75. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Rangers, Age: 21

 

Gonzalez came to the Rangers' system as part of last year's Ugueth Urbina trade with the Marlins. Gonzalez, the first overall pick of the 2000 draft, shows solid hitting skills, including good plate patience and gap power. His power numbers this past season were disappointing, but, like a lot of other young first basemen around baseball, Gonzalez was battling a wrist injury for much of the year. He's also been promoted quite aggressively since being drafted (he skipped high-A altogether) and has been younger than his peer group at every level.

 

The key for him now is to develop more power, and some scouts doubt he has the bat speed to do that. ETA: Late 2004.

74. Delwyn Young, 2B, Dodgers, Age: 21

 

Young, a SoCal junior-college product, was selected by the Dodgers in the fourth round of the 2002 draft. He had a strong season in the rookie-level Pioneer League, and this past season he followed it up with another impressive performance in the Sally League. Young hits for average and has a very nice power stroke, but he needs to improve his patience at the plate. That maymake it hard on him in the higher levels. Even so, his power potential and .315 career average are both very promising, particularly for a middle infielder. ETA: 2006.

73. Ray Aguilar, RHP, Braves, Age: 23

 

The Braves signed Aguilar after his 1999 contract with the Rockies was voided. In December, the Braves opted not to add him to the 40-man roster and hence left him exposed in the December Rule 5 draft.

 

Fortunately for them, he wasn't selected. Aguilar has pitched only five innings in Triple-A, but in every other level he's been dominant. Particularly impressive was his performance last season in AA-Greenville: 93 innings, 91 strikeouts, 20 walks, 2.71 ERA. He was even more impressive in 2002 at AA-Myrtle Beach, although that's probably the best pitcher's park in the pros. Even so, his ceiling as a reliever is quite high. And he's in an organization that knows a thing or two about developing arms. ETA: 2005.

72. Justin Huber, C, Mets, Age: 21

 

Huber, an Aussie signed in 2000 as a non-drafted free agent, turned heads in 2001 with a very strong season in the rookie-level Appalachian League. Since then, he's had some struggles climbing through the system, but he's still a reasonably strong prospect. Huber shows decent patience at the plate, good gap power and a strong throwing arm. He doesn't have the upside of elite catching prospects like Joe Mauer or Jeff Mathis, but he should be at least a league-average starting catcher in the majors for several years. He'll probably begin 2004 back at Double-A, but earn a mid-season promotion to Norfolk. ETA: 2005.

71. Edwin Encarnacion, 3B, Reds, Age: 21

 

The Redsacquired Encarnacion along with Ruben Mateo from the Rangers in 2001 for Rob Bell. While that's hardly a blockbuster deal in retrospect, Encarnacion's prospect status means the Reds got the better end of it. He's*** for average and shown good power in the low minors -- including this past season in the Carolina League. At Double-A he struggled, but he was only 20 years old at the time. Speaking of his age, it's the biggest thing going for him right now, and he does have a solid record of performance in the low minors. 2004 will be a critical year for him. If he hits in Double-A, his stock will rise. ETA: Late 2005.

70. Tim Stauffer, RHP, Padres, Age: 21

 

 

The Padres drafted Stauffer in 2003 out of the University of Richmond with the fourth overall pick. Because of an injured shoulder, they were able to sign him at bargain prices. He was the best college arm in the draft and has a higher ceiling than the pitcher drafted ahead of him, Kyle Sleeth of Wake Forest. But all that's dependent upon his ability to stay healthy. The Padres think that'll happen. They shut him down last season, but he'll likely be in the Cal League by mid-season 2004. ETA: 2006.

69. Michael Aubrey, 1B, Indians

 

 

Many observers were surprised when Aubrey, in the 2003 draft, fell to the Indians at number 11. Widely regarded as the best college hitter available, a run of high school selections in the early going meant that Aubrey was available to the Tribe. And they gladly took him. He only signed in time to log 138 ABs in the Sally League, but he was impressive over that span. A batting line of .348 AVG/.409 OBP/.551 SLG tells the story. It's too early to make any firm judgments, but Aubrey has loads of potential and a very nice pro debut. After next season, if all goes as it should, he'll be about 40 spots higher on this list. ETA: Late 2005.

68. Kelly Shoppach, C, Red Sox, Age: 23

 

 

The Sox nabbed Shoppach in the second round of the 2001 draft out of Baylor. In 2002, he put together a solid offensive season in the Florida State League. In 2003, he did himself one better at AA-Portland. He's a decent hitter for average, draws walks at an adequate clip and shows good power to the gaps. Scouts like his defense, and his 30 doubles in 340 ABs this past season may augur of a power spike in the future. He's not a future star, but he can be a productive regular at the highest level. He'll spend the 2004 season in Triple-A, and, lucky for him, that'll be the final year of Jason Varitek's contract. ETA: Late 2004.

67. John Maine, RHP, Orioles, Age: 22

 

 

Maine, a sixth-rounder in 2002 out of UNC-Charlotte, showed tremendous command for the first two seasons of his pro career. He was good again last season in the Carolina League, but he wasn't his dominant self of yore. Very good, but not great. That's somewhat of a concern going forward, since the Carolina League is one of the most pitching-friendly circuits in baseball. Still, he shows strong control and excellent strikeout rates. He's also allowed only six homers in 190 professional innings. I'm being conservative with this ranking because I want to see how he fares in the high minors. Still, I like him a lot. If he stays healthy, great things may be ahead. ETA: Late 2005.

66. Conor Jackson, OF, Diamondbacks, Age: 21

 

 

When the Snakes drafted Jackson, a Cal-Berkeley product, with the 19th pick of last year's draft, they got one of the best hitters available. Jackson had excellent numbers in college and played in a fairly tough hitting environment. He's a complete offensive package, and that showed this past season when he put up strong numbers in the Northwest League. His professional career is only a half-season old, but so far so good. He's got the record of performance in college, and I like his chances to emerge as one of the best prospects in the game. ETA: 2006.

65. Bobby Jenks, RHP, Angels, Age: 22

 

 

Scouts have loved Jenks for years, mostly because he can occasionally hit triple digits on the radar gun. But the numbers just aren't there. His strikeout rates in the minors have been good but not great, and like a lot of young fireballers Jenks has serious control problems. This past season, however, was his best yet. He struck out more than a batter per inning in the Texas League, and his walk rate was merely bad as opposed to terrible (which is what it was in previous seasons). He also did a nice job of keeping the ball in the park. Now that Jenks finally has a strong season under his belt, he could take off. Or he could revert to form. The jury's out until he decides which path he's taking. ETA: Late 2004.

64. Kameron Loe, RHP, Rangers, Age: 22

 

 

Loe was a 20th-round selection in 2002 out of Cal State-Northridge. He had a strong showing in the rookie-level Appalachian League, but that's really nothing special for a college-trained pitcher competing against generally younger hitters who are using wooden bats for one of the first times. This past year, however, he was still dominant in the Midwest League. After a late-season promotion to the Cal League, he kept it up. He's showing good strikeout abilities and very good control, which is translating into some excellent strikeout-to-walk ratios. He's slightly on the old side for someone who hasn't pitched in the high minors, but the numbers are unassailable. I'm probably underrating him, but I want to see how he fares in Double-A before I get too enthusiastic. Even so, keep your eye on this one. ETA: Late 2005.

63. Jason Stokes, 1B, Marlins, Age: 22

 

 

Stokes, a second-round pick in 2000 of out of a Texas high school, is the reason the Marlins felt secure in parting with Adrian Gonzalez last season in the Ugueth Urbina trade. He had an outstanding season in 2002 in the Midwest League, showing tremendous power and hitting for average. This past year, he struggled in the high-A Florida State League, but he was battling a wrist injury for much of the season. Still, he declined in every area in 2003. It's far too soon to take that as an indictment, but now he's got more to prove at the higher levels. He's got a fine bat, but 2004 will be highly critical for him. As if he needed another hurdle, Hee Sop Choi is now a Marlin. ETA: 2005.

62. Victor Diaz, 2B, Mets, Age: 22

 

 

The Mets acquired Diaz from the Dodgers last season as part of the Jeromy Burnitz trade. His plate discipline is sub-par, but he's a career .318 hitter, shows good gap power and plays a key defensive position. After being dealt to the Mets last July, he torched the Eastern League to the tune of .354 AVG/.382/.520. He's a toolsy hitter already, but he needs to show more patience at the plate. Since he's now behind Jose Reyes in the second-base queue, his future as a Met is uncertain. But if he performs well at Triple-A in the upcoming season, he'll be hard to ignore. ETA: 2005.

61. Grant Balfour, RHP, Twins, Age: 26

 

 

Balfour was signed out of Australia in 1997 as a non-drafted free agent. Since then, he's pitched well at almost every level. Balfour's coming off a very impressive season in the International League ? one in which he struck out 87 and walked only 16 in 71 innings. After a late-season promotion to the bigs, he continued pitching well. With the Twins' bullpen being hit hard by free agency, Balfour will almost certainly spend all of 2004 in Minnesota. He's not young, but he'll likely have a nice and reasonably lengthy career as a middle reliever in the majors. ETA: 2004.

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60. Scott Hairston, 2B, Diamondbacks, Age: 23

 

Hairston, a third-rounder in 2001, saw his numbers drop in 2003 because of an early-season back injury, but he still managed to get by in his first taste of Double-A. And his jaw-dropping numbers in previous seasons also earn him the benefit of the doubt. In 2002, he torched the Midwest and California Leagues, and in his debut season he destroyed the Pioneer League. He hits for average, drew walks in the low minors and has a career .558 SLG. His defense isn't a strong point, and it's possible he'll be moved to a corner position by the time he reaches the majors. No matter where he plays, he'll hit. But he'll be far more valuable if he sticks at second. ETA: Late 2004.

59. Admin Broadway, 1B, Expos, Age: 23

 

Broadway, a third-round pick in 2000 out of Duke and owner of a fairly cool name, can hit for average and has strong power potential. Prior to this past season, he didn't show much plate patience, but that's apparently changed. He played at three levels in 2003 and was roundly impressive at two stops. He struggled in the Florida State League, but on the upside it was a small sample and he did post an excellent walk rate. After a late season promotion to Double-A, he resumed hitting like a man possessed. He'll need to prove he can handle the high minors on an extended basis, but he has skills with the bat. ETA: 2005.

58. Clint Nageotte, RHP, Mariners, Age: 23

 

Nageotte, a fifth-rounder in 1999, led the minors in strikeouts in 2002 (214), mostly because of his devastating slider. This past season at pitcher-friendly AA-San Antonio, he was once again impressive, striking out 157 and walking 67 in 154 innings. Scouts think his lack of a plus changeup might prevent him from thriving as a starter at the highest level, but so far Nageotte has done just fine. ETA: Late 2004.

57. Kazuhito Tadano, RHP, Indians, Age: 23

 

Tadano, a non-drafted free agent signed out of Japan in March of last year, first made waves when he admitted to appearing in a gay porn film in his native country. Getting back to things that matter, Tadano is one heck of a relief prospect. He's only got one professional season under his belt, but it was a fine one. At three separate levels, he's pitched 98.2 innings, struck out 112, walked 22, logged a 1.55 ERA and surrendered only four homers. Those numbers are hard to ignore. He'll open the season in AAA-Buffalo, but he'll be in Cleveland before the end of the 2004 season. ETA: Late 2004.

56. Brendan Harris, 3B, Cubs, Age: 23

 

Harris, a fifth-rounder out of William & Mary, turned some heads with his strong season in the Florida State League in 2002. He has a compact stroke, a passable eye at the plate and hits for power and average. He didn't fare as well this past season in his first extended look in Double-A. His power numbers dropped, but he did make modest gains in his walk rate, which is encouraging. Given Aramis Ramirez's presence in Chicago and Harris' inability to hit for power in the high minors, you may see the Cubs move him to the keystone. ETA: 2005.

55. Gabe Gross, OF, Blue Jays, Age: 24

 

Gross, a first-round pick out of Auburn in 2001, had a strong debut season but regressed badly in 2002. This past season, he repeated the Eastern League, the circuit that gave him so many problems the previous season. He performed much better this time around. After a late-season promotion to AAA-Syracuse, he continued hitting well. His patience is his best attribute at this point, and he's shown power at various stops. Gross is a seasoned hitter who should do well at the highest level, but he's not a future star. He's already 24, and his record of performance is a mixed bag. He could be a Bobby Kielty-type at the highest level--a useful player, but not an elite performer. ETA: Late 2004.

54. Merkin Valdez, RHP, Giants, Age: 22

 

Valdez, on the heels of his strong 2003 season, was named the Giants' minor league player of the year. He came to the Giants from the Braves as part of the Russ Ortiz-Damian Moss trade last year. Valdez dominated the rookie-level Gulf Coast League in 2002, and this past season did it again in the Low-A Sally League. He's yet to face advanced competition, but he's posted excellent K rates and shown solid control at all stops. For the first time this past season, he showed a modest weakness for the homer, and that could be a problem if it becomes a trend. Reportedly, the Giants are considering him for a spot in the rotation. That's a terrible decision. Jumping a pitching prospect from the Sally League, the lowest full-season circuit in baseball, to the majors makes no sense. Let's hope for Valdez's sake they decide otherwise. ETA: Late 2004.

53. Jeff Francis, LHP, Rockies, Age: 22

 

Francis, a University of British Columbia product, was the ninth overall pick of the 2002 draft. In his debut season he looked strong, but he signed in time to see only 30.2 innings of action. This past season, he was in the Cal League, the best hitter's circuit in the minors, and he pitched quite well. He was slightly older than his peer group, but his numbers were still fairly impressive. Francis struck out close to a batter per inning and posted a very good K/BB ratio of 3.4. He also allowed only eight homers in 160 innings, again despite pitching in mostly hitter-friendly parks. 2004 will be critical for him as he sees the high minors for the first time, but so far so good. A strong showing this season, and he'll be much higher next year. ETA: 2005.

52. Andy Sisco, LHP, Cubs, Age: 20

 

Sisco, a big-bodied hurler drafted as a second-rounder in 2001, is like a lot of promising young lefties: lots of strikeouts and lots of walks. But this past season in the low-A Midwest League, he cut down on his walks without losing many Ks. The result was a K/BB ratio of better than 3.0, which augurs well for the future. He's also surrendered only seven homers in 206 innings as a pro. He'll need to handle the higher levels, but I think he's one of the most underrated pitching prospects around. 2004 will be a critical season for him, since by season's end he'll probably be in Double-A. ETA: 2006.