1. Ryan Garko; Cle (Utl)- Ryan is a guy who is good enough to be moved around the field with his versatility. He was drafted as a catcher, but with Victor Martinez holding that position in the majors, the Indians are talking about making him a super utility player, moving him around and giving everyone a day off more regularly. He won't hit for a great average, maybe around .265, but he'll hit some HRs.
2. Ryan Howard; Phi (1B)- Ryan became a top prospect after hitting a total of 46 HRs between AA and AAA in Philadelphia's system last season. At the moment he is being blocked by Jim Thome and Ryan currently has no other position to play. They have tried him in LF but to no avail and the National League does not use a DH. If Howard reaches the majors, it will probably be in another uniform. I don't see him carrying over his HR success that he has received in the minors because of his strikeout total. He struck out 166 times in 485 ABs, with only 60 BB.
3. Cole Hamels; Phi (SP)- Cole found himself in a bar fight this past winter that saw him break a bone in his throwing hand and will likely set back his start of the season until early May. When he does come back, you can expect a guy who will have a fastball that tops out at 94 with plenty of movement with a plus changeup. He'll start the season out in AA Reading, and soon will become a top of the line starter for the Phillies. That is if he can keep himself out of trouble.
4. Yusmeiro Petit; NYM (SP)- Petit has great movement and deception with his fastball. Although he tops out in the low 90's, he still can be an effective strikeout pitcher when he gets to the majors. Yusmeiro probably won't reach the show till 2007 as he had a little trouble after a call up to AA last year.
5. Ryan Sweeney; SOX (OF)- Sweeney, as a 19 year old, played in High A ball and hit .283 with 7HRs, 40 BB and 65 K. Not too bad for being one of the youngest kids in the league. Ryan had trouble with power last season, but that could be because of his youth. Many think he is the best that Chicago's system has to offer, and he'll probably be back in High A ball until his power comes along, or he could advance to AA.
6. Dan Meyer; Oak (SP)- Meyer was part of the trade that sent Tim Hudson to Atlanta for three prospects. He can throw his fastball consistently between 90-93 and has a tight slider that he mixes in well with it. Meyer will have a great chance this spring to win a spot in the starting rotation. He is being compared to both Barry Zito and Mark Mulder and is one of the top candidates for Rookie of the Year.
7. Aaron Hill; Tor (SS)- Hill has very good strike zone judgement, having 63 BBs with only 61Ks. He played in the Eastern League last year (AA) and hit .280 with 11 HRs. He's not a true power hitter so don't expect him to hit more then 10 a year in the majors. He has a little competition with Russ Adams, but many feel that he will move to second leaving Hill the starting SS job. He wont be a star, but he'll be a solid everyday player when he finally reaches the show.
8. Michael Aubrey; Cle (1B)- Aubrey was a steal as the 11th overall pick in the 2003 draft out of Tulane University as many thought he was the best hitter in the draft. Although he doesn't hit for a ton of power, he sprays the ball all over the Field and reminds me a lot of Sean Casey or Mark Grace. Michael took Yoga classes this off season to help him become more flexible and hopefully less prone to the strained muscles that have hampered him the past few seasons. He will likely start the year back in AA but Cleveland is hoping to be able to promote him to AAA before mid season.
9. Chris Nelson; Col (SS)- The Rockies selected Chris with their first overall pick and 9th overall selection in the draft. He has a quick bat and hits the ball hard to all fields. He'll start the season out in Low A Ball; although he could probably play at High A, the Rockies don't want to rush the young man.
10. Felix Pie; Chc (OF)- Felix, at 20, is still a very raw baseball player. He was signed out of the Dominican and has not progressed as they thought he might. Pie hit .297 as a 19 year old in the pitching dominant Florida State League. He will never become a guy who will hit a lot of HRs, but he will be your prototypical lead off hitter and one who can steal a lot of bases.
Ross Keyser is an independant minor league analyst and his opinions are not necessarily reflective of those put forth by rotochamps.com.