Today, I will unleash my top 10 prospects heading into the 2009 Baseball Season.
I will give analysis on each player, and whether any of them will make an impact with their teams this season or in the future.
The only rule I have is to discard David Price and Travis Snider from this list, as they were in the Majors for a decent part at the end of the season and will probably make the roster on Opening Day due to their success...Enjoy!
1. Matt Wieters: Catcher Baltimore Orioles.
This one is probably a no-brainer by most of us; nonetheless, he is still a hot topic to discuss. Rated the No. 1 prospect in all of baseball last year (ahead of David Price), Wieters will finally make an appearance in the Majors this season.
It is predicted that Wieters will hit up about early May, and contribute to the young O's.
Prediction of his MLB stats this season: 274 AVG 17 HR 68 RBI.
2. Rick Porcello: Starting Pitcher Detroit Tigers.
Out of all the great pitching specs out there, Porcello is the best of them all. Only 21-years-old, Rick can already hit on the high-fastball and has exciting the Tigers organization, saying he will be a star for a long time.
I see him being in the Minors for two full seasons, and will make an appearance in 2011-2012.
3. Jason Heyward: Outfielder Atlanta Braves.
This guy is probably my most favorite prospect to watch from this class. He is only 19, and is the best prospect in the Braves organization.
Heyward killed in the minors, hitting over ,300 in batting average and bringing the power numbers with him.
Jason will probably start in AA this season, a transition to AAA during June possibly, and could be playing in a Braves uniform mid-late 2009.
4. Matt Laporta: Outfielder Cleveland Indians.
Laporta has received great hype in the Indians organization, after coming here in the Sabathia trade. Many people thought this was a sign of bad development. The Brewers trading their top prospect away for a guy they wouldn't be able to resign in the offseason?
Due to his experience though in the minors, the organization could see Laporta in the Majors this year, if he does well. I do think this is the year we see him in the big leagues, however, it will be nothing to brag about.
Predicted Major League stats: 248 AVG, 10 HR, 41 RBI.
5. Cameron Maybin: Outfielder Florida Marlins.
Since the trade with Miguel Cabrera being traded to the Tigers, we have not heard much of him. But, this is finally the year Maybin makes an impact.
Age 22 now, and with the five-tool player the Marlins think he is, Cameron can make an impact this season with the Marlins, possibly leading off for them in the future.
Predicted MLB stats: 258 AVG, 9 HR, 11 SB
6. Tommy Hanson: Starting Pitcher Atlanta Braves.
Some people may think he's a little high for this pick, others think he's a little low. For me, he is the perfect spot.
Hanson has been impressive in the minors thus far, and at 22-years-old, he may have to have another great season to make the majors this year.
His potential has been known as a future ace for the Braves, a team filled with old and veteran type players. Even though some sites see a 2009 future in Hanson, I say it will be one more year before he heads to the big leagues.
7. Madison Bumgarner: Starting Pitcher San Francisco Giants.
Bumgarner's stock rose in the minors after his 15-3 record against the minor leagues best. Drafted in 2007, Madison will soon be joining the young staff of Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain.
I see a better season for Bumgarmer in 2009, this includes a trip to AAA, and appearing on the Giants staff sometime in 2010.
8. Colby Rasmus: Outfielder St. Louis Cardinals.
The time is near for Colby! It seems he has been in the minors for awhile, and finally he is a year away from the majors. He had a slow start in April and May, but got hid mid-season and finished with deeper numbers.
If he can be consistent all year, maybe he and stud Brett Wallace can get called up to the Cards at the end of the season. Until then, I see Rasmus's appearence in 2010.
9. Nick Adenhart: Starting Pitcher Los Angeles Angels.
Adenhart got off to a good start, was in the majors for a short period of time, but got hit around and never reached his expectations in 2008.
This year, he has his mind set, and that is to get a rotation spot in the Angels this season. If he performs well in the minors and gets on a good start, you will see a good part of him this season.
10. Jesus Montero: Catcher New York Yankees.
Yankee fans, you are in store for some treat. People have argued Montero is the best catching prospect behind Wieters, and he is worth the hype no doubt.
At 20-years-old, he was one of the best overall hitting prospects. A batting avgerage over .320, 17 HR and 87 RBI sure does it for me.
You won't seem him for a couple of more seasons, but when you do it's something you should be afraid of.
Matt Miselis is a writer for BleacherReport.com
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