The Top 100 Prospects of 2010:
1/25/2010 12:30 PM ET
By Frankie Piliere

Frankie Piliere spent the last three seasons working as a scout, most recently in the professional scouting department for the Texas Rangers in 2009. He now serves as the National Baseball Analyst here at FanHouse.

Spring training and the 2010 regular season are right around the corner, which means it's time to take stock of the top potential future stars in the minor leagues.

Below are the first 25 players in my rankings of the top 100 prospects in baseball right now, based upon my years of experience in the industry as a scout and talent evaluator.

In order to be eligible for the list, the player must be part of a major league organization and still considered a rookie (fewer than 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the major leagues and fewer than 45 days on an active roster, excluding September call-ups).
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Top 100 Prospects: Read Nos. 26-100

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1. STEPHEN STRASBURG (RHP), NATIONALS

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Age: 21 | Height: 6-4 | Weight: 220
2009 Stats: 4-1 W-L | 4.26 ERA | 12 2/3 IP | 23 SO | 7 BB
Finished '09: Phoenix Desert Dogs (Arizona Fall League)

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The Skinny: Who else could it be? Despite some early struggles in the Arizona Fall League, Strasburg looked as advertised this fall. He'll bring his 100-mph fastball into big-league camp next month, and looks like a favorite to nab a spot in Washington's rotation. We'll see if he forces the organization's hand or if he needs some seasoning in Triple-A.
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2. MICHAEL STANTON (OF), MARLINS

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Age: 20 | Bats: R | Height: 6-5 | Weight: 205
2009 Stats: .255 AVG | 28 HR | 92 RBI | .341 OBP | 3 SB
Finished '09: Jacksonville (Double-A Southern League)

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The Skinny: Stanton is the closest thing you'll find to Dave Winfield. With his monstrous power, which plays to all fields, above-average speed, athleticism, plus arm and range as a corner outfielder, Florida's prized prospect looks poised to be one of baseball's next five-tool stars. His light-tower power is something that does not come along often.
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3. DESMOND JENNINGS (OF), RAYS

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Age: 23 | Bats: R | Height: 6-2 | Weight: 180
2009 Stats: .318 AVG | 11 HR | 62 RBI | .401 OBP | 52 SB
Finished '09: Durham (Triple-A International League)

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The Skinny: You can talk about Jennings' outstanding five-tool abilities, and, yes, they are very impressive. But what makes him so fascinating is his combination of those tools and his rapidly improving instincts and feel at the plate. This is a player that's going to hit for a very high average, and has skills at the plate that resemble Yankees' legend Derek Jeter.
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4. JASON HEYWARD (OF), BRAVES

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Age: 20 | Bats: L | Height: 6-4 | Weight: 220
2009 Stats: .323 AVG | 17 HR | 63 RBI | .408 OBP | 10 SB
Finished '09: Gwinnett (Triple-A International League)

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The Skinny: Right now there are several star-caliber young hitters on the verge of making their mark in the majors, and Heyward is one of the players leading the pack. The power is still developing for the 20-year-old Georgia native, but Braves fans can be confident that his short left-handed swing will be a big part of the middle of their order for many years.
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5. JESUS MONTERO (C), YANKEES

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Age: 20 | Bats: R | Height: 6-4 | Weight: 225
2009 Stats: .337 AVG | 17 HR | 70 RBI | .389 OBP | 0 SB
Finished '09: Trenton (Double-A Eastern League)

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The Skinny: Can he catch? Yes. Will he catch? It doesn't matter much. His bat is that potent. Much debate surrounds Montero's ability to stick behind the plate, but the bat is going to be special. He has a potential 40-homer bat with the offensive upside of Miguel Cabrera. We could see the Venezuelan slugger as early as midseason in 2010 if all goes well in Triple-A.
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6. NEFTALI FELIZ (RHP), RANGERS

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Age: 21 | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 190
2009 Stats: 4-6 W-L | 3.49 ERA | 77 1/3 IP | 75 SO | 30 BB
Finished '09: Texas

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The Skinny: We got a glimpse of just how special Feliz could be during his late season call-up in 2009. He was dominant in more than 30 innings of work, showcasing his electric upper-90s fastball. Whether he will start or relieve is the long-term question, but either way he should be one of the more fascinating young arms to watch in 2010.
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7. BUSTER POSEY (C), GIANTS

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Age: 22 | Bats: R | Height: 6-2 | Weight: 195
2009 Stats: .325 AVG | 18 HR | 80 RBI | .416 OBP | 6 SB
Finished '09: San Francisco

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The Skinny: Posey has been a model of consistency since he turned pro, and he looks poised to take that consistency to the big leagues in 2010. His extra-short, compact swing should translate seamlessly to the majors. It's never easy for a catcher to learn on the job at the highest level, but if anyone can, it's Posey.
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8. BRIAN MATUSZ (LHP), ORIOLES

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Age: 22 | Height: 6-5 | Weight: 200
2009 Stats: 11-2 W-L | 1.91 ERA | 113 IP | 121 SO | 32 BB
Finished '09: Baltimore

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The Skinny: We got a glimpse of what Matusz could do in 2009, and it was an impressive one. He showed a feel for all his pitches, and that, coupled with his 91-93 mph fastball, should make for a long, successful career. With a taste of the show in 2009 behind him, Matusz is a top contender for AL Rookie of the Year in 2010.
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9. MARTIN PEREZ (LHP), RANGERS

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Age: 18 | Height: 6-0 | Weight: 165
2009 Stats: 6-8 W-L | 2.90 ERA | 114 2/3 IP | 119 SO | 38 BB
Finished '09: Frisco (Double-A Texas League)

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The Skinny: This is an aggressive ranking for Perez, given his limited experience at the upper levels, but you can make the case that he has the best stuff of any left-handed starter in the minors. The Rangers have a southpaw with the total package, and given his 92-96 mph fastball, feel for his secondary pitches and mound presence, this is one of the few prospects that can truly be projected as a future ace.
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10. JEREMY HELLICKSON (RHP), RAYS

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Age: 22 | Height: 6-1 | Weight: 185
2009 Stats: 9-2 W-L | 2.45 ERA | 114 IP | 132 SO | 29 BB
Finished '09: Durham (Triple-A International League)

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The Skinny: Perhaps the most universally underappreciated pitching prospect in the minors, Hellickson has almost silently moved his way up the ladder. He has the potential for three above-average pitches and has pinpoint command that stacks up with any pitcher on this list. He's undersized, about the only thing a critic could point to, and could be a factor for the Rays in 2010.
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11. STARLIN CASTRO (SS), CUBS

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Age: 19 | Bats: R | Height: 6-1 | Weight: 160
2009 Stats: .299 AVG | 3 HR | 49 RBI | .342 OBP | 28 SB
Finished '09: Tennessee (Double-A Southern League)

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The Skinny: Cubs fans seem to be ready to push this guy to the show in 2010, but he may not be quite ready for that. Castro is improving rapidly at the plate and has shown the ability to punish good pitching. The power is still coming along and should continue to as he fills out. He has all the tools to be the shortstop in Chicago for years to come.
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12. CHRISTIAN FRIEDRICH (LHP), ROCKIES

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Age: 22 | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 210
2009 Stats: 6-5 W-L | 2.41 ERA | 119 2/3 IP | 159 SO | 43 BB
Finished '09: Modesto (Advanced Single-A California League)

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The Skinny: The Rockies have tried to take it slow with Friedrich, but he's all but forced promotion by dominating at every level he pitches. Armed with a 90-94 mph fastball and big, plus curveball, he looks like a nice left-handed complement to Ubaldo Jimenez at the top of the Colorado rotation.
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13. PEDRO ALVAREZ (3B), PIRATES

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Age: 22 | Bats: L | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 235
2009 Stats: .288 AVG | 27 HR | 95 RBI | .378 OBP | 2 SB
Finished '09: Altoona (Double-A Eastern League)

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The Skinny: Alvarez has been streaky in his professional career, but the production has been immense when he's caught fire. He's looking more and more like the elite middle-of-the-order bat the Pirates desperately need. There's a good chance he ends up at first base, but his bat more than plays at any position.
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14. MADISON BUMGARNER (LHP), GIANTS

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Age: 20 | Height: 6-4 | Weight: 215
2009 Stats: 12-2 W-L | 1.85 ERA | 131 1/3 IP | 92 SO | 34 BB
Finished '09: San Francisco

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The Skinny: Bumgarner's velocity was down late in 2009, causing some alarm among Giants fans. He's still very young and has logged a lot innings, so it shouldn't be too much of a concern. He has the command and stuff to pitch at the front of the rotation when he's at his best.
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15. KYLE DRABEK (RHP), BLUE JAYS

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Age: 22 | Height: 6-0 | Weight: 185
2009 Stats: 12-3 W-L | 3.19 ERA | 158 IP | 150 SO | 50 BB
Finished '09: Reading (Double-A Eastern League)

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The Skinny: If Phillippe Aumont was the pitching prospect with the best stuff in Roy Halladay-Cliff Lee deal, then Drabek is the one with the best combination of stuff and polish. He's undersized, but the 22-year-old has the stuff, bloodlines and feel for pitching to perform at the top of a big-league rotation. Aside from some lingering makeup concerns, Drabek is very close to the total package.
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16. CARLOS SANTANA (C), INDIANS

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Age: 23 | Bats: S | Height: 5-11 | Weight: 188
2009 Stats: .290 AVG | 23 HR | 97 RBI | .413 OBP | 2 SB
Finished '09: Akron (Double-A Eastern League)

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The Skinny: Not a bad guy to get in return for Casey Blake, is he? Santana has been outstanding in the Cleveland system and has easily emerged as its catcher of the future. He projects to have 25-homer power at the next level, and can handle the defensive side of things.
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17. WADE DAVIS (RHP), RAYS

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Age: 24 | Height: 6-5 | Weight: 220
2009 Stats: 10-8 W-L | 3.40 ERA | 158 2/3 IP | 140 SO | 60 BB
Finished '09: Tampa Bay

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The Skinny: The Rays are a player-development machine, and Davis is yet another example of that. He has front-of-the-rotation-type stuff and showed it with some strong performances down the stretch with the big-league club. He could be a major factor for them out of spring training this year.
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18. DUSTIN ACKLEY (IF), MARINERS

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Age: 21 | Bats: L | Height: 6-1 | Weight: 185
2009 Stats: .315 AVG | 1 HR | 12 RBI | .412 OBP | 1 SB
Finished '09: Peoria Javelinas (Arizona Fall League)

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The Skinny: Arguably the best pure hitter to come out of the 2009 draft, Ackley has looked as advertised thus far. His position on the field is still in question, but his bat is clearly not. He should move very quickly up the minor-league ladder.
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19. DOMONIC BROWN (OF), PHILLIES

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Age: 22 | Bats: L | Height: 6-5 | Weight: 204
2009 Stats: .299 AVG | 14 HR | 64 RBI | .377 OBP | 23 SB
Finished '09: Reading (Eastern League)

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The Skinny: Brown is often described as a scout's dream. He has a frame reminiscent of Darryl Strawberry's, and while his power probably won't reach those heights, he has tools galore. The on-the-field results have caught up to the tools in a hurry, but he's not a finished product.
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20. ALCIDES ESCOBAR (SS), BREWERS

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Age: 23 | Bats: R | Height: 6-1 | Weight: 175
2009 Stats: .298 AVG | 4 HR | 34 RBI | .353 OBP | 42 SB
Finished '09: Milwaukee

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The Skinny: Escobar is known as outstanding glove man, and it has long been said that he could handle the job at shortstop defensively in the big leagues right now. Well now the bat has caught up, just as scouts have long projected.
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21. JARROD PARKER (RHP), DIAMONDBACKS

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Age: 21 | Height: 6-1 | Weight: 180
2009 Stats: 5-6 W-L | 3.14 ERA | 97 1/3 IP | 95 SO | 38 BB
Finished '09: Visalia (Advanced Single-A California League)

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The Skinny: We'll have to see how he rebounds from elbow surgery, but had he not gotten injured, Parker would have been a top-10 candidate. He has electric stuff when he's healthy, and would have been poised to compete for a spot in the big-league rotation.
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22. JUSTIN SMOAK (1B), RANGERS

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Age: 23 | Bats: S | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 200
2009 Stats: .290 AVG | 12 HR | 57 RBI | .410 OBP | 0 SB
Finished '09: Oklahoma (Triple-A Pacific Coast League)

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The Skinny: Smoak hit some bumps in the road in 2009 at the upper levels, but most scouts agree that he's still very much on track. The Rangers are deep at first base, so they don't need to rush him. This is a smart player, however, that should be able to adjust and push himself to the majors in 2010.
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23. JENNRY MEJIA (RHP), METS

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Age: 20 | Height: 6-0 | Weight: 162
2009 Stats: 4-6 W-L | 3.14 ERA | 94 2/3 IP | 91 SO | 39 BB
Finished '09: Binghamton (Double-A Eastern League)

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The Skinny: Mejia looks like of one of the most exciting pitching prospects the Mets have had in quite some time. He can reach the upper 90s with his fastball and has learned to pitch effectively and more frequently with his secondary pitches. The Mets will try to take it slow with this powerful young arm. We could see him in 2011.
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24. CASEY KELLY (RHP), RED SOX

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Age: 20 | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 200
2009 Stats: 7-5 W-L | 2.08 ERA | 95 IP | 74 SO | 16 BB
Finished '09: Salem (Advanced Single-A Carolina League)

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The Skinny: He is not overpowering, with a fastball sitting around 91 mph, but his command, movement, feel for pitching and strong secondary arsenal make him a candidate to be a fast-moving prospect with No. 2 starter upside. He's very advanced for a high school draft pick, and now that he's dedicated only to pitching, Kelly could move up very quickly.
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25. AUSTIN JACKSON (OF), TIGERS

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Age: 22 | Bats: R | Height: 6-1 | Weight: 185
2009 Stats: .300 AVG | 4 HR | 65 RBI | .354 OBP | 24 SB
Finished '09: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (Triple-A International League)

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The Skinny: One of the centerpieces in the blockbuster that sent Curtis Granderson to the Yankees, Jackson will be given a shot at the center-field job for the Tigers in 2010. We'll find out soon enough if he's ready. His power stroke is the only thing scouts are still waiting on, otherwise, he has grown leaps and bounds since he was drafted.
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26. CHRIS CARTER (1B), ATHLETICS

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Age: 23 | Bats: R | Height: 6-4 | Weight: 210
2009 Stats: .329 AVG | 28 HR | 115 RBI | .422 OBP | 13 SB
Finished '09: Sacramento (Triple-A Pacific Coast League)

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The Skinny: Carter absolutely bashed his way into this spot. He followed up his massive 39-homer 2008 campaign by slugging 28 more between Double-A and Triple-A in 2009. His strikeouts are somewhat of a concern, but the superb plate discipline and power should allow him to be an offensive force at first base.
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27. JASON CASTRO (C), ASTROS

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Age: 22 | Bats: L | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 210
2009 Stats: .300 AVG | 10 HR | 73 RBI | .380 OBP | 3 SB
Finished '09: Corpus Christi (Double-A Texas League)

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The Skinny: There are not many bright spots in the Houston Astros farm system right now, but Castro is one of the few. The Astros were criticized when they drafted Castro, and many called it an over-draft, but so far he has made the organization proud.
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28. BRETT WALLACE (3B), BLUE JAYS

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Age: 23 | Bats: L | Height: 6-1 | Weight: 245
2009 Stats: .293 AVG | 20 HR | 63 RBI | .367 OBP | 1 SB
Finished '09: Sacramento (Triple-A Pacific Coast League)

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The Skinny: He doesn't bring a lot to the table defensively. He doesn't have a prototypical baseball body. That is the downside of Wallace. The really large upside is his potent left-handed bat. He's going to need to play first base, which also means he's going to need to hit in a big way. Wallace figures to be a perennial .300 hitter with 25-homer power.
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29. PHILLIPPE AUMONT (RHP), PHILLIES

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Age: 20 | Height: 6-7 | Weight: 220
2009 Stats: 2-6 W-L | 3.88 ERA | 51 IP | 59 SO | 23 BB
Finished '09: High Desert (Advanced Single-A California League)

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The Skinny: The best pure arm, and the player with the most upside in the Halladay-Lee blockbuster, was Aumont. He is not as far along in his development as Kyle Drabek but the raw stuff stacks up with anyone. Armed with a 92-95 mph heavy sinking fastball and a four-seamer he can sit at 94-98 mph with, the 6-foot-7 Canadian can get by on arm alone. Couple that with his plus breaking ball at 79-83 mph and Aumont has two pitches that could make him a downright dominant force.
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30. MICHAEL SAUNDERS (OF), MARINERS

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Age: 23 | Bats: L | Height: 6-4 | Weight: 205
2009 Stats: .221 AVG | 0 HR | 4 RBI | .258 OBP | 4 SB
Finished '09: Seattle

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The Skinny: While Greg Halman, another top Mariners outfield prospect, struggled, Saunders continued his success in 2009. He struggled in his limited major league stint with Seattle, but the offensive production at the Triple-A level was superb across the board.
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31. TANNER SCHEPPERS (RHP), RANGERS

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Age: 23 | Height: 6-4 | Weight: 200
2009 Stats: 1-1 W-L | 3.32 ERA | 19 IP | 20 SO | 11 BB
Finished '09: St. Paul Saints (Independent Minor Leagues)

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The Skinny: After signing late, Scheppers proved he was healthy and worth the hype with an often electrifying showing in the Arizona Fall League. Consistently pitching in the upper-90s out of the bullpen, there is now some debate over what his role should be. His size, pitchability and, of course, raw stuff should allow him to succeed as a starter or a reliever.
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32. DAN HUDSON (RHP), WHITE SOX

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Age: 22 | Height: 6-4 | Weight: 220
2009 Stats: 14-5 W-L | 2.32 ERA | 147 1/3 IP | 166 SO | 34 BB
Finished '09: Chicago

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The Skinny: Hudson has made big strides since he was drafted, and Chicago has to be thrilled with how he's come along. He should continue to move fast and be ready to contribute at the big-league level as early as 2010. Hudson looks like a very solid second or third starter on a contending club.
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33. FERNANDO MARTINEZ (OF), METS

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Age: 21 | Bats: L | Height: 6-1 | Weight: 190
2009 Stats: .290 AVG | 8 HR | 28 RBI | .337 OBP | 2 SB
Finished '09: Buffalo (Triple-A International League)

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The Skinny: Martinez might be the victim of the high expectations of New York fans. It's easy to forget that he is still just 21 years old. Did the Mets rush him? Maybe. Martinez still has the offensive tools to be an impact-type player, so the word here is patience.
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34. MIKE MONTGOMERY (LHP), ROYALS

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Age: 20 | Height: 6-5 | Weight: 180
2009 Stats: 6-4 W-L | 2.21 ERA | 110 IP | 98 SO | 36 BB
Finished '09: Burlington (Single-A Midwest League)

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The Skinny: With a fastball in the low- to mid-90s and two quality secondary pitches, Montgomery has the makings of a top-of-the-rotation starter. The Royals will undoubtedly take it slow with their tall, athletic southpaw, so look for him most likely in advanced Single-A ball to start the 2010 season.
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35. DEREK NORRIS (C), NATIONALS

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Age: 20 | Bats: R | Height: 6-0 | Weight: 210
2009 Stats: .286 AVG | 23 HR | 84 RBI | .413 OBP | 6 SB
Finished '09: Hagerstown (Single-A South Atlantic League)

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The Skinny: The Nationals' farm system has made tremendous progress in the last year or so and Norris is one of the best examples of that. Norris showed plus power and the ability to handle his catching duties. If he can stick at catcher he's going to be a very valuable commodity, but his bat should be able to play at any position.
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36. AROLDIS CHAPMAN (LHP), REDS

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Age: 21 | Height: 6-4 | Weight: 180
2009 Stats: N/A
Finished '09: N/A (defected from Cuba in July 2009)

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The Skinny: Chapman could easily be in the top five, but at this point how can we really be sure? Much of Chapman's game is still a mystery, but if reports are to believed, and he can consistently produce that type of huge velocity, he'll be moving up this list in a hurry. Right now, he makes it purely on expectations.
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37. DONAVAN TATE (OF), PADRES

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Age: 19 | Bats: R | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 200
2009 Stats: N/A
Finished '09: N/A

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The Skinny: One of the bright spots in an otherwise struggling Padres farm system, Tate has the type of tools that can excite a fan base. The raw power is tremendous, he can run and he can throw. He is raw, though, so the Padres may have to take it slow with his development.
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38. MICHAEL TAYLOR (OF), ATHLETICS

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Age: 24 | Bats: R | Height: 6-6 | Weight: 250
2009 Stats: .320 AVG | 20 HR | 84 RBI | .395 OBP | 21 SB
Finished '09: Lehigh Valley (Triple-A International League)

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The Skinny: The 6-foot-6, athletic outfielder has the type of talent that can help a team in all facets. He has 30-homer power potential and the ability to steal 20-30 bases in the majors. He has improved vastly in the last two seasons, and appears ready to start in the majors out of spring training in 2010.
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39. RYAN WESTMORELAND (OF), RED SOX

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Age: 19 | Bats: L | Height: 6-2 | Weight: 195
2009 Stats: .296 AVG | 7 HR | 35 RBI | .401 OBP | 19 SB
Finished '09: Lowell (Low Single-A New York-Penn League)

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The Skinny: Few players excited Red Sox player development people like Westmoreland. The former fifth-round pick was outstanding in all facets of the game in 2009 in short-season Single-A ball. He showed speed and smarts on the bases, power at the plate and solid defense in the outfield. He's a few years off, but a very exciting talent.
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40. AARON HICKS (OF), TWINS

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Age: 20 | Bats: S | Height: 6-2 | Weight: 170
2009 Stats: .251 AVG | 4 HR | 29 RBI | .353 OBP | 10 SB
Finished '09: Beloit (Single-A Midwest League)

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The Skinny: The Twins are extremely deep in the outfield, and Hicks might have the most promise of that strong group. He had some struggles in 2009, but this is a guy that requires some patience. The upside is outstanding, and he's still just 20 years old.
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41. MANNY BANUELOS (LHP), YANKEES

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Age: 18 | Height: 5-10 | Weight: 155
2009 Stats: 9-5 W-L | 2.64 ERA | 109 IP | 106 SO | 28 BB
Finished '09: Charleston (Single-A South Atlantic League)

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The Skinny: Banuelos somehow gets the tag of a command guy with limited stuff. That couldn't be further from the truth. His command and feel for pitching are his trademarks, but with a 90-93 mph fastball and the potential for two plus secondary pitches, this smallish lefty has the upside of a No. 2 starter. He's extremely young, but he could force the Yankees to advance him quickly.
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42. JOSH BELL (3B), ORIOLES

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Age: 23 | Bats: S | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 235
2009 Stats: .295 AVG | 20 HR | 76 RBI | .376 OBP | 3 SB
Finished '09: Bowie (Double-A Eastern League)

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The Skinny: Acquired from the Dodgers in the deal that sent George Sherrill to Los Angeles, the Orioles look to have made an excellent move in getting Bell. Scouts are somewhat split on the third baseman, but his power and improving plate discipline are very intriguing.
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43. MIKE MINOR (LHP), BRAVES

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Age: 22 | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 200
2009 Stats: 0-1 W-L | 0.64 ERA | 14 IP | 17 SO | 0 BB
Finished '09: Rome (Single-A South Atlantic League)

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The Skinny: Some looked at the selection of Minor at seventh overall in the 2009 draft as odd, but I think it's safe to say the Braves know what they are doing when it comes to scouting and player development. Minor should be a fast mover, and his stuff and feel from the left side should equal a long big-league career.
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44. DEE GORDON (SS), DODGERS

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Age: 21 | Bats: L | Height: 5-11 | Weight: 150
2009 Stats: .301 AVG | 3 HR | 35 RBI | .362 OBP | 73 SB
Finished '09: Great Lakes (Single-A Midwest League)

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The Skinny: Gordon is an absolute burner on the bases, and he has the look of an elite stolen base threat at the next level. If his offense continues to keep up with his outstanding defense, speed and athleticism, he could very well be the Dodgers' shortstop of the future. The 21-year-old should begin 2010 at advanced Single-A ball.
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45. AUSTIN ROMINE (C), YANKEES

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Age: 21 | Bats: R | Height: 6-2 | Weight: 210
2009 Stats: .276 AVG | 13 HR | 72 RBI | .322 OBP | 11 SB
Finished '09: Tampa (Advanced Single-A Florida State League)

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The Skinny: Romine has always been "the other guy," with the presence of Jesus Montero overshadowing him in the organization. He does not have the offensive upside of Montero (few players do), but his skills behind the plate and developing power make him nearly as interesting a prospect. He's ready to move as fast as Montero from an offensive standpoint, but he has the potential to be a potent offensive threat and an above-average defender behind the plate.
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46. ANTHONY GOSE (OF), PHILLIES

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Age: 19 | Bats: L | Height: 6-1 | Weight: 190
2009 Stats: .259 AVG | 2 HR | 52 RBI | .323 OBP | 76 SB
Finished '09: Lakewood (Single-A South Atlantic League)

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The Skinny: The Phillies' scouting department has long been in favor of drafting athletes, and few athletes are as intriguing as Gose. Blessed with blistering speed that grades out as an 8 tool on the 2-8 scouting scale, Gose has the skills to wreak havoc on the basepaths. His times to first base are consistently under four seconds. Very few players come along that have the skills to be an elite big-league base-stealer, but he is one of them. He also shows an outstanding, plus throwing arm in center field. As far as his skills at the plate, he's still quite raw.
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47. ANDY OLIVER (LHP), TIGERS

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Age: 22 | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 209
2009 Stats: 1-1 W-L | 2.81 ERA | 16 IP | 16 SO | 9 BB
Finished '09: Peoria Javelinas (Arizona Fall League)

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The Skinny: Power left-handed arms are a rare commodity. They are even more rare when they also have good command and a feel for pitching. Oliver was one of the top arms in 2009 draft and then had an impressive showing in the Arizona Fall League. Keep an eye out for him. He could be closer to the top of this list next January.
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48. JAKE ARRIETA (RHP), ORIOLES

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Age: 22 | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 209
2009 Stats: 11-11 W-L | 3.40 ERA | 150 2/3 IP | 148 SO | 56 BB
Finished '09: Norfolk (Triple-A International League)

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The Skinny: The Orioles are clearly headed in the right direction and have plenty of young arms on the way. Many of them are polished, like Arrieta. Baltimore fans should expect to get a good look at the hard-throwing right-hander at the big-league level in 2010.
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49. FREDDIE FREEMAN (1B), BRAVES

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Age: 20 | Bats: L | Height: 6-5 | Weight: 220
2009 Stats: .282 AVG | 8 HR | 58 RBI | .363 OBP | 1 SB
Finished '09: Mississippi (Double-A Southern League)

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The Skinny: Freeman had some problems at Double-A in 2009, temporarily slowing what had been an easy rise up the ranks. The jump to Double-A is not an easy one, but Freeman should be able to adjust and thrive there in 2010.
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50. TYSON GILLIES (OF), PHILLIES

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Age: 21 | Bats: L | Height: 6-2 | Weight: 190
2009 Stats: .341 AVG | 9 HR | 42 RBI | .430 OBP | 44 SB
Finished '09: High Desert (Advanced Single-A California League)

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The Skinny: The world met Gillies at last year's Futures Game, as he not only impressed with his inspiring story but also his potentially game-changing skills. Few players in the minors have the speed of Gillies, and he has the range to be a Gold Glove-caliber center fielder. The offense has continued to improve -- the 21-year-old had a fantastic 2009 campaign, hitting .341 with nine home runs and 44 stolen bases.
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Rank Player Age Organization Finished '09:
51. Logan Morrison (1B) 22 Marlins Jacksonville (Double-A)
52. Mike Trout (OF) 18 Angels Cedar Rapids (Single-A)
53. Josh Vitters (3B) 20 Cubs Daytona (Single-A)
54. Aaron Crow (RHP) 23 Royals Fort Worth (Independent)
55. Zach Britton (LHP) 22 Orioles Frederick (High-A)
56. Todd Frazier (SS) 23 Reds Louisville (Triple-A)
57. Yonder Alonso (1B) 22 Reds Carolina (Double-A)
58. Ike Davis (1B) 22 Mets Binghamton (Double-A)
59. Shelby Miller (RHP) 19 Cardinals Quad Cities (Single-A)
60. Zach Stewart (RHP) 23 Blue Jays Las Vegas (Triple-A)
61. Mike Leake (RHP) 22 Reds N/A
62. Thomas Neal (1B) 22 Giants San Jose (High-A)
63. Chris Marrero (1B) 21 Nationals Harrisburg (Double-A)
64. Grant Green (SS) 22 Athletics Stockton (High-A)
65. Lars Anderson (1B) 22 Red Sox Portland (Double-A)
66. Wilson Ramos (C) 22 Twins New Britain (Double-A)
67. Tyler Flowers (C) 24 White Sox Chicago
68. Lonnie Chisenhall (SS) 21 Indians Akron (Double-A)
69. Jose Tabata (OF) 21 Pirates Indianapolis (Triple-A)
70. David Bromberg (RHP) 22 Twins Fort Myers (High-A)
71. Mike Moustakas (3B) 21 Royals Wilmington (High-A)
72. Brett Jackson (OF) 21 Cubs Peoria (Single-A)
73. Carlos Triunfel (SS) 19 Mariners West Tennessee (Double-A)
74. Julio Teheran (RHP) 18 Braves Rome (Single-A)
75. Tony Sanchez (C) 21 Pirates Lynchburg (High-A)
76. Zach McAllister (RHP) 22 Yankees Trenton (Double-A)
77. Tim Beckham (SS) 19 Rays Bowling Green (Single-A)
78. Daniel Schlereth (LHP) 23 Tigers Arizona
79. Drew Storen (RHP) 22 Nationals Harrisburg (Double-A)
80. Ben Revere (OF) 21 Twins Fort Myers (High-A)
81. Craig Kimbrel (RHP) 21 Braves Gwinnett (Triple-A)
82. Casey Crosby (LHP) 21 Tigers West Michigan (Single-A)
83. Zeke Spruill (RHP) 20 Braves GCL Braves (Rookie)
84. Mat Gamel (3B) 24 Brewers Milwaukee
85. Peter Bourjos (OF) 22 Angels Arkansas (Double-A)
86. Jhan Marinez (RHP) 21 Marlins Jupiter (High-A)
87. Brett Lawrie (2B) 20 Brewers Huntsville (Double-A)
88. Hank Conger (C) 21 Angels Arkansas (Double-A)
89. Jhoulys Chacin (RHP) 22 Rockies Colorado
90. Jacob Turner (RHP) 18 Tigers N/A
91. Jared Mitchell (OF) 21 White Sox Kannapolis (Single-A)
92. A.J. Pollock (OF) 22 Diamondbacks South Bend (Single-A)
93. Nick Hagadone (LHP) 24 Indians Greenville (Single-A)
94. Tyler Matzek (LHP) 19 Rockies N/A
95. Ryan Kalish (OF) 21 Red Sox Portland (Double-A)
96. Jurickson Profar (SS) 17 Rangers N/A
97. Wil Myers (C) 19 Royals Burlington (Rookie)
98. Trevor Reckling (LHP) 20 Angels Rancho Cucamonga (High-A)
99. Jordan Lyles (RHP) 19 Astros Lexington (Single-A)
100. Chris Withrow (RHP) 20 Dodgers Inland Empire (High-A)


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