Before we go on, let's review the already ranked twenty-five prospects who help occupy my the top 30. So let's start from the bottom and work our way up...
30. Tyler Vail (Athletics)
29. Sammy Gonzalez (Pirates)
28. Evan DeLuca (Yankees)
27. Javier Rodriguez(Mets)
26. Blake Brewer (Marlins)
25. Lino Martinez (Phillies)
24. Ryan Hafner (Pirates)
23. Eduardo Aldama(Mets)
22. Bryan Mitchell (Yankees)
21. Nick Rickles (Athletics)
20. Austin Wright(Phillies)
19. Jose Urena (Marlins)
18. Matt Skole (Nationals)
17. David Medina (Cardinals)
16. Josh Hodges (Marlins)
15. Cito Culver (Yankees)
14. Nick Tropeano(Astros)
13. Mike Wright (Orioles)
12. Jake Lowery (Indians)
11. Nick Kingham (Pirates)
10. Jeff Malm (Rays)
9. Aaron Shipman (Athletics)
8. Aaron Altherr(Phillies)
7. Stetson Allie (Pirates)
6. Angelo Gumbs (Yankees)
Now, with the last remaining five...
5. Parker Bridwell: RHP -- Aberdeen Ironbirds (Orioles)
When I first saw Parker Bridwell this year, he was extremely consistent throughout his entire start. He was throwing in the low-to-mid 90's, getting batters swinging at his wipe-out change up and throwing at a consistent downhill plain. This, however, was before and after two lousy outings in which a scout noted his rangy velocity and lack of ability to maintain control of the zone. He also didn't repeat his delivery in those starts, but still had batters fooled with his off-speed pitches. Bridwell has number two or three potential and has lots of physical projection. Thus the ability for Bridwell to fill out a bit more along with gaining some strength and additional pitchability could turn him in to quite the pitcher.
4. Tony Wolters: SS -- Mahoning Valley Scrappers (Indians)
Wolters is very highly regarded by many in the industry, and most notably by the scouts and writers I trust. He has plus speed and a very advanced bat but is iffy to remain at shortstop. I had a writer tell me he'd be a very good second-baseman, and with Wolters' ability to hit the ball to all fields and get on base I expect him to play the position both solid defensively as well as on the offensive side of things. He has an outstanding plate approach with little movement in his swing. Wolters needs to turn his skills in to assets, and I have no doubts he'll do so, despite still being very young.
3. Garin Cecchini: 3B -- Lowell Spinners (Red Sox)
Cecchini fell several rounds in the draft last year due to a torn ACL that ruined his final year in high school. No one questioned his talent, they just had doubts in his health. And before he got struck by an Auburn fastball in the left wrist last month, he was enjoying himself quite a season. Garin Cecchini not only proved that the devastating leg injury was in his past, but also showed that his talent stock hadn't dropped in many way. He has fantastic bat speed and good wheels out of the box. Additionally Cecchini has fantastic plate discipline and baseball instincts to go along with lots of offensive upside. He doesn't feature a ton of power, but some expect him to develop that tool as he gets stronger. If there's one knock on Cecchini, it's his large and somewhat-unathletic body at third-base. However, it's unlikely a position switch will be in order as despite spotty range he has a very strong arm.
2. Parker Markel: RHP -- Hudson Valley Renegades (Rays)
Markel isn't just the best and most advanced pitcher in the league, he also has the best stuff. Formerly drafted by the Tigers, Markel shows tons of demeanor on the mound. He throws a well-commanded fastball which regularly sits 94-95 (and touched 96-97 at times), a slider in which he throws at a consistent, over-the-top arm slot and a change up. His change up isn't plus but his fastball and slider are. Markel can both control and command the zone with his pitches and has a very simple, smooth delivery. The Rays love young pitchers with pitchability and good mound presence, and along with other things Markel definitely has just that.
1. Mason Williams: OF -- Staten Island Yankees (Yankees)
Williams is a perfect example of why you want to make sure you don't lose a player as such to college, and I'm sure the Yankees are perfectly happy with their decision to go over slot on him. Mason Williams got off to a fantastic start for Staten Island and hasn't since cooled off. He has great strike-zone judgement and drives pitches anywhere over the plate. He's shown the ability to drive the ball and with his great balance at the plate he doesn't roll over or pop up too many balls. He has a slender and thin frame, thus Williams offers lots of physical projection. He'll probably develop 10-15 power as he develops, and I expect just that. Many I've approached suggested Williams as the number one prospect even before I showed them my list. I have no doubts a few years down the line we'll look back at my list and say: "Oh, Williams was ranked number one back then? Good call."
The SI Yanks up the middle guys; Culver, Gumbs and Williams have been really exciting to follow this year. Can't wait to see how they do in full season ball next year.
Posted by: Preston | 08/30/2011 at 02:12 AM
I think your Top 2 needs revisiting w/ Francisco Lindor playing well in MV :)
Posted by: Phil | 09/04/2011 at 03:21 PM
Williams has been so good this year, I wonder if even the Yankees expected him to be this good... Great feature.
Posted by: Jeety | 09/08/2011 at 10:24 AM