Top 100 update: trending prospects
by Matt HagenSeptember 23, 2010
With my month-long statistical projection project complete, I have found it necessary to reassess the rankings once again. After all, the numbers don't lie. Click here to view the baseball season's final installment of the Top-100 list.
19. Stephen Strasburg / SP / Washington / This Update: -17
Tommy John surgery isn't what it used to be, but it still leaves Strasburg's future in limbo. I have removed his statistical projections due to the uncertainty surrounding his health, but his ranking doesn't tumble far. After seeing recent Tommy John surgery success stories like Jaime Garcia, Jake McGee, and teammate Jordan Zimmermann, hope remains justifiably high for baseball's most hyped pitcher of all time.
26. Logan Morrison / OF/1B / Florida / This Update: +8
Morrison's .300/30 potential would play at any position, but his seemingly permanent move to the outfield gives his fantasy outlook a serious jolt.
31. Brett Lawrie / 2B/3B/OF / Milwaukee / This Update: +9
Lawrie didn't set the world on fire in 2010, but he quietly became one of the more respected hitters in the Southern League, all while playing second base.
33. William Myers / C/OF/1B / Kansas City / This Update: +9
There is no sense in holding back the Myers love at this point. He posted an outstanding debut, showing no weakness in his bat and leaving little concern about his offensive future. Where his defensive future lies is another story.
58. Danny Espinosa / SS / Washington / This Update: +15
Espinosa's great finish to the International League season and carry over to his major league debut is worthy of heightened respect. His ability to play a good second base increases his chances of sticking in Washington for good.
67. Jaff Decker / OF / San Diego / This Update: -14
Decker's year finished up strong, before yet another trip to the disabled list. I was also expecting him to cut down on his strikeouts this year. His stock finally takes the hit that it should have took halfway through the season.
71. Hank Conger / C / LA Angels / This Update: +25
After projecting Conger's skill set and stats to the majors, I now realize he has been undervalued all year. His projected ability to hit for a respectable average and solid power in the majors propels his stock past the likes of Devin Mesoraco, Jason Castro, and Tony Sanchez.
75. Manuel Banuelos / SP / NY Yankees / This Update: +8
His fastball and size are strikes against Banuelos, but the success he had in the second half of the season, after missing the first half, was unexpected to some degree. He even had a successful three-start audition in the Eastern League at the age of 19. He deserves this bump up the board.
77. John Lamb / SP / Kansas City / This Update: -8
Maybe I went a little overboard in my praise for Lamb, as his late season seven start Texas League outing brought his 2010 campaign back to earth. Make no mistake, the 20-year-old player took a giant leap forward this year.
79. Aaron Hicks / OF / Minnesota / This Update: +8
After criticizing Hicks for the past two years, it's time to give him props for producing a solid season in the Midwest League. We're all expecting much, much more in 2011.
83. Reid Brignac / SS/2B / Tampa Bay / This Update: +9
Brignac quietly produced some decent power numbers for a rookie middle infielder adjusting to the big leagues as a part-time player. A solid future is in store.
84. Christian Colon / SS / Kansas City / This Update: +7
After signing, Colon joined the Carolina League for a half-season of work. He didn't blow 'em away, but he showed that he belongs and may be closer to the majors than many expected.
85. Tanner Scheppers / SP/RP / Texas / This Update: -9
Scheppers' season fell apart over the last month of the season. His lack of endurance and history of arm trouble may prevent him from starting long term.
86. Jemile Weeks / 2B / Oakland / This Update: +7
Weeks had another ho-hum year, but his future stat projections point toward a strong big-league career. If only he could stay healthy and put his power potential on display.
87. Lonnie Chisenhall / 3B / Cleveland / This Update: -16
As a third baseman Chisenhall's numbers aren't exciting, and his future projections point toward an average major league career. Unless his power takes off, but there isn't much evidence of more power to come.
88. Jason Castro / C / Houston / This Update: -9
Overall, Castro had a sub-par year, but showed enough to think that Houston will rely on him as their catcher from here on out.
97. Tony Sanchez / C / Pittsburgh / This Update: -15
Sanchez dealt with multiple injuries in 2010 and never got a chance to get going. The real disappointment lies in the fact that he never got a chance to play in Double-A. He is expected to take part in the Arizona Fall League, however, giving him a chance to make amends.
98. Aaron Miller / SP / LA Dodgers / This Update: -14
Miller's control isn't where it needs to be and showed that he wasn't ready for the Southern League.
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