ceiling.

For metsplaya, I hope CJE reaches his full potential. Plus, then I'll be able to go down to Wrigley and watch CJE come out of the bull-pen in the 8th inning!

[rseve43]

I like seeing Baez at #4. Seems no one wants to put him that high due to the risk factor, but the guy flat out raked in 2013 and his ceiling is about as high as anyone's...so why not?

Still not a fan of Lindor...I don't see him being an impact player at the ML level. Then again, I think more in terms of card value than baseball value. He will be a way better baseball player than he is a card investment.

Gregory Polanco is top 10 material.

Yordano doesn't belong in the top 35. Way too high.

As for the CJ argument going on in this thread:
CJ Edwards is WAY too low. I'm definitely higher on him than some, but not to crack the top 50 is a joke given what he's done so far. I'd have him in the 25-40 range. Yes, durability is a concern given his size, but the guy has flat-out dominated everywhere he's been since turning pro. This will be the make or break season for him as a prospect...his 2013 couldn't have possibly been better but now it's time to do it against the upper levels of the Minors.

[letsgoSkins]

Thought it might be useful to track who has moved the most from list to list. That way we can try to track biases against certain players by certain evaluators. I did not include anyone not on both lists. These are the biggest movers from the MLB.com Top 100 ---> BP Top 101.

I will using a moving average going forward. These are in order by the number of spots moved:

Top Trending Up:
Chris Owings #78 to #28
Stephen Piscotty #98 to #66
Lucas Giolitio #44 to #13
Matt Wisler #78 to #47
Julio Urias #64 to #35
Marcus Stroman #55 to #27
Kolten Wong #58 to #33
Yordano Ventura #35 to #12
D.J. Peterson #88 to #65
Matt Barnes #86 to #64
Kevin Gausman #31 to #10
Rougned Odor #59 to #39
Lucas Sims #60 to #40

Top Trending Down:
Austin Meadows #45 to #89
Jesse Biddle #53 to #94
Henry Owens #30 to #69
CJ Edwards #42 to #81
Gary Sanchez #47 to #85
Jake Odorizzi #56 to #92
David Dahl #71 to #100
Travis d'Arnaud #22 to #48
Maikel Franco #26 to #52
Colin Moran #51 to #74
Nick Castellanos #15 to #37
Zach Lee #63 to #84

[TrueNE_09]

Cool list!

A question: most move up year over year (if they were on it the year before), but some move down, and if they've moved down (not up) it seems to be in pretty dramatic fashion.

Soler, Singleton, Barnes.

Barnes is possibly the biggest drop (30's last year, 60's this year); wonder what the big cause of that is. I don't subscribe so I can't read the actual report on his, that's why I ask.

[StraWMyerS]

Joc Pederson and Jackie Bradley Jr need to be reversed. Castellanos and Ventura also. And Gausman and Polanco...those are the ones that jump out.. I might move Garin up a little but its mostly pitchers ahead of him anyway.

[matvoo]

Owings shouldnt be 28 around 70 imo

[hohlernr]

No Trevor Bauer? I still think he figures things out this year and eventually becomes a #2 pitcher, but I can definitely see why he deserves to be off the list.

[lazygambler]

My gf talked to Owings brother today (she works with him) and we are trying to work out getting some game used stuff. Even some IP autos, because those would only be my second. The first my gf got for me too, she works with Madison Younginer's father also. I am not sure he ever panned out though. I am starting to really get into the IP stuff. I am pretty excited and more than willing to pay for the items. Hope it all works out!

Anyone have thoughts on why B. Ham is so low?

[IamRalpho]

Wait someone really goes by Sickels as gospel? I like Sickels but he doesnt see most of the guys he scouts in person

[tchronis24]

Did they put Kris Bryant 17th? Wow

[rkuhn3]

Here is a comprehensive analysis of every Angel and Brewer on the list.......

[padremurph]

Hedges at #18, nice. Nice to see some distance between him and the rest of the catchers as well.

Also interesting to see the Wisler vs Fried comparison on these lists. BP was Wisler over Fried but not by much (47 vs 55).

Also surprised Dom Smith and Renfroe didn't sneak into the 90s somewhere, maybe next year?

[Keyser Soze]

Hedges at #18, nice. Nice to see some distance between him and the rest of the catchers as well.

Also interesting to see the Wisler vs Fried comparison on these lists. BP was Wisler over Fried but not by much (47 vs 55).

Also surprised Dom Smith and Renfroe didn't sneak into the 90s somewhere, maybe next year?

While it might be nice as a Pads fan to see Hedges that high, most probably think it's absurd. I know I do.

[SDcardguy24]

Kris Bryant looks a little low but maybe I'm just a homer?

While it might be nice as a Pads fan to see Hedges that high, most probably think it's absurd. I know I do.

Dat Defense though :D

[IamRalpho]

While it might be nice as a Pads fan to see Hedges that high, most probably think it's absurd. I know I do.

I think hes the best catcher in the minors, read the BP reports on him, might change your mind.

If he can be an above average bat and elite receiver/thrower, thats a top 25 prospect in baseball.

[bosoxfan0509]

Thoughts.....

1) Walker over Bradley as #1 pitcher? I don't strongly disagree, just seems to go against most other prospect resources

2) Not sure I agree with Yordano Ventura being ahead of Jonathan Gray, Mark Appel, or Robert Stephenson

3) Hedges at 18 just seems absurdly high

4) Who the f%# is Chi Chi Gonzalez?

Do you follow Parks? He LOVES defense. Especially at C and SS. And I agree that Stephenson should be ahead of Yordano.

[bosoxfan0509]

Haven't seen him outside top 7 on any other list. No TJ surgery

That's why I love BP. They don't copy and paste their list with just a few switches like BA and ESPN do.

[padremurph]

While it might be nice as a Pads fan to see Hedges that high, most probably think it's absurd. I know I do.

Why though? He probably has the safest tool in all the minors with his defense in which case you could argue he has the highest floor to contribute in the majors. Given the high floor, he also has an extremely high ceiling in that if he can hit, he's an all star year in and year out.

A top defensive catcher isn't sexy like a five tool outfielder and he probably will never be a top fantasy catcher but the defense is out of control. If he puts together a decent average this year (.260+) with 10-20 HRs, he's easily a top 10 prospect going into next year.

[MarshallCutler6]

Theres 7 Cubs on here... Im happy.

[bosoxfan0509]

While it might be nice as a Pads fan to see Hedges that high, most probably think it's absurd. I know I do.

You've got to realize he's making this list as how much impact they'll have in MLB. Defense is a HUGE asset in baseball that doesn't translate to collecting. Hedges deserves to be ranked this high as does Lindor. Neither will ever have a huge impact with the bat, but both will have long, productive MLB careers IMO.

[toddhead]

No Mookie Betts?

[kcballer9]

I'm liking where Rougned Odor is ranked

[MikeWilliamsFan]

Biddle at 94th? You have to be kidding me

[blackandgold]

Here's Parks transcripts from his chat
BP 101 Chat Transcript: Baseball Prospectus | Events | Chat with Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects (http://t.co/UZWCPXlV48) #want

[death2redemptions]

lol, CJ Edwars not on the top 10 right handers.

[clocsta2323]

Joe Panik should be a top 100 prospect, as well as Cory Spangenberg.

[holyWahoos]

You've got to realize he's making this list as how much impact they'll have in MLB. Defense is a HUGE asset in baseball that doesn't translate to collecting. Hedges deserves to be ranked this high as does Lindor. Neither will ever have a huge impact with the bat, but both will have long, productive MLB careers IMO.

Exactly, people forget that defense goes a long way in these rankings, especially for middle infielders. Parks called Lindor a "monster at SS" and at least a "full grade better" than Correa (defensively speaking).

http://gyazo.com/9cd282ed7aa24f260a512c6f73be2333.png

Baseball Prospectus | Prospects Will Break Your Heart: Cleveland Indians Top 10 Prospects (http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=22313#commentMessage)

[texgator]

lol, CJ Edwars not on the top 30 right handers.

fixed it for ya

[Keyser Soze]

lol, CJ Edwars not on the top 30 right handers.

Fixed.....

[mwash1983]

Biddle at 94th? You have to be kidding me

I saw him in person last year, walked out thinking his ceiling is the Giants version of Barry Zito.

[death2redemptions]

fixed it for ya

Fixed.....

That deserves five laughing bears!

:special::special::special::special::special:

[bubble]

I agree with the Ventura ranking. He is going to be a stud this year

[frozenntimesports]

Biddle at 94th? You have to be kidding me

Agreed, Biddle was great last year and should have been top-50.


Joe Panik should be a top 100 prospect, as well as Cory Spangenberg.

Not sure either did anything last year to justify being in the Top 100, and this is coming from a guy with about 20 of each of their Bowman Draft autos and who is still buying them.

[BigEd]

Here is a comprehensive analysis of every Angel and Brewer on the list.......

:special::special:

[ClueHeywood]

I like Sickels but he doesnt see most of the guys he scouts in person

...I highly doubt many of the self-proclaimed "experts" on here do, either

[StlScott]

Here is a comprehensive analysis of every Angel and Brewer on the list.......

I hope Tyrone Taylor makes next years lists. Parks says he likes him just not quite good enough to make this years list.

Another year like they had last year, I think Vogelbach and Bird have a shot at the back 50 of the 101.

[mwash1983]

...I highly doubt many of the self-proclaimed "experts" on here do, either

and that starts with someone with a "J"

[IamRalpho]

...I highly doubt many of the self-proclaimed "experts" on here do, either

Of course not, I know they dont. But BP/BA/Keith Law do.

As much as I like Sickels, I dont take his word over the others.

[ClueHeywood]

Of course not, I know they dont. But BP/BA/Keith Law do.

As much as I like Sickels, I dont take his word over the others.

My experience with evaluating talent peaked when I used to write for rivals.com in college. Most of my scouting reports came from grainy camcorder footage from parents and high schools. Other than that, I had to rely on stats.

With the advent of HD recording devices, YouTube, social media, etc, does actually watching a game in person really matter anymore? I can find hours of footage on Kris Bryant with a 2 second Google search; including iPhone vids of full at-bats.

How can an actual scout who sits in the stands have any more insight than me, you, John Sickels, or anyone else nowadays?

[chiefs]

My experience with evaluating talent peaked when I used to write for rivals.com in college. Most of my scouting reports came from grainy camcorder footage from parents and high schools. Other than that, I had to rely on stats.

With the advent of HD recording devices, YouTube, social media, etc, does actually watching a game in person really matter anymore? I can find hours of footage on Kris Bryant with a 2 second Google search; including iPhone vids of full at-bats.

How can an actual scout who sits in the stands have any more insight than me, you, John Sickels, or anyone else nowadays?

How do you scout Kris Bryant's defense if you never saw him play in person? You can't tell body language from video, you have to see it live.

[metsplaya123]

Another observation:

1) Metsplaya is going to be crying real tears
amazing how much of a troll you have become. (and all of the other people on here who followed. At least cj Edwards is the talk of the board now. I am not crying because like I said I already made money on cj, anything else is extra. Honestly I want to see him dominate just so he can change peoples minds on here, well see.

I am so excited to see what Edwards does this season now just because almost 99 percent of this board doubts him, yet I see tons of people buying him in their chrome auto buying threads, hmmm

[metsplaya123]

He viciously rides CJ Edwards jock, and BP has him at 81
..?.'xmdklsjfkwlskcnakksns

Good one

[metsplaya123]

I like seeing Baez at #4. Seems no one wants to put him that high due to the risk factor, but the guy flat out raked in 2013 and his ceiling is about as high as anyone's...so why not?

Still not a fan of Lindor...I don't see him being an impact player at the ML level. Then again, I think more in terms of card value than baseball value. He will be a way better baseball player than he is a card investment.

Gregory Polanco is top 10 material.

Yordano doesn't belong in the top 35. Way too high.


As for the CJ argument going on in this thread:
CJ Edwards is WAY too low. I'm definitely higher on him than some, but not to crack the top 50 is a joke given what he's done so far. I'd have him in the 25-40 range. Yes, durability is a concern given his size, but the guy has flat-out dominated everywhere he's been since turning pro. This will be the make or break season for him as a prospect...his 2013 couldn't have possibly been better but now it's time to do it against the upper levels of the Minors.

agree

don't agree

agree

agree

agree

[Keyser Soze]

amazing how much of a troll you have become. (and all of the other people on here who followed. At least cj Edwards is the talk of the board now. I am not crying because like I said I already made money on cj, anything else is extra. Honestly I want to see him dominate just so he can change peoples minds on here, well see.

I am so excited to see what Edwards does this season now just because almost 99 percent of this board doubts him, yet I see tons of people buying him in their chrome auto buying threads, hmmm

You set yourself up for ridicule when you speak irrationally and make contradictory statements like when you said that MLB.com sucks and should "stick to MLB" only because they aren't high on Edwards, and then proceed to talk about how BA is all that matters, while ignoring the obvious fact that BA's head guy is now at MLB.com. And how convenient of you to ignore the parts where I admitted that Edwards was ranked way too low and that he had filthy stuff. You'd be fine if you didn't try to discredit everyone who doesn't like the guy as much as you do.

[dasiegel]

Hard ot take a list seriously that has Sano #14:/

Thoughts.....

1) Walker over Bradley as #1 pitcher? I don't strongly disagree, just seems to go against most other prospect resources

3) Hedges at 18 just seems absurdly high



Bradley has abetter ceiling but he was wild as hell at times says the person who put mad dough into him, and it scares me. Can't walk people at the highest levels. And as the owner of a Hedges Gold 9.5 Auto, I'm happy but I totally agree with you.

Thanks for posting. You have to be up early to beat Jaypers at this sort of thing! First thoughts...

Too Low: My Guys
Too High: CJ Edwards

I like Edwards:):special:

[Cubs_rock21]

...I highly doubt many of the self-proclaimed "experts" on here do, either

Jaypers said in his top 100 post that he looks at stats, he never said he watches them in person.

[Jaypers]

Jaypers said in his top 100 post that he looks at stats, he never said he watches them in person.

I don't rely on stats alone; that would be silly and ignorant. I read as many online scouting reports as I can find and watch videos of them as well.

And I hope I'm not being referred to as a "so-called expert" - I'm no expert in any sense of the word. Never claimed otherwise.

[BigEd]

I rely on Callis, Sickels, Jaypers and others. I also analyze stats, scouting reports and I watch games. When it really comes down to it, we're attempting to predict something that cannot be reliably predicted, so what does it really matter how we go about it? And we can listen to the experts all we want, but in reality, there is valuable information from everyone from Jim Callis down to some little-read blogger who cares about his favorite team.

[Keyser Soze]

I don't rely on stats alone; that would be silly and ignorant. I read as many online scouting reports as I can find and watch videos of them as well.

And I hope I'm not being referred to as a "so-called expert" - I'm no expert in any sense of the word. Never claimed otherwise.

I look at you more as an "information aggregator", is that fair/accurate?

[Jaypers]

I look at you more as an "information aggregator", is that fair/accurate?

I can live with that.

[preakness]

I don't rely on stats alone; that would be silly and ignorant. I read as many online scouting reports as I can find and watch videos of them as well.

And I hope I'm not being referred to as a "so-called expert" - I'm no expert in any sense of the word. Never claimed otherwise.

To JP's defense, I have never ever seem him boast or brag or play himself off as being better or more knowing than anyone else when it came to prospects. I think some do unnecessarily put him on a pedestal and that that's why some think maybe he considers himself an expert. I know of one board member who said to me in a PM "JP is a professional scout and the baseball card proves it." The occasional post by a board member where they post "I wonder JP thinks of this list/ranking" adds to that. I kind of chuckle and I'm sure JP does too when reading those type of posts.

[preakness]

I always enjoy pulling out my magazines and finding old rankings from previous years and seeing how incredibly wrong the experts really are.

Not meant as a rip on them, just meant to show how incredibly hard it is to predict the future.

I would love to see someone post rankings and saw "Buxton is nothing more than a glorified Cameron Maybin," "Oscar Taveras career numbers will not even match those of Jermaine Dye," Mike Foltynewicz is the next Pete Harnisch at best," Jesue Montero career numbers will fall short to those of Matt Nokes," and "LA SS Seager will never hit above .250 in the majors"

There's a better chance predictions like that will hold true

[Wolves4Life]

I like seeing Baez at #4. Seems no one wants to put him that high due to the risk factor, but the guy flat out raked in 2013 and his ceiling is about as high as anyone's...so why not?

Still not a fan of Lindor...I don't see him being an impact player at the ML level. Then again, I think more in terms of card value than baseball value. He will be a way better baseball player than he is a card investment.

Gregory Polanco is top 10 material.

Yordano doesn't belong in the top 35. Way too high.

As for the CJ argument going on in this thread:
CJ Edwards is WAY too low. I'm definitely higher on him than some, but not to crack the top 50 is a joke given what he's done so far. I'd have him in the 25-40 range. Yes, durability is a concern given his size, but the guy has flat-out dominated everywhere he's been since turning pro. This will be the make or break season for him as a prospect...his 2013 couldn't have possibly been better but now it's time to do it against the upper levels of the Minors.

As a Cubs fan, Seems they went with Baez at 4 via his hitting. Baez is easily best hitting SS prospect but not one of the best on defense. It will improve as he moves up but seems like they went more hitting for him. Also CJE is way too low at 81, They just want to get their name into prospects listings but more people use MLB or BA anyway so it's really all moot.

[texgator]

I always enjoy pulling out my magazines and finding old rankings from previous years and seeing how incredibly wrong the experts really are.That's the thing....they aren't "wrong". The rankings represent the best idea of what potential each prospect holds. The potential was always there....it really existed....it just didn't come to fruition. That's the thing about potential....it doesn't always actualize.

[StraWMyerS]

That's the thing....they aren't "wrong". The rankings represent the best idea of what potential each prospect holds. The potential was always there....it really existed....it just didn't come to fruition. That's the thing about potential....it doesn't always actualize.

This guy gets it :)!

[shayscards79]

I like the aggressive ranking on Ventura and Giolito. Polanco seems a little low to me.

This is good list, especially since they have Rosario at 60.

[Rufusyo]

I like the aggressive ranking on Ventura and Giolito. Polanco seems a little low to me.

This is good list, especially since they have Rosario at 60.

I was just about to say the same thing. I thought he would easily make some top 100's this year.

[StraWMyerS]

I like the aggressive ranking on Ventura and Giolito. Polanco seems a little low to me.

This is good list, especially since they have Rosario at 60.

Speaking of Polanco....everyone knows Gregory is a great prospect but what does everyone think about Jorge Polanco? Is it just me or is he one of the biggest sleepers out there right now?? Sure he may never hit for power but the kid has definitely shown some tools and plays in the infield....I have a feeling he may be in line for an Alen Hanson type breakout this year.

[MarshallCutler6]

Kyle Hendricks. He will never be ranked in anyones top 200. But I want all of you to remember that name.

[mfw13]

As for the CJ argument going on in this thread:
CJ Edwards is WAY too low. I'm definitely higher on him than some, but not to crack the top 50 is a joke given what he's done so far. I'd have him in the 25-40 range. Yes, durability is a concern given his size, but the guy has flat-out dominated everywhere he's been since turning pro. This will be the make or break season for him as a prospect...his 2013 couldn't have possibly been better but now it's time to do it against the upper levels of the Minors.

Regarding CJ Edwards, you also have to remember that he is old for his level and has not thrown a lot of innings as a professional. He'll be 22 years, 6 months when Opening Day rolls around, still hasn't pitched above A-ball, and has less than 185 IP as a professional. Most top pitching prospects are in the majors already by the time they're 22 and a half, or at the very least in AAA, and have thrown 300-400 IP as a professional.

[dasiegel]

Regarding CJ Edwards, you also have to remember that he is old for his level and has not thrown a lot of innings as a professional. He'll be 22 years, 6 months when Opening Day rolls around, still hasn't pitched above A-ball, and has less than 185 IP as a professional. Most top pitching prospects are in the majors already by the time they're 22 and a half, or at the very least in AAA, and have thrown 300-400 IP as a professional.

I understand that argument but I personally am not high on it. What has become the norm bc of foreign players and hs draftees shouldn't hurt others in ranking as much as it does. Springer is gonna be 25. Mike Olt when he was hot was old for his level at AA. There are good minor leaguers who just play well and either got put on a slower track or developed late but are still ballers!

[gabballplayer14]

I understand that argument but I personally am not high on it. What has become the norm bc of foreign players and hs draftees shouldn't hurt others in ranking as much as it does. Springer is gonna be 25. Mike Olt when he was hot was old for his level at AA. There are good minor leaguers who just play well and either got put on a slower track or developed late but are still ballers!


Funny that both players you mentioned went to UConn. No other real analysis, just thought it was ironic.

[dasiegel]

Funny that both players you mentioned went to UConn. No other real analysis, just thought it was ironic.

When Hasheem Thabeet, Ray Allen and Charlie Villanueva were in High A they were 28!