MiLB.com just finished presenting their top 50 prospect list heading into the 2008 season. Today I thought it would be fun to take a look at their top 25 and see how theirs compared to my top 25 list. While there are some players we ranked quite differently, we seem to be in the same ballpark on most. Here’s a look:
| DIAMOND CUTTER | MiLB.com |
| Official List | Official List |
| 1.) Jay Bruce | 1.) Jay Bruce |
| 2.) Clay Buchholz | 2.) Evan Longoria |
| 3.) Cameron Maybin | 3.) Cameron Maybin |
| 4.) David Price | 4.) Clayton Kershaw |
| 5.) Evan Longoria | 5.) Joba Chamberlain |
| 6.) Joba Chamberlain | 6.) Clay Buchholz |
| 7.) Clayton Kershaw | 7.) Colby Rasmus |
| 8.) Colby Rasmus | 8.) Andrew McCutchen |
| 9.) Ian Kennedy | 9.) Homer Bailey |
| 10.) Homer Bailey | 10.) Adam Miller |
| 11.) Andrew McCutchen | 11.) David Price |
| 12.) Jacoby Ellsbury | 12.) Wade Davis |
| 13.) Jacob McGee | 13.) Jacoby Ellsbury |
| 14.) Rick Porcello | 14.) Rick Porcello |
| 15.) Travis Snider | 15.) Travis Snider |
| 16.) Carlos Gonzalez | 16.) Franklin Morales |
| 17.) Brandon Wood | 17.) Fernando Martinez |
| 18.) Reid Brignac | 18.) Nick Adenhart |
| 19.) Johnny Cueto | 19.) Brandon Wood |
| 20.) Josh Vitters | 20.) Jacob McGee |
| 21.) Mike Moustakas | 21.) Matt Wieters |
| 22.) Andy LaRoche | 22.) Mike Moustakas |
| 23.) Jeff Clement | 23.) Carlos Gonzalez |
| 24.) Daric Barton | 24.) Gio Gonzalez |
| 25.) Fernando Martinez | 25.) Eric Hurley |
As you can see we are pretty close for the most part. The biggest difference seems to be how we both view Yankees pitcher Ian Kennedy. MiLB doesn’t even include Kennedy in their top 25 as they have him just missing at number 26. I however have him nestled in at number nine. Part of the reason many overlook Kennedy is due to the hype of Phil Hughes and the giant splash Joba Chamberlain made last season. MiLB also mentions how they feel he will most likely begin 2008 in Triple-A due to the possible crowded Yankee rotation. But if Andy Pettite retires, Roger Clemens doesn’t return and depending on the Phil Hughes/Johan Santana trade situation, the Yankees may need Kennedy to step in as a number five starter.
The other glaring difference is how we view Cincinnati Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto. While I have him ranked at number 19, MiLB barely has him cracking the top 50 at number 47. I couldn’t really tell by their synopsis why he was so low, but I’m guessing it may have something to do with Jay Bruce and Homer Bailey garnering all the attention. Regardless of why, Cueto isn’t far off from Bailey’s level of talent. He’s still very young and has some great pitches that the Reds organization can take their time developing. Look for him to force their hands as he shoots through their system in no time.
Over all I thought MiLB did a nice job with their rankings. I question a lot more of their choices than I thought I would but when you have something as subjective as evaluating talent you are bound to have difference of opinions. They really didn’t make me rethink any of my choices or my scouting reports but it was nice to hear their “professional” opinions. As always don’t hesitate letting me know how you felt about our lists by emailing me at mwhipps@mvn.com.
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