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Sporting one of the best farm systems in the game they decided to unload some of the best prospects in exchange for Gio Gonzalez to upgrade their Big League rotation. They have spent big in the past few drafts, thanks to top 6 picks, and their #2-#5 prospects have not even set foot on the field as a professionals yet.
Below are my top 16 prospects with 2012 opening day age, position, and comments on each player. Below the top 16 is a small list of additional notable names. Enjoy.
| Player | Comments | |
| 1 | Bryce Harper (19-OF) | There really isn’t much to say here other than he has the highest offensive ceiling of any player in the minors and might have more raw power than 99% of the players in the Majors. He has a plus-plus arm and I honestly believe he could handle CF if given the opportunity. He is already a star and has Hall of Fame potential. |
| 2 | Anthony Rendon (21-3B) | He has star potential at the hot corner with plus defense, hit tool, and plate discipline. His approach at the plate rivals some of the best in the game and his knowledge of the strike zone is beyond his years. Even if he only projects to hit for average power he should be an All-Star but I think, if healthy, he can hit 20 HR. |
| 3 | Alex Meyer (22-RHP) | Some view him as a reliever, and rightfully so due to command and delivery concerns, but he has plus velocity on his sinker/fastball and a plus slider. He has plenty of size to start (he is 6’9″) and I think the Nats would be wise to let him prove whether or not he can start before moving him to the pen. But, if he has to move to the pen he will be lights out in high-leverage situations. |
| 4 | Brian Goodwin (21-OF) | He has lots of tools but profiles better in a corner OF spot where he will be a plus defender. On offense he has 20/20 potential but we need to see him in pro ball to see how he does against advanced pitching since he was in JuCo this time last year. |
| 5 | Matt Purke (21-LHP) | Some see a potential #2 starter but I see more of a #4 guy until he proves he can stay healthy and maintain his velocity. Great frame to go with a low-to-mid-90s fastball, slider, and change-up. I have my doubts until he proves me wrong, though. |
| 6 | Robbie Ray (20-LHP) | His fastball sits 89-91 with the ability to add more to it and he pairs it with a breaking ball and a change-up. He has flyball tendencies so he must learn to work down in the zone and he lacks an ideal pitcher’s frame but he has room to add muscle which is needed for durability. He has #3 upside if he works out all of issues. |
| 7 | Sammy Solis (23-LHP) | Injuries are killing his prospect status but he has the upside of a #3 starter who can eat innings and does not walk many thanks to above-average control and command. I refuse to rank him any higher until he is healthy again. |
| 8 | Destin Hood (22-OF) | Big kid with big raw power that is finally making its way into games. He is athletic for a guy his size and should be above-average in a corner OF spot. He started drawing more walks last season and if he can keep up those patient ways he could open a few eyes in 2012. |
| 9 | Michael Taylor (21-OF) | The Nats moved him out of the infield and into the OF where he has the chance to be a plus defender in CF. He is still a bit raw but he has potential 15/30 tools. He needs to work on his pitch recognition and plate discipline if he wants his tools to translate at the plate. |
| 10 | Steve Lombardozzi (23-2B) | He has average tools across the board with an above-average hit tool. He makes all the right plays but does not flash above-average skills on defense. Should be a solid-regular or very good role player. |
| 11 | Zach Walters (22-SS/2B) | He profiles better at the keystone position but has an above-average hit tool and gap power to go with slightly above-average speed. He will also take a walk but strikes out way too much. He could be a valuable utility player with enough arm for 3B if he cannot stick at any one position. |
| 12 | Chris Marrero (23-1B) | Power has not developed as expected and he is relegated to 1B and is barely average there defensively. He has a solid hit tool and should hit for plenty of doubles but that offensive profile only works for a 1B who is a plus defender. |
| 13 | Josh Smoker (23-LHP) | He was moved to the pen full-time last year and missed plenty of bats with his 92-95 mph fastball and breaking ball combo. He also missed the strike zone a lot so he has to work out the control issues if he wants to work high-leverage innings. |
| 14 | Matt Skole (22-3B) | Looks like a 5th round steal with his power potential and incredible patience and discipline at the plate. He has some issues on defense and struggles against left-handed pitching but he could move way up the prospect ladder with a good 2012. |
| 15 | Jason Martinson (23-SS) | Shows good power, speed, and patience but was a bit old for the Sally league and his defense is below-average and erratic. He also strikes out a ton and will likely never hit for a decent average. |
| 16 | Tyler Moore (25-1B) | Tons of power and but can’t hit anything that isn’t middle-in and has horrible plate discipline and strikes out a lot. Also relegated to 1B where he is average. |
A few more names to watch: David Freitas (C), Dan Rosenbaum (LHP), Eury Perez (OF)
-Jonathan C. Mitchell can be found writing about the Tampa Bay Rays at DRaysBay and the Florida Marlins at ESPN’s SweetSpot site Marlins Daily. You can follow him on twitter at @FigureFilbert. Be sure to follow MLBdirt at @MLBdirt
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
