Baseball's Top 100 Prospects of 2011

Spring training and the 2011 regular season are just around the corner, which means it's time to take stock of the top potential future stars in the minor leagues.

Below are 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).

	MIKE TROUT (ANGELS)			• Finished 2010: Rancho Cucamonga • Level: High-A (California League) • B: R \| HT: 6-1 \| WT: 217
1
	POS	AGE	AVG	SB	XBH
	OF	19	.341	56	47

Before 2010 began, Trout was highly touted, make no mistake. But going into 2011 his stock as a prospect has gone into the stratosphere. Oozing with tools and showing off the ability to be a plus hitter, Trout is the closest thing to the total package that you'll find.

	JULIO TEHERAN (BRAVES)			• Finished 2010: Mississippi • Level: Double-A (Southern League) • B: R \| HT: 6-2 \| WT: 150
2
	POS	AGE	W-L	ERA	SO
	RHP	20	9-8	2.59	159

Teheran has been known as a tremendous talent for a couple years now, but with success under his belt at the upper levels in 2010, he can now be considered the best pitching prospect in the game. The Braves will try to take it slow, but Teheran's talent may continue to force their hand.

	ERIC HOSMER (ROYALS)			• Finished 2010: Northwest Arkansas • Level: Double-A (Texas League) • B: L \| HT: 6-4 \| WT: 215
3
	POS	AGE	AVG	HR	RBI
	1B	21	.338	20	86

After a tough 2009 season, some overlooked Hosmer heading into 2010. But after putting on a hitting clinic this past season, Hosmer is clearly back on track. I made the comparison back in July at the Futures Game, and I'll make it again: Hosmer is very similar to Joe Mauer at the plate with more thump in his bat.

	JESUS MONTERO (YANKEES)			• Finished 2010: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre • Level: Triple-A (International League) • B: R \| HT: 6-4 \| WT: 225
4
	POS	AGE	AVG	HR	RBI
	C	21	.289	21	75

He still has critics who like to point to his defense but there is just about no one who will criticize Montero's bat. Will he be a good defensive catcher? No, but he has shown enough improvement to be an adequate defender. That combined with a potentially special bat make for an impressive total package.

	JEREMY HELLICKSON (RAYS)			• Finished 2010: Tampa Bay • Level: Major Leagues • B: R \| HT: 6-1 \| WT: 185
5
	POS	AGE	W-L	ERA	SO
	RHP	23	16-3	2.89	156

No young pitcher in baseball commands the ball like Hellickson. Let's not undersell his raw stuff either. With a fastball sitting 90-94 mph and an advanced feel for his secondary pitches, including a plus changeup, Hellickson is a complete pitcher aside from his lack of size.

	DOMONIC BROWN (PHILLIES)			• Finished 2010: Philadelphia • Level: Major Leagues • B: L \| HT: 6-5 \| WT: 200
6
	POS	AGE	AVG	HR	RBI
	OF	23	.309	22	81

We got a good glimpse of Brown's tools at the big-league level in 2010, and it appears he'll have a good shot at a full-time job in 2011. There may be some growing pains for Brown, but he's worth the wait.

	BRYCE HARPER (NATIONALS)			• Finished 2010: Scottsdale Scorpions • Level: Arizona Fall League • B: L \| HT: 6-3 \| WT: 205
7
	POS	AGE	AVG	XBH	OPS
	OF	18	.343	6	1.039

Harper got off to a slow start at instructs in the fall, but quickly shook off the rust and put on an impressive hitting display in the Arizona Fall League. Any performance from a teenager in the AFL is something pretty special, and I expect Harper will continue to wow us in 2011.

	AROLDIS CHAPMAN (REDS)			• Finished 2010: Cincinnati • Level: Major Leagues • B: L \| HT: 6-4 \| WT: 185
8
	POS	AGE	W-L	ERA	SO
	LHP	22	11-8	3.39	144

We learned a couple things about Aroldis Chapman in 2010, and one is that he throws perhaps as hard as any pitcher ever has. The other is that he is not a finished product. He has work to do on his command. Whether he starts or relieves long-term remains to be seen.

	DUSTIN ACKLEY (MARINERS)			• Finished 2010: Tacoma • Level: Triple-A (Pacific Coast League) • B: L \| HT: 6-1 \| WT: 185
9
	POS	AGE	AVG	XBH	OBP
	2B	22	.267	48	.368

Ackley got off to a terribly rough start in Double-A in 2010, but after a big performance in the Arizona Fall League, most of the doubts about him have evaporated. He's as good a pure bat as there is in the minor leagues.

	ZACH BRITTON (ORIOLES)			• Finished 2010: Norfolk • Level: Triple-A (International League) • B: L \| HT: 6-3 \| WT: 195
10
	POS	AGE	W-L	ERA	SO
	LHP	23	10-7	2.70	124

Showing off a heavy mid-90s fastball and command of his secondary pitches, Britton was one of the pitchers creating the most buzz in the scout section at the Futures Game in Anaheim. The good news for the Orioles is that he's not far off from contributing at the big-league level.

	JONATHAN SINGLETON (PHILLIES)			• Finished 2010: Lakewood • Level: Single-A (South Atlantic League) • B: L \| HT: 6-2 \| WT: 215
11
	POS	AGE	AVG	HR	RBI
	1B/OF	19	.290	14	77

Even as a big believer in Singleton's sleeper status following a strong GCL season in 2009, I could not have anticipated his breakout 2010 campaign. Showing off a plus hit tool and plus game-ready power from the left side, he is already drawing comparisons to Ryan Howard.

	MICHAEL PINEDA (MARINERS)			• Finished 2010: Tacoma • Level: Triple-A (Pacific Coast League) • B: R \| HT: 6-5 \| WT: 180
12
	POS	AGE	W-L	ERA	SO
	RHP	22	11-4	3.36	154

Armed with the imposing size, presence and big raw stuff, Pineda has everything you look for in a top-of-the-rotation starter. The good news is he's on the cusp of contributing full-time at the big-league level and could become a dynamic complement to Felix Hernandez.

	MANNY BANUELOS (YANKEES)			• Finished 2010: Trenton • Level: Double-A (Eastern League) • B: L \| HT: 5-10 \| WT: 155
13
	POS	AGE	W-L	ERA	SO
	LHP	19	0-4	2.51	85

Some like to pretend Banuelos came from nowhere in 2010. Well, he didn't. He picked up a couple ticks on his fastball and lives at 93-95 now, but even before the spike he was armed with two good secondary offerings and plus command.

	DESMOND JENNINGS (RAYS)			• Finished 2010: Tampa Bay • Level: Major Leagues • B: R \| HT: 6-2 \| WT: 200
14
	POS	AGE	AVG	SB	XBH
	OF	24	.274	39	36

Jennings has slipped on this list following a bumpy 2010 season. The skills, however, have not gone away. Jennings still has the tools to be a .300 hitter and 40-steal threat.

	MIKE MONTGOMERY (ROYALS)			• Finished 2010: Northwest Arkansas • Level: Double-A (Texas League) • B: L \| HT: 6-5 \| WT: 180
15
	POS	AGE	W-L	ERA	SO
	LHP	21	7-5	2.61	88

In a system loaded with left-handed pitching, Montgomery still leads the pack for the Royals. His height, projectability, changeup and 92-96 mph fastball make for a fascinating prospect. His curveball still needs work, however.

	KYLE DRABEK (BLUE JAYS)			• Finished 2010: Toronto • Level: Major Leagues • B: R \| HT: 6-1 \| WT: 190
16
	POS	AGE	W-L	ERA	SO
	RHP	23	14-12	3.12	144

We got a good glimpse of Kyle Drabek's talents at the big-league level in 2010, and the good news for Jays fans is that he appears just about ready to stick there. The stuff is still fantastic and his intangibles are improving.

	MARTIN PEREZ (RANGERS)			• Finished 2010: Frisco • Level: Double-A (Texas League) • B: L \| HT: 6-0 \| WT: 178
17
	POS	AGE	W-L	ERA	SO
	LHP	19	5-8	5.96	101

Martin Perez had a bad year in 2010, but a bad year doesn't make him a bad prospect. He still has some of the best stuff of any left-hander in the minors and he's only 19. I see 2010 as a bump in the road and nothing more. Perez is still an elite prospect.

	MIKE MOUSTAKAS (ROYALS)			• Finished 2010: Omaha • Level: Triple-A (Pacific Coast League) • B: L \| HT: 5-11 \| WT: 230
18
	POS	AGE	AVG	HR	RBI
	3B	22	.322	36	124

Few players in minor-league baseball or at any level of professional baseball can boast the power that Moustakas possesses. He can be spectacular in batting practice, and that power showed up in a big way in game action in 2010.

	SHELBY MILLER (CARDINALS)			• Finished 2010: Quad Cities • Level: Single-A (Midwest League) • B: R \| HT: 6-3 \| WT: 195
19
	POS	AGE	W-L	ERA	SO
	RHP	20	7-5	3.62	140

Miller drew early comparisons to a number of notable power pitchers in 2010, including Curt Schilling. While it's not fair to rush to those conclusions just yet, Miller appears to be one of the prep pitchers from the 2009 draft class best equipped to move up the ladder in a hurry.

	BRANDON BELT (GIANTS)			• Finished 2010: Fresno • Level: Triple-A (Pacific Coast League) • B: L \| HT: 6-5 \| WT: 195
20
	POS	AGE	AVG	RBI	OPS
	1B	22	.352	112	1.075

Some players come with a reputation straight out of the draft. Belt had to earn his in the minors, and he's now one of baseball's best hitting prospects. He appears more than ready to step in and contribute in a big way at the next level.

	FREDDIE FREEMAN (BRAVES)			• Finished 2010: Atlanta • Level: Major Leagues • B: L \| HT: 6-5 \| WT: 225
21
	POS	AGE	AVG	HR	RBI
	1B	21	.311	19	88

Freeman answered some questions in 2010 and continues to establish himself as the long-term answer for the Braves at first base. A taste of the show should help him make the transition seamlessly in 2011.

	WIL MYERS (ROYALS)			• Finished 2010: Wilmington • Level: High-A (Carolina League) • B: R \| HT: 6-3 \| WT: 190
22
	POS	AGE	AVG	RBI	OPS
	C	20	.315	83	.934

Not a lot of young catchers are as productive as Myers has already been at his age. There are times that Myers can look sloppy at the plate, but he then turns around and wows you with his prolific game-ready power and plus bat speed.

	JARROD PARKER (D'BACKS)			• Finished 2010: Did Not Pitch (Injury) • Level: N/A • B: R \| HT: 6-1 \| WT: 180
23
	POS	AGE	W-L	ERA	SO
	RHP	22	5-6	3.14	95

Although we didn't see Parker in 2010, he still remains one baseball's best pitching prospects. With the high rate of success in elbow surgeries, it's not unrealistic to expect Parker, and his plus stuff, to return to form in no time.

	JAMESON TAILLON (PIRATES)			• Finished 2010: Did Not Pitch • Level: N/A • B: R \| HT: 6-6 \| WT: 225
24
	POS	AGE	W-L	ERA	SO
	RHP	19	N/A	N/A	N/A

Taillon is as good a prep pitcher as we've seen in recent years, and boy do the Pirates need him to be as good as advertised. Armed with a fastball that lives in the mid-90s and a projectable frame, Taillon has the skills to instantly be a productive and elite prospect.

	MATT MOORE (RAYS)			• Finished 2010: Charlotte • Level: High-A (Florida State League) • B: L \| HT: 6-2 \| WT: 205
25
	POS	AGE	W-L	ERA	SO
	LHP	21	6-11	3.36	208

The strikeout rates are downright staggering and his raw stuff isn't far behind. Southpaws with plus fastballs and swing-and-miss secondary pitches are few and far between. Expect Tampa Bay to take it slow with Moore, though.

	JACOB TURNER (TIGERS)			• Finished 2010: Lakeland • Level: High-A (Florida State League) • B: R \| HT: 6-5 \| WT: 210
26
	POS	AGE	W-L	ERA	SO
	RHP	19	6-5	3.28	102

Turner, like Shelby Miller, proved to be immediately ready for pro ball in 2010. Not only was he ready, but Turner thrived in High-A ball in his professional debut. He has the size and the fastball to miss a lot of bats. Turner could come along in a hurry.

	CHRIS SALE (WHITE SOX)			• Finished 2010: Chicago • Level: Major Leagues • B: L \| HT: 6-5 \| WT: 170
27
	POS	AGE	SV	ERA	SO
	LHP	21	4	2.14	51

Sale does have some question marks about his delivery and his long-term durability, but the stuff and the success he immediately had at the big-league level are things you can not ignore. He has electric stuff from the left side, and the big question now is whether he'll start or relieve long-term.

	MIKE MINOR (BRAVES)			• Finished 2010: Atlanta • Level: Major Leagues • B: R \| HT: 6-3 \| WT: 210
28
	POS	AGE	W-L	ERA	SO
	LHP	23	9-9	4.08	189

Some thought Minor was an overdraft in 2009, but so far the Braves are looking correct in their evaluation. Minor does not profile as a top-of-the-rotation starter, but he's polished and should contribute at the big-league level as a middle-of-the-rotation arm.

	CASEY KELLY (PADRES)			• Finished 2010: Portland • Level: Double-A (Eastern League) • B: R \| HT: 6-3 \| WT: 195
29
	POS	AGE	W-L	ERA	SO
	RHP	21	3-5	5.31	81

The Red Sox had long been reluctant to part with Kelly before finally dealing him to San Diego, and they had good reason for their reluctance. Kelly hit some speed bumps in 2010, but they were mainly due to an adjustment to newfound velocity. People overestimate how polished and big league-ready he is, but he still has front-of-the-rotation upside.

	TYLER MATZEK (ROCKIES)			• Finished 2010: Asheville • Level: Single-A (South Atlantic League) • B: R \| HT: 6-3 \| WT: 210
30
	POS	AGE	W-L	ERA	SO
	LHP	20	5-1	2.92	88

The velocity took some time to come along in 2010, but before the season was out Matzek was dominating the way the Rockies expected him to when they drafted him. He has plus stuff from the left side and has pitchability well beyond his years.

	MANNY MACHADO (ORIOLES)			• Finished 2010: Aberdeen • Level: Low-A (New York-Penn League) • B: R \| HT: 6-3 \| WT: 185
31
	POS	AGE	AVG	RBI	OPS
	SS	18	.306	5	.855

The comparisons to Alex Rodriguez are unfair, but the raw tools are still spectacular for Machado. We'll have to see as he matures if he can remain at shortstop, but his quick hands and extension make for a potentially special bat.

	JEAN SEGURA (ANGELS)			• Finished 2010: Cedar Rapids • Level: Single-A (Midwest League) • B: R \| HT: 5-11 \| WT: 155
32
	POS	AGE	AVG	SB	XBH
	2B	20	.313	50	46

It's easy to get overlooked when you're Mike Trout's teammate, but it's hard to miss Segura's combination of speed and prowess at the plate. Segura has the power to drive the ball to the gaps and cause problems on the basepaths. Still just 20, he has the bat to move up quickly.

	JURICKSON PROFAR (RANGERS)			• Finished 2010: Spokane • Level: Low-A (Northwest League) • B: L \| HT: 5-11 \| WT: 165
33
	POS	AGE	AVG	RBI	SB
	SS	17	.250	23	8

No player this young impressed me as much in 2010 as Profar did. Able to more than hold his own at the plate with older players in instructs, Profar is one of those rare toolsy young players that is already advanced in the bat department.

	GARY SANCHEZ (YANKEES)			• Finished 2010: Staten Island • Level: Low-A (New York-Penn League) • B: R \| HT: 6-2 \| WT: 195
34
	POS	AGE	AVG	XBH	OPS
	C	18	.329	21	.936

Most organizations would sign up for having Sanchez as their top prospect, but he doesn't even get the title of top catching prospect in his organization. That may soon change, however, as Sanchez's bat rivals Montero's at the same age and he looks like he'll be a better defender.

	KYLE GIBSON (TWINS)			• Finished 2010: Rochester • Level: Triple-A (International League) • B: R \| HT: 6-6 \| WT: 210
35
	POS	AGE	W-L	ERA	SO
	RHP	23	11-6	2.96	126

His smooth mechanics, good command and wiry frame have taken him up the ladder rapidly, but let's not forget how good Gibson's low-90s fastball and breaking ball can be. He's ready to help the Twins in 2011.

	JOSE IGLESIAS (RED SOX)			• Finished 2010: Portland • Level: Double-A (Eastern League) • B: L \| HT: 5-11 \| WT: 175
36
	POS	AGE	AVG	RBI	OPS
	SS	21	.295	20	.719

We've heard all about the glove and Iglesias' stunning skills at shortstop, but his bat is slowly catching up. He'll always be known for his defense, make no mistake, but he looks like he'll be a more than representative big-league hitter as well.

	JARRED COSART (PHILLIES)			• Finished 2010: Lakewood • Level: Low-A (South Atlantic League) • B: R \| HT: 6-3 \| WT: 180
37
	POS	AGE	W-L	ERA	SO
	RHP	20	7-3	3.79	77

His health will be something to keep an eye on, but on talent alone Cosart is already an elite pitching prospect after what was his first taste of full-season baseball. He pitches in the mid-90s, can miss bats and has the framework for strong secondary offerings.

	JORDAN LYLES (ASTROS)			• Finished 2010: Round Rock • Level: Double-A (Eastern League) • B: R \| HT: 6-4 \| WT: 185
38
	POS	AGE	W-L	ERA	SO
	RHP	20	7-12	3.57	137

Unlike many of the players on this list, Lyles is not a pitcher who relies solely on raw stuff. He has, essentially, average stuff -- perhaps a tick better than average. But his command and advanced feel for pitching make him a strong bet to be a good No. 3 starter at the big-league level.

	AARON HICKS (TWINS)			• Finished 2010: Beloit • Level: Single-A (Midwest League) • B: S \| HT: 6-2 \| WT: 185
39
	POS	AGE	AVG	SB	OPS
	OF	21	.279	21	.829

We've known about Hicks' electric all-around tools since his amateur days, and they are beginning to show up in a big way in the pros. The Twins will be patient and take it slow with him, but his five-tool ability may force their hand if he continues to improve at this rate.

	LONNIE CHISENHALL (INDIANS)			• Finished 2010: Akron • Level: Double-A (Eastern League) • B: L \| HT: 6-1 \| WT: 200
40
	POS	AGE	AVG	HR	RBI
	3B	22	.278	17	84

The Indians could use an offensive infusion, and it looks like Chisenhall isn't far off from giving them that. He should have plus power from the left side and appears to be a consistent run producer in the making.

	ANTHONY RANAUDO (RED SOX)			• Finished 2010: Louisiana State • Level: NCAA • B: R \| HT: 6-7 \| WT: 225
41
	POS	AGE	W-L	ERA	SO
	RHP	21	5-3	7.32	54

After I got a final glimpse of Ranaudo on the Cape just before he signed, I was pretty convinced he was worth the money he was commanding from Boston. The Sox did end up forking the cash over, and I expect it will pay off quickly. Ranaudo could rocket up the ladder with his plus stuff, size and feel for pitching.

	MIGUEL SANO (TWINS)			• Finished 2010: GCL Twins • Level: Rookie (Gulf Coast League) • B: R \| HT: 6-3 \| WT: 195
42
	POS	AGE	AVG	RBI	OPS
	3B	17	.307	29	.870

Sano was one of the most sought-after international prospects in recent years when the Twins landed him, and thus far he hasn't disappointed. We know about the impressive tools, but even at 17 his bat already looks very polished. Expect him to make a big impact in full-season ball in 2011.

	TONY SANCHEZ (PIRATES)			• Finished 2010: Bradenton • Level: High-A (Florida State League) • B: R \| HT: 6-0 \| WT: 213
43
	POS	AGE	AVG	RBI	OPS
	C	22	.314	35	.870

Some scratched their heads at just how high the Pirates took Sanchez in the 2009 Draft, but he made the Pirates look incredibly smart in 2010. Showing off a polished bat that isn't too far from being major league ready, Sanchez was strong at the plate and behind it in High-A.

	DELLIN BETANCES (YANKEES)			• Finished 2010: Trenton • Level: Double-A (Eastern League) • B: R \| HT: 6-8 \| WT: 245
44
	POS	AGE	W-L	ERA	SO
	RHP	20	8-1	2.11	108

If not for his injury history, Betances would likely be toward the top 20 in this list. The owner of a 93-96 mph fastball, a plus curveball and a rapidly improving changeup, the towering right-hander has all the components you look for in a frontline starter.

	BRETT LAWRIE (BLUE JAYS)			• Finished 2010: Huntsville • Level: Double-A (Southern League) • B: R \| HT: 6-0 \| WT: 213
45
	POS	AGE	AVG	RBI	SB
	2B	21	.285	63	30

Give the Jays credit for picking up this kind of talent in the deal for Shaun Marcum. Lawrie is a potential premium bat with plus raw power and bat speed. The Dan Uggla comparisons are not far off base.