The Top 100 Prospects of 2010: 26-100

Spring training and the 2010 regular season are right around the corner, which means it's time to take stock of the top potential future stars in the minor leagues.

Below are the final 75 players in my rankings of the top 100 prospects in baseball right now, based upon my years of experience in the industry as a scout and talent evaluator.

In order to be eligible for the list, the player must be part of a major league organization and still considered a rookie (fewer than 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the major leagues and fewer than 45 days on an active roster, excluding September call-ups).

Top 100 Prospects: Read Nos. 1-25

26. CHRIS CARTER (1B), ATHLETICS

Age: 23 | Bats: R | Height: 6-4 | Weight: 210
2009 Stats: .329 AVG | 28 HR | 115 RBI | .422 OBP | 13 SB
Finished '09: Sacramento (Triple-A Pacific Coast League)

The Skinny: Carter absolutely bashed his way into this spot. He followed up his massive 39-homer 2008 campaign by slugging 28 more between Double-A and Triple-A in 2009. His strikeouts are somewhat of a concern, but the superb plate discipline and power should allow him to be an offensive force at first base.

27. JASON CASTRO (C), ASTROS

Age: 22 | Bats: L | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 210
2009 Stats: .300 AVG | 10 HR | 73 RBI | .380 OBP | 3 SB
Finished '09: Corpus Christi (Double-A Texas League)

The Skinny: There are not many bright spots in the Houston Astros farm system right now, but Castro is one of the few. The Astros were criticized when they drafted Castro, and many called it an over-draft, but so far he has made the organization proud.

28. BRETT WALLACE (3B), BLUE JAYS

Age: 23 | Bats: L | Height: 6-1 | Weight: 245
2009 Stats: .293 AVG | 20 HR | 63 RBI | .367 OBP | 1 SB
Finished '09: Sacramento (Triple-A Pacific Coast League)

The Skinny: He doesn't bring a lot to the table defensively. He doesn't have a prototypical baseball body. That is the downside of Wallace. The really large upside is his potent left-handed bat. He's going to need to play first base, which also means he's going to need to hit in a big way. Wallace figures to be a perennial .300 hitter with 25-homer power.

29. PHILLIPPE AUMONT (RHP), PHILLIES

Age: 20 | Height: 6-7 | Weight: 220
2009 Stats: 2-6 W-L | 3.88 ERA | 51 IP | 59 SO | 23 BB
Finished '09: High Desert (Advanced Single-A California League)

The Skinny: The best pure arm, and the player with the most upside in the Halladay-Lee blockbuster, was Aumont. He is not as far along in his development as Kyle Drabek but the raw stuff stacks up with anyone. Armed with a 92-95 mph heavy sinking fastball and a four-seamer he can sit at 94-98 mph with, the 6-foot-7 Canadian can get by on arm alone. Couple that with his plus breaking ball at 79-83 mph and Aumont has two pitches that could make him a downright dominant force.

30. MICHAEL SAUNDERS (OF), MARINERS

Age: 23 | Bats: L | Height: 6-4 | Weight: 205
2009 Stats: .221 AVG | 0 HR | 4 RBI | .258 OBP | 4 SB
Finished '09: Seattle

The Skinny: While Greg Halman, another top Mariners outfield prospect, struggled, Saunders continued his success in 2009. He struggled in his limited major league stint with Seattle, but the offensive production at the Triple-A level was superb across the board.

31. TANNER SCHEPPERS (RHP), RANGERS

Age: 23 | Height: 6-4 | Weight: 200
2009 Stats: 1-1 W-L | 3.32 ERA | 19 IP | 20 SO | 11 BB
Finished '09: St. Paul Saints (Independent Minor Leagues)

The Skinny: After signing late, Scheppers proved he was healthy and worth the hype with an often electrifying showing in the Arizona Fall League. Consistently pitching in the upper-90s out of the bullpen, there is now some debate over what his role should be. His size, pitchability and, of course, raw stuff should allow him to succeed as a starter or a reliever.

32. DAN HUDSON (RHP), WHITE SOX

Age: 22 | Height: 6-4 | Weight: 220
2009 Stats: 14-5 W-L | 2.32 ERA | 147 1/3 IP | 166 SO | 34 BB
Finished '09: Chicago

The Skinny: Hudson has made big strides since he was drafted, and Chicago has to be thrilled with how he's come along. He should continue to move fast and be ready to contribute at the big-league level as early as 2010. Hudson looks like a very solid second or third starter on a contending club.

33. FERNANDO MARTINEZ (OF), METS

Age: 21 | Bats: L | Height: 6-1 | Weight: 190
2009 Stats: .290 AVG | 8 HR | 28 RBI | .337 OBP | 2 SB
Finished '09: Buffalo (Triple-A International League)

The Skinny: Martinez might be the victim of the high expectations of New York fans. It's easy to forget that he is still just 21 years old. Did the Mets rush him? Maybe. Martinez still has the offensive tools to be an impact-type player, so the word here is patience.

34. MIKE MONTGOMERY (LHP), ROYALS

Age: 20 | Height: 6-5 | Weight: 180
2009 Stats: 6-4 W-L | 2.21 ERA | 110 IP | 98 SO | 36 BB
Finished '09: Burlington (Single-A Midwest League)

The Skinny: With a fastball in the low- to mid-90s and two quality secondary pitches, Montgomery has the makings of a top-of-the-rotation starter. The Royals will undoubtedly take it slow with their tall, athletic southpaw, so look for him most likely in advanced Single-A ball to start the 2010 season.

35. DEREK NORRIS (C), NATIONALS

Age: 20 | Bats: R | Height: 6-0 | Weight: 210
2009 Stats: .286 AVG | 23 HR | 84 RBI | .413 OBP | 6 SB
Finished '09: Hagerstown (Single-A South Atlantic League)

The Skinny: The Nationals' farm system has made tremendous progress in the last year or so and Norris is one of the best examples of that. Norris showed plus power and the ability to handle his catching duties. If he can stick at catcher he's going to be a very valuable commodity, but his bat should be able to play at any position.

36. AROLDIS CHAPMAN (LHP), REDS

Age: 21 | Height: 6-4 | Weight: 180
2009 Stats: N/A
Finished '09: N/A (defected from Cuba in July 2009)

The Skinny: Chapman could easily be in the top five, but at this point how can we really be sure? Much of Chapman's game is still a mystery, but if reports are to believed, and he can consistently produce that type of huge velocity, he'll be moving up this list in a hurry. Right now, he makes it purely on expectations.

37. DONAVAN TATE (OF), PADRES

Age: 19 | Bats: R | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 200
2009 Stats: N/A
Finished '09: N/A

The Skinny: One of the bright spots in an otherwise struggling Padres farm system, Tate has the type of tools that can excite a fan base. The raw power is tremendous, he can run and he can throw. He is raw, though, so the Padres may have to take it slow with his development.

38. MICHAEL TAYLOR (OF), ATHLETICS

Age: 24 | Bats: R | Height: 6-6 | Weight: 250
2009 Stats: .320 AVG | 20 HR | 84 RBI | .395 OBP | 21 SB
Finished '09: Lehigh Valley (Triple-A International League)

The Skinny: The 6-foot-6, athletic outfielder has the type of talent that can help a team in all facets. He has 30-homer power potential and the ability to steal 20-30 bases in the majors. He has improved vastly in the last two seasons, and appears ready to start in the majors out of spring training in 2010.

39. RYAN WESTMORELAND (OF), RED SOX

Age: 19 | Bats: L | Height: 6-2 | Weight: 195
2009 Stats: .296 AVG | 7 HR | 35 RBI | .401 OBP | 19 SB
Finished '09: Lowell (Low Single-A New York-Penn League)

The Skinny: Few players excited Red Sox player development people like Westmoreland. The former fifth-round pick was outstanding in all facets of the game in 2009 in short-season Single-A ball. He showed speed and smarts on the bases, power at the plate and solid defense in the outfield. He's a few years off, but a very exciting talent.

40. AARON HICKS (OF), TWINS

Age: 20 | Bats: S | Height: 6-2 | Weight: 170
2009 Stats: .251 AVG | 4 HR | 29 RBI | .353 OBP | 10 SB
Finished '09: Beloit (Single-A Midwest League)

The Skinny: The Twins are extremely deep in the outfield, and Hicks might have the most promise of that strong group. He had some struggles in 2009, but this is a guy that requires some patience. The upside is outstanding, and he's still just 20 years old.

41. MANNY BANUELOS (LHP), YANKEES

Age: 18 | Height: 5-10 | Weight: 155
2009 Stats: 9-5 W-L | 2.64 ERA | 109 IP | 106 SO | 28 BB
Finished '09: Charleston (Single-A South Atlantic League)

The Skinny: Banuelos somehow gets the tag of a command guy with limited stuff. That couldn't be further from the truth. His command and feel for pitching are his trademarks, but with a 90-93 mph fastball and the potential for two plus secondary pitches, this smallish lefty has the upside of a No. 2 starter. He's extremely young, but he could force the Yankees to advance him quickly.

42. JOSH BELL (3B), ORIOLES

Age: 23 | Bats: S | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 235
2009 Stats: .295 AVG | 20 HR | 76 RBI | .376 OBP | 3 SB
Finished '09: Bowie (Double-A Eastern League)

The Skinny: Acquired from the Dodgers in the deal that sent George Sherrill to Los Angeles, the Orioles look to have made an excellent move in getting Bell. Scouts are somewhat split on the third baseman, but his power and improving plate discipline are very intriguing.

43. MIKE MINOR (LHP), BRAVES

Age: 22 | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 200
2009 Stats: 0-1 W-L | 0.64 ERA | 14 IP | 17 SO | 0 BB
Finished '09: Rome (Single-A South Atlantic League)

The Skinny: Some looked at the selection of Minor at seventh overall in the 2009 draft as odd, but I think it's safe to say the Braves know what they are doing when it comes to scouting and player development. Minor should be a fast mover, and his stuff and feel from the left side should equal a long big-league career.

44. DEE GORDON (SS), DODGERS

Age: 21 | Bats: L | Height: 5-11 | Weight: 150
2009 Stats: .301 AVG | 3 HR | 35 RBI | .362 OBP | 73 SB
Finished '09: Great Lakes (Single-A Midwest League)

The Skinny: Gordon is an absolute burner on the bases, and he has the look of an elite stolen base threat at the next level. If his offense continues to keep up with his outstanding defense, speed and athleticism, he could very well be the Dodgers' shortstop of the future. The 21-year-old should begin 2010 at advanced Single-A ball.

45. AUSTIN ROMINE (C), YANKEES

Age: 21 | Bats: R | Height: 6-2 | Weight: 210
2009 Stats: .276 AVG | 13 HR | 72 RBI | .322 OBP | 11 SB
Finished '09: Tampa (Advanced Single-A Florida State League)

The Skinny: Romine has always been "the other guy," with the presence of Jesus Montero overshadowing him in the organization. He does not have the offensive upside of Montero (few players do), but his skills behind the plate and developing power make him nearly as interesting a prospect. He's ready to move as fast as Montero from an offensive standpoint, but he has the potential to be a potent offensive threat and an above-average defender behind the plate.

46. ANTHONY GOSE (OF), PHILLIES

Age: 19 | Bats: L | Height: 6-1 | Weight: 190
2009 Stats: .259 AVG | 2 HR | 52 RBI | .323 OBP | 76 SB
Finished '09: Lakewood (Single-A South Atlantic League)

The Skinny: The Phillies' scouting department has long been in favor of drafting athletes, and few athletes are as intriguing as Gose. Blessed with blistering speed that grades out as an 8 tool on the 2-8 scouting scale, Gose has the skills to wreak havoc on the basepaths. His times to first base are consistently under four seconds. Very few players come along that have the skills to be an elite big-league base-stealer, but he is one of them. He also shows an outstanding, plus throwing arm in center field. As far as his skills at the plate, he's still quite raw.

47. ANDY OLIVER (LHP), TIGERS

Age: 22 | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 209
2009 Stats: 1-1 W-L | 2.81 ERA | 16 IP | 16 SO | 9 BB
Finished '09: Peoria Javelinas (Arizona Fall League)

The Skinny: Power left-handed arms are a rare commodity. They are even more rare when they also have good command and a feel for pitching. Oliver was one of the top arms in 2009 draft and then had an impressive showing in the Arizona Fall League. Keep an eye out for him. He could be closer to the top of this list next January.

48. JAKE ARRIETA (RHP), ORIOLES

Age: 22 | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 209
2009 Stats: 11-11 W-L | 3.40 ERA | 150 2/3 IP | 148 SO | 56 BB
Finished '09: Norfolk (Triple-A International League)

The Skinny: The Orioles are clearly headed in the right direction and have plenty of young arms on the way. Many of them are polished, like Arrieta. Baltimore fans should expect to get a good look at the hard-throwing right-hander at the big-league level in 2010.

49. FREDDIE FREEMAN (1B), BRAVES

Age: 20 | Bats: L | Height: 6-5 | Weight: 220
2009 Stats: .282 AVG | 8 HR | 58 RBI | .363 OBP | 1 SB
Finished '09: Mississippi (Double-A Southern League)

The Skinny: Freeman had some problems at Double-A in 2009, temporarily slowing what had been an easy rise up the ranks. The jump to Double-A is not an easy one, but Freeman should be able to adjust and thrive there in 2010.

50. TYSON GILLIES (OF), PHILLIES

Age: 21 | Bats: L | Height: 6-2 | Weight: 190
2009 Stats: .341 AVG | 9 HR | 42 RBI | .430 OBP | 44 SB
Finished '09: High Desert (Advanced Single-A California League)

The Skinny: The world met Gillies at last year's Futures Game, as he not only impressed with his inspiring story but also his potentially game-changing skills. Few players in the minors have the speed of Gillies, and he has the range to be a Gold Glove-caliber center fielder. The offense has continued to improve -- the 21-year-old had a fantastic 2009 campaign, hitting .341 with nine home runs and 44 stolen bases.

Rank	Player	Age	Organization	Finished '09:
51.	Logan Morrison (1B)	22	Marlins	Jacksonville (Double-A)
52.	Mike Trout (OF)	18	Angels	Cedar Rapids (Single-A)
53.	Josh Vitters (3B)	20	Cubs	Daytona (Single-A)
54.	Aaron Crow (RHP)	23	Royals	Fort Worth (Independent)
55.	Zach Britton (LHP)	22	Orioles	Frederick (High-A)
56.	Todd Frazier (SS)	23	Reds	Louisville (Triple-A)
57.	Yonder Alonso (1B)	22	Reds	Carolina (Double-A)
58.	Ike Davis (1B)	22	Mets	Binghamton (Double-A)
59.	Shelby Miller (RHP)	19	Cardinals	Quad Cities (Single-A)
60.	Zach Stewart (RHP)	23	Blue Jays	Las Vegas (Triple-A)
61.	Mike Leake (RHP)	22	Reds	N/A
62.	Thomas Neal (1B)	22	Giants	San Jose (High-A)
63.	Chris Marrero (1B)	21	Nationals	Harrisburg (Double-A)
64.	Grant Green (SS)	22	Athletics	Stockton (High-A)
65.	Lars Anderson (1B)	22	Red Sox	Portland (Double-A)
66.	Wilson Ramos (C)	22	Twins	New Britain (Double-A)
67.	Tyler Flowers (C)	24	White Sox	Chicago
68.	Lonnie Chisenhall (SS)	21	Indians	Akron (Double-A)
69.	Jose Tabata (OF)	21	Pirates	Indianapolis (Triple-A)
70.	David Bromberg (RHP)	22	Twins	Fort Myers (High-A)
71.	Mike Moustakas (3B)	21	Royals	Wilmington (High-A)
72.	Brett Jackson (OF)	21	Cubs	Peoria (Single-A)
73.	Carlos Triunfel (SS)	19	Mariners	West Tennessee (Double-A)
74.	Julio Teheran (RHP)	18	Braves	Rome (Single-A)
75.	Tony Sanchez (C)	21	Pirates	Lynchburg (High-A)
76.	Zach McAllister (RHP)	22	Yankees	Trenton (Double-A)
77.	Tim Beckham (SS)	19	Rays	Bowling Green (Single-A)
78.	Daniel Schlereth (LHP)	23	Tigers	Arizona
79.	Drew Storen (RHP)	22	Nationals	Harrisburg (Double-A)
80.	Ben Revere (OF)	21	Twins	Fort Myers (High-A)
81.	Craig Kimbrel (RHP)	21	Braves	Gwinnett (Triple-A)
82.	Casey Crosby (LHP)	21	Tigers	West Michigan (Single-A)
83.	Zeke Spruill (RHP)	20	Braves	GCL Braves (Rookie)
84.	Mat Gamel (3B)	24	Brewers	Milwaukee
85.	Peter Bourjos (OF)	22	Angels	Arkansas (Double-A)
86.	Jhan Marinez (RHP)	21	Marlins	Jupiter (High-A)
87.	Brett Lawrie (2B)	20	Brewers	Huntsville (Double-A)
88.	Hank Conger (C)	21	Angels	Arkansas (Double-A)
89.	Jhoulys Chacin (RHP)	22	Rockies	Colorado
90.	Jacob Turner (RHP)	18	Tigers	N/A
91.	Jared Mitchell (OF)	21	White Sox	Kannapolis (Single-A)
92.	A.J. Pollock (OF)	22	Diamondbacks	South Bend (Single-A)
93.	Nick Hagadone (LHP)	24	Indians	Greenville (Single-A)
94.	Tyler Matzek (LHP)	19	Rockies	N/A
95.	Ryan Kalish (OF)	21	Red Sox	Portland (Double-A)
96.	Jurickson Profar (SS)	17	Rangers	N/A
97.	Wil Myers (C)	19	Royals	Burlington (Rookie)
98.	Trevor Reckling (LHP)	20	Angels	Rancho Cucamonga (High-A)
99.	Jordan Lyles (RHP)	19	Astros	Lexington (Single-A)
100.	Chris Withrow (RHP)	20	Dodgers	Inland Empire (High-A)

Frankie Piliere spent the last three seasons working as a scout, most recently in the professional scouting department for the Texas Rangers in 2009. He now serves as the National Baseball Analyst here at FanHouse.