2008 Top 100 Prospects: 1-10

I have been working for over a month coming up with my top one hundred list for prospects, talking with agents, players, and executives about how to include and who not to. Let's get it started with 1-10.

1. OF Jay Bruce, Reds
- He is just twenty and has proven to everyone that he can hit consistently at each level. He probably won't start the season with the Reds, but he has the potential to be an All-Star in 2009.

2. SP/RP Joba Chamberlain, Yankees
- Absolutely dominated the minor leagues and came up and was phenomenal. I think he might be better off as a closer, but he could be just as dominant as a starter.

3. 3B Evan Longoria, Rays
- He has a ton of power and improved his fielder. He will be hitting in a decent lineup and will be playing in a stadium that suits his swing. I expect him to start off slow, probably putting in a 'Kevin Kouzmanoff' type year, but only if he starts slow.

4. SP Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers
- A nineteen year old led minor league pitchers in K/9 and opponent average. He got a big league invite, but will probably start in the minors. One executive, in reference to his potential, called him the "Jake Peavy of the Dodgers, if not better."

5. SP Clay Buchholz, Red Sox
- He has got a boat load of potential, but his tired arm at the end of the season worried me. Throwing a no-hitter is impressive, I think it is just the beginning for him.

6. OF Travis Snider, Blue Jays
- I love this guy. Led the categories that any team would want to see in a young prospect. The team is only getting better and he could make this a playoff team if he can continue to put up the kind of numbers he has been.

7. OF Colby Rasmus, Cardinals
- For a 21 year old , Rasmus has incredible power and scouts expect it to get better. He is playing in a good stadium, and should be hitting in a good lineup if players can stay healthy. I don't expect a great 2008, but he could do very well once he settles into his role with the Cardinals.

8. David Price, Rays
- Price dominated in college, and has been outstanding in big league camp. One scout said he should be up in 2008, but I think he needs a full year before they give him a shot. A September call up is fine with me. He is deceptive, he throws hard, and has a lot of positive movement on his pitches. To go out and throw a solid inning against the Yankees in your professional debut shows his poise.

9. Cameron Maybin, Marlins
- Twenty-year old outfielder hit his first big league homerun off Roger Clemens. He struggled with the Tigers in his brief visit, but has dominated the minors and should do very well in the Marlins stadium because of its spacious outfield.

10. Franklin Morales, Rockies
- Dominated for the Rockies in 2007, throwing 20 consecutive scoreless innings. The team is confident it can repeat and that should boost the confidence of the rookies.

11-20 Coming this Tuesday!