defiler

         Name                 Pos    Team           Ht    Weight    Born      College/HS    Draft Year       Bats    Throws
1.    Matt Wieters     C    Baltimore    6'5    230    5/21/1986    Georgia Tech    2007 (#5)    S    R
2.    David Price     P    Tampa Bay    6'6    225    8/26/1985    Vanderbilt    2007 (#1)    L    L
3.    Jason Heyward     RF    Atlanta    6'4    220    8/9/1989    Henry County HS (GA)    2007 (#14)    L    L
4.    Madison Bumgarner     P    San Francisco    6'4    215    8/1/1989    South Caldwell HS (NC)    2007 (#10)    R    L
5.    Neftali Feliz     P    Texas    6'3    180    5/2/1988    Dominican Republic    2005 (INT)    R    R
6.    Travis Snider     LF    Toronto    5'11    245    2/2/1988    Henry M. Jackson HS (WA)    2006 (#14)    L    L
7.    Matt LaPorta     LF    Cleveland    6'2    210    1/8/1985    Florida    2007 (#7)    R    R
8.    Trevor Cahill     P    Oakland    6'3    195    3/1/1988    Vista HS (CA)    2006 (#66)    R    R
9.    Colby Rasmus     CF    St. Louis    6'2    195    8/11/1986    Russell County HS (AL)    2005 (#28)    L    L
10.    Brett Anderson     P    Oakland    6'4    215    2/1/1988    Stillwater HS (OK)    2006 (#55)    L    L
11.    Rick Porcello     P    Detroit    6'5    200    12/27/1988    Seton Hall Prep (NJ)    2007 (#27)    R    R
12.    Michael Stanton     RF    Florida    6'5    205    11/8/1989    Notre Dame HS (CA)    2007 (#76)    R    R
13.    Thomas Hanson     P    Atlanta    6'6    210    8/28/1986    Riverside CC    2005 (#677)    R    R
14.    Cameron Maybin     CF    Florida    6'4    205    4/4/1987    T.C. Robertson HS (NC)    2005 (#10)    R    R
15.    Timothy Alderson     P    San Francisco    6'6    217    11/3/1988    Horizon HS (AZ)    2007 (#22)    R    R
16.    Dayan Viciedo     3B    Chicago (AL)    6''0    225    3/10/1989    Cuba    2008 (INT)    S    R
17.    Yonder Alonso     1B    Cincinnati    6'2    215    4/8/1987    Miami    2008 (#7)    L    R
18.    Eric Hosmer     1B    Kansas City    6'4    215    10/24/1989    American Heritage HS (FL)    2008 (#3)    L    L
19.    Dexter Fowler     CF    Colorado    6'4    175    3/22/1986    Milton HS (GA)    2004 (#410)    S    R
20.    Jarrod Parker     P    Arizona    6'1     180    11/24/1988    Norwell HS (IN)    2007 (#9)    R    R
21.    Justin Smoak     1B    Texas    6'3    200    12/5/1986    South Carolina    2008 (#11)    S    L
22.    Lars Anderson     1B    Boston    6'4    215    9/25/1987    Jesuit HS (CA)    2006 (#553)    L    L
23.    Michael Moustakas     3B    Kansas City    6'0    195    9/11/1988    Chatsworth HS (CA)    2007 (#2)    L    R
24.    Brian Matusz     P    Baltimore    6'5    200    2/11/1987    San Diego    2008 (#4)    L    L
25.    Logan Morrison     1B    Florida    6'2    215    8/25/1987    Northshore HS (LA)    2005 (#666)    L    L
26.    Jhoulys Chacin     P    Colorado    6'1    168    1/7/1988    Venezuela    2004 (INT)    R    R
27.    Josh Vitters     3B    Chicago (NL)    6'3    200    8/27/1989    Cypress HS (CA)    2007 (#3)    R    R
28.    Fernando Martinez     CF    New York (NL)    6'1    190    10/10/1988    Dominican Republic    2005 (INT)    L    R
29.    Gordon Beckham     SS    Chicago (AL)    6'0    185    9/16/1986    Georgia    2008 (#8)    R    R
30.    Derek Holland     P    Texas    6'2    185    10/9/1986    Wallace State CC    2006 (#748)    S    L
31.    Tim Beckham     SS    Tampa Bay    6'0    188    1/27/1990    Griffin HS (GA)    2008 (#1)    R    R
32.    Aaron Hicks     CF    Minnesota    6'2    170    10/2/1989    Woodrow Wilson HS (CA)    2008 (#14)    S    R
33.    Brett Wallace     3B    St. Louis    6'1    245    8/26/1986    Arizona State    2008 (#13)    L    R
34.    Jordan Walden     P    Los Angeles (AL)    6'5    220    11/16/1987    Mansfield HS (TX)    2006 (#372)    R    R
35.    Buster Posey     C    San Francisco    6'2    195    3/27/1987    Florida State    2008 (#5)    R    R
36.    Jesus Montero     C    New York (AL)    6'4    225    11/28/1989    Venezuela    2006 (INT)    R    R
37.    Brett Cecil     P    Toronto    6'3    220    7/2/1986    Maryland    2007 (#38)    R    L
38.    Andrew McCutchen     CF    Pittsburgh    5'11    175    10/10/1986    Fort Meade HS (FL)    2005 (#11)    R    R
39.    Carlos Santana     C    Cleveland    5'11    190    4/8/1986    Dominican Republic    2004 (INT)    S    R
40.    Frederick Freeman     1B    Atlanta    6'5    220    9/12/1989    El Modena HS (CA)    2007 (#38)    L    R
41.    Pedro Alvarez     3B    Pittsburgh    6'2    225    2/6/1987    Vanderbilt    2008 (#2)    L    R
42.    Alcides Escobar     SS    Milwaukee    6'1    175    12/16/1986    Venezuela    2003 (INT)    R    R
43.    Gregory Halman     CF    Seattle    6'4    190    8/26/1987    Netherlands    2004 (INT)    R    R
44.    Wilmer Flores     SS    New York (NL)    6'3    175    8/6/1991    Venezuela    2007 (INT)    R    R
45.    Michael Burgess     RF    Washington    5'11    195    10/20/1988    Hillsborough HS (FL)    2007 (#49)    L    L
46.    Carlos Triunfel     SS    Seattle    5'11    175    2/27/1990    Dominican Republic    2006 (INT)    R    R
47.    Wade Davis     P    Tampa Bay    6'5    220    9/7/1985    Lake Wales HS (FL)    2004 (#75)    R    R
48.    Matt Dominguez     3B    Florida    6'2    180    8/28/1989    Chatsworth HS (CA)    2007 (#12)    R    R
49.    Elvis Andrus     SS    Texas    6'0    185    8/26/1988    Venezuela    2005 (INT)    R    R
50.    Ben Revere     LF    Minnesota    5'9    166    5/3/1988    Lexington Catholic HS (KY)    2007 (#28)    L    R
51.    Mat Gamel     3B    Milwaukee    6'0    195    7/26/1985    Chipola JC (FL)    2005 (#115)    L    R
52.    Dellin Betances     P    New York (AL)    6'8    245    3/23/1988    Grand Street HS (NY)    2006 (#254)    R    R
53.    Chris Tillman     P    Baltimore    6'5    195    4/15/1988    Fountain Valley HS (CA)    2006 (#49)    R    R
54.    Neftali Soto     3B    Cincinnati    6'2    180    2/28/1989    Marista HS (Puerto Rico)    2007 (#109)    R    R
55.    Austin Jackson     CF    New York (AL)    6'1    185    2/1/1987    Billy Ryan HS (TX)    2005 (#259)    R    R
56.    Nick Barnese     P    Tampa Bay    6'2    170    1/11/1989    Simi Valley HS (CA)    2007 (#95)    R    R
57.    Aaron Poreda     P    Chicago (AL)    6'6    240    10/1/1986    University of San Francisco    2007 (#25)    L    L
58.    Jordan Schafer     CF    Atlanta    6'1    200    9/4/1986    Winter Haven (IN)    2005 (#107)    L    L
59.    Tyler Flowers     C    Chicago (AL)    6'4    245    1/24/1986    Chipola JC (FL)    2005 (#1007)    R    R
60.    Jeremy Hellickson     P    Tampa Bay    6'1    185    4/8/1987    Herbert Hoover HS (IA)    2005 (#118)    R    R
61.    Nicholas Weglarz     LF    Cleveland    6'3    245    12/16/1987    Lakeshore HS (Canada)    2005 (#94)    L    L
62.    Michael Bowden     P    Boston    6'3    215    9/9/1986    Waubonsie HS (IL)    2005 (#47)    R    R
63.    Chris C. Carter     1B    Oakland    6'4    210    12/18/1986    Sierra Vista HS (NV)    2005 (#455)    R    R
64.    Christopher Marrero     1B    Washington    6'3    210    7/2/1988    Monsignor Pace HS (FL)    2006 (#15)    R    R
65.    Christian Friedrich     P    Colorado    6'3    210    7/8/1987    Eastern Kentucky    2008 (#25)    R    L
66.    Jeff Niemann     P    Tampa Bay    6'9    280    2/28/1983    Rice    2004 (#4)    R    R
67.    Jake Arrieta     P    Baltimore    6'4    225    3/6/1986    Texas Christian    2007 (#159)    R    R
68.    Brad Mills     P    Toronto    6'0    185    3/5/1985    Arizona    2007 (#145)    L    L
69.    Todd Frazier     LF    Cincinnati    6'3    215    2/12/1986    Rutgers    2007 (#34)    R    R
70.    Angel Villalona     1B    San Francisco    6'3    200    8/13/1990    Dominican Republic    2006 (INT)    R    R
71.    Michael Inoa     P    Oakland    6'7    205    9/24/1992    Dominican Republic    2008 (INT)    R    R
72.    Desmond Jennings     CF    Tampa Bay    6'2    180    10/30/1986    Pinson Valley HS (AL)    2006 (#289)    R    R
73.    Kyle Blanks     1B    San Diego    6'6    270    9/11/1986    Yavapai CC (AZ)    2004 (#1241)    R    R
74.    Daryl Jones     CF    St. Louis    5'11    180    6/25/1987    Spring HS (TX)    2005 (#110)    L    L
75.    Jose Tabata     CF    Pittsburgh    5'11    160    8/12/1988    Venezuela    2004 (INT)    R    R
76.    Chris Nelson     SS    Colorado    5'11    175    9/3/1985    Redan HS (CA)    2004 (#9)    R    R
77.    Carlos Carrasco     P    Philadelphia    6'3    215    3/21/1987    Venezuela    2003 (INT)    R    R
78.    William Rowell     3B    Baltimore    6'5    205    9/10/1988    Bishop Eustace Prep (NJ)    2006 (#9)    L    R
79.    Reid Brignac     SS    Tampa Bay    6'3    180    1/16/1986    St. Amant HS (LA)    2004 (#45)    R    R
80.    Kila Ka'aihue     1B    Kansas City    6'3    230    3/29/1984    Iolani HS (HA)    2002 (#438)    L    R
81.    J.P. Arencibia     C    Toronto    6'1    215    1/5/1986    Tennessee    2007 (#21)    R    R
82.    Jake McGee     P    Tampa Bay    6'3    190    8/6/1986    Reed HS (NV)    2004 (#135)    L    L
83.    Allan Dykstra     1B    San Diego    6'5    215    5/21/1987    Wake Forest    2008 (#23)    L    R
84.    Jemile Weeks     2B    Oakland    5'10    175    1/26/1987    Miami    2008 (#12)    S    R
85.    Matt Moore     P    Tampa Bay    6'2    205    6/18/1989    Moriarty HS (FL)    2007 (#245)    L    L
86.    Gorkys Hernandez     CF    Atlanta    6'0    175    9/7/1987    Venezuela    2005 (INT)    R    R
87.    Adrian Cardenas     SS    Oakland    6'0    185    10/10/1987    Monsignor Pace HS (FL)    2006 (#37)    L    R
88.    Phillippe Aumont     P    Seattle    6'7    220    1/7/1989    Escole De Versant (Canada)    2007 (#11)    R    R
89.    Adam Miller     P    Cleveland    6'4    200    11/26/1984    McKinney HS (TX)    2003 (#31)    R    R
90.    Jacob Odorizzi     P    Milwaukee    6'2    175    3/27/1990    Highland HS (IL)    2008 (#32)    R    R
91.    Julio Teheran     P    Atlanta    6'2    150    1/27/1991    Columbia    2007 (INT)    R    R
92.    Ivan De Jesus     SS    Los Angeles (NL)    5'11    182    5/1/1987    Puerto Rico    2005 (#51)    R    R
93.    Tim Melville     P    Kansas City    6'5    210    10/9/1989    Holt HS (MO)    2008 (#115)    R    R
94.    Engel Beltre     CF    Texas    6'1    170    11/1/1989    Dominican Republic    2006 (INT)    L    L
95.    Matt Antonelli     2B    San Diego    6'0    200    4/8/1985    Wake Forest    2006 (#17)    R    R
96.    Jason Castro     C    Houston    6'3    210    6/18/1987    Stanford    2008 (#10)    L    R
97.    Andrew Lambo     OF    Los Angeles (NL)    6'3    190    8/11/1988    Newbury Park HS (CA)    2007 (#146)    L    L
98.    Julio Borbon     CF    Texas    6'1    180    2/20/1986    Tennessee    2007 (#35)    L    L
99.    Justin Jackson     SS    Toronto    6'2    185    12/11/1988    T.C. Robertson HS (NC)    2007 (#45)    R    R
100.   Isaac Galloway     CF    Florida    6'2    190    10/10/1989    Los Osos HS (CA)    2008 (#238)    R    R
101.    David Cooper     1B    Toronto    6'0    175    2/12/1987    UC Berkeley    2008 (#17)    L    L
102.    Nick Adenhart     P    Los Angeles (AL)    6'4    190    8/24/1986    Williamsport HS (MD)    2004 (#413)    R    R
103.    Peter Bourjos     CF    Los Angeles (AL)    6'1    175    3/31/1987    Notre Dame HS (AZ)    2005 (#313)    R    R
104.    Brandon Allen     1B    Chicago (AL)    6'2    235    2/12/1986    Montgomery HS (TX)    2004 (#149)    L    R
105.    Eric O. Young     2B    Colorado    5'10    180    5/25/1985    Chandler-Gilbert CC (AZ)    2003 (#887)    S    R
106.    Nate Schierholtz     CF    San Francisco    6'2    215    2/15/1984    Chabot CC (CA)    2003 (#63)    L    R
107.    Jason Donald     SS    Philadelphia    6'1    190    9/4/1984    Arizona    2006 (#97)    R    R
108.    James McDonald     P    Los Angeles (AL)    6'5    195    10/19/1984    Golden West College    2002 (#331)    L    R
109.    Michael Main     P    Texas    6'1    170    12/14/1988    Deland HS (FL)    2007 (#24)    R    R
110.    Taylor Teagarden     C    Texas    6'1    200    12/21/1983    Texas    2005 (#99)    R    R
111.    Michael Saunders     LF    Seattle    6'4    205    11/19/1986    Tallahassee CC    2004 (#333)    L    R
112.    Chris Valaika     SS    Cincinnati    6'1    180    8/14/1985    UC Santa Barbara    2006 (#84)    R    R
113.    Brian Bogusevic     LF    Houston    6'3    215    2/18/1984    Tulane    2005 (#24)    L    L
114.    Brandon Snyder     1B    Baltimore    6'2    210    11/23/1986    Westfield HS (VA)    2005 (#13)    R    R
115.    Nicholas Noonan     2B    San Francisco    6'0    180    5/4/1989    Francis Parker HS (CA)    2007 (#32)    L    R
116.    Angel Salome     C    Milwaukee    5'7    200    6/8/1986    George Washington HS (NY)    2004 (#136)    R    R
117.    Kyle Lotzkar     P    Cincinnati    6'4    200    10/24/1989    South Delta SS (Canada)    2007 (#53)    L    R
118.    Drew Stubbs     CF    Cincinnati    6'4    200    10/4/1984    Texas    2006 (#8)    R    R
119.    Beau Mills     1B    Cleveland    6'2    220    8/15/1986    Lewis-Clark State    2007 (#13)    L    R
120.    William Inman     SP    San Diego    6'0    200    2/6/1987    Tunstall HS (VA)    2005 (#85)    R    R
121.    Lou Marson     C    Philadelphia    6'1    200    6/26/1986    Coronado HS (AZ)    2004 (#122)    R    R
122.    Josh Reddick     OF    Boston    6'2    180    2/19/1987    Middle Georgia College    2006 (#523)    L    R
123.    Brett Lawrie     SS    Milwaukee    6'0    190    1/18/1990    HS (Canada)    2008 (#16)    R    R
124.    Jeremy Bleich     P    New York (AL)    6'2    195    6/18/1987    Stanford    2008 (#44)    L    L
125.    Aaron Cunningham     LF    Oakland    5'11    195    4/24/1986    Everett CC (WA)    2005 (#185)    R    R
126.    Casey Weathers     P    Colorado    6'1    200    6/10/1985    Vanderbilt    2007 (#8)    R    R
127.    Brad Holt     P    New York (NL)    6'4    195    10/13/1986    UNC Wilmington    2008 (#33)    R    R
128.    Chris Getz     2B    Chicago (AL)    6'0    185    8/30/1983    Michigan    2005 (#125)    L    R
129.    Daniel Schlereth     P    Arizona    6'0    210    5/9/1986    Arizona    2008 (#26)    L    L
130.    Andrew Brackman     P    New York (AL)    6'10    270    12/4/1985    North Carolina State    2007 (#30)    R    R

 

In order to be on this list, a player must not have exhausted their rookie eligibility, either this season or in the past, and must have signed with a MLB team.

"A player shall be considered a rookie unless, during a previous season or seasons, he has (a) exceeded 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the Major Leagues; or (b) accumulated more than 45 days on the active roster of a Major League club."

My rankings combine scouting reports, statistical results (amateur and professional), pedigree, makeup, and personal opinion . Age and level are used only to gauge relative performance, i.e. when a player is significantly younger than most of his competitors. I do not use "closeness to the majors" as a factor in my rankings.

        Name           Pos       Team       Ht    Weight    Born        College/HS    Draft Year   Bats Throws  Blurb
1.    Matt Wieters    C    Baltimore    6'5    230    5/21/1986    Georgia Tech    2007 (#5)    S    R    Ramon Hernandez trade cleared a path; I can't wait to watch
2.    David Price    P    Tampa Bay    6'6    225    8/26/1985    Vanderbilt    2007 (#1)    L    L    1.93 ERA in 14 regular season MLB innings
3.    Rick Porcello    P    Detroit    6'5    200    12/27/1988    Seton Hall Prep (NJ)    2007 (#27)    R    R    2.48 GO/AO in '08, #1 prospect by midseason '09?
4.    Jason Heyward    RF    Atlanta    6'4    220    8/9/1989    Henry County HS (GA)    2007 (#14)    L    L    "Sky is the limit" prospect; speed, power, average, discipline
5.    Colby Rasmus    CF    St. Louis    6'2    195    8/11/1986    Russell County HS (AL)    2005 (#28)    L    L    CF prospects with his power are rare
6.    Travis Snider    LF    Toronto    5'11    245    2/2/1988    Henry M. Jackson HS (WA)    2006 (#14)    L    L    Raked in Triple A and didn't disappoint in Sept call-up
7.    Madison Bumgarner    P    San Francisco    6'4    215    8/1/1989    South Caldwell HS (NC)    2007 (#10)    R    L    2008 MiLB Most Spectacular Pitcher; 1.46 ERA in 141+ innings
8.    Matt LaPorta    LF    Cleveland    6'2    210    1/8/1985    Florida    2007 (#7)    R    R    2008 U.S. Olympian and Futures team selection
9.    Thomas Hanson    P    Atlanta    6'6    210    8/28/1986    Riverside CC    2005 (#677)    R    R    Draft-and-follow completely dominated AFL competition
10.    Trevor Cahill    P    Oakland    6'3    195    3/1/1988    Vista HS (CA)    2006 (#66)    R    R    Also an Olympian, .179 BAA for '08
11.    Cameron Maybin    CF    Florida    6'4    205    4/4/1987    T.C. Robertson HS (NC)    2005 (#10)    R    R    Always seems tough to find a ranking that fits
12.    Neftali Feliz    P    Texas    6'3    180    5/2/1988    Dominican Republic    2005 (INT)    R    R    Watched him pitch here in Frisco; he's the real deal
13.    Timothy Alderson    P    San Francisco    6'6    217    11/3/1988    Horizon HS (AZ)    2007 (#22)    R    R    May someday join Lincecum/Cain/Bumgarner in SF
14.    Fernando Martinez    CF    New York (NL)    6'1    190    10/10/1988    Dominican Republic    2005 (INT)    L    R    Dominated DWL, finished with .927 OPS
15.    Lars Anderson    1B    Boston    6'4    215    9/25/1987    Jesuit HS (CA)    2006 (#553)    L    L    Patient and consistent slugger with great attitude
16.    Yonder Alonso    1B    Cincinnati    6'2    215    4/8/1987    Miami    2008 (#7)    L    R    Powerful lefty with good discipline; who wouldn't want him in their lineup?
17.    Brett Anderson    P    Oakland    6'4    215    2/1/1988    Stillwater HS (OK)    2006 (#55)    L    L    Another Oakland Olympian and '06 draftee, great stuff
18.    Pedro Alvarez    3B    Pittsburgh    6'2    225    2/6/1987    Vanderbilt    2008 (#2)    L    R    Fans soured by contractual issues will fall in love with Alvarez in '09
19.    Dexter Fowler    CF    Colorado    6'4    175    3/22/1986    Milton HS (GA)    2004 (#410)    S    R    Olympian with an impressive season in '08; big things in '09?
20.    Eric Hosmer    1B    Kansas City    6'4    215    10/24/1989    American Heritage HS (FL)    2008 (#3)    L    L    I think Hosmer has more potential than anyone on this list
21.    Andrew McCutchen    CF    Pittsburgh    5'11    175    10/10/1986    Fort Meade HS (FL)    2005 (#11)    R    R    Pirates unlikely to start the clock on him just yet
22.    Justin Smoak    1B    Texas    6'3    200    12/5/1986    South Carolina    2008 (#11)    S    L    Rangers lucky to have such an advanced college bat fall to #11
23.    Brian Matusz    P    Baltimore    6'5    200    2/11/1987    San Diego    2008 (#4)    L    L    Impressive in AFL, everyone will be watching next year
24.    Michael Moustakas    SS    Kansas City    6'0    195    9/11/1988    Chatsworth HS (CA)    2007 (#2)    L    R    Strong second half launched him up the rankings
25.    Buster Posey    C    San Francisco    6'2    195    3/27/1987    Florida State    2008 (#5)    R    R    Tough catcher dominated Hawaii Winter Ball
26.    Michael Stanton    RF    Florida    6'5    205    11/8/1989    Notre Dame HS (CA)    2007 (#76)    R    R    39 HRs in first full pro season
27.    Josh Vitters    3B    Chicago (NL)    6'3    200    8/27/1989    Cypress HS (CA)    2007 (#3)    R    R    Showed a polished bat in '08,  should develop more power
28.    Jhoulys Chacin    P    Colorado    6'1    168    1/7/1988    Venezuela    2004 (INT)    R    R    2004 International signee went 18-3 with a 2.03 ERA in A/A+ in '08
29.    Gordon Beckham    SS    Chicago (AL)    6'0    185    9/16/1986    Georgia    2008 (#8)    R    R    Good college player looked the part in pro debut
30.    Logan Morrison    1B    Florida    6'2    215    8/25/1987    Northshore HS (LA)    2005 (#666)    L    L    1.111 OPS in AFL
31.    Jordan Walden    P    Los Angeles (AL)    6'5    220    11/16/1987    Mansfield HS (TX)    2006 (#372)    R    R    2.11 GO/AO in 2008
32.    Aaron Hicks    CF    Minnesota    6'2    170    10/2/1989    Woodrow Wilson HS (CA)    2008 (#14)    S    R    Very special; expect him to rise quickly
33.    Frederick Freeman    1B    Atlanta    6'5    220    9/12/1989    El Modena HS (CA)    2007 (#38)    L    R    Look for him to attract even more atttention in '09
34.    Tim Beckham    SS    Tampa Bay    6'0    188    1/27/1990    Griffin HS (GA)    2008 (#1)    R    R    #1 overall in 2008 makes the future even brighter for Rays; pure talent
35.    Jarrod Parker    P    Arizona    6'1     180    11/24/1988    Norwell HS (IN)    2007 (#9)    R    R    K'd 117 in 117.2 innings in first pro season
36.    Jesus Montero    C    New York (AL)    6'4    225    11/28/1989    Venezuela    2006 (INT)    R    R    Showed power and discipline; will rise quickly
37.    Carlos Carrasco    P    Philadelphia    6'3    215    3/21/1987    Venezuela    2003 (INT)    R    R    A highly rated prospect for some time now, maybe '09 MLB debut?
38.    Angel Villalona    1B    San Francisco    6'3    200    8/13/1990    Dominican Republic    2006 (INT)    R    R    Impressive for his age in SAL
39.    Elvis Andrus    SS    Texas    6'0    185    8/26/1988    Venezuela    2005 (INT)    R    R    All the tools you want in a shortstop
40.    Derek Holland    P    Texas    6'2    185    10/9/1986    Wallace State CC    2006 (#748)    S    L    13-1 with 2.27 ERA and 157K to 40BB in 150.2 innings; good stuff
41.    Carlos Santana    C    Cleveland    5'11    190    4/8/1986    Dominican Republic    2004 (INT)    S    R    Very good season for the Dominican
42.    Gregory Halman    CF    Seattle    6'4    190    8/26/1987    Netherlands    2004 (INT)    R    R    Gifted athlete has rare power and speed combo
43.    Jordan Schafer    CF    Atlanta    6'1    200    9/4/1986    Winter Haven (IN)    2005 (#107)    L    L    Served suspension for hGH use
44.    Alcides Escobar    SS    Milwaukee    6'1    175    12/16/1986    Venezuela    2003 (INT)    R    R    Great instincts at SS; struggled in VWL but otherwise strong '08 stats
45.    Chris Tillman    P    Baltimore    6'5    195    4/15/1988    Fountain Valley HS (CA)    2006 (#49)    R    R    Needs to get BBs down, otherwise great numbers (20 yrs. old in AA)
46.    Carlos Triunfel    SS    Seattle    5'11    175    2/27/1990    Dominican Republic    2006 (INT)    R    R    18 year old more than held his own in CAL, played 3B in AFL
47.    Tyler Flowers    C    Chicago (AL)    6'4    245    1/24/1986    Chipola JC (FL)    2005 (#1007)    R    R    1.433 OPS in 75 AFL AB's; .973 SLG
48.    Wade Davis    P    Tampa Bay    6'5    220    9/7/1985    Lake Wales HS (FL)    2004 (#75)    R    R    Looks like a capable MLB starter; might see him with the Rays in '09
49.    Ben Revere    LF    Minnesota    5'9    166    5/3/1988    Lexington Catholic HS (KY)    2007 (#28)    L    R    Another speedster with great lead-off potential
50.    Neftali Soto    3B    Cincinnati    6'2    180    2/28/1989    Marista HS (Puerto Rico)    2007 (#109)    R    R    One of my favorite prospects, early power with low K's
51.    Brett Wallace    1B    St. Louis    6'1    245    8/26/1986    Arizona State    2008 (#13)    L    R    Name will soon become synonymous with power
52.    Austin Jackson    CF    New York (AL)    6'1    185    2/1/1987    Billy Ryan HS (TX)    2005 (#259)    R    R    Talent would suggest better statistics
53.    Andrew Lambo    OF    Los Angeles (NL)    6'3    190    8/11/1988    Newbury Park HS (CA)    2007 (#146)    L    L    Has done nothing but impress since being drafted in the 4th round of 2007
54.    Dellin Betances    P    New York (AL)    6'8    245    3/23/1988    Grand Street HS (NY)    2006 (#254)    R    R    141 K's in 121.2 innings, needs to improve on BBs
55.    Aaron Poreda    P    Chicago (AL)    6'6    240    10/1/1986    University of San Francisco    2007 (#25)    L    L    Crafty pitcher won't take long to join White Sox
56.    Brett Cecil    P    Toronto    6'3    220    7/2/1986    Maryland    2007 (#38)    R    L    Could break into Toronto rotation at some point in '09
57.    Jeremy Hellickson    P    Tampa Bay    6'1    185    4/8/1987    Herbert Hoover HS (IA)    2005 (#118)    R    R    162 K's, 20 BB's, another good arm working in the Rays system
58.    Adrian Cardenas    SS    Oakland    6'0    185    10/10/1987    Monsignor Pace HS (FL)    2006 (#37)    L    R    HS teammate of Chris Marrero; acquired from Philly in Blanton trade
59.    Michael Bowden    P    Boston    6'3    215    9/9/1986    Waubonsie HS (IL)    2005 (#47)    R    R    Keeps BB's down; not very flashy but a winner
60.    Chris Carter    1B    Oakland    6'4    210    12/18/1986    Sierra Vista HS (NV)    2005 (#455)    R    R    Lots of power, lots of K's
61.    Nick Barnese    P    Tampa Bay    6'2    170    1/11/1989    Simi Valley HS (CA)    2007 (#95)    R    R    Another great '07 draft pick by the Rays
62.    Mat Gamel    3B    Milwaukee    6'0    195    7/26/1985    Chipola JC (FL)    2005 (#115)    L    R    Made life tough on pitchers playing on the same team as LaPorta
63.    Christopher Marrero    1B    Washington    6'3    210    7/2/1988    Monsignor Pace HS (FL)    2006 (#15)    R    R    Season cut short by bad leg injury; otherwise he would be top 20
64.    Christian Friedrich    P    Colorado    6'3    210    7/8/1987    Eastern Kentucky    2008 (#25)    R    L    Talented lefty K'd 65 in 48 innings in pro debut
65.    Michael Burgess    RF    Washington    5'11    195    10/20/1988    Hillsborough HS (FL)    2007 (#49)    L    L    Powerful bat and strong arm in outfield, but low average & high K's
66.    Jeff Niemann    P    Tampa Bay    6'9    280    2/28/1983    Rice    2004 (#4)    R    R    Should compete for a rotation spot in '09 with contending Rays
67.    David Cooper    1B    Toronto    6'0    175    2/12/1987    UC Berkeley    2008 (#17)    L    L   Very nice, fluid swing; should develop even more power
68.    Kila Ka'aihue    1B    Kansas City    6'3    230    3/29/1984    Iolani HS (HA)    2002 (#438)    L    R    Garnered attention with huge season (.628 MiLB slg%)
69.    Nick Weglarz    LF    Cleveland    6'3    245    12/16/1987    Lakeshore HS (Canada)    2005 (#94)    L    L    Power plus discipline
70.    Brad Mills    P    Toronto    6'0    185    3/5/1985    Arizona    2007 (#145)    L    L    College pitcher has been dominant in the minors so far
71.    Chris Nelson    SS    Colorado    5'11    175    9/3/1985    Redan HS (CA)    2004 (#9)    R    R    .987 OPS in AFL makes up for poor season in AA
72.    Matthew Dominguez    3B    Florida    6'2    180    8/28/1989    Chatsworth HS (CA)    2007 (#12)    R    R    HS teammate of Moustakas, great defense and surprising bat
73.    Michael Inoa    P    Oakland    6'7    205    9/24/1992    Dominican Republic    2008 (INT)    R    R    Projections through the roof; all potential right now
74.    Jose Tabata    CF    Pittsburgh    5'11    160    8/12/1988    Venezuela    2004 (INT)    R    R    Acquired from Yankees in Xavier Nady trade
75.    Wilmer Flores    SS    New York (NL)    6'3    175    8/6/1991    Venezuela    2007 (INT)    R    R    There is some serious power potential here
76.    Todd Frazier    LF    Cincinnati    6'3    215    2/12/1986    Rutgers    2007 (#34)    R    R    Monster bat; Reds still uncertain with his position; my guess is corner OF
77.    Jason Castro    C    Houston    6'3    210    6/18/1987    Stanford    2008 (#10)    L    R    Defensive leader, capable bat silencing critics of draft position
78.    William Rowell    3B    Baltimore    6'5    205    9/10/1988    Bishop Eustace Prep (NJ)    2006 (#9)    L    R    Always young for his level; needs to get comfortable at A+ before promotion
79.    Reid Brignac    SS    Tampa Bay    6'3    180    1/16/1986    St. Amant HS (LA)    2004 (#45)    R    R    Wrist injury ended disappointing season; he'll be back
80.    Desmond Jennings    CF    Tampa Bay    6'2    180    10/30/1986    Pinson Valley HS (AL)    2006 (#289)    R    R    Athletic OF still needs plenty of development; talent is there
81.    J.P. Arencibia    C    Toronto    6'1    215    1/5/1986    Tennessee    2007 (#21)    R    R    College catcher seems to answer doubters every time
82.    Jake McGee    P    Tampa Bay    6'3    190    8/6/1986    Reed HS (NV)    2004 (#135)    L    L    Injury status keeping him from top 25
83.    Allan Dykstra    1B    San Diego    6'5    215    5/21/1987    Wake Forest    2008 (#23)    L    R    Big 1B has an advanced bat and should rise quickly
84.    Jemile Weeks    2B    Oakland    5'10    175    1/26/1987    Miami    2008 (#12)    S    R    Athletic 2B only played in July; showed good eye at the plate w/.422 OBP
85.    Matt Moore    P    Tampa Bay    6'2    205    6/18/1989    Moriarty HS (FL)    2007 (#245)    L    L    77 K's in 54 INN, 2.12 GO/AO
86.    Gorkys Hernandez    CF    Atlanta    6'0    175    9/7/1987    Venezuela    2005 (INT)    R    R    Part of Edgar Renteria trade last year
87.    Aaron Cunningham    LF    Oakland    5'11    195    4/24/1986    Everett CC (WA)    2005 (#185)    R    R    Crowded A's OF might lead to a trade
88.    Kyle Blanks    1B    San Diego    6'6    270    9/11/1986    Yavapai CC (AZ)    2004 (#1241)    R    R    He's big and powerful
89.    Daryl Jones    CF    St. Louis    5'11    180    6/25/1987    Spring HS (TX)    2005 (#110)    L    L    Speed and power combo stuck in Rasmus' shadow
90.    Adam Miller    P    Cleveland    6'4    200    11/26/1984    McKinney HS (TX)    2003 (#31)    R    R    Could be much higher if he could stay healthy
91.    Jacob Odorizzi    P    Milwaukee    6'2    175    3/27/1990    Highland HS (IL)    2008 (#32)    R    R    A favorite of mine, can't wait to move him up
92.    Julio Teheran    P    Atlanta    6'2    150    1/27/1991    Columbia    2007 (INT)    R    R    Like Inoa, he's all potential
93.    Ivan DeJesus    SS    Los Angeles (NL)    5'11    182    5/1/1987    Puerto Rico    2005 (#51)    R    R    Will soon be pushing for the starting job in L.A.
94.    Tim Melville    P    Kansas City    6'5    210    10/9/1989    Holt HS (MO)    2008 (#115)    R    R    Fell due to signability concerns, Royals came out with steal
95.    Engel Beltre    CF    Texas    6'1    170    11/1/1989    Dominican Republic    2006 (INT)    L    L    Another Rangers international signee making this list
96.    Michael Saunders    CF    Seattle    6'4    205    11/19/1986    Tallahassee CC    2004 (#333)    L    R    Should push for a starting job in '09
97.    Jake Arrieta    P    Baltimore    6'4    225    3/6/1986    Texas Christian    2007 (#159)    R    R    BB's keeping him from being frontline starter potential
98.    Julio Borbon    CF    Texas    6'1    180    2/20/1986    Tennessee    2007 (#35)    L    L    Lead-off potential steals & OBP
99.    Justin Jackson    SS    Toronto    6'2    185    12/11/1988    T.C. Robertson HS (NC)    2007 (#45)    R    R    Great glove; bat needs to be like April/July OPS = .941/.867 more often
100.    Isaac Galloway    CF    Florida    6'2    190    10/10/1989    Los Osos HS (CA)    2008 (#238)    R    R    Steal for the Marlins in 8th round; good tools


In order to be on this list, a player must not have exhausted their rookie eligibility, either this season or in the past, and must have signed with a MLB team.

"A player shall be considered a rookie unless, during a previous season or seasons, he has (a) exceeded 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the Major Leagues; or (b) accumulated more than 45 days on the active roster of a Major League club."

My rankings combine scouting reports, statistical results (amateur and professional), pedigree, makeup, and personal opinion. Age and level are used only to gauge relative performance, i.e. when a player is significantly younger than most of his competitors. I do not use "closeness to the majors" as a factor in my rankings.

 Name                   Pos   Team           Ht    Wt       Born         College/HS      Draft Year  Bats Throws    Blurb
1.    Matt Wieters    C    Baltimore    6'5    230    5/21/1986    Georgia Tech    2007 (#5)    S    R    .538 average & 1.493 OPS in his first 4 AFL games
2.    David Price    P    Tampa Bay    6'6    225    8/26/1985    Vanderbilt    2007 (#1)    L    L    1.93 ERA in 14 regular season MLB innings
3.    Matt LaPorta    LF    Cleveland    6'2    210    1/8/1985    Florida    2007 (#7)    R    R    2008 U.S. Olympian and Futures team selection
4.    Travis Snider    LF    Toronto    5'11    245    2/2/1988    Henry M. Jackson HS (WA)    2006 (#14)    L    L    Raked in Triple A and didn't disappoint in Sept
5.    Rick Porcello    P    Detroit    6'5    200    12/27/1988    Seton Hall Prep (NJ)    2007 (#27)    R    R    2.48 GO/AO in '08
6.    Jason Heyward    RF    Atlanta    6'4    220    8/9/1989    Henry County HS (GA)    2007 (#14)    L    L    "Sky is the limit" prospect; speed, power, average
7.    Cameron Maybin    CF    Florida    6'4    205    4/4/1987    T.C. Robertson HS (NC)    2005 (#10)    R    R    4 SB, 6 Runs, .500 avg in 8 MLB games
8.    Madison Bumgarner    P    San Francisco    6'4    215    8/1/1989    South Caldwell HS (NC)    2007 (#10)    R    L    2008 MiLB Most Spectacular Pitcher
9.    Trevor Cahill    P    Oakland    6'3    195    3/1/1988    Vista HS (CA)    2006 (#66)    R    R    Also an Olympian, .179 BAA for '08
10.    Neftali Feliz    P    Texas    6'3    180    5/2/1988    Dominican Republic    INT    R    R    Watched him pitch here in Frisco; he's the real deal
11.    Michael Moustakas    SS    Kansas City    6'0    195    9/11/1988    Chatsworth HS (CA)    2007 (#2)    L    R    Strong second half launched him here
12.    Brett Anderson    P    Oakland    6'4    215    2/1/1988    Stillwater HS (OK)    2006 (#55)    L    L    Another Oakland Olympian and '06 draftee, great stuff
13.    Tim Alderson    P    San Francisco    6'6    217    11/3/1988    Horizon HS (AZ)    2007 (#22)    R    R   Future SF rotation? Lincecum/Cain/Bumgarner/Tim
14.    Logan Morrison    1B    Florida    6'2    215    8/25/1987    Northshore HS (LA)    2005 (#666)    L    L    Burly slugger has a good eye at the plate
15.    Dexter Fowler    CF    Colorado    6'4    175    3/22/1986    Milton HS (GA)    2004 (#410)    S    R    Olympian with an impressive season in '08
16.    Colby Rasmus    CF    St. Louis    6'2    195    8/11/1986    Russell County HS (AL)    2005 (#28)    L    L    Disappointing season, still very talented
17.    Lars Anderson    1B    Boston    6'4    215    9/25/1987    Jesuit HS (CA)    2006 (#553)    L    L    Patient and consistent slugger with great attitude
18.    Andrew McCutchen    CF    Pittsburgh    5'11    175    10/10/1986    Fort Meade HS (FL)    2005 (#11)    R    R    Majors in '09 possible
19.    Michael Stanton    RF    Florida    6'5    205    11/8/1989    Notre Dame HS (CA)    2007 (#76)    R    R    39 HRs in first full pro season
20.    Yonder Alonso    1B    Cincinnati    6'2    215    4/8/1987    Miami    2008 (#7)    L    R    Powerful lefty with discipline; who wouldn't want him?
21.    Justin Smoak    1B    Texas    6'3    200    12/5/1986    South Carolina    2008 (#11)    S    L    Rangers lucky to have such an advanced college bat fall
22.    Frederick Freeman    1B    Atlanta    6'5    220    9/12/1989    El Modena HS (CA)    2007 (#38)    L    R    Look for him to attract even more atttention in '09
23.    Brian Matusz    P    Baltimore    6'5    200    2/11/1987    San Diego    2008 (#4)    L    L    Impressive so far in AFL, everyone will be watching next year
24.    Chris Tillman    P    Baltimore    6'5    195    4/15/1988    Fountain Valley HS (CA)    2006 (#49)    R    R    Needs to get BBs down
25.    Pedro Alvarez    3B    Pittsburgh    6'2    225    2/6/1987    Vanderbilt    2008 (#2)    L    R    Fans soured by contractual issues will fall in love with Alvarez
26.    Tim Beckham    SS    Tampa Bay    6'0    188    1/27/1990    Griffin HS (GA)    2008 (#1)    R    R    #1 overall in 2008 makes future even brighter for Rays
27.    Josh Vitters    3B    Chicago (NL)    6'3    200    8/27/1989    Cypress HS (CA)    2007 (#3)    R    R    Showed a polished bat in '08, good defense
28.    Kila Ka'aihue    1B    Kansas City    6'3    230    3/29/1984    Iolani HS (HA)    2002 (#438)    L    R    Garnered attention with huge season (.628 MiLB slg%)
29.    Jesus Montero    C    New York (AL)    6'4    225    11/28/1989    Venezuela    INT    R    R    Showed power and discipline; will rise quickly
30.    Buster Posey    C    San Francisco    6'2    195    3/27/1987    Florida State    2008 (#5)    R    R    Tough catcher dominating Hawaii Winter Ball
31.    Brett Wallace    1B    St. Louis    6'1    245    8/26/1986    Arizona State    2008 (#13)    L    R    Name will soon become synonymous with power
32.    Aaron Poreda    P    Chicago (AL)    6'6    240    10/1/1986    U. of San Francisco    2007 (#25)    L    L    Crafty pitcher looks like MLB starter
33.    Jarrod Parker    P    Arizona    6'1     180    11/24/1988    Norwell HS (IN)    2007 (#9)    R    R    K'd 117 in 117.2 innings in first pro season
34.    Michael Burgess    RF    Washington    5'11    195    10/20/1988    Hillsborough HS (FL)    2007 (#49)    L    L    Powerful bat and strong arm in outfield
35.    Jhoulys Chacin    P    Colorado    6'1    168    1/7/1988    Venezuela    INT    R    R    2004 International signee went 18-3 with a 2.03 ERA in A/A+
36.    Eric Hosmer    1B    Kansas City    6'4    215    10/24/1989    Am. Heritage HS (FL)    2008 (#3)    L    L    More potential than anyone on this list
37.    Derek Holland    SP    Texas    6'2    185    10/9/1986    Wallace State CC    2006 (#748)    S    L    13-1 with 2.27 ERA and 157K to 40BB in 150.2 innings
38.    Chris Marrero    1B    Washington    6'3    210    7/2/1988    Monsignor Pace HS (FL)    2006 (#15)    R    R    Season cut short by bad leg injury
39.    Jemile Weeks    2B    Oakland    5'10    175    1/26/1987    Miami    2008 (#12)    S    R    Athletic 2B only played in July; showed good eye at the plate
40.    Elvis Andrus    SS    Texas    6'0    185    8/26/1988    Venezuela    INT    R    R    Speedster with great defense and athletic ability; lead-off type
41.    Ben Revere    CF    Minnesota    5'9    166    5/3/1988    Lexington Catholic HS (KY)    2007 (#28)    L    R    Athletic OF with great lead-off potential
42.    Gordon Beckham    SS    Chicago (AL)    6'0    185    9/16/1986    Georgia    2008 (#8)    R    R    Good college player looked the part in pro debut
43.    Aaron Hicks    CF    Minnesota    6'2    170    10/2/1989    W. Wilson HS (CA)    2008 (#14)    S    R    Another very good outfielder in the Twins system
44.    Tommy Hanson    P    Atlanta    6'6    210    8/28/1986    Riverside CC    2005 (#677)    R    R    Draft-and-follow is becoming part of trade rumors
45.    Allan Dykstra    1B    San Diego    6'5    215    5/21/1987    Wake Forest    2008 (#23)    L    R    Big 1B has an advanced bat and should rise quickly
46.    Fernando Martinez    CF    New York (NL)    6'1    190    10/10/1988    Dominican Republic    INT    L    R    Struggling in winter ball
47.    Christian Friedrich    P    Colorado    6'3    210    7/8/1987    Eastern Kentucky    2008 (#25)    R    L    Talented lefty 65 in 48 innings in pro debut
48.    Austin Jackson    CF    New York (AL)    6'1    185    2/1/1987    Billy Ryan HS (TX)    2005 (#259)    R    R   Exciting tools, everyone waiting for more
49.    Michael Bowden    P    Boston    6'3    215    9/9/1986    Waubonsie HS (IL)    2005 (#47)    R    R    Keeps BB's down; not very flashy but a winner
50.    Jacob Odorizzi    P    Milwaukee    6'2    175    3/27/1990    Highland HS (IL)    2008 (#32)    R    R    Prep will rise quickly in these rankings

    Keeping an eye on:
    Chris Nelson    SS    Colorado
    Billy Rowell    3B    Baltimore
    Brian Bogusevic LF Houston
    Isaac Galloway CF Florida
    Tim Melville P Kansas City
    Michael Inoa P Oakland
    Matt Dominguez 3B Florida
    David Cooper    1B    Toronto

In order to be on this list, a player must not have exhausted their rookie eligibility, either this season or in the past, and must have signed with a MLB team.

"A player shall be considered a rookie unless, during a previous season or seasons, he has (a) exceeded 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the Major Leagues; or (b) accumulated more than 45 days on the active roster of a Major League club."

My rankings combine scouting reports, statistical results (amateur and professional), pedigree, makeup, and personal opinion. Age and level are used only to gauge relative performance, i.e. when a player is significantly younger than most of his competitors. I do not use "closeness to the majors" as a factor in my rankings.

For almost three quarters on Sunday, the Raiders dominated the Bills defensively. The Bills first 10 drives yielded just 157 yards and one touchdown, with the Raiders forcing five punts, two fumbles, an interception, and a missed field goal. The touchdown came off a JaMarcus Russell fumble that gave the Bills the ball on the Raiders 23. We were aggressive and never let Trent Edwards get comfortable in the pocket by effectively utilizing different blitz packages. Basically, it seemed like Rob Ryan had finally heeded calls from Raider Nation to ramp up the pressure on opposing QBs.

Then the Raiders backed off.

The result? Three straight Buffalo scoring drives, the first of which started on their own 4 yard line and lasted almost 9 minutes. That was a demoralizing, backbreaking, tiring blow to a defense that had played well the entire game. There were missed tackles and penalties for sure, but the reason that drive was successful was because we backed off. Instead of keeping the pressure on and going for the jugular, we went out and invited them to make plays. This game was gift wrapped and delivered to the Bills, a team that is starting to get recognition as perhaps the class of the AFC this year. They certainly seem to be a balanced, patient group, with good leadership that quickly took advantage of the opening we gave them.

The Raiders had the ball for three minutes and 10 seconds in the fourth quarter. The offense was not able to run off any of the clock - but they only had two chances. At least they scored a touchdown (awesome Russell bomb to Higgins) on one of the possessions. I still can't fathom how we managed to lose this game by one point on a last second field goal. We had this one in the bag and let it get away. The coaching staff let the team and the fans down this time around, but there are still some positives to take away from it and build for next week and beyond.

We dominated what looks to be a very good Bills team in their own house for almost three quarters. I have no doubt we could have shut them out if Russell doesn't fumble and the defensive calls remained aggressive throughout the entire game. Kiffin's excuse (for Ryan, I suppose) that the Bills "went from a normal 50/50 play/pass to more of a hurry-up, spread-out situation" doesn't quite cut it. The worst thing a QB wants in a hurry-up situation is blitzes coming from all over. They drool over defenses that back off and allow plays to develop.

It's just the most confusing thing in the world to me; why can every fan and media pundit see that the prevent defense only prevents winning? I can understand it only in "Hail Mary" situations with seconds left on the clock. Otherwise, play the defense that got you the lead and force their offense to make adjustments. We adjusted first, and it was nothing other than coaching folly.

I still think Lane and Ryan are capable. I know the team is. We may very well end up 1-3, and that may cost Kiffin his job - but if he sticks, look for some good things after the bye week. Our remaining home schedule looks fairly inviting after we get San Diego out of the way... Jets, Falcons, Panthers, Chiefs, Patriots, Texans. I'd personally love some revenge on the Patriots and Texans - I was at the Houston game when we lost a few years back. Turns out it was the Texans' first ever winning streak (2 games in a row!), and you would have thought they won the Super Bowl with it coming against us. What a horrible experience that turned out to be, not a pleasant experience for anyone wearing Silver & Black. I think the Panthers are the toughest home game left after the Chargers.

The road schedule is certainly a lot tougher - Saints (defensive test), Ravens (offense likely to get stifled, defense will have to keep us in it), Dolphins, Broncos (we won't go there), Chargers, and Bucs (hope we have a chance to knock them out of playoff contention). Let me put it this way, even with the tough road schedule I think a monkey could guide us to eight wins. If these coaches have any skill, we'll get 10 and a possible playoff berth. Maybe that's a little too much optimistic homerism, but I think I've been fairly critical of this team - and I'm still very impressed. The coaches have turned this team into a competitor, digging us out of a horrible funk, and now they just need to take us to the next level. Yes it was a heartbreaking loss, and yes we're 1-2. I'm still in.

Oakland Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin has had a tumultuous start to his NFL coaching career. He took over the reins of the Raiders in 2007 as the 4th different head coach since Gruden's departure following the 2001 season. The team had endured four consecutive losing seasons, and Kiffin would lead them to their fifth with a 4-12 record in his first season as head coach. In the following offseason, Kiffin would clash with Al Davis over the retention of Rob Ryan as defensive coordinator.

Kiffin wanted to fire Ryan, and Davis blocked the move - Kiffin was under the impression that he would have the power to hire and fire his own staff, just like every other NFL head coach. This discord led to Davis sending Kiffin a letter of resignation to sign; Kiffin refused. After losing badly at home to Denver in week one this season, Kiffin moved to distance himself even more from Ryan's defensive play calling and schemes. In a press conference, he also hinted that Davis had a role in Ryan's defense. Ryan's media response came in the form of a profanity-laced tirade, defending his players and proclaiming his defense free of Davis' influence.

The Raiders week two victory over the Kansas City Chiefs came in dominating fashion on the road, amid rumors and reports that Kiffin's job was in jeopardy. Whether the Kiffin-Davis-Ryan spat would be a distraction to the players seemed to be put to rest, if anything it seems like they may have been invigorated by the drama. Winning can cure everything,  but the Bills are up next on the road, and they will provide a much tougher test than the Chiefs. Can Kiffin survive another ugly loss? Nobody knows, but this Raiders fan hopes Lane Kiffin is a Raiders coach for a long time. He is just trying to assert his power as head coach over his staff and on the field.

Most Raiders fans believe that Rob Ryan hasn't done enough with the talent he has on defense. He is often far too conservative and if he would be more aggressive then the defense could be taken to another level - like it was against the Chiefs last Sunday. Granted, there is a big difference between Jay Cutler and Tyler Thigpen, but the Denver offensive line is not as good as we made them look in the opener. They were often max protecting and Cutler had all day to throw because we didn't bring extra players to pressure him - even on 3rd & long passing downs.

It doesn't matter how good or bad the Raiders secondary is, they can't cover receivers indefinitely. The Raiders' talented linebackers running around in coverage would be much more effective if they were instead knocking the quarterback to the turf.

Given all that, Ryan still is a great motivator which means he could still be a great coach. I'd like to see him remain with the Raiders and learn from both his mistakes and successes. I think Lane Kiffin is a potentially brilliant head coach that just needs some elbow room. I think Al Davis needs to relax and let his coaches do their jobs. Davis is a hero to me because of the success he brought to the Raiders organization, but he is interfering too much with this young team.

The Raiders coaching job is not something big name coaches want, and it's because they know Davis retains and wields too much power and influence. Fire Kiffin, and we'll have to try and find another young, aspiring college coach or NFL assistant that will be learning on the job; we're ahead of that curve with Kiffin now. We already know he isn't going to lay down and do Al's bidding, and he isn't going to run away from the job. Let's see what he can do to turn the Raiders back into winners.

My favorite professional sports teams are the Oakland Raiders, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago White Sox, and the Dallas Stars. For collegiate sports, my favorite teams are from the University of North Texas (I am an alumni) and the University of Tennessee (grew up cheering for the Vols). I was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and have lived in Virginia, California, and Texas. My teenage years were shaped by constant relocation and sports became a haven of distraction for me, as it was difficult to make friends changing states and schools so often. My first "hero - athlete" was Bo Jackson. That explains my loyalties to the Raiders and White Sox.

I wasn't much of an NBA fan as a young teen, but it eventually grew on me. I remember watching the NBA Finals with my grandmother back when the Bulls were running with Jordan. I enjoyed watching him, and I also enjoyed Charles Barkley and the Suns - I remember when, at a Spurs game in San Antonio, I was disappointed when Joe Klein didn't give me a "high 5" as he ran past me towards the locker room at half-time. After Barkley's retirement and the Klein incident, I evolved into a Spurs fan. That city really knows how to support their basketball team, even before all the championships.

I am admittedly not much of a hockey fan, but I'm now living in the Dallas area and have attended a few Stars games. I've grown into at least a half-fan (cheering for them but really not following them all that closely). I attend UNT football games as often as possible and WISH they had a baseball program.

I am often jealous of people lucky enough to grow up in a single area, running into people they know at grocery stores and having many lifelong friendships. I was never in the same place long enough to develop those, and growing up just before the Internet revolution, the phone and snail-mail were the only ways to keep in touch. I wasn't about to sit around chatting on the phone with long-distance friends, that just wouldn't be masculine. I'm also jealous because I didn't get to grow up as a fan cheering for a hometown team, and I can tell that other fans view me differently since I've got alligiences to multiple cities (i.e., I'm an Oakland Raiders fan, shouldn't I also be an Oakland Athletics fan instead of Chicago White Sox?).

Am I less devoted to my teams, am I not a "true" fan? I don't think so. Even standing up and saying I'm a Raiders fan these days is enough of a test of loyalty. We have been a "Shell" of a team for quite awhile, and I've been here, watching every game and cheering at the local Hooters, proudly wearing Raiders Jerseys and caps. This is in Cowboy country, and those guys love to tease Raiders fans - especially when our team is playing poorly. They'll even team up with fans of other teams, even fans of their divisional rivals, just to pick on a Raiders fan... and I still can't wait for gameday.

1. Matt Wieters C Baltimore
2. David Price LHP Tampa Bay
3. Matt LaPorta OF(1B?) Cleveland
4. Rick Porcello RHP Detroit
5. Jason Heyward RF Atlanta
6. Trevor Cahill RHP Oakland
7. Travis Snider LF(DH?) Toronto
8. Brett Anderson LHP Oakland
9. Cameron Maybin CF Florida
10. Michael Moustakas SS Kansas City
11. Madison Bumgarner LHP San Francisco
12. Justin Smoak 1B Texas
13. Timothy Alderson RHP San Francisco
14. Colby Rasmus CF St. Louis
15. Brandon Wood 3B(SS?) Anaheim
16. Max Scherzer RHP Arizona
17. Brian Matusz LHP Baltimore
18. Chris Tillman RHP Baltimore
19. Dexter Fowler CF Colorado
20. Brett Wallace 1B St. Louis
21. Jarrod Parker RHP Arizona
22. Neftali Feliz RHP Texas
23. Lars Anderson 1B Boston
24. Tim Beckham SS Tampa Bay
25. Pedro Alvarez 3B Pittsburgh*
26. Yonder Alonso 1B Cincinnati
27. Josh Vitters 3B Chicago (NL)
28. Andrew McCutchen CF Pittsburgh
29. Eric Hosmer 1B Kansas City*
30. Michael Burgess RF Washington

*Last I heard, there is significant contractual problems between Pedro Alvarez and Pittsburgh. Arguments by his advisor, Scott Boras, have also put Eric Hosmer's contract with Kansas City in question, despite MLB acceptance and approval of their signings by the August 15th deadline.


In order to be on this list, a player must not have exhausted their rookie eligibility, either this season or in the past, and must have signed with a MLB team.

"A player shall be considered a rookie unless, during a previous season or seasons, he has (a) exceeded 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the Major Leagues; or (b) accumulated more than 45 days on the active roster of a Major League club."

My rankings combine scouting reports, statistical results (amateur and professional), pedigree, makeup, and personal opinion. Age and level is used only to gauge relative performance (18 year old pitcher doing well in A+ against 20+ year olds = important). I do not use "closeness to the majors" as a factor in my rankings.