As a preview to the official Rays of Light Top 13 Prospects list that’s coming out tomorrow, I thought I’d allow the community a chance to post its own top prospect lists and reasons for doing so. Here’s a hint to get you started: Evan Longoria is number one.
There is no right way or wrong way to do this; you can give as many or as few as the top prospects as you like, but make sure you give reasons as to why you feel like these guys are where they are at. There will, of course, be full discussion of our prospect list tomorrow so I’m probably going to keep myself out of this discussion.
Is this post just shameless self-promotion for our prospect list tomorrow? Absolutely. But that’s how I roll.
January 14th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
I do not like to rank players very high who have not succeeded at AA ball at least, although there is one huge exception in my list. That said, my top 5 begins with Longoria of course, and no need to explain. I just hope everyone is patient if he struggles at first. It would not be unusual. Just as a warning, one current star had just 54 ABs in his first year in the majors and managed a .204/.241/.204 line with no extra base hits, 3 walks and 20 Ks. So the next year he improved in his 142 ABs to .232/.264/.408 with 6 doubles and 5 home runs, 6 BBs and 42 Ks. Not exactly an accurate forecast for A-Rod’s career thereafter.
My next 4 are:
Wade Davis: I still rank him ahead of McGee because he is more polished and more in command of his off-speed and breaking pitches. The one concern I have heard is that he wore down late in the last 2 years. But there seems nothing in his build to suggest that will remain a problem and the Rays will likely work to build up his stamina. And despite his apparent weariness at the end, he was still striking out better than a man an inning in his last 10 starts.
Jake McGee: Power lefty with good control and apparently a bulldog attitude. Even if his secondary pitches do not develop, he will likely have an outstanding career as a closer, and if they do, he is an ace lefty.
David Price: This is the exception to my rule. Opinion is so unanimous that he is nearly ready for the majors already, and his performance at Vanderbilt this year where he lived up to the highest pre-season expectations, combined with his apparent intelligence, character, maturity and work ethic, make it reasonable to slot him this high.
Reid Brignac: Reports that his defense has improved immensely, that he will stay at shortstop and that he is the best defensive infielder in the Rays’ system according to BA keep me optimistic. He improved both his BB and K rates this year, maintained his power in a pitcher’s league and park and is known for his intensity and willingness to work hard. A good defensive shortstop with his power and character is a tremendous asset to any team.
January 14th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
You know my list…..I’m interested to see how close we are. For those who haven’t read mine, here’s the link.
http://mvn.com/mlb-rays/2008/01/03/the-tampa-bay-top-10-the-final-countdown/
Good luck Scott. I’m looking forward to reading your rankings.