BA's Top 100 prospects (cont.) |
     76. Austin Jackson, OF, Tigers
Age: 23 The former Georgia Tech point-guard recruit has had success in the high minors and should be ready to play center field in Detroit after coming over in the Curtis Granderson deal. 77. Fernando Martinez, OF, MetsAge: 21 It seems like he has been around forever, but he's still just 21. Martinez's bat keeps showing improvement, leading him to MVP honors in the Caribbean Series. 78. Chad James, LHP, MarlinsAge: 19 The Marlins love Oklahoma when it comes to draft time (see Josh Johnson), and they popped the live-armed southpaw James in the first round last year. 79. Tony Sanchez, C, PiratesAge: 21 Considered a bit of a reach when drafted fourth overall last year, Sanchez has quickly shown that he belongs, with big league-caliber defense. 80. Mike Moustakas, 3B, RoyalsAge: 21 California's all-time prep home run king has to be more selective, but should provide the Royals with power at a corner spot, either at third or in the outfield. 81. Travis d'Arnaud, C, Blue JaysAge: 21 After a horrible start to 2009, d'Arnaud recovered to hit low-Class-A Lakewood to the South Atlantic League title and became a key piece in the Roy Halladay trade. 82. Jaff Decker, OF, PadresAge: 20 He might be the worst athlete on the list, but Decker's hitting ability, patience and power evoke comparisons to Matt Stairs and John Kruk. 83. Adam Moore, C, MarinersAge: 25 Kenji Johjima's return to Japan has opened a spot behind the plate in Seattle. Moore's solid tools and fairly accomplished bat should allow him to seize the starting job. 84. Hank Conger, C, AngelsAge: 22 Conger's defense could use some polishing, but when he has been healthy he has shown switch-hitting power at a premium defensive position. 85. Mike Trout, OF, AngelsAge: 18 From the Jersey shore to the Angels' first-round pick, Trout makes scouts think of Aaron Rowand with his all-out style; he also has top-of-the-line speed. 86. Austin Romine, C, YankeesAge: 21 Jesus Montero is the better prospect, but Romine is the better defender and more likely to succeed Jorge Posada in New York. He's the son of ex-big leaguer Kevin Romine. 87. Lars Anderson, 1B, Red SoxAge: 22 Anderson's star dimmed in 2009, but he still has a smooth, left-handed swing and power potential. His Double-A struggles may indicate that he's more of a solid regular than a star. 88. Wilmer Flores, SS, MetsAge: 18 Flores won't be a shortstop long-term, and scouts are mixed on whether he can stay in the infield. They agree that he can hit and should show big power down the line. 89. Mat Gamel, 3B, BrewersAge: 24 He's not technically a rookie because of service time, but Gamel has yet to establish himself in Milwaukee. Look for that to happen this year thanks to his line-drive bat. 90. James Darnell, 3B, PadresAge: 23 Darnell's mix of raw power and athletic ability has evoked comparisons to Ryan Braun, but he doesn't quite have that kind of upside. 91. Jordan Lyles, RHP, AstrosAge: 19 The best pitcher in a thin Astros organization, Lyles has shown three average pitches with the potential for more, and he fills up the bottom of the strike zone. 92. Drew Storen, RHP, NationalsAge: 22 After helping Stanford reach the College World Series in 2008 as a freshman closer, Storen pitched his way into the first round in 2009 and has a premium slider to go with a good fastball. 93. Phillippe Aumont, RHP, PhilliesAge: 21 Aumont earned comparisons to Kevin Brown as a Canadian amateur and will return to a starting role with the Phillies after coming over in the Cliff Lee deal. 94. Miguel Sano, SS/3B, TwinsAge: 16 The biggest catch in the international talent pool last year was made by Minnesota, which loves Sano's power bat, size and throwing arm. 95. Andrew Cashner, RHP, CubsAge: 23 Cashner has flashed near-100 mph heat and a plus breaking ball in shorter stints and looks like a reliever long-term. He gave up only one homer in 2009. 96. Thomas Neal, OF, GiantsAge: 22 While he's just a fair athlete, Neal stands out -- particularly with the Giants -- for having a polished offensive game with patience and power. 97. Peter Bourjos, OF, AngelsAge: 23 The son of a scout, Bourjos has premium speed and defensive tools in center field, and while he has raw power, he employs a small-ball approach that should endear him to Mike Scioscia. 98. Jay Jackson, RHP, CubsAge: 22 The Cubs found this Furman product in the ninth round and he finished last season in Triple-A. If Jeff Samardzija struggles in the rotation, watch for Jackson as soon as this year. 99. Jake Arrieta, RHP, OriolesAge: 24 There's hope in Baltimore thanks to a bevy of young pitchers such as Arrieta, who has a live fastball that at times sits in the mid-90s. 100. Noel Arguelles, LHP, RoyalsAge: 20 Another Cuban defector highly regarded for his live arm and athletic ability, having earned comparisons to a pre-Tommy John surgery Francisco Liriano. Check out Baseball America's Top 10 prospects for each organization.  |  More MLB
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