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Editor's note: A lot has changed since we originally posted this on March 10. Some top prospects (Oakland's Chris Carter, Mike Stanton, Ike Davis) have been sent down, some others (Gaby Sanchez, Michael Brantley, Jonathan Niese) have jumped up and grabbed key roles on their big league squads, while a handful of lower-level prospects (Juan Francisco, Mike Leake, Allen Craig) have made surprisingly strong bids to make the team. Thus, Jason is back with an "end of camp" update -- in italics -- on each Top 100 option, addressing any potential changes.

The objective is to win now.

Most prospect lists take the "long" view, looking at a player's potential over the next few seasons. This list doesn't. It has a different purpose, a narrower scope. I'm examining the players most likely to help your team this season. I'm not even considering 2011.

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This set of rankings is going to look markedly different from others. Much of what I did in assembling it is project playing time, because that's what it's all about. If I didn't see any scenarios in which a player will get at-bats this season, then he didn't make this list, because he's of no use to you non-keeper-league owners. For example, I love Dustin Ackley's swing as much as the next person, but I don't think Ackley is going to replicate Gordon Beckham's quick ascension to the majors. Ackley is looking at getting maybe some September at-bats, and that's all, so I couldn't justify putting him among this group. For comparison sake, Jason Heyward (this year's No. 1 prospect) didn't make this list last year. I still expected big things from Heyward, but because he wasn't expected to reach the big leagues, he had little value in single-season formats.

So if you're scanning the list below and wondering where the Rangers' Martin Perez is, there's your answer. Arizona's Adam LaRoche has been a pretty consistent, durable player in his career, so no Brandon Allen either. Allen's talent might warrant inclusion, but he's blocked at first base for now.

Keith Law's Top 100

Keith Law ranks the overall top 100 major league prospects. To see the first 25, click here.

If you're looking for standard prospect ratings, Keith Law's Top 100 prospect rankings might be more to your liking. But for fantasy purposes, playing time is the key, and all kinds of unpredictable variables determine which players will ascend to the big leagues and when. Sometimes it's because of injuries to big league starters, or maybe there's just a spot open for a minor leaguer to step up. Nobody saw Garrett Jones and Casey McGehee coming last season, but sometimes players happen into an unforeseen opportunity and take advantage of it. As such, some of the players at the bottom of this list shouldn't necessarily be considered "top prospects," but because they have a chance to get some playing time, I address them so you know what to expect.

Also, try not to get too hung up on why Player X is ranked two spots ahead of Player Y, especially as we get further down the list. In many cases, the differences aren't that great. Often it's just because of the playing-time factor, not necessarily because someone is a better prospect than those below him in the rankings. Player X might just have a clearer path to at-bats or a rotation job. (For example, Austin Jackson gets a bump up because of this.) Sometimes all it takes is one camp injury and a player can rocket up the list, and that's why these rankings can change month to month or even week to week, especially during spring training. This represents my viewpoint as of March 4.

You might decide that a lower-ranked player is the one you would choose as a matter of personal preference, or because it's a level of risk you are more willing to tolerate, or because that player's potential category contributions fit your team better, or because you want to focus on the player with the biggest upside. That's fine. Season the list to your taste, and focus more on the write-ups of the players rather than the number next to their names.

One last note: A player needs to have maintained his rookie status to appear here, which means he has not: 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 or clubs during the period of the 25-player limit (excluding time in the military service and time on the disabled list). Thus, players who might still be perceived as prospects, such as Chris Tillman (too many innings) or Mat Gamel and Sam Fuld (too much roster time), are ineligible.

Without further ado, let's get to the top 100 fantasy prospects for the 2010 season:

1. Jason Heyward, OF, Braves
Heyward is the best-hitting prospect in baseball, in both the short term (for 2010) and the long term. He has been a favorite of Braves manager Bobby Cox since last year's spring training, and he's in line to open the season as the Braves' starting right fielder, as long as the Braves don't try to get manipulative with his service time and send him down for a couple of weeks.

Heyward's bat speed is ridiculous, he walked as many times as he struck out last year, and Double-A pitchers were no match for him in 2009 even though he was only 19. He reported to camp this year with an extra 15 pounds of muscle, and stories have already been written about him denting cars in batting practice. Longtime scouts compare him to Darryl Strawberry as a player, yet he's the polar opposite of Strawberry in terms of personality, humility and work ethic. One negative is that heel, hip, oblique and hamstring injuries were problems at various points last season, so he does need to show he can remain in the lineup consistently.

Heyward profiles as a player who will eventually approach .300 with 30 homers and double-digit steals every year, but what will he do in 2010? ESPN.com's Keith Law has projected a career path similar to Justin Upton's, in which Heyward will hold his own his first year in the bigs (Upton slugged .463 as a 20-year-old rookie) before breaking out in his second. I wouldn't disagree with that, and even while "holding his own," he still could win the NL Rookie of the Year award.

End of camp update: After an impressive spring training, Heyward will indeed open the season as the Braves' starting right fielder (despite missing a few games toward the end of camp because of shin splints). He's still the No. 1 rookie for 2010.

2. Stephen Strasburg, SP, Nationals
Will he start the 2010 season in the majors? That's the big question. There's no doubt he's one of the Nats' five best starting pitchers right now, but is there a reason to push him when he could instead get his feet wet in the minors? Last fall, the word was that Strasburg would start the season in the minors no matter how well he pitched in the spring. Then, at the end of January, Nats GM Mike Rizzo said Strasburg would make the club if he had a great spring. In the first week of March, manager Jim Riggleman hinted that the first overall pick would be in the minors regardless of how well he did, then backtracked a little and didn't rule out his starting the year in the majors. Rizzo then intimated basically the same thing. What are fantasy owners to believe?

Strasburg's stuff is big-league-ready and will help him overcome the occasional command and control issues that are likely to crop up when he faces major league hitters for the first time. For all the hype about his fastball and breaking ball, one of the more intriguing things about Strasburg is that he has a "plus" changeup that was in his back pocket in college because he never needed it. That gives him three pitches in his arsenal that can make batters look foolish.

My guess is that Strasburg will do a little "affiliate tour" in 2010, starting at Class A ball, and build up a few starts before making his big league debut in early June. That's what we have based our projection for him on. Treat anything else as a bonus. It's possible that Strasburg could be a top-50 fantasy starter, even if he doesn't open the season in the big leagues. After all, Tommy Hanson was a top-30 starter last year despite missing the first two months. Either way, Strasburg should be successful almost immediately thanks to his superior stuff.

End of camp update: Despite three impressive spring starts, Strasburg will open the season in Double-A. That said, I still expect his big league debut to come sometime in early June if he pitches the way he's capable of. We have him projected for a 3.63 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and better than a strikeout per inning in 20-plus starts this season.

 

3. Alcides Escobar, SS, Brewers
I've followed Escobar closely since the 2005 Arizona Fall League, where, although he was 18 years old and the youngest player in the league, he more than held his own against advanced pitching -- hitting better than .300 -- and also flashed some serious leather. The 23-year-old has always been among the youngest in the leagues he has played, and still he hit .306 across two levels in 2007, .328 at Double-A in 2008 (ranking third in the minor leagues in hits), and .298 at Triple-A last year, not to mention a .304 mark in 34 major league games.

Escobar is unlikely to post good on-base percentages over the course of his career, but he'll hit for average and get on base enough to use his speed and steal bags, while adding Gold Glove-caliber defense. Also, Escobar has shown he has a good idea when to run -- he has been successful in 80 of his 100 attempts over the past two seasons -- which enhances the likelihood that manager Ken Macha will give him the green light. Fantasy-wise, Escobar is in a position similar to that of Elvis Andrus last season: He has a guaranteed job and an ability to provide cheap speed.

End of camp update: It's "all systems go" for Escobar, who has hit well in camp and is locked in as the club's shortstop this season. He should be a good source of stolen bases at a value price.

4. Wade Davis, SP, Rays
Davis could be one of the most undervalued starting pitchers in the American League this season, as he's the favorite to win the Rays' fifth starter spot, and he's ready to take advantage of the opportunity. "He's in a position in our minds to put 200-plus innings together," executive VP of baseball operations Andrew Friedman told MLB.com in late February.

Davis struck out a batter per inning in his six starts at the big league level last year, showing the promise that has scouts pegging him as a future No. 2 starter. Among his performances was a nifty 10-strikeout shutout of the Orioles in his third big league start, which also showed he could bounce back well after a shellacking. (He had given up eight runs to the Red Sox in his previous outing.) Davis can dial it up to the mid-90s when he needs to, he gets good movement on his sinker, and his curve is a big league swing-and-miss pitch that he can throw for strikes. He's 24 and ready for a full season in the majors, and his performance will come at a bargain price in many leagues.

End of camp update: Davis won the fifth starter's job with the Rays despite a rough and uneven exhibition season (7.17 ERA in five starts). He even had some trouble throwing strikes. Still, the team expects him to step it up when the games count, and I expect that he will, so he's still a strong value play in AL-only formats and a player to stash away in mixed leagues.

5. Brian Matusz, SP, Orioles
Although there were some bumps in the road, by the time Matusz was shut down at the big league level in mid-September, he did not look overmatched at all. The polished southpaw with the low-90s fastball and command of four pitches needed just 20 minor league starts to ascend to the majors, and let's just say he's not headed back. He struck out almost eight batters per nine innings over his eight starts, thanks to a curve that some scouts have rated a 70 in the 20-80 scouting scale, plus good sink and fade on his changeup. His .343 batting average on balls in play in 2009 illustrates he was a little bit unlucky in the big leagues and pitched better than the surface numbers would indicate. The AL East has some tough offenses, but a big step forward from Matusz would not surprise me, given the command of his secondary stuff. He's a sleeper you want to target late in your mixed-league draft.

End of camp update: Matusz has been one of the more impressive pitchers this spring, and he looks poised to take a big step forward this season. If I were ranking them again right now, I'd push Matusz ahead of Wade Davis in my pecking order. His command and willingness to throw any pitch at any point in the count will serve him well.

6. Scott Sizemore, 2B, Tigers
Despite fracturing an ankle in the 2009 Arizona Fall League, Sizemore is penciled in as the team's starting second baseman, and the team was confident enough in his ability to fill that role that they made no effort to re-sign Placido Polanco. Sizemore first impressed me in his initial trip to the AFL in 2007, and I'm a fan of the way he consistently squares up the ball and gets the fat part of the bat on it, being short to the ball and keeping the bat in the hitting zone. The 25-year-old was sidelined for a large portion of the 2008 season because of a left wrist fracture, but he returned with a vengeance last season, hitting .308 with 17 homers and a .500 slugging percentage split between Double- and Triple-A. He also went 21-for-25 on the basepaths, and hopefully the ankle injury doesn't hinder his ability to steal a few bags here and there. The signing of Johnny Damon means that Sizemore will get a little shorter leash at second base, as Ryan Raburn is now in a utility role, making him an option there. But if there are no setbacks with his ankle, Sizemore will take the job and run with it, entering the conversation for the AL Rookie of the Year award in the process.

End of camp update: Sizemore didn't seem to be affected by his ankle when I saw him this month, and that's a good sign that he still should be able to contribute 10 to 15 steals to go along with a good batting average and a homer total somewhere in the teens. In other words, quiet production across the board. He's hit the ball hard this spring even when making outs, and also handled the strike zone well.

7. Desmond Jennings, OF, Rays
Jennings is one of the best prospects in baseball, and he's likely to make his debut at some point this season. All he did last year was hit .316 with 11 homers and 51 steals in 131 games in the high minors, walking more than he struck out. The question here is when the team feels the right fielder is ready for regular major league at-bats. Jennings is considered by many to be a right-handed version of his future teammate Carl Crawford, which will certainly pique any fantasy player's interest. He can make a strong run at the AL Rookie of the Year award if he gets the at-bats, especially given his understanding of the strike zone and ability to make contact. Manager Joe Maddon is already on record as saying it would be asking a lot of Jennings to start the season in the big leagues. Jennings likely won't make the Opening Day roster, but he might force the issue with his production sooner rather than later.

End of camp update: Jennings has had an injury-filled spring; he missed time after taking a pitch off his elbow, and then he sprained his wrist and had to wear a splint for a week. So his chances of making the big league club were kind of derailed before they even got started. That said, he's pretty close to big league ready, and we'll see him at some point in the near future, especially with the Rays' right-field picture being unsettled. Even a half-season of at-bats could still yield 20 steals from him, if nothing else.

8. Neftali Feliz, SP, Rangers
Although he burst onto the scene and torched big league hitters last season, Feliz had to do so as a reliever, partially because of an early-season shoulder problem, partially to limit his innings. But Feliz will get a chance to transition back to starting again this year. He likely will have some struggles in the transition because he won't be able to fire 96 mph-plus pitches the whole game, and he's going to need a better curveball to give him an effective third pitch to go with the heater and his nasty changeup. But he will record his share of strikeouts, with good numbers in the other categories. Even given the hype from last year, it seems Feliz is going to be a little undervalued this season, judging by early fantasy drafts. Regardless of his role, Feliz has an arm you're going to want to own, because if he's not starting, it's possible he could take over as the Rangers' closer if Frank Francisco has injury issues again.

 

End of camp update: Feliz had some problems in his second or third time through batting lineups this spring, especially with having to dial back his fastball a bit, and he wound up being converted back to relief. He hit 100 mph multiple times and struck out the side in a late-spring outing, and also got his first experience working on back-to-back days. With C.J. Wilson now in the starting rotation, expect Feliz to be the Rangers' primary setup man, which makes him well worth owning when you consider Francisco's injury history.

9. Carlos Santana, C, Indians
One of the best catching prospects in baseball, Santana hit .287 with a .395 on-base percentage, 23 homers and more walks than strikeouts at Double-A last year. However, even though he is fully recovered from a broken hamate bone that required surgery in September, he's probably going to start the year in Triple-A. "We made it clear that he's our future," manager Manny Acta told the Cleveland Plain-Dealer. "We want him to suck in as much [knowledge] as he can this spring. We want him to put himself in the position where he can help us at any time this year." Batting average, power and patience is a great profile for a fantasy catcher, and he'll take over as the starter at some point this year. Lou Marson might be the rookie with the job to open the season, but Santana is the one you want.

End of camp update: As expected, Santana was reassigned to minor league camp in mid-March, and will get more seasoning at Triple-A. But he's still expected to take over as the starting catcher at some point this year. Manager Manny Acta has already gone on record as saying the Indians want Santana to put himself in position to help them at any time this season, and given Santana's prowess with the bat, I would be surprised if he wasn't in the majors by the All-Star break.

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10. Austin Jackson, OF, Tigers
Jackson has always been an overhyped prospect, but he's the favorite to win the Tigers' center-field job this season. He's going to have some problems making contact, and his power is just the "gap variety" at the moment. His best asset is the potential to hit for a decent average and post 15-20 steals, which isn't that exciting an upside. Plus, there's the chance that he doesn't win a starting job or is unable to hang on to it if he does. He deserves to be ranked here because he's just 23 and has a good chance at playing time this year. We just need to temper our short-term expectations.

End of camp update: Jackson has looked very good this spring, showing sound plate discipline and running the bases well when finally given the green light by manager Jim Leyland. Hitting in the leadoff spot instead of at the bottom of the lineup will only enhance his value, and his strong defensive skills should keep him in the lineup most days.

11. Brett Wallace, 3B/1B, Blue Jays
The Jays view Wallace's long-term future at first base, which means he could challenge Lyle Overbay for playing time or at least see some opportunities at DH this year. Wallace hit .293 with 20 homers and a .455 slugging percentage in the high minors last year in his first full season as a professional, but a little more Triple-A time wouldn't be out of order, especially since the 13th overall pick in the 2008 draft will be learning a new position. His bat, however, is likely ready now, and the lefty slugger can hit both lefties and righties. Even though he's now in his third organization since being drafted, make no mistake about it: Wallace has been coveted by teams because eventually, he's going to hit for average and homers at the big league level.

End of camp update: Wallace got just nine at-bats in major league camp before being sent out, and his focus early on at Triple-A this season will be getting used to playing first base. Given that the team has other options (such as Randy Ruiz) ready to jump in should Overbay falter, they don't have to rush Wallace. But his bat could force the issue at some point if he looks capable with the glove.

12. Chris Carter, 1B, A's (Exclusive video Video)
The A's would prefer to take their time with Carter's development, and they have enough options that they don't need to rush him. The right-handed slugger hit .337 with 24 homers and a .436 on-base percentage at Double-A last season, and four more dingers in 13 late-season games at Triple-A to follow up his 39-homer season in high Class A in 2008. He'll likely spend a good portion of the year in Triple-A, with a chance at getting some playing time if something happens to Daric Barton. Carter's best position is DH, and the A's have apparently scuttled plans to give him some work in left field. The strikeouts will always be high, and scouts still have concerns about how well Carter will handle big league breaking balls and off-speed stuff, but he was able to shorten his stroke a little bit without sacrificing his power last season, meaning he could be more than just a mistake hitter. He's also more than willing to take a walk, if necessary, instead of pressing and chasing a bad pitch. There's no denying he has a high ceiling, and he's definitely worth taking a chance on if he gets an opportunity.

End of camp update: Carter didn't have an impressive spring with the bat, getting out in front of off-speed stuff too often, but he still could be in line to pick up some significant playing time this season should Barton (who has had a great spring) falter. That said, his chances at substantial big league at-bats are not quite as good as they were a month ago.

13. Pedro Alvarez, 3B, Pirates
Alvarez hit .288 with 27 homers between high Class A and Double-A in his pro debut last year. He is on the fast track, and although Andy LaRoche is the incumbent starter at third base, he won't stand in Alvarez's way when the club thinks it's time for the second overall pick in the 2008 draft to get the call. In fact, the Pirates are planning on having LaRoche play a few different positions this spring to prepare for that possibility. In addition, Jeff Clement is no sure thing at first base, which could be another way for Alvarez to get playing time.

The Pirates plan on giving Alvarez at least a couple of months at Triple-A, where the hope is that he will hit his way into the big league lineup. He is likely to struggle a bit against left-handed pitching in the short term, but he can homer to all fields in any park, and he handles the strike zone reasonably well. The relative lack of depth in the third base pool this season makes him an even more intriguing prospect gamble for 2010, as he could be in the big leagues as early as June.

End of camp update: Alvarez was sent down and told to focus on improving his performance against southpaws, but with the Pirates having question marks at both corner positions, he has more than one avenue to major league at-bats in the short term. Thus his outlook hasn't changed this spring.

14. Eric Young Jr., 2B, Rockies
Although Young likely is ready to handle either a utility role or the starting second base job in the big leagues, the team's signing of Melvin Mora probably will push him back to Triple-A, where he will continue to work on his defense at second base and his baserunning. The 24-year-old switch hitter announced his presence as a player to watch by swiping 87 bags in low Class A in 2006. For an encore, he stole 73 bases at high Class A in 2007, losing just 11 points off his previous season's OPS. Promoted to Double-A in 2008, Young stole 46 bases despite missing a month of the season because of a broken hamate bone. That earned him an invitation to the Arizona Fall League, where his .430 batting average, .504 on-base percentage and 20 steals all led the league. He carried that momentum into Triple-A last year, posting a .387 on-base percentage and stealing 58 bases. He hasn't hit any roadblocks thus far, and though he has good plate discipline, he does expand the strike zone a bit too much at times. Clint Barmes is no sure thing at second base, and Young is a speedster who actually has a bit of offensive skill and knows how to get on base. Given some extended at-bats at the big league level, he could bring thefts in bunches, and perhaps even do so in a super-utility role, which would be favorable to fantasy owners.

End of camp update: Young hit .211 in 57 at-bats this spring, stealing five bases, so he didn't really force the issue for a roster spot. However, when he was sent down at the end of March, manager Jim Tracy indicated that Young will play multiple positions at Triple-A to position himself for a call-up, and Tracy indicated that he could be the "Carlos Gonzalez of 2009," meaning Young could come up in June and make an immediate impact.

 

15. Logan Morrison, 1B, Marlins
Had he not missed two months last season because of a broken thumb, Morrison might already be the starting first baseman for the Marlins. In 2007, he hit 26 homers at low Class A in his first full season as a pro. He followed that up with a .332 BA/.402 OBP/.494 SLG in the high-Class A Florida State League in 2008 to win the MVP award, and then crushed Arizona Fall League pitching. His thumb injury happened last April 10, and he wasn't able to return to action until early June. When he returned, he had some trouble finding his rhythm again at the plate, but he eventually found his groove, even improving his plate discipline (63 walks, 46 strikeouts in 79 Double-A games).

Morrison has big raw power, and he does a good job of harnessing it and not overswinging; he lets his normal swing generate the pop in his bat. He is adept at going to the opposite field, with a slight inside-out stroke that helps keep his hands inside the ball. Not only does he have the power potential, but he also has the ability to make consistent contact, a nice combination. Morrison does have a small hitch in his trigger and a tiny wrap in his swing, but the 6-foot-2, 215-pounder is very long through the zone and will be a dangerous presence in the middle of a big league lineup. Morrison has 30-homer potential and can flirt with .300, and the club is going to give him a chance to beat out Gaby Sanchez for the first base job in camp. The one caveat is that Morrison says his thumb still gets sore from time to time; hopefully that won't affect him too much and it will get progressively better. If he doesn't win the Marlins' first base job by the end of March, it will be his eventually. It's just a question of when.

End of camp update: Morrison lost out in the Marlins' first-base battle by hitting just .209 this spring, but he still has a bright future, and he's still the team's first baseman over the long haul. For dynasty and keeper leagues, Morrison is the one you want, but for this year, Sanchez (below) is now the better option.

16. Gaby Sanchez, 1B/3B, Marlins
Sanchez has always been sort of a favorite of mine, but he's in a battle with Logan Morrison to win the first base job coming out of camp, and while he's a legitimate big league hitter and is a bit more advanced, he clearly does not have Morrison's upside. Two knee injuries could not have come at more inopportune times last year. One happened during spring training, which cost him a chance at an Opening Day job, and the other happened in early May when he was hitting .345 and slugging .517 at Triple-A, which cost him a chance at being called up and receiving some playing time. Instead it was Chris Coghlan who got the call, and we know how that wound up. When Sanchez did come up, he was used merely as a bat off the bench.

Sanchez was a fourth-round pick in the 2005 draft out of the University of Miami, and he immediately established himself by winning a batting title in his short-season league. But his 2006 season was marred by a broken hand and broken foot, which limited him to playing 74 games. He followed that with a mildly disappointing campaign in 2007, during which he hit .279 with nine homers. That took him off the radar a bit, though he did play in a good pitchers' environment in the high Class A Florida State League, and he still hit 40 doubles. Sanchez rebounded in 2008 with a .314 average, 60 extra-base hits and as many walks as strikeouts in the Double-A Southern League, winning the league MVP and earning a cup of coffee in the big leagues that September.

Sanchez doesn't have the greatest bat speed, but he compensates for it with a short swing and good pitch recognition. He hits the ball to all fields and projects to hit for average with 20-homer power in the majors if he remains a starter. With Morrison coming up fast, regardless of how Sanchez does, he might have to hope for Jorge Cantu to get traded or moved to keep a regular lineup spot, but definitely don't overlook him if he gets the opportunity.

End of camp update: Sanchez beat out Morrison for the starting first-base job by hitting .352 and slugging .574 in his first 20 games this spring, making himself a sleeper in NL-only play and the player you want in the short term. He'll need to get off to a fast start, though, especially if Morrison hits well in the minors to begin the season.

Justin Smoak
Albert Pena/Icon SMIJustin Smoak's fast track to the majors was slowed by injuries in 2009, but he's still a top prospect.

17. Justin Smoak, 1B, Rangers (Exclusive video Video)
The switch-hitting Smoak has drawn comparisons to Mark Teixeira in the past, but a strained oblique in 2009 (Smoak's first full pro season) derailed the bullet train that was his progression. He still hit .328 with more walks than strikeouts in 50 Double-A games, but the injury affected Smoak's transition to Triple-A, and he wound up hitting just .244 in 54 games, albeit with good strike-zone judgment.

Even though the Rangers are loaded with first base options, there's still a good chance we'll see Smoak at some point this season, and his approach will help him put up good numbers right away. If Chris Davis falls flat for a second season in a row, or Vladimir Guerrero gets hurt again, we could see Smoak earlier than expected. In the meantime, we can drool about the projected numbers the 23-year-old will someday put up while playing half his games in Arlington.

End of camp update: Chris Davis has had a decent spring for the Rangers, with an improved approach at the plate, giving him a little more job security for now. However, Smoak is expected to be the player called up should a need at first base or DH arise. There is even a plausible scenario in which Smoak spends half the season in the big leagues.

18. Jeremy Hellickson, SP, Rays
Hellickson is likely to start the year at Triple-A, but like Wade Davis last year, he is not far from making his big league debut, which will come this season. If the Rays run into injury issues, that debut could come sooner rather than later. The short right-hander has drawn comparisons to Roy Oswalt. While Hellickson's fastball sits in the low 90s, it's his secondary stuff that makes him promising, as both his curve and changeup are plus pitches, and he has enough control of all three pitches to throw any of them in any count. It's the advanced command and control that have scouts thinking he's ready to contribute to a big league rotation as soon as this year. He's a definite sleeper, especially in AL-only formats, as he's just waiting for an opportunity.

End of camp update: Hellickson faced eight batters in big league camp and struck out six of them before being sent down. He is a player who definitely needs to be stashed away in AL-only leagues, as he likely will be the first one that gets the call should the Rays have a rotation opening. Let's just say Wade Davis needs to make sure his spring struggles don't carry over to April.

19. Josh Bell, 3B, Orioles (Exclusive video Video)
The Orioles' acquisition of Miguel Tejada and Garrett Atkins this offseason bought them more development time for Bell, their future third baseman. Bell is coming off a year in which he hit .295 at Double-A with a .376 on-base percentage and .516 slugging percentage (thanks to 20 homers and 35 doubles). Some scouts have compared the switch hitter's offensive potential to Bobby Bonilla's, and if he winds up getting some extended playing time, pay attention. I have no faith in Atkins hanging on to a starting job this season (as detailed in our staff sleepers and busts column), which could open the door for either Bell or Brandon Snyder to get some playing time.

One thing worth noting is Bell's massive platoon split in 2009. He slugged 367 points lower against lefties (.259, versus .626 against right-handers), and that has been a continuing problem in his career, leading to speculation he will eventually give up batting right-handed. If he does see big league time this season, he might be somewhat limited against southpaws to begin with, but he's an above-average bat with a good understanding of the strike zone.

End of camp update: Bell's short-term outlook now appears to be tied solely to how well Miguel Tejada performs, so he will head to Triple-A to work on handling lefties better and will try to force his way into the mix. He's not as much of a sleeper now, but keep him on your radar screen.

20. Alex Avila, C, Tigers:
A fifth-round pick in the 2008 draft, Avila advanced rapidly up the ladder to earn a spot as the Tigers' backup catcher by the end of last season. He proceeded to hit five homers in 61 at-bats and is clearly the team's catcher of the future after improving rapidly defensively, throwing out 44 percent of would-be base stealers in Double-A last season. Although there's a slight chance he will be sent to Triple-A if they want to play him every day, Avila is expected to start the year as Gerald Laird's backup. There's a very good chance he'll earn more at-bats as the season progresses, given Laird's offensive struggles and with the left-handed-hitting Avila hitting better against right-handed pitching. Although Avila is the likely starter in 2011, he could have that job as early as the second half of this season, projecting as a player who can hit for a good batting average with teens home run power.

End of camp update: Avila looked very good this spring, and his bat forced his way on to the roster as Laird's backup; he could even force his way into more at-bats. He's a strong value play at catcher in AL-only leagues.

 

21. Daniel Hudson, SP, White Sox
Hudson's rise to the big leagues last season was quite impressive. He pitched at five different levels in 2009, working his way up from low Class A to the big leagues in just his second pro season. He can hit 94 mph with his fastball, add and subtract velocity from it and spot it well, complementing it with a solid changeup and developing slider. He showed in 2009 that he can throw consistent strikes and make batters miss with the deception in his delivery, but he does need to sharpen his overall command and repeat his delivery better. Hudson will start the year as the sixth starter and await a potential opening. He doesn't have the upside of some of the other pitchers on this list, but he can be a solid starter. He is a definite sleeper in AL-only leagues if he gets an extended run in the rotation.

End of camp update: As expected, Hudson was sent down to Triple-A to await an opening in the rotation on the South Side. That said, Freddy Garcia has been absolutely torched this spring (10.38 ERA in six starts), and could be on a short leash. A half-dozen rough starts from him could have Hudson back in the big leagues.

22. Michael Taylor, OF, A's
One of the best outfield prospects in baseball, the 6-foot-6 Taylor is not just another lumbering swing-and-miss slugger. He's a good athlete who can hit for both average and a good amount of power, and he actually handles the strike zone pretty well and can take the ball the other way. Taylor has remade his swing from the hitter he was in college at Stanford, which shows an ability to make adjustments that should help him adapt well to the big leagues. The A's have enough outfield depth entering camp that they don't need to rush Taylor, but he's close to being ready and likely will make his debut this season. Consider him an AL sleeper.

End of camp update: Taylor never really had a chance at winning a job during camp, given the number of options in the A's outfield, and he didn't distinguish himself with the bat when he did get an opportunity. It does nothing to diminish his long-term outlook, though. He'll go to Triple-A and wait for an opening.

23. Michael Brantley, OF, Indians
Nobody was affected more by the Indians' signing of Russell Branyan more than Brantley, who went from being the team's likely starter in left field to possibly spending quite a bit of time at Triple-A Columbus, with Matt LaPorta moving to left field. Still, given that LaPorta has yet to prove himself, and Branyan's past back troubles and problems against left-handed pitching, Brantley could still see some decent at-bats this season, and he'd also be able to play center field should Grady Sizemore get hurt again.

Brantley's main asset for fantasy owners will be his above-average speed -- even though he was just 4-for-8 in the majors last year, he went 45-for-50 on the basepaths in Triple-A. That said, he's not a true burner like Michael Bourn and Julio Borbon. A good contact hitter with a strong understanding of the strike zone, Brantley has walked more than he has struck out in his pro career, which is a good sign that he should be able to get on base enough to use his wheels. He has no pop to speak of at this point in his career and doesn't project to add much, making his fantasy value dependent entirely on his ability to hit for average, steal bases and score runs. Still, if you're looking for a cheap speed in the AL reserve rounds, Brantley is a good candidate.

End of camp update: It was a fortunate set of circumstances for Brantley, who was told early in camp that if Branyan was healthy, he wasn't going to stick with the club. However, with Branyan on the DL to start the year, Brantley will start in left field and try to make his case to stick around when Branyan returns. He has a starting job for now, but he likely needs to perform well immediately in order to keep it.

24. David Freese, 3B, Cardinals
Freese turns 27 in April and was in a similar position last year, with a chance to win the third base job, but ankle problems stemming from a January car accident were more serious than he let on, and he eventually underwent surgery. He's a career .308 hitter in the minors, with a .384 on-base percentage and .484 slugging percentage in almost 1,500 at-bats, and his short stroke, bat speed and ability to go the other way with power should allow those numbers to translate well to the major league level. He does tend to get streaky and is prone to going through stretches in which he chases too many pitches, and the signing of Felipe Lopez definitely has the potential to cut into Freese's playing time, but he'll be given a chance to take a starting job and run with it.

End of camp update: Freese won the Cards' third-base job with a good performance this spring, making him a sleeper to target late in drafts.

25. Chris Heisey, OF, Reds
A platoon of Chris Dickerson and Jonny Gomes, with Wladimir Balentien possibly thrown in here and there, is the likely direction the Reds will go with their left field job for now, but don't be surprised if Heisey, a favorite of mine who is relatively overlooked, hits his way into the mix eventually.

The 25-year-old doesn't have any one tool that stands out, which is why he has never gotten a lot of love from scouts, but he had a breakout year from a production standpoint, hitting .347 with 13 homers at Double-A last season and earning an invitation to the Futures Game. He also hit .278 with nine homers in 63 games at Triple-A to finish the year, and crushed pitching in the Arizona Fall League. It's not that Heisey hadn't hit before -- he was a career .298 hitter in the minors in just less than 1,700 at-bats -- but he really started hitting with authority to the gaps and pulled mistake pitchers hard. He doesn't have the cleanest swing, but it's a good stroke overall, featuring solid bat speed and a swing that stays in the zone a long time. He's a good defender at the corners and has excellent instincts on the bases, as he has swiped 53 bags in 58 attempts the past two seasons despite his lack of plus speed. He's a definite sleeper if he gets extended playing time.

End of camp update: It was disappointing that Heisey never really got a chance to show what he could do, getting just 11 at-bats before being sent to minor league camp. My opinion of him hasn't changed, though; he just needs an opportunity. We'll have to see if he can keep hitting and earn one.

 

26. Michael Saunders, OF, Mariners
The Mariners' offseason moves indicated that they didn't want to ask too much of the 23-year-old Saunders this season unless it was absolutely necessary. That allows him to develop a bit more at Triple-A and get past some of the struggles that plagued him down the stretch in the big leagues last year. He needs to get better against breaking balls, but his raw strength and bat speed give him good power potential, even if that wasn't evident given his failure to homer in 46 major league games last season. Given that all of the players the Mariners are going to ask to hold down the left field and DH spots have question marks, Saunders could be contributing in the big leagues by the second half of the season.

End of camp update: Given that there weren't regular at-bats for Saunders at the start of the season following the additions of Milton Bradley and Eric Byrnes, he was sent down to Triple-A to play every day. However, given the poor health histories of Bradley and Ken Griffey Jr., and the poor performance history of Byrnes lately, Saunders could be back up sooner rather than later.

27. Madison Bumgarner, SP, Giants
Bumgarner is a tough pitcher to evaluate right now because there's some uncertainty about what kind of pitcher he actually is. Is he the guy who hit 95 mph in short outings in spring training last year, and then a consistent 93-94 mph as a starter earlier in the season? Or is he the guy that was sitting at 88-90 mph (91-92 mph in relief outings) by the time he was pitching in the big leagues in September? He also saw his strikeout rate drop sharply at Double-A, partially because of a loss of velocity. The lack of deception in his delivery will make the low velocity a problem if it doesn't improve.

Early reports from camp are that his velocity hasn't bounced back, but again, as of this writing, it's early, and everyone is still getting up to speed. It's also worth noting that Bumgarner consistently worked with an extra day of rest all last season and needs to adapt to pitching every fifth day. The positives are that he started showing more feel for his changeup as the season progressed, and, of course, that he posted a 1.85 ERA in 25 minor league games last year between two levels, following a 1.46 mark the previous year. Oh, and he also pitched most of last year at just 19 years of age. Bumgarner is battling with Todd Wellemeyer for the fifth slot in the Giants' rotation and has proven upside, so track reports about his velocity this spring.

End of camp update: Bumgarner's velocity did not return this spring; he was hitting 88-89 mph, and some very real concerns have now cropped up about his future potential if this is going to be what he is from now on. He faced 35 batters in major league camp, walking seven and striking out none, and thus didn't make a strong bid for the fifth starter's job. Scouts now question his ability to succeed as a big league starter, especially in the short term, if his velocity is mostly in the mid-80s. If I were to re-rank these players, Bumgarner would definitely be moved down the list.

28. Drew Storen, RP, Nationals
The signing of Matt Capps buys the Nats a little more time to develop Storen, their closer of the future. The 10th overall pick in last year's draft reached Double-A in his first pro season, and showed off his great stuff in the Arizona Fall League. When you draft a reliever that high, you're expecting him to take over the ninth-inning role someday, and Storen has the stuff to be a successful closer. His tailing mid-90s heater bores in on right-handed hitters, and his sharp power slider is the prototypical power-closer mix. Plus, Storen already has demonstrated that he can throw strikes, unlike a lot of young fireballers. Regardless of where he starts the year, Storen likely will be closing for the Nats in 2011, with an outside chance at doing so in the second half of this season if Capps falters.

End of camp update: Storen went back to the minors on the same day as Strasburg, but he's also expected to make an impact at the big league level at some point this season, and how Capps performs will be directly tied to Storen's fantasy value.

29. Hector Rondon, SP, Indians
Although he will turn just 22 during spring training, Rondon already has had success at Triple-A, and if he doesn't win a spot at the back end of the Tribe's rotation in spring training, he will get his chance at some point during the season. After all, how many times can you keep going back to that Jeremy Sowers well? Rondon had no trouble advancing to the high minors, thanks to good command of his fastball, tumble on his changeup and his ability to throw strikes. He's not a soft-tosser, either, as he can regularly hit 93 mph on the gun with movement. He probably deserves more attention as a starting pitcher prospect than he has gotten, and his stuff gives him a good chance to hit the ground running when he makes his debut.

End of camp update: Rondon heads back to Triple-A to start the season, but the Indians' rotation remains filled with question marks, and if Rondon continues to pitch the way he has the past couple of seasons, we will see him at some point.

30. Jhoulys Chacin, SP, Rockies
Assuming a healthy and successful return from Jeff Francis, the Rockies' rotation is set entering this season. But Chacin likely will be one of the first guys to get the call when the club needs reinforcements. He's not generally a flamethrower, but he'll range anywhere from 88 to 94 mph with good command and sink, and he can make batters look silly with his changeup. He has shown he can bury his curve in the bottom of the zone; he just needs to be more consistent with it. His feel for pitching and control have advanced him up the ladder rapidly, and he's pretty close to being ready. Consider him a sleeper in NL-only play.

End of camp update: The Rockies' rotation was pretty set going into camp, and Chacin battled his command enough in the few big league outings he had this spring that he didn't really give the club any tough decisions to make. He'll head to the minors to work on his mechanics and keep himself in position to get the call should a need arise.

31. Jake Arrieta, SP, Orioles
Arrieta spent half of 2009 at Triple-A in just his second pro season, and it was an encouraging sign that he still was able to make batters miss while showing greatly improved control. Arrieta has a solid four-pitch repertoire, and can dial it up to the mid-90s when he needs to. He just needs to sharpen his fastball command, especially if he's going to handle the unforgiving offenses of the American League East (pitchers had a 4.83 ERA against AL East clubs versus a 4.22 ERA against all other teams). But considering he can repeat his delivery and that he's still relatively inexperienced, his improvement is projectable. While he doesn't have the upside of Brian Matusz or Chris Tillman, he likely will make his big league debut this year, and profiles as a future No. 3 starter. Consider him a 2010 sleeper in AL formats.

End of camp update: With Chris Tillman being sent to Triple-A, Arrieta won't be the first pitcher that gets a look if the Orioles need to fill a spot in their rotation, but he'll certainly be in their plans for this season if he continues to pitch well.

 

32. Lance Lynn, SP, Cardinals
The fifth spot in the Cardinals' rotation is up for grabs, and even if Lynn doesn't win it during spring training, he might get it at some point this season. A supplemental first-rounder in the 2008 draft, Lynn has cruised through the minors thanks to his good sinker and command of his secondary stuff, finishing with a 2.92 ERA in 22 Double-A starts last year. He doesn't really have an "out pitch," but can hit his spots and keep his mistakes in the ballpark, giving him a chance to have some sneaky value if he gets an opportunity.

End of camp update: Lynn made only two appearances before being sent down, but you should expect to see him in St. Louis at some point this year. He'll likely be among the first to get a look if there's a rotation opening, especially if Jaime Garcia doesn't burst out of the gate.

33. Tyler Flowers, C, White Sox
The re-signing of Ramon Castro likely means Flowers will continue to work on his defense at Triple-A in anticipation of becoming the White Sox's starting catcher next season when A.J. Pierzynski is a free agent. But there is a chance Flowers' bat could force its way into the backstop or DH mix at some point this season, especially if injuries strike. Scouts believe his combination of power and patience will play just fine at the big league level, even with big strikeout totals, but they are less certain he can stick behind the plate because he lacks agility. His bat will be productive enough for him to settle in at first base or DH, but fantasy owners would love it if he sticks as a backstop. Be ready to pounce if it looks like he's going to get significant playing time, as catchers with his kind of pop are in high demand.

End of camp update: As expected, Flowers will begin the year in the minors and wait for an opening on the White Sox at either catcher or DH. Be ready to scoop him up if it looks like he's going to get extended at-bats.

34. Aroldis Chapman, SP, Reds
The 22-year-old southpaw has touched triple digits and will regularly sit in the mid-90s with his fastball velocity. He throws three secondary pitches, but all are still in development and inconsistent, with his slider/cutter hybrid being the best of the lot. There's really no other way to put it: Chapman is a complete wild card for 2010. He will compete to start in the Reds' rotation right away, but there'll be uncertainty about how soon he's going to be ready until we see him in true game action. There's clearly a high ceiling, but he probably needs some time just to adjust to life in the United States, much less life as a big league starting pitcher. It's worth noting that some teams passed on Chapman for the money he was asking for because they felt he was ultimately a bullpen arm, but he'll be given every chance to start for the Reds, and there's obviously a chance he has some value as soon as this year.

Early reports from camp have been very positive, and it's quite possible this ranking winds up being too low given his raw ability and international experience. It's just hard to rank him higher until we see him throw in spring training games.

End of camp update: Chapman was ostensibly the front-runner for the Reds' fifth-starter job, but a back injury derailed his chances of winning it this spring. He wowed scouts early in camp with a high-90s fastball that touched triple digits and a sharp slider, but the inconsistency in his breaking ball showed up in later outings. He'll start the year in the minors but likely won't stay there very long, as he could come up either as a starter or reliever. He'd be in the top 20, at the very least, if I were to re-rank now.

35. Dan Runzler, RP, Giants
The ninth-round pick in the 2007 draft began the 2009 season at low Class A, but once he learned not to rush his delivery and became more aggressive, he took off. By the end of the year, the southpaw was getting outs in the big leagues, the fifth level he dominated last season. Along the way he posted a 0.76 ERA and 17 saves in 47 games in the minors, striking out 83 in 59 innings with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of almost 3.5-to-1. Manager Bruce Bochy has already called Runzler's 95 mph fastball and slider combination "filthy." If Brian Wilson falters, expect Runzler, and not Jeremy Affeldt, to assume ninth-inning duties. The numbers will be worthy to own in NL-only leagues regardless.

End of camp update: Runzler has not given up an earned run in 10 spring appearances, allowing three hits and racking up 14 strikeouts over 8 1/3 innings. Any questions? He's a perfect end-game play in NL-only leagues.

36. Jenrry Mejia, SP, Mets
Though he's going to be a starter over the long haul, the Mets are considering breaking Mejia into the big leagues in a bullpen (eighth-inning) role if he has a good camp. Given some of the question marks in their rotation, though, those plans could be changed quickly if he performs well. Despite turning just 20 last October, Mejia reached Double-A at the end of last season thanks to his excellent raw stuff. He's more of a thrower than a pitcher right now, but he can fire it 96 mph with great life down in the zone, and has flashed both a plus changeup with split-like action and a plus breaking ball. The raw stuff is there, but his command is still very inconsistent, especially regarding his secondary pitches. He needs to learn to harness the movement on his pitches and repeat his slot, but again, he's just 20 and still learning. What's most relevant here is that he has all the raw elements to work at the top of a big league rotation.

End of camp update: Mejia appears poised to break camp with the Mets as a reliever. That's much less interesting for his immediate fantasy value, although the plan is still for him to be a starter down the road. For this season, his value will have to be as a reliever with strikeout potential in NL-only leagues, if your strategy needs one, and a potential handcuff for Francisco Rodriguez.

37. Fernando Perez, OF, Rays
A severe wrist injury cost the Columbia grad much of the 2009 season, which is a shame because he had a good chance at getting some at-bats. He'll fight for time in what is shaping up to be a crowded outfield picture, especially with prospect Desmond Jennings fast on the rise. Of course, Perez's main calling card is blazing speed, which rates a 70 or higher on the 20-80 scouting scale, and considering he has been switch-hitting only since turning pro, there's some small growth expectation in his bat, too. He needs to reduce his strikeouts, but he does draw his share of walks. He's a speculative play for cheap steals in AL-only play in the hope he can get enough at-bats to use his legs.

End of camp update: Perez was behind in his recovery from offseason shoulder surgery as camp opened, and never really got up to speed before being sent to minor league camp. His ranking was this high because he was expected to have a chance at the fifth-outfielder job, but he has been caught up in a numbers game in the Rays' outfield so far.

Ian Desmond
Ed Wolfstein/Icon SMIIan Desmond is a bit of a late-bloomer as a prospect.

38. Ian Desmond, SS, Nationals
The arrival of Adam Kennedy meant Desmond is likely ticketed for a lot of time at Triple-A to start the season, as the team has backed off earlier indications that he might be used in a utility role. The 25-year-old hit .330 with seven homers and 21 steals in 97 games combined last year between Double-A and Triple-A to earn himself a ticket to the big leagues, where he batted .280 with four homers in 21 games.

Desmond has low-teens homer power, at best, and his lack of a quick burst and mediocre running speed limits his stolen base upside. He entered last season having hit .247 with little power in more than 2,000 minor league at-bats, so he's far from a guarantee to be an impact hitter in the big leagues despite his athleticism and physical tools. The reward is not as great as some might make it out to be, but he's still worth monitoring considering the player ahead of him on the depth chart is Cristian Guzman. If something happens to one of the Nats' middle infielders, Desmond will get a lot of at-bats, which would give him value in NL-only play.

End of camp update: Desmond was one of the team's best hitters in camp, which helped him win the starting shortstop job from Guzman, although the fact Guzman had some throwing issues due to offseason shoulder surgery for much of camp helped. That said, there's a chance that Desmond, Guzman and Kennedy could all wind up sharing time at the middle infield positions. I'm still saying we need to temper expectations a bit, but Desmond's value is definitely higher than it was a month ago.

39. Fernando Martinez, OF, Mets:
Martinez made the big leagues last season as a 20-year-old, but injuries cropped up yet again, and they have been such a recurring issue that some scouts are very down on him despite his youth. He had season-ending knee surgery last July, persistent hamstring issues in 2008, a broken hamate bone in 2007, and knee and hand problems in 2006, and these injuries have prevented him from getting the reps he needs to fulfill his potential.

Then, when he is healthy, he hits a couple of bombs or puts on a display in batting practice and you start dreaming about his bat speed and his ability to get backspin on the ball again. His natural gifts were the reason he was the youngest player in Double-A in both 2007 and 2008, and the youngest player ever to play in the Arizona Fall League, but he needs to stay on the field in order to develop those talents. Right now he needs at-bats, which means he'll likely start the year at Triple-A to ensure he plays every day, but he'll be back in the bigs at some point soon.

 

End of camp update: Martinez was optioned to Triple-A late in camp despite a strong spring (.383 with three homers), but continuing to wield a hot bat could get him an early call-up and even some decent playing time before Carlos Beltran returns.

40. Buster Posey, C, Giants
Posey would rank higher on this list had the Giants not re-signed Bengie Molina, but the team was concerned, justified or not, about Posey's ability to catch 120-plus games at the big league level at this point in his career, especially when he looked completely exhausted and spent at the Arizona Fall League at the end of the season. Keeping him around as a backup makes no sense for his development, so he'll get everyday at-bats at Triple-A for the moment and wait for an opening. He doesn't have great power, but the ball jumps off his bat, he has great plate discipline and can hit .300 with homer totals in the teens. I'm not buying into the rumblings that Posey could see time at other positions (such as first base) to give him different opportunities to get his bat into the lineup, because that doesn't make any sense in his development as a starting backstop. But I suppose the Giants might be offensively challenged enough this season that anything is possible.

End of camp update: Posey has seen time at first base this spring, but the Giants are weighing their immediate needs versus Posey's development as a backstop. He certainly has shown his bat is ready to handle major league pitching, it's just a question of how many at-bats he gets. There has been some talk of having him on the roster and giving him three starts per week between catching and first base, but it's more likely that he opens at Triple-A and awaits an opportunity.

41. Scott Elbert, SP, Dodgers
Though his major league time last year was in a relief role, Elbert is among a cast of many looking to fill the Dodgers' fifth starter spot, but shoulder tendinitis at the outset of camp (which shut him down for 10 days) is a little bothersome considering he had trouble coming back from shoulder surgery in 2007. If he doesn't experience any more setbacks, expect him to get a chance in the rotation at some point, even if he doesn't open with the job. The good sinking life on his 92-94 mph fastball complements the sharp, late tilt on his slider, and his changeup is usable, too. Stamina and durability will be questions as a starter, and he might ultimately become a quality bullpen arm, but he bears watching in NL-only play due to his ability to make batters miss.

End of camp update: Elbert will start the year getting stretched out at Triple-A, in an effort to compete for a rotation spot later this season.

42. Adam Moore, C, Mariners
Given that Rob Johnson's health is an issue entering spring training -- he underwent four surgeries this offseason -- Moore, 25, at least has a chance to win the starting catching job. He's a career .301 hitter in the minors, and possesses 15-homer power and an ability to control the strike zone thanks to good pitch recognition, which makes up for a slightly slow bat. If he doesn't win the starting job, he'll probably head back to Triple-A to get regular work, but he's going to pass Johnson in the pecking order eventually. It's just a matter of when. We're always looking for sleeper catchers in single-league formats that start two catchers per team. Moore definitely fits that bill.

End of camp update: Moore made the roster and will be in a time-share with Rob Johnson to open the season, especially since Johnson is still getting up to speed. The AL catching pool is extremely thin this season, which makes Moore a prime target if your league uses two catchers.

43. Allen Craig, OF, Cardinals
Craig has a good shot at winning a backup spot in the Cardinals' outfield, and in the past three seasons, he has played everywhere but catcher and center field in the minors (though he's not really too good at any of them). His best position is first base, but that's, um, filled in St. Louis. However, that versatility might allow him to stick with the big club, and the bat can do the rest. The 25-year-old hit .322 with 26 homers at Triple-A last season, which followed a .304, 22-homer campaign at Double-A in 2008, and a .311, 24-homer campaign in Class A ball in 2007. Sensing a bit of a pattern emerging here? He squares up the ball consistently with good hip rotation and loft, and he's willing to work the count. Playing time could lead to surprising numbers.

End of camp update: Craig's battle for a roster spot is going down to the wire, and his versatility might give him the edge. If he doesn't have a big league job at the start of the season, he'll likely be the first player called up when there's an opening. There's still sleeper potential here if he gets enough at-bats.

44. Jesus Montero, C, Yankees
We know Montero has major offensive talent, as he has put up a .325 AVG/.379 OBP/.509 SLG slash line in his minor league career while reaching Double-A at age 19 last season. The real question: Will his defense at catcher improve enough so he can stay and be trusted there? And that ties directly into whether he'll make a fantasy impact in 2010. The Yanks would love for him to spend most of the year in the minors to get more seasoning, but let's say Nick Johnson, not exactly known for his ability to remain healthy, gets hurt, and Montero is doing his usual thing with the bat at Triple-A, then what happens? Will the Yankees give Johnson's at-bats to Montero or Randy Winn? There's really no telling, but this make-believe scenario demonstrates how close Montero is to a key offensive role in a good lineup.

End of camp update: The Yankees remain committed to Montero as a catcher for now, working on changing his throwing mechanics this spring. There's still a definite possibility his bat works his way into the picture if injuries hit the Yankees' catcher or DH positions this season.

45. Thomas Neal, OF, Giants
As I've written before, some hitters need a full year after they return to playing following major shoulder surgery to really find their swing again. If that's the case with the 22-year-old Neal, then his breakout season (.337, 22 homers, 1.010 OPS) in the hitter-friendly California League gets a little more legitimacy. I saw an improved approach and better plan at the plate last season, as he was more willing to go the other way and trust his bat speed, and his raw power allows him to hit the ball out of the yard to any field. Given the question marks about the Giants' offense entering the season, especially in right field, Neal could advance rapidly, and be a factor if he shows more of what he did at Class A last year. Neal is also able to play first base if needed, giving him another avenue to playing time at the big league level.

End of camp update: Ideally, the Giants would be patient with Neal and not have him in their plans for this season, but we all know things can change quickly based on performance and injuries. John Bowker's big spring has given the club a bit more reason not to ask too much of Neal right now, but he's a player to stash away in dynasty leagues.

46. Josh Reddick, OF, Red Sox
After he fought an oblique injury early in the 2009 season, injuries on the big league club helped Reddick reach the big leagues. The 23-year-old has intriguing power potential, and will be called up again if there is a need for a corner outfielder. In the meantime, he will continue to work on his selectivity and handling of the strike zone at Triple-A. He'd have problems making contact if asked to provide extended at-bats right now, but there's enough potential here with the bat to make him interesting in deep AL leagues. Another of the team's minor league outfielders, Ryan Kalish, is also worth mentioning here, but Reddick is ahead of him in the pecking order, at least for now.

End of camp update: Expect Reddick to be the first to get the call if there's an injury in the Red Sox outfield, especially since he has continued to show off his power and has had a very good spring training.

 

47. Jaime Garcia, SP, Cardinals
Garcia is likely to start the year in the minors as he continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery in 2008. He still needs to build up some innings after throwing just 263 of them combined over the past three seasons. He was good enough in the Triple-A playoffs in his late-season return last year to be optimistic about him contributing at some point for the Cardinals with his good curve, solid low-90s sinker and new cutter. The elbow problems have limited his development, but he's still just 23 and projects as a middle-of-the-rotation starter.

End of camp update: Garcia wound up winning the fifth-starter job in St. Louis with an excellent spring, showing the ability to combine strikeouts and ground outs. Even though he's likely on a short leash, he's an intriguing play in NL-only leagues.

48. Mike Leake, SP, Reds
The No. 8 overall pick in the 2009 draft doesn't overpower hitters with his stuff, but he throws the kitchen sink at them and knows how to pitch, with all the "pitchability," feel and command scouts look for. He will throw two-seamers, four-seamers, cutters, curves, sliders, changeups, whatever it takes, and pitch to batters' weaknesses, changing speeds and eye levels and being effective against hitters on both sides of the plate. He won't be the top-of-the-rotation starter you'd expect from such a high pick, but he can be a solid third or fourth starter in short order. Just like Brian Matusz made his pro debut in the Arizona Fall League and was getting big league batters out the following August, Leake could have the same career path. As one front-office executive told me, "The reason you pick [a pitcher like Leake] in the top 10 is because you think he's going to be contributing in the big leagues by August. If he's not, maybe you made a bad pick."

End of camp update: The Reds are expected to make an official decision on Leake versus Travis Wood (below) for their fifth-starter spot soon. The fact Leake has already put himself in position for the spot says something about him. Even if he doesn't win the job, keep him firmly on your radar screen.

49. Jonathon Niese, SP, Mets
Niese first reached the big leagues in 2008, when the Mets pushed him before he was ready. He returned to the minors last season, and just as he was starting to get into a groove at Triple-A -- he hadn't allowed more than two runs in a game over a stretch of eight starts -- he tore his right hamstring tendon off the bone, ending his season. He has an above-average curveball, and a relatively new cutter he has learned gives him something to stay off the barrel of the bat and compensate for his lack of fastball velocity. Also possessing a solid changeup, Niese throws strikes, keeps the ball in the park and could have decent value in NL-only leagues if he hits his spots consistently in the big leagues.

End of camp update: Niese has won a spot in the Mets' rotation and might even slot in as the third starter, despite an inconsistent spring. It makes him an end-game consideration in deep NL-only leagues.

50. Ike Davis, 1B, Mets (Exclusive video Video)
There's a lot of focus on Davis, the 18th overall pick in the 2008 draft, given the Mets' issues in trying to fill their first-base position, and the uncertainty of the two players (Daniel Murphy and Mike Jacobs) battling for the job there this spring. Splitting time between high Class A and Double-A last year, the left-handed-hitting Davis hit .298 with 31 doubles and 21 homers. He has power to all fields and the bat speed to catch up to good fastballs, but he can get long with his swing, and the way he drops his hands as he starts his stroke can wreak havoc with his timing, leaving him very vulnerable to off-speed stuff and helpless at times against southpaws. He'd be exposed a bit by big league breaking stuff in the short term, and we need to temper our expectations if he's needed at some point this year, which is a distinct possibility. Still, the power potential, even in a platoon role, makes him worth monitoring.

End of camp update: General manager Omar Minaya stated that if Murphy's knee injury became a long-term issue, they would consider adding Davis to the big league roster right away. It was then determined that Murphy will be out for just two to six weeks, and Jacobs will hold down the fort for now. Still, it shows that Davis is in the club's short-term plans.

51. Christian Friedrich, SP, Rockies
Friedrich's polish and quality secondary pitches should get him to the majors at some point this year, and he's one of my favorite starting pitcher prospects after dominating at two levels of Class A ball last season. Friedrich generally works at 90-91 mph with movement on his pitches but can reach back for 93-94 mph when he needs it, and it's sneaky fast and plays up. Hitters don't get a good look at the ball, as he throws a little across his body, and it appears to get on them quickly. His mid-70s curveball is a true hammer, a swing-and-miss pitch, and he also has a projectable circle change. One scout went so far as to tell me, "It's Erik Bedard's arsenal, but with a better change." Friedrich needs to sharpen his fastball command, trust his stuff a bit more and be aggressive, but he could be contributing in the back of the Rockies' rotation in the second half.

End of camp update: Friedrich was invited to major league camp but didn't pitch in a game before being sent down. He still has a chance to work his way into the Rockies' plans in the second half if he continues to progress the way he has.

Starlin Castro
AP Photo/Paul ConnorsStarlin Castro stole 28 bases in the minors in 2009.
52. Starlin Castro, SS, Cubs
Cubs manager Lou Piniella has already said that if Ryan Theriot is out for a good amount of time this year due to injury, Castro would get the call. Likewise, if the Jeff Baker/Mike Fontenot platoon doesn't work out at second base this season, Castro could be asked to step in at short and slide Theriot to second. Either way, Castro, who turns 20 later this month, is firmly on the Cubs' radar screen this season. He reached Double-A late last year, and was impressive in the Arizona Fall League. He has hit .301 in his three-year career in the minors but has remained a bit under the radar because he has slugged just .393. Don't be fooled, though; he's still maturing physically, and his strong hands and wrists will eventually allow him to drive the ball with authority once he fully develops. Castro has an advanced bat and approach for his age, and plenty of bat speed. He's also a 60 defender on the 20-80 scouting scale with a 70 arm, which would give him some value to the Cubs right away in that capacity.

We'll have to wait a bit for the full package to develop with Castro, but get in on the ground floor. Despite 28 steals last season, his speed is average at best, meaning the stolen bases might not follow him to the majors. Still, he's one to watch this season to see how quickly his offensive game develops.

End of camp update: Castro had a big spring training and has put himself firmly in the team's 2010 plans if injury or ineffectiveness hits its middle infield. "Castro had a phenomenal spring for a young player," manager Lou Piniella said when the youngster was sent down. "Nineteen years old, to come in here and look like a veteran and swing the bat. He came in here highly touted and left here even more touted."

 

53. Yonder Alonso, 1B, Reds
The Reds are already talking about trying Alonso at third base and in the corner outfield spots this spring in order to open up potential avenues for playing time down the road with Joey Votto in place at first base. Alonso understands the strike zone well, looking for pitches to drive rather than ones he can merely make contact with, and he turns on the ball with good bat speed, leading to consistently good contact. His power was hampered last year by a broken hamate bone, and there's more pop there than just the nine homers he hit in 295 at-bats last year. If Joey Votto's off-field issues resurface, Alonso could find himself in the big leagues quickly. Otherwise, he might have to find another way in.

End of camp update: Alonso has gotten some work in left field this spring to potentially give him another path to playing time if Votto is still around, and he also has shown his raw power is back after his injury. For now he'll head back to the minors and continue his development.

54. Jay Jackson, SP, Cubs
This 22-year-old right-hander will compete for a spot in the back of the Cubs' rotation. He features four pitches, primarily a low-90s fastball with movement and a slider with short strike-zone bite. His curve is a solid pitch with a distinctly different break, and the key is developing his changeup to give him something to stay off the barrel against lefties. When he's on, he can make batters miss, and he keeps his mistakes down in the zone. Even if he starts at Triple-A, he has a chance to get a long look for the Cubs this season, given some of the question marks they have regarding their rotation.

End of camp update: As it turned out, Jackson was never really in the mix for the fifth-starter spot, and will start the year in the minors and wait for an opportunity.

55. Brad Lincoln, SP, Pirates
Lincoln was the fourth overall pick in the 2006 draft out of the University of Houston. He made just six professional starts before needing Tommy John surgery, which caused him to miss the entire 2007 season, and he wasn't back up to speed in 2008. Another year removed from the surgery, Lincoln started to come around last season, posting a 2.28 ERA in 13 starts at Double-A, with 65 strikeouts and 18 walks in 75 innings. That earned him a promotion to Triple-A, where he had his moments but also had problems against left-handed batters, who hit .352 against him. He refined his changeup this offseason, and that will be the key to getting over that hump.

The 24-year-old's fastball sits at 92-93 mph with plus movement -- he can get sink and some lateral action -- and can even elevate his velocity on occasion. He doesn't have that upper-90s extra gear that he did before the surgery, but he can still touch 95 mph now and then. His curveball is a plus pitch at 76-80 mph with a hard, short break. One scout who saw Lincoln pitch often last season called him a "Chad Billingsley-type who 'gets it' before Chad did about how to pitch" and raved about his potential fastball command, saying Lincoln doesn't try to overthrow and pounds the zone, not worrying about strikeouts. It's only a matter of when, not if, we see him in the Pirates' rotation this season.

End of camp update: Lincoln will open the year in the minors, but he has a chance to work his way into the mix at some point this season given some of the uncertainty around the Pirates' rotation.

56. Kam Mickolio, RP, Orioles
Mickolio's season was cut short by elbow troubles last year, but the 25-year-old showed enough with his high-90s heater and mid-80s slider to warrant a more prominent relief role for the Orioles this season, and they're hoping he steps up and claims it. Mike Gonzalez has never been the picture of health in his career, so if something should happen to him, Mickolio is a dark-horse candidate for saves with his prototypical power-reliever arsenal. He just needs to sharpen his control a bit, and make his slider a bit more consistent and not as much of a chase pitch. He's definitely a pitcher worth monitoring, if you like to speculate on future stoppers.

End of camp update: Mickolio was on his way to winning a bullpen spot until he strained a groin muscle late in camp. Although he was getting swings-and-misses, he also had some control issues that likely would have left him out of pressure situations to begin with anyway. We'll have to see how quickly he can get back in there, and if he can work his way into a more prominent role.

57. Sammy Gervacio, RP, Astros
Will Gervacio close for the Astros at some point this season? Stranger things have happened. Andrew Bailey was approximately 76th in the pecking order for saves in the A's bullpen when camp opened last year, and J.P. Howell wasn't that much further ahead for the Rays. With Brandon Lyon and Matt Lindstrom as the two primary options the Astros are looking to, we have no business saying Gervacio has no shot at closing this year. Possessing one of the funkier deliveries you will find only makes his low-90s fastball play up, and even though he's a slinger, he can get his velocity into the mid-90s when he reaches back for something extra. That, combined with his mid-80s slider, makes him hard on right-handed hitters, but he still needs to refine his changeup to give him a weapon against lefties, as he still must show he can get them out at the big league level. If he does that, he's a deep saves sleeper, but his strikeout ability should give him value in NL leagues regardless of his saves total.

End of camp update: Gervacio did everything he could in camp to win a bullpen spot, as he was pretty much unhittable, allowing just five hits in 12 innings, with just two walks and 15 strikeouts. He's still a dark horse for saves in the Astros' bullpen.

58. Scott Mathieson, RP, Phillies
Here's proof that life is unfair. Mathieson has had three elbow surgeries (including two Tommy John procedures), and he can still hit 97 mph. A very high percentage of people in this world have perfectly sound elbows, and they can't throw that hard. But this isn't about them; this is about a dark horse for saves. I wrote an extensive profile of Mathieson's improbable comeback during the Arizona Fall League that provides a little more background.

The Phillies are projected to have a bullpen spot open, and Mathieson is a good candidate to fill it. From there, anything is possible, given the uncertainty surrounding Brad Lidge, and Mathieson's stuff certainly could fit the closer role if he stays out of the trainer's room.

End of camp update: Mathieson will start the season in the minors, as the club still wants him to work on command of his secondary stuff. But he'll be back with the club at some point.

59. Bryan Augenstein, SP, Diamondbacks
Augenstein, a seventh-round selection in the 2007 draft, got off to such a good start at Double-A last year -- going unbeaten with a 0.99 ERA and 0.77 WHIP in nine starts -- that he was rushed to the big leagues because the D-backs desperately needed to fill holes in the back of their rotation. The 23-year-old wasn't a fit, though, and was eventually sent back down and eventually shut down because of elbow trouble. Augenstein then pitched in the Arizona Fall League, where he worked with a lower, slinger-type arm slot that gave him a little more feel for his pitches and better movement on his fastball and slider. The team will give him a chance to win the fifth starter job, and he could have some value in NL-only formats if he can consistently keep the ball down in the zone with that lower arm slot.

End of camp update: Augenstein will start the year at Triple-A, but considering Rodrigo Lopez and Kris Benson currently occupy rotation slots in Arizona, a strong beginning to the season could put him right back in the mix.

60. Aaron Crow, SP, Royals
The Royals are expected to push Crow rather quickly, given that he was a fairly polished college righty, but some scouts have injury concerns because of his hooking arm action in the back of his delivery. It's very possible he could see some big league time later this season if he hits the ground running. He can hit the mid-90s with his fastball with some movement, but his slider is an out pitch, and his changeup also shows promise. It's probably a bit much to expect any impact this year, but he could advance fairly rapidly. Keep tabs on him, since he profiles as a middle-of-the-rotation starter down the road.

End of camp update: Crow will open the year at Double-A, but he turned some heads in camp and is indeed on the fast track. We could see him at some point in the second half.

 

61. Terry Evans, OF, Angels
Evans is out of minor league options, which gives him a good chance to claim one of the openings the Angels have for a reserve outfielder, and even though he's a bit old for a prospect (he just turned 28), there's actually some potential here if he gets a chance at regular playing time. Evans hit .309 with 33 homers and 37 steals between high Class A and Double-A in 2006, and .301 with 15 homers and 24 steals in 2007, before missing much of 2008 due to injury. He bounced back last year with a .291 average, 26 homers and 28 steals at Triple-A. Sometimes production can come from an unexpected source if that player gets a chance to play (witness Garrett Jones last year), and that could be the case with Evans if he somehow finds playing time.

End of camp update: Evans is likely battling Reggie Willits for the Angels' final roster spot, a battle that will go down to the wire. The club does expect him to be claimed off waivers if they try to send him outright to the minors, so we'll have to see what happens.

62. Jason Castro, C, Astros
With the unproven J.R. Towles and mediocre Humberto Quintero atop the Astros' depth chart, and the team having invested the 10th overall pick in the 2008 draft on Castro, he'll be plugged into the team's lineup as soon as the club thinks he's ready, which could be as soon as this year. Castro hit .300 and slugged .446 in 2009 in a year split between high Class A and Double-A. He has good plate discipline and should hit for a high batting average in the majors, and it actually surprises me that he doesn't hit for more power than he does, though the 22-year-old has the frame to add a bit more strength as he matures, and loft in his swing, so I'm not giving up on that just yet. Castro has drawn some comparisons to A.J. Pierzynski, and his defense is just fine behind the plate, so that won't hold him back.

End of camp update: Castro made a run at the starting catching job and made a good impression in camp, but he'll open the season in the minors. Towles' performance will determine how long he stays there.

63. Mike Stanton, OF, Marlins
The Marlins have never been afraid to push their prospects, so if Stanton rakes in the high minors this season, the team won't hesitate to give him a shot later in the year, even though he's only 20. Stanton is one of the few players in the game with true 80 power on the 20-80 scouting scale (and the only one in the minors), and he hit the longest bomb I saw last season. He had some problems when pushed to the Double-A level 50 games into last season, striking out in a third of his at-bats as he struggled a bit with quality breaking stuff. He hit just .231, though he did have 31 extra-base hits (including 16 homers) in 79 contests, and he even has the speed to steal some bases in the future if he's so inclined. Putting him on a 2010 list might be a bit premature, which is why he's this low, but there are plausible scenarios that have him hitting some balls out of major league parks in the latter part of this year.

End of camp update: Stanton was impressive this spring, hitting a couple of tape-measure bombs, but he'll start the year at Double-A, as expected, since the team just wants him to keep getting regular at-bats and progressing as he has. It's still plausible that he could make his major league debut later this year at age 20.

64. Reid Brignac, SS, Rays
Brignac has always been a bit overrated as a prospect, and it doesn't look as if there's room for him to get at-bats anytime soon unless Jason Bartlett gets hurt. So expect him to spend 2010 either back at Triple-A or in the Rays' utility role (he's currently battling Sean Rodriguez for that role this spring). If Brignac does get a chance at regular playing time, he can provide a little bit of power, but the batting average is likely to be low because he doesn't handle the strike zone well, he's too aggressive and he gets into ruts in which he tries to jerk everything down the right-field line. There's not as much upside here as some think, but there could be some modest value if he gets a chance to play regularly.

End of camp update: As of this writing, Brignac is battling for the Rays' last roster spot, but the fact he has an option left works against him. His playing time in the big leagues this season remains uncertain, but there's still some upside here.

65. Max Ramirez, C/1B, Rangers
This offseason, Ramirez was traded to the Red Sox in a deal for Mike Lowell, but the trade fell through. Now Ramirez is potentially being considered as a backup option at first base in Texas, where he also can function as the team's third catcher. Ramirez did not follow up last year on his big 2008 campaign (.354, 17 homers in just 243 at-bats) at Double-A, largely because of wrist issues that limited him to 76 games and affected him when he was able to play. His strikeout rate shot up upon his promotion to Triple-A, and his defense behind the dish is still seen as a work in progress. Still, given the uncertainty of the Rangers' catching situation, and the fact that he's legitimately being considered as a roster candidate, keep an eye on Ramirez in AL-only leagues.

End of camp update: Barring a last-minute trade (such as the Lowell deal being revisited), Ramirez is still an option to snag the final roster spot as the Rangers' backup first baseman/third catcher. He could have some small value as a second catcher in AL leagues.

66. Jose Tabata, OF, Pirates
Still just 21 (though his own GM admitted in an offseason radio interview that there are rumblings he might be in his mid-20s), Tabata will try to work his way into the Pirates' outfield picture at some point. He can sting line drives all over the place, but the absence of loft in his swing and lack of much further projection is likely to limit him to teens homer power unless something changes. He can play center in a pinch but is better suited for a corner outfield role. Tabata can definitely hit for average, but we need to see how the rest of the offensive package is going to develop before we believe.

End of camp update: With the Pirates' starting outfield set, Tabata, who did not make a positive impression this spring, will head back to Triple-A to get regular at-bats and work on his defense and focus. But he still remains in the picture for later this season.

67. Jordan Danks, OF, White Sox
There were offseason rumblings that Danks would see significant playing time for the White Sox at some point this season, but the additions of Juan Pierre and Andruw Jones quieted that talk down. Still, it's clear the organization has him on the fast track, even though he's not quite ready yet. The younger brother of his future teammate John, Jordan is a good athlete, but 40 games of good performance at Class A and a decent Arizona Fall League aren't enough of a track record to predict big league success in the short term. He has a nice swing with good bat speed from the left side, but he doesn't tap into his raw power well, and some scouts question his pitch recognition. He's going to have trouble making contact at the major league level, and if anything, Danks has been slightly overrated as a prospect. Still, if injuries or ineffectiveness plague the White Sox outfield and DH spots, Danks could see big league time in the second half, and his athletic ability gives him a chance to succeed.

End of camp update: Danks looked a bit overmatched in camp, and he will start the year at Triple-A. His short-term offensive outlook remains murky despite his tools.

68. Tanner Scheppers, SP, Rangers
Scheppers hit 99 mph multiple times at the AFL, pairing it with a truly nasty curveball, and he's not far off from being ready to contribute at the big league level. The well-documented shoulder problems that Scheppers faced in the past are still a concern. There is some buzz that the Rangers won't waste Scheppers in the minors and instead will push him aggressively as a reliever to the big leagues, even though he's still seen as a future starting pitcher. The team hopes that his shoulder-strengthening program and exercises (along with the organization's focus on long toss) will minimize future issues. He's already hitting 96-98 mph again in the first week of March, so that's a good sign the shoulder remains sound for now. Regardless of role, he's a premium talent. If he manages to stay out of the trainer's room, he'll probably start in the team's Double-A rotation and could progress quickly from there.

End of camp update: Scheppers continued to throw flames in camp, and he's being groomed to help the club in the second half of the season. He might come out of the bullpen initially, but the team likely will continue to groom him as a starter to build up arm strength. Don't forget about him in AL-only leagues. (I've stashed him away on reserve in more than one 12-team AL league.)

69. Blake Parker, RP, Cubs
There was some offseason buzz that should Carlos Marmol falter, Parker might be able to put himself in the mix for saves in Wrigley later this season. The converted catcher has been pitching full-time for less than three pro seasons, but he advanced all the way to Triple-A last year, registering 22 saves and 58 strikeouts in 51 innings for Iowa. His bread and butter is the natural sink on his fastball, which he uses to rack up a ton of ground balls and keep the ball in the park, and he'll touch 95 mph at times. Parker's other two pitches, a slider and a changeup, are still works in progress. His slider still slurves a bit too much and is inconsistent at this point. Also, there's a good amount of effort in his delivery, and he doesn't always finish it well, with a tendency to overthrow. His overall command is still a work in progress, but he's someone to keep an eye on thanks to that heavy ball and how far he has managed to progress in such a short time pitching.

 

End of camp update: Parker had control issues in his early spring games, and will head back to Triple-A to close games to start the year. The emergence of Esmailin Caridad as a potential setup option in the Cubs' bullpen lessens the urgency to call up Parker for now.

70. Jonathan Lucroy, C, Brewers
I wrote an extensive profile of Lucroy in October, describing how he has passed Angel Salome to be the Brewers' catcher of the future. The catcher of the present is Gregg Zaun, but he's not going to stand in the way once the team feels Lucroy is ready to take the job, which could be at some point this season. Lucroy could wind up being a player that hits .280 with homer power in the teens over a full year, much like Kurt Suzuki. You'd certainly take that at the catcher position.

End of camp update: Lucroy wasn't really given a chance to win a job. He'll head back to the minors, hopefully keep hitting, and wait for his chance.

71. Mike Minor, SP, Braves
Minor is a relatively polished four-pitch southpaw who could arrive in the big leagues quickly despite being drafted just last year (No. 7 overall). He sits at 89-92 mph but showed he could dial it up to 94 when needed, throws a ton of strikes and has good feel and command. He has good fade on his plus changeup, and his curveball was inconsistent but had its moments at the Arizona Fall League. He needs to improve his fringe-average slider, but he's another pitcher who could move very quickly but doesn't have a huge ceiling. Finding a go-to breaking ball would help, and I expect that's something he's going to focus on this season. Braves GM Frank Wren compared his long-term potential to Cole Hamels' last fall. Regardless of how accurate that turns out to be, Minor likely will start in the high minors, and he could be a part of the Braves' plans as soon as this season.

End of camp update: Minor is expected to start the year at Class A, but he should advance quickly thanks to his polish and command. We'll track his progress this season.

72. Travis Wood, SP, Reds
Wood was a second-round pick out of an Arkansas high school in 2005, but the diminutive 5-foot-11, 165-pound lefty fell off the prospect radar when his mid-90s fastball disappeared as a pro. He was lit up to the tune of a 7.09 ERA in 17 starts at Double-A in 2008, but returning to Double-A last year, his performance was nothing short of astonishing: He struck out 119 batters in 103 innings over 19 starts and posted a 1.21 ERA, thanks in part to allowing a homer on just one percent of his fly balls. Wood's new cutter made all the difference, as it gave him something to go with his circle change, which is one of the best changeups in the minors. His margin for error will be slim at the big league level, and his home park will do him no favors, but he could stick as a fifth starter and be useful in deep NL leagues.

End of camp update: After the injury to Aroldis Chapman, Wood is battling Mike Leake for the fifth-starter job in Cincy. We'll have to see how things shake out, but Wood is obviously a part of the club's plans for this season regardless.

73. Matt Maloney, SP, Reds
Maloney will try to stake a claim on the Reds' fifth starter job while Edinson Volquez is out for half a season. He's a finesse lefty who has decent strikeout totals in the minors thanks to the location of his secondary stuff (his fastball tops out in the high 80s). He's also a fly-ball pitcher in a bad park in which to be one. But he did add a cutter last season that showed some promise, and if he uses that to stay off the fat part of the bat a bit more, he might be somewhat useful in deep NL leagues if given a rotation job.

End of camp update: Maloney had a rough spring, and is now behind at least three pitchers (Aroldis Chapman, Mike Leake and Travis Wood) for rotation consideration. It's probably safe to cross him off your watch lists.

74. John Raynor, OF, Pirates
Raynor had a down year in his first exposure to Triple-A last season, hitting just .257 with six homers and 19 steals in 123 games. Simply put, he got a little pull-happy and tried too hard to hit for power. But I liked him as a fourth-outfielder candidate when I saw him in the Arizona Fall League in 2008, following a season in which he hit .312 and stole 48 bags at Double-A. Despite his poor 2009 campaign, the Pirates picked him up from the Marlins in the Rule 5 draft, and he has a chance to stick as a backup outfielder. His 70 speed on the 20-80 scouting scale could make him a deep sleeper in NL-only leagues if it looks as if he'll get enough at-bats to use it.

End of camp update: With Brandon Moss designated for assignment, it looks like Raynor might indeed stick on the big league roster as a fifth outfielder. We'll see how many at-bats he winds up getting before expecting big things from him, though.

75. Casper Wells, OF, Tigers
After hitting 27 homers across two levels in 2008, Wells needed wrist surgery early last year. But he did hit 15 homers in 85 games at Triple-A when he returned, and he mashed in the Arizona Fall League. While he has a decent understanding of the strike zone, he's going to have some trouble making contact due to the length in his swing, and some scouts see him as a Triple-A slugger or big league bench bat, at best. However, I think there's a chance he could defy conventional wisdom, and the Tigers are potentially considering him as a center-field option if Austin Jackson has a poor spring or falters early, potentially making Wells a cheap sleeper if you need a little extra pop in AL leagues.

End of camp update: Austin Jackson had a good spring, which negated Wells' effort at claiming part of the center-field job. For now he'll head to Triple-A and try to work his way into an opportunity.

76. Jamie Hoffmann, OF, Yankees
After making arrangements to acquire him in the Rule 5 draft, Yankees GM Brian Cashman said the Yankees' fifth outfielder job is Hoffman's "spot to lose," and that the youngster will battle Marcus Thames for the role. Hoffmann is an above-average runner (even though he went just 15-for-26 on steal attempts last year) who can play all three outfield positions and could hit big league lefties enough to stick. He might even be able to work his way into a platoon role if the big 6-foot-4, 230-pounder can tap into his raw power a bit more.

End of camp update: Hoffman went 3-for-23 this spring and was returned to the Dodgers, which means even less of a chance for potential playing time.

77. Scott Cousins, OF, Marlins
The 25-year-old Cousins has a good chance to win a backup job in the Marlins' outfield, and there's enough speed and marginal pop to make him potentially interesting in NL leagues. He went 26-for-35 in steal attempts and had 54 extra-base hits at Double-A last year, and he's a strong defensive outfielder with the versatility to play all three outfield spots, enhancing his chances of getting in the lineup. He hit only .259 last year and struggles a bit against lefties, as he gets a little too aggressive at times, but he has the bat speed to hit for a better average, and is definitely worth stashing on reserve in NL-only leagues if he wins a spot on the big league roster.

End of camp update: Although Cousins was sent to the minors, Cody Ross' calf injury could get him recalled to play right field for the opening week. The Marlins are in a roster crunch on their 40-man, and Cousins is already on the roster, whereas another rookie still in camp, Bryan Petersen, is not. Regardless, Cousins has been/is about to be passed by other players in the system, and his future playing time with the Marlins is in question. (By the way, for those asking about Petersen, I think he can hit for average, but both his power and stolen base ability are questionable at the major league level, even though I do like the way he handles the bat.)

78. Brandon Snyder, 1B, Orioles
The 13th overall pick in the 2005 draft has come around offensively over the past two seasons, hitting .315 and slugging .490 at high Class A in 2008, and crushing Double-A pitching to the tune of a 1.018 OPS in 58 games in 2009 before struggling at Triple-A to end the year. However, he did put together a good AFL campaign. He can pick it at first base, and he has improved his approach at the plate, especially in terms of hitting the ball to the opposite field. There's some power here, though his swing tends to get a little long. I think Garrett Atkins is done producing as a big league regular, and when the Orioles realize that, Snyder has a chance to get a look at first base if he gets off to a good start. He could have some short-term value if that happens.

End of camp update: Snyder's value this season will be dependent on Atkins' ability to show there's still something left in the tank, which I still have serious doubts about. Keep Snyder on your radar screen.

 

79. Danny Valencia, 3B, Twins
The usual suspects the Twins are auditioning for the third-base slot, Nick Punto, Brendan Harris and Matt Tolbert, are thoroughly unexciting, which means we might see Valencia at some point this year. He hit .285 with 38 doubles and 14 homers last season between Double-A and Triple-A, and the 25-year-old is capable of a bit more pop in the future, given his bat speed. His walk rate sharply declined upon being promoted to Triple-A, which could indicate he needs some more minor league time, but he's the sleeper in the Twins' third-base derby. There's not a lot of upside here, but he could be serviceable in AL-only formats if he gets a job.

End of camp update: Valencia made a good impression in camp and did nothing to hurt his chances of seeing big league playing time this season. The Nick Punto/Brendan Harris combo at third for the Twins is still uninspiring.

Daniel McCutchen
AP Photo/John HellerDaniel McCutchen is no strikeout specialist, but he still can be effective for the Pirates.

80. Daniel McCutchen, SP, Pirates
McCutchen is one of the favorites to land the fifth starter spot for the Pirates after acquitting himself decently in six late-season starts in the big leagues last year. The 27-year-old righty is an extreme strike-thrower who probably could stand to be a little more effectively wild in order to keep the ball in the park a bit more. He gets in trouble when he leaves his four-seam fastball up in the zone, and though his curveball and changeup are solid offerings, neither is an out pitch. There's a chance he could be pretty flammable, but there's also a chance his command improves enough for him to stick as a No. 5 starter with some value in deep NL play. Brad Lincoln has more upside, but McCutchen will likely get a chance to prove he can stick first.

End of camp update: McCutchen has won the Pirates' fifth-starter job, but because of off days, he might not pitch much in early April. He's going to have to perform well right away under tough circumstances to hold on to the job, but he at least he has the opportunity.

81. Kevin Mulvey, SP, Diamondbacks
This 24-year-old was acquired in the Jon Rauch trade last year and is in the mix for the fifth starter spot in Arizona. The problem is that his fastball hasn't been as effective as he has climbed the organizational ladder; he sits in the high 80s and tops out at about 90 mph. He throws three other pitches, with his slider being his best, and while they are all solid offerings, none of them are swing-and-miss pitches, and he hasn't demonstrated good enough fastball command yet at the higher levels. He has the capability of pitching at the back of a big league rotation and being useful in single-league play if he sharpens up some things, so he's worth monitoring in NL leagues if he wins a starting spot.

End of camp update: Mulvey got blasted this spring (5.73 ERA), and his line looks even worse when you consider he also gave up nine unearned runs. He had a chance to win a job and didn't come through. He'll try to find his groove again at Triple-A.

82. Todd Frazier, IF/OF, Reds
Frazier has the offensive potential to hit at the major league level; the problem has been finding him a position. Originally a shortstop, he has played left field, second base and third base, and now there is talk of him going back to shortstop again. He really doesn't play well anywhere on the infield, but the hope is that he'll be acceptable enough if he generates the offense. Frazier, who turned 24 last month, mashed 45 doubles between Double-A and Triple-A last year, and he has the frame to eventually turn more of those hits into homers. He's also willing to work the count and take walks, and his knowledge of the strike zone will help him hit for a good average once he gets his chance. Injuries in the middle infield could give Frazier an opportunity now, and the fact that he at least has experience at a lot of different positions helps his chances to earn playing time, even though he'll likely start the season at Triple-A.

End of camp update: Frazier will indeed start the year at Triple-A, and he still doesn't really have a position. Instead, he's expected to play everywhere, and that versatility could lead to a call-up sooner rather than later.

83. Wilkin Ramirez, OF, Tigers
The 24-year-old Ramirez has averaged 16 homers and 31 steals over the past three seasons in the minors, making him a player to monitor in AL-only leagues if he manages to get extended playing time. However, big league pitchers are likely to exploit his poor strike zone judgment, and making contact will be an issue, which will keep his batting average low. He'll need to make some strides in that area before we can get excited about him, and the Tigers do have a crowded outfield picture. But keep an eye on Ramirez if he sticks on the big league roster.

End of camp update: Ramirez didn't do anything to distinguish himself this spring, and lost the battle for the last roster spot to Don Kelly. He'll start at Triple-A and try to work his way back.

84. Michael Bowden, SP, Red Sox
Bowden is likely seventh or eighth on the Sox's rotation depth chart entering camp, which means he should spend a second straight year at Triple-A Pawtucket. His strikeout rate didn't hold up well past Double-A, but the 23-year-old does have the ability to command four offerings. His strikeout numbers in the low minors were driven by locating his secondary pitches and not pure stuff, limiting his ceiling to that of a fourth starter. I expect him to do a better job of keeping the ball down this year, and the Sox likely will call upon him if they have a need. He could also be trade bait later this summer (like Justin Masterson was last year), heading to a place where he'd have a clearer opportunity.

End of camp update: Bowden will start the year at Triple-A Pawtucket, but it remains to be seen if his primary value to the Red Sox this year will be as rotation depth or in the trade market. The injury to Junichi Tazawa helps his case to stick around the organization.

85. Juan Francisco, 3B/OF, Reds
If injuries hit Scott Rolen again, or the Reds are unhappy with their left-field production, Francisco -- fresh off winning the MVP award in the Dominican Winter League -- may work his way into the mix. The 22-year-old's raw power ranks with anyone's in the minors, and he's hit 76 homers over the past three seasons. Of course, he's also struck out 406 times and walked just 69 times, thanks to problems with pitch recognition and his natural aggressiveness. His long levers can get him tied up in the inner half, but pitchers can't miss their spot and let Francisco extend his arms. If Mark Reynolds has shown us anything, it's that we can live with strikeouts if they come with prodigious power output. Francisco is certainly capable of that.

End of camp update: Francisco has at least made a case during spring training to stick around with the big club, though Drew Stubbs catching fire at the end of camp doesn't help his case. Still, there are two slots for utility players up for grabs on the Reds' roster, and Francisco has a chance at grabbing one of them and seeing spot starts here and there. Stay tuned.

86. Carlos Carrasco, SP, Indians
Carrasco has always been overrated as a prospect. His supporters point to his raw stuff, his strikeout rates and his ability to pound the zone. His detractors say he pitches soft, lacks consistency, doesn't trust his stuff, has problems from the stretch, allows things to snowball when they go wrong and needs to work on the mental aspect of the game. He turns 23 in March, so there's still plenty of time for him to figure some things out, but his numbers haven't reflected his ability for three seasons, and there's no reason to expect that to change this year. He will likely struggle in a big league rotation, if given the opportunity, but his raw stuff and closeness to the majors are enough for him to get onto this list. For a more extensive look at Carrasco, see this July 1 edition of "Minor Achievements."

End of camp update: Carrasco has had a decent camp, but he has struggled of late, just when he was beginning to make a strong case for the team's fifth-starter job. Instead, he's likely headed back to Triple-A. Meanwhile, keep an eye on another rookie, Mitch Talbot, who has overcome the odds to win a rotation spot. Consider him a deep sleeper in AL-only leagues.

 

87. Brad Mills, SP, Blue Jays
A fourth-round pick in the 2007 draft, Mills has put up stellar numbers in the lower minors and the southpaw even held his own in a tough pitching environment at Triple-A Las Vegas last year, until his season was cut short by a rib injury in July. Mills sits in the high-80s with his fastball, but supplements it with a good curve and changeup and mixes things up well. He hides his fastball well, making it look faster, but his slightly funky delivery doesn't help his fastball command, and that will be the key going forward. He has fourth or fifth starter potential if he works more in the lower part of the strike zone. He might need another year in the minors, but will make a run at a rotation spot with Toronto. Other Jays starting prospects like Zach Stewart or Kyle Drabek didn't make this list because, with the team in rebuilding mode and having plenty of other starting pitching options to turn to in the near future, both of those pitchers will spend most, if not all, of the year refining their repertoires and furthering their development in the Triple-A rotation, while other players like Mills get the big league looks when there's an opening.

End of camp update: Mills will start the year at Triple-A but made a good impression on manager Cito Gaston early in camp, so we should see him back in the big leagues at some point. The Jays have a lot of options, though, so he'll have to pitch well.

88. Tommy Manzella, SS, Astros
Manzella has drawn some comparisons to Adam Everett, both offensively and defensively, and I readily admit that's not something that should really interest fantasy owners. His career slash lines in the minors read .268 AVG/.321 OBP/.374 SLG over five seasons. Still, he has a starting job and might be able to post enough of a batting average, accumulate some runs and squeeze out 10 steals through the sheer number of at-bats he's going to get to maybe be useful in deep NL leagues. Granted, there's batting average downside, but there are worse players to put on reserve in that format. His projected role squeaks him onto this list.

End of camp update: Manzella will be the Opening Day shortstop, and his offensive upside is still not that great.

89. Lou Marson, C, Indians
Marson is expected to open the season as the Indians' starting catcher, but long term he will be backing up Carlos Santana, an arrangement that could start sooner rather than later. That's why he ranks behind Santana on this list, yet he still warrants inclusion because he will have a starting job to begin the year, and sometimes we're just looking for playing time. Marson has good plate discipline and a knack for making decent contact, even if he lacks pop, and he can at least hit for an empty batting average albeit with no power or speed. That actually has some value in single-league formats where you need to roster two catchers, or if you are just looking to get a catcher on the cheap who will play a little bit and won't hurt your batting average.

End of camp update: As expected, Marson won the starting catching job. Also as expected, he'll see Carlos Santana firmly in his rearview mirror from day one.

90. Lonnie Chisenhall, 3B, Indians
It might be a bit premature, but a combination of Jhonny Peralta scuffling offensively this year and continued progression from Chisenhall could land the 21-year-old in the majors at some point this season. He has the classic sweet lefty stroke, shifting his weight well and driving the ball with authority, and showing the ability to stay back on off-speed pitches. He'll make a good amount of contact for someone with his pop, but could afford to be a bit more selectively aggressive in waiting for pitches he can drive, rather than jumping on the ones he can merely get the bat on. It's probably a bit early on him, but I like him and put him on this list instead of his system-mate Wes Hodges, because he's going to advance pretty fast.

End of camp update: Chisenhall's sweet swing was on display early in camp, and he definitely made a positive impression, doing nothing to take himself off the fast track.

91. Jose Ceda, RP, Marlins
The 23-year-old Ceda was expected to be in the mix for the Marlins' closer role at this time last year, but wound up missing the whole season due to shoulder surgery. When healthy, the big, hefty, 6-foor-4 righty has drawn comparisons to former closer Armando Benitez, in a good way, and the Marlins made sure to protect him on the 40-man this offseason, thanks to his pre-surgery ability to routinely hit the high 90s with his heater, paired with a slider with some nasty bite. He reported to camp 17 pounds lighter than last year, according to MLB.com, a good sign for a player with conditioning problems in the past. With Leo Nunez far from a guarantee and no strong set-up man currently, a healthy Ceda might be able to put himself into the ninth-inning mix at some point this season if his stuff has returned.

End of camp update: Ceda was sent to Double-A early to get innings; the team wants him to build up arm strength and stamina. He managed to hit the high 90s on the gun before he left, though, so that's a positive sign.

92. Junichi Tazawa, SP, Red Sox
The Sox will prepare Tazawa as a starting pitcher at Triple-A to call upon if needed, and not make him a candidate for a bullpen slot. The 23-year-old acquitted himself well in his first season stateside, reaching the big leagues for a few starts, where the lack of movement and command on his 90 mph fastball gave him some problems. Both his curve and splitter show promise, but he needs to keep the ball in the lower half of the zone better, and improve his overall consistency and command across the board. However, if injuries hit the Red Sox's rotation, Tazawa could step in and provide some quality starts.

End of camp update: Tazawa has a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow, and surgery is likely. So we can likely cross him off our 2010 lists.

93. Luis Durango, OF, Padres
Durango, who will turn 24 in April, is a rail-thin, 5-foot-9 outfielder who posted a .390 on-base percentage and stole 44 bases at Double-A last year to earn a late-season call-up. He has drawn more walks than strikeouts in his pro career, which is good because he's absolutely devoid of power. He's a slap hitter with a contact-oriented approach who tries to get on base by any means necessary so he can use his wheels, and he has won two batting titles at the lower levels of the minors. In six seasons in the minors, his career batting average is .320 and his career on-base percentage is .415. He just continues to find ways to reach first base even as he advances up the ladder. That said, big league pitchers may wind up knocking the bat out of his hands, and pinching in enough that it will be a problem there, but given the current center-field options are Tony Gwynn Jr. and various Hairston brothers, Durango could wind up seeing some playing time if things break right to see if he can be a decent source of cheap speed.

End of camp update: Durango had a very good spring but was caught up in a numbers crunch in the Padres' outfield. Still, monitor the transaction wire to see when we see him again, especially if you're light on steals in your NL-only league.

 

94. Craig Gentry, OF, Rangers
Gentry earned a big league summons at the end of last season thanks to posting a .373 on-base percentage and going 49-for-55 on the bases at Double-A. His plus defense in center field could make him a factor if Julio Borbon falters or injuries hit the Rangers' outfield, and his speed would certainly make him worth fantasy attention. He has enough power to the gaps to keep defenses honest, can work the count well and make contact, giving him a chance to get on base enough to use his wheels if he sees some extended at-bats. For now, the 26-year-old will try to earn a backup outfielder job.

End of camp update: Gentry was sent to Triple-A since the team didn't need to carry another outfielder at this juncture, and he didn't force his way into the picture with a good spring. He'll wait and see if an injury opens up a spot.

95. Jason Donald, SS, Indians
Donald's season at Triple-A ended early because of a back injury he suffered shortly after coming over in the Cliff Lee trade, and a torn meniscus in his knee sidelined him earlier in the year, but he will try to win a utility role this season and see some time at second, third and short. Donald had a good season at Double-A in 2008, hitting .307 and slugging .497, following it up with a strong showing in the Arizona Fall League, and some scouts thought he had a chance to be a starting second baseman in the big leagues. However, with his 2009 campaign derailed by injuries, he couldn't even post good numbers when he did play. When healthy, he can post a good batting average with gap power. He's likely going to be just a quality backup capable of playing second, short or third as needed, but he needs to show some of that 2008 form first. He is a deep sleeper if one of the Indians middle infielders gets hurt.

End of camp update: Donald lost out to Mark Grudzielanek for a utility spot on the Indians; he will try to show the injuries are behind him at Triple-A.

96. Chris Pettit, OF, Angels
The departure of Gary Matthews Jr. helps Pettit's chances of earning a roster spot after he hit .323 with 18 steals in 96 games at Triple-A last year. He's struggled with injuries the past two seasons, dealing with a broken foot in 2008 and a fractured wrist last year, but when healthy he can rope line drives to all fields, steal a base here and there, and play all three outfield spots, helping his case to be a backup outfielder, though he does lack some pop.

End of camp update: Pettit suffered a right shoulder injury, and underwent surgery in mid-March. He's out for the season.

97. Cole Gillespie, OF, Diamondbacks
Coming over in the Felipe Lopez trade last year, Gillespie will try to win a reserve outfielder spot during spring training. He's a tweener who can play all three outfield spots, knows the strike zone and possesses a little bit of pop and speed but doesn't do anything or have any tools that stand out. However, he's probably ready to face big league pitching and could contribute a little bit across the board if he finds himself with some extended at-bats, even though he lacks the upside of some other prospects. He could be worth a look in NL-only play if it appears like he'll get some at-bats.

End of camp update: Gillespie made a run at a roster spot but was sent down the last week of March. However, if an injury strikes the Diamondbacks' outfield, he'll likely be the first one to get the call.

98. Trevor Reckling, SP, Angels
I'm not a fan of the rest of the Angels' starting pitching depth this season if they need to reach down into the minors for a starter or two at some point, which means Reckling might get accelerated to the big leagues just like he was accelerated two levels to Double-A last year, posting a 2.93 ERA in 23 starts. However, his strikeout-to-walk ratio was only 106-75 in 135 innings, showing the 20-year-old still has some work to do. Reckling sits in the low 90s with deception that makes his fastball hard to pick up. He has the good curveball that he needs to neutralize left-handed hitters, and his slider is also solid when he stays on top of it. He also has a developing changeup, and mixes all of his pitches well. Still just 20, it's not inconceivable he sees big league time this year if he learns to repeat his delivery better and cuts down on the free passes, given the team's other options if injuries or ineffectiveness plague its rotation.

End of camp update: Reckling got some chances early in camp as a test, but his control continued to be an issue. He walked six batters in 8 2/3 innings and often fell behind hitters even when he didn't issue the free pass. He's probably at least a year away.

99. Mike McCoy, SS, Blue Jays
McCoy was claimed off waivers from the Rockies, and could somehow work his way into the shortstop picture, especially given Alex Gonzalez's injury history. He will turn 29 in April, but the career minor leaguer hit .307 with a .405 on-base percentage last season at Triple-A, walking 80 times and striking out just 70 while going 40-for-46 on the basepaths. He doesn't have any pop, but he can get on base, can handle the strike zone and is a smart base stealer. Looking for some of that hidden Everth Cabrera-type steals production this season? This could be the guy if given the chance. He's a deep sleeper in AL-only leagues if he sticks on the big league roster.

End of camp update: As of this writing, McCoy appears to have the inside track on the last roster spot for the Jays as a versatile utility player, and should have some modest value in AL-only play if he gets at-bats.

100. Aaron Poreda, SP, Padres
Although it doesn't appear he's one of the front-runners for a spot in the back of the Padres' rotation, the 25th overall pick in the 2007 draft, and one of the keys to the Jake Peavy deal, may work his way into the picture later this season. First, he needs to get his delivery back in order after control problems plagued him late last season. The big 6-foot-6 southpaw will touch 95 mph with his fastball, but usually sits in the lower 90s. His slider projects as a plus pitch when it gains more consistency, and he can get swings and misses. His changeup is strictly in the "show me" stage at this point, and it's going to need to take a step forward to keep him from winding up in the bullpen over the long haul. Either that, or he'll need much better command of his two-seamer. Obviously, he'll have a much better pitching environment to work in following the trade, but he needs to show his trouble throwing strikes (42 walks in 35 innings) after the deal was a temporary hiccup that he was able to iron out during instructional league play last fall.

End of camp update: I questioned whether or not I should put Poreda on this list to begin with, and I should have listened to myself. His control problems continue to be a major issue, enough that it's tough to see him contributing as even a bullpen arm at this juncture. He has a lot of things he needs to straighten out.