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2010 Draft Prep: CBSSports.com's Top 100 prospects

Eric Mack
Senior Fantasy Writer
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While our updated list of the Top 25 rookies to target on Draft Day is about those who can impact Fantasy Baseball out of spring training, it could be someone from the Top 100 prospects that actually rises up to win the AL and NL Rookie of the Year awards.

The Top 100 prospects might not necessarily have made the team out of camp, but they will be some of the most-hyped minor leaguers throughout the season. They are ranked for their potential long-term rewards in Fantasy leagues.

There are 100's of other minor leaguers that can get call-ups and help Fantasy owners in the near future, too, so go through our Organizational Prospect Reports we did last fall and the top AL-only and NL-only prospects to get an even deeper view of the top farmhands.

CBSSports.com's Top 100 prospects
RK Player POS TM AGE 2009 high 2010 start
1 Jason Heyward OF ATL 20 Triple-A Majors
We see now why everyone is going with Heyward at No. 1 and we're jumping on board with gusto.
2 Stephen Strasburg SP WAS 21 NCAA Double-A
Without throwing an official pro pitch, the best pitching prospect ever has slipped to the No. 2 spot.
3 Michael Stanton OF FLA 20 Double-A Double-A
It will be real interesting to watch which NL East RF prospect winds up with the most power in seven years.
4 Pedro Alvarez 3B PIT 23 Double-A Triple-A
Masher has some questions about his weight and position, but there's no question about the bat.
5 Neftali Feliz SP TEX 21 Majors Majors
The Rangers have finally stuck gold on one of their own pitching prospects and haven't traded him, yet.
6 Buster Posey C SF 23 Majors Triple-A
Joe Mauer, Matt Wieters and Posey figure to battle for the No. 1 Fantasy status in a few short years.
7 Desmond Jennings OF TB 23 Triple-A Triple-A
As if the Rays needed any more premium guys, Jennings will soften Carl Crawford's eventual departure.
8 Brian Matusz SP BAL 23 Majors Majors
He already reminds me of former Orioles ace Mike Mussina in his much, much younger years.
9 Madison Bumgarner SP SF 20 Majors Majors
He gets far less pub, but he is just eight days older than the ballyhooed Braves outfielder Heyward.
10 Dustin Ackley 1B SEA 22 NCAA High Class A
We list him at his drafted position, but if he takes to second base, he is minors' class of that spot.
11 Carlos Santana C CLE 23 Double-A Triple-A
Unlike the catcher ranked next on the list, we are certain he will be staying behind the plate long term.
12 Jesus Montero C NYY 20 Double-A Triple-A
Jorge Posada's heir has been trying his hand at other positions, but this ranking banks on him catching.
13 Aroldis Chapman SP CIN 22 Defecting High Class A
If he is as good as the hype suggests, the Reds have the making of some dominant rotation long term.
14 Jeremy Hellickson SP TB 22 Triple-A Triple-A
In another organization, he would be a candidate for the rotation; he has to wait his turn with the Rays.
15 Justin Smoak 1B TEX 23 Triple-A Triple-A
His power bat isn't too far from the major leagues and Texas is a nice park to slug quickly to prominence.
16 Kyle Drabek SP TOR 22 Double-A Triple-A
He has gotten his Tommy John elbow surgery out of the way early at least; better than his dad?
17 Alcides Escobar SS MIL 23 Majors Majors
We would rank him higher if the power was a bit better. As it, this a pretty significant spot to be ranked.
18 Casey Kelly SP BOS 20 Low Class A High Class A
We figure he can make an impact in the Red Sox bullpen later this season if they so choose.
19 Martin Perez SP TEX 18 Double-A Double-A
Teenager really didn't star in Double-A but his age-level ratio is pretty off the charts at this point.
20 Wade Davis SP TB 24 Majors Majors
You could pick some pitching prospects with higher ceilings, but he is a pretty good bet to succeed.
21 Chris C. Carter 1B OAK 23 Triple-A Triple-A
You have to love the power potential; heck, he has been traded for some big-name players.
22 Logan Morrison 1B FLA 22 Double-A Triple-A
We are not quite sure how much power will come, but we will trust the scouts and BP shows at this point.
23 Brett Wallace 1B TOR 23 Triple-A Triple-A
He has bounced around in the past year, but his bat should still play even at the deep first base position.
24 Lonnie Chisenhall 3B CLE 21 Double-A Double-A
It won't be difficult for him to push his way to the majors, if he can get off to a hot start through June 1.
25 Michael Taylor OF OAK 24 Triple-A Triple-A
The A's added a potential Carlos Gonzalez-type outfield talent they traded away to get Matt Holliday.
26 Domonic Brown OF PHI 22 Double-A Triple-A
With Raul Ibanez's age and injury history and Jayson Werth's pending free agency, Brown could arrive in '10.
27 Starlin Castro SS CHC 20 Double-A Double-A
The Cubs are pushing him hard this spring, begging the question of whether he could actually arrive in '10.
28 Aaron Crow SP KC 23 DNP -- unsigned Double-A
Sitting out a year set him back, but he could come on quickly with a healthy first half this season.
29 Michael Montgomery SP KC 20 High Class A High Class A
Watching which Royals starter becomes the better major leaguer will be intriguing in a few quick years.
30 Christian Friedrich SP COL 22 High Class A Double-A
He will be a real intriguing candidate for a June 1 call-up if the Rockies decide they need a starter in-season.
31 Jason Castro C HOU 22 Double-A Triple-A
We like the Baseball America comparison that called him the next A.J. Pierzynski this winter.
32 Matt Moore SP TB 20 Low Class A High Class A
High strikeout rate will be something to watch as he gets advanced to the high levels; there's huge upside here.
33 Tyler Matzek SP COL 19 High school Low Class A
We haven't seen him as a pro yet, but Baseball America says he is the next Cole Hamels with better stuff.
34 Aaron Hicks OF MIN 20 Low Class A Low Class A
He is years away, but his potentially high ceiling makes him a prospect worth stashing long term.
35 Scott Sizemore 2B DET 25 Triple-A Majors
He won't be an elite player by any stretch, but a potential 20-20 second baseman is still a Fantasy commodity.
36 Ike Davis 1B NYM 22 Double-A Triple-A
A promising spring could put him in the mix to arrive in the middle of 2010 and become an immediate mainstay.
37 Fernando Martinez OF NYM 21 Majors Triple-A
Years of injury woes have tarnished his prospect status, but all that presumed potential has to still be there.
38 Michael Bowden SP BOS 23 Majors Triple-A
Red Sox's logjam holds him back for now, so he might have to serve Justin Masterson-like role for franchise.
39 Junichi Tazawa SP BOS 23 Majors Triple-A
He will be a serviceable No. 5 starter fill-in coming up from Triple-A as needed this season.
40 Ryan Westmoreland OF BOS 19 Low Class A Low Class A
He is a real long way from Boston right now, but the big-market hype machine is running full strength on him.
41 Daniel Hudson SP CHW 23 Majors Triple-A
Freddy An. Garcia can't be counted on at No. 5, so Hudson will at least be a June 1 call-up candidate.
42 Derek Norris C WAS 21 High Class A Double-A
Spending this spring alongside Ivan Rodriguez should help Norris immensely, but he will remain in minors all year.
43 Casey Crosby SP DET 21 Low Class A High Class A
He has been drawing comparisons to Clayton Kershaw by Baseball America, so there is plenty to live up to.
44 Jarrod Parker SP ARI 21 Double-A Double-A
Tommy John surgery has ruined most of his 2010 season, but he still remains one of the best long-term projects.
45 Tyler Flowers C CHW 24 Majors Triple-A
Pierzynski's replacement can slug with the best at the position, which could make him intriguing in 2010.
46 Yonder Alonso 1B CIN 22 Double-A Triple-A
With Joey Votto now set at first, the Reds are looking to find a new position for Alonso this spring; he can hit, though.
47 Jared Mitchell OF CHW 21 Low Class A High Class A
Former football player is raw by baseball standards, but his physical skills grade very highly right away.
48 Austin Jackson OF DET 23 Triple-A Majors
He doesn't figure to be great right away, but you can see some speed-and-power potential long term.
49 Freddie Freeman 1B ATL 20 Double-A Double-A
He was a bit disappointing last season, but he remains the Braves' long-term option at first base, perhaps in late '10.
50 Todd Frazier OF CIN 24 Triple-A Triple-A
The Reds are considering this converted shortstop in left, second or perhaps third base; he should hit anywhere.
51 Donovan Tate OF SD 19 High school Low Class A
The Padres selected the Georgia product at No. 3 overall last June and was able to lure him away from football.
52 Timothy Alderson SP PIT 21 Double-A Triple-A
His stock slipped last year, because of declining velocity, so watch him closely this season for another fall.
53 Adam Moore C SEA 25 Triple-A Majors
Jeff Clement and Kenji Johjima are no longer blocking him, so consider him the M's catcher of choice right now.
54 Jonathon Niese SP NYM 23 Majors Majors
His stuff isn't electric, but he changes speeds and knows how to pitch despite his inexperience and young age.
55 David Freese 3B STL 26 Triple-A Majors
He is currently atop the Cards depth chart and could be a huge 27-year-old breakout this year.
56 Chris Heisey OF CIN 25 Triple-A Majors
We consider him an Eric Byrnes type and he could earn a starting job in left for the Reds.
57 Josh Bell 3B BAL 23 Double-A Triple-A
There is legit corner-infield pop in his bat, which could make him a candidate to arrive later in 2010 as a regular.
58 Jake Arrieta SP BAL 24 Triple-A Triple-A
Other Orioles prospects have surged past him, but he won't be completely forgotten about for an arrival this year.
59 Alex Avila C DET 23 Majors Majors
He might start the year as a backup in Detroit, but his pop will make him intriguing in most leagues by year's end.
60 J.P. Arencibia C TOR 24 Triple-A Triple-A
There is 30-homer potential in his bat, but his batting average was low last year in Triple-A, where he will return.
61 Mike Moustakas 3B KC 21 High Class A Double-A
His stock has slipped some, but a big year in Double-A this season could put himself in the mix for a 2011 job.
62 Josh Vitters 3B CHC 20 High Class A High Class A
The Cubs kept him out of trades thus far, so he still could be Aramis Ramirez's replacement in a few years.
63 Phillippe Aumont SP PHI 21 Double-A Double-A
His move to the bullpen was supposed to speed up his arrival, but he is back to starting and likely a '10 arrival.
64 Ian Desmond SS WAS 24 Majors Triple-A
He was going to get a shot at starting this spring, but he likely won't arrival to June 1 or midseason now.
65 Tanner Scheppers SP TEX 23 Independent Double-A
There is some concern about his shoulder, but the stuff he once showed keeps him among the elite prospects.
66 Jaff Decker OF SD 20 Low Class A High Class A
A Jason Kubel type outfielder who likely won't be a factor this year, but he could position himself for 2011.
67 James Darnell 3B SD 23 High Class A Double-A
The South Carolina product can position himself for an in-season promotion with a hot start; he might switch positions.
68 Tim Beckham OF TB 20 Low Class A High Class A
He was a disappointment in his first pro season, but his talent and age give him plenty of time to make it.
69 Dayan Viciedo 3B CHW 21 Double-A Triple-A
Everyone loved him last spring -- much more than us -- and now he is falling through the cracks; he's still good.
70 Aaron Poreda SP SD 23 Majors Triple-A
There is talk he might need to move to the bullpen, but the Padres have plenty of time to invest in him.
71 Logan Forsythe 3B SD 23 Double-A Triple-A
We compared him to a Mark Teahen-type and now he might give second a try like Teahen did last year.
72 Reid Brignac SS TB 24 Majors Majors
He has been talked about as a run-producing shortstop for years, but he will have to earn his at-bats this spring.
73 Wilkin Ramirez OF DET 24 Majors Triple-A
He still whiffs too much, but his speed-and-power mix could make him a candidate to help the Tigers right now.
74 Drew Storen RP WAS 22 Double-A Triple-A
If he wasn't a reliever, we would rank him a lot higher. We will regret it when he becomes the Nats' closer.
75 Chris Marrero 1B WAS 21 Double-A Double-A
Future masher hasn't displayed the type of power many expected thus far, but he is still real, real young.
76 Gaby Sanchez 1B FLA 26 Majors Majors
We rank Morrison higher due to potential, but Sanchez is more likely to open at 1B for the Marlins.
77 Michael Saunders OF SEA 23 Majors Triple-A
He likely won't start, which could punch a ticket back to Triple-A, so he can play every day and get at-bats.
78 Jacob Turner SP DET 18 High school Low Class A
One of the best high school arms in the 2009 draft, according to scouts, so he has long-term keeper value.
79 Kyle Gibson SP MIN 22 NCAA High Class A
He would be ranked a lot higher if not for injury woes that kept him from making his pro debut late last year.
80 Max Ramirez C TEX 25 Triple-A Triple-A
It was a disaster season for him in 2009, which was supposed to be one where he could break through.
81 Ben Revere OF MIN 21 High Class A Double-A
Burner will never develop power on his small frame, but he could be a 50-plus basestealer in a few years.
82 Jenrry Mejia SP NYM 20 Double-A Double-A
Wicked stuff has the Mets thinking he might be able to pitch out of the bullpen in the majors this year.
83 Danny Valencia 3B MIN 25 Triple-A Triple-A
His 38 doubles combined last year suggest his power will be more impressive once he arrives, perhaps very soon.
84 Shelby Miller SP STL 20 Low Class A Low Class A
Baseball America says the Cardinals haven't had a pitching prospect this good since Rick Ankiel. Interesting.
85 Jaime Garcia SP STL 23 Triple-A Triple-A
Tommy John surgery stalled his expected arrival in 2008, but he is healthy now and could be their No. 5 starter.
86 Lance Lynn SP STL 22 Triple-A Triple-A
The Cards' 2008 first-rounder had a great season in Double-A and could be another potential impact call-up.
87 Hector Rondon SP CLE 22 Triple-A Triple-A
The Indians briefly considered him in relief, but they are making a good decision to keep him stretched out.
88 Carlos Carrasco SP CLE 23 Majors Triple-A
One of the key pieces of the Cliff Lee deal last year wasn't impressive right away, but we won't give up on him.
89 Wilson Ramos C MIN 22 Double-A Triple-A
Barring a very unlikely free-agent departure of Mauer, Ramos will mean more as trade bait to Minnesota.
90 Jason Knapp SP CLE 19 Low Class A Low Class A
He struggled with injuries after being acquired in the Lee deal, but the teenager has plenty time on his hands.
91 Wilmer Flores SS NYM 18 Low Class A Low Class A
Those Miguel Cabrera comparisons look like a stretch, but there are still a lot of years for him to grow.
92 Michael Brantley OF CLE 22 Triple-A Majors
Acquired in the CC Sabathia trade, this slap-hitting basestealer could be the Indians' opening-day left fielder.
93 Christopher Withrow SP LAD 21 Double-A Double-A
The 2007 first-rounder out of a Texas high school handled Double-A as a 20-year-old quite impressively.
94 Matt Dominguez 3B FLA 20 Double-A Double-A
A subpar 2009 campaign was a bit surprising for Moustakas' high school teammate; he could turn it back around.
95 Nick Hagadone SP CLE 24 High Class A High Class A
One of the key pieces of the Victor Martinez trade; if Santana can star and the pitching comes through ...
96 Mike Minor SP ATL 22 Low Class A High Class A
The Vandy first-round pick has drawn comparisons to Jeremy Sowers, who is more command than power.
97 Dee Gordon SS LAD 21 Low Class A High Class A
Burner could make himself a candidate to replace Rafael Furcal as early as the beginning of 2011.
98 Julio Teheran SP ATL 19 Low Class A High Class A
This power-armed Colombian is a potential No. 1 pitching prospect candidate in a few more years.
99 Brett Lawrie 2B MIL 20 Double-A Double-A
Usually a move from catcher hurts a prospect's value, but Lawrie could arrive in the majors quicker now.
100 Hank Conger C LAA 22 Double-A Triple-A
Injuries had derailed him, but his successful comeback in 2009 restores his top prospect status at catcher.

You can e-mail Emack your Fantasy Baseball pitching questions to DMFantasyBaseball@cbs.com. Be sure to put Top 100 in the subject field. Please include your full name, hometown and state. Be aware, due to the large volume of submissions received, we cannot guarantee personal responses to all questions.

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Player News
Kevin Slowey leaves with lat injury
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com
(9:16 pm ET) Marlins starting pitcher Kevin Slowey was forced to leave Wednesday's start against the Phillies after five solid innings, due to a strained left lat. Slowey was pulled from the game after warming up to begin the sixth inning, due to discomfort.

Slowey was replaced by Wade LeBlanc, after holding the Phillies to just one run on six hits in five innings of work. He threw just 69 pitches, 50 of them for strikes, while striking out six batters and walking none.

Slowey was scheduled to take the mound Tuesday against the Rays, but that is obviously up in the air due to this injury. The team has him listed as day to day.

Slowey lowered his ERA to 3.30, but left the game down 1-0.  


James McDonald throws bullpen session
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com
(9:11 pm ET) Pirates starting pitcher James McDonald made it through a bullpen session without any problems Tuesday, and he is expected to throw another Friday.

"So far so good," manager Clint Hurdle told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Wednesday. "There were no repercussions from (Tuesday). He didn't feel anything."

McDonald is set to begin his rehab assignment Monday for Double-A Altoona. He has not pitched since April 30 due to a shoulder injury. 


Hiroki Kuroda suffers bruised right calf
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com
(9:06 pm ET) Yankees starter Hiroki Kuroda left Wednesday's game against the Orioles with a bruised right calf, the television broadcast of the game on ESPN reported. 

When asked if the injury had anything to do with his back, Kuroda said it did not. He is day-to-day and questionable for his next scheduled start Monday in New York against the Mets. 

Kuroda had his worst outing of the season before leaving Wednesday. He had not allowed a home run in his previous two starts and had allowed one over his last four outings, but surrendered two Wednesday. In fact, entering the start he'd given up three homers all year over 58 2/3 innings. 

Kuroda also allowed the first stolen base against him this season when Nate McLouth took second. Kuroda was 6-2 with a 1.99 ERA entering Wednesday. 


Jeanmar Gomez the likely odd man out
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"We won't have to worry about that for another 10 days," Hurdle said. "We all believe that starting is Charlie's niche right now."

Gomez has a 2.78 ERA and has allowed six runs in 18 2/3 innings in four starts. 


Andre Ethier unhappy with manager's criticism
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com
(8:59 pm ET) Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier was not in the lineup Wednesday against the Brewers after manager Don Mattingly hinted that he was only going to field a team "that's going to fight and compete the whole day." After Wednesday's game, Ethier explained to the Los Angeles Times that he was not happy with that characterization of his play.

"I take offense to that," Ethier said.

Specifically, Ethier was unhappy that Mattingly did not say anything to him personally about the perceived issue with his work ethic.

"But other than that, it's one where I feel like every day I show up and I'm trying to figure out ways to compete," Ethier said. "I work hard. Whether I'm going good or going bad, I work just as hard, both sides. Obviously, when things are going bad, I'm trying even harder to figure out how to make things go right."

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Jake Westbrook's rehab hits a snag
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com
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Westbrook is dealing with inflammation in his elbow and had been limited to long toss before Wednesday. The next step is not known after this setback. 


Cameron Maybin to begin rehab assignment Friday
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com
(8:38 pm ET) Padres outfielder Cameron Maybin will begin his minor-league rehab assignment Friday at Triple-A Tucson, according to MLB.com. Maybin has been dealing with a wrist injury since April and will likely need at least 30 rehab at-bats before being called up.  

Logan Forsythe nearing a return
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(8:33 pm ET) Padres infielder Logan Forsythe is eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list Wednesday, but isn't ready as he works his way back from a foot injury. But he did receive good news Wednesday.

Padres manager Bud Black told MLB.com that Forsythe will begin his rehab assignment Friday in Arizona, playing in extended spring training games. Forsythe has been out since spring training with plantar fasciitis in his right foot. 


Hiroki Kuroda injured in poor outing
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com
(8:30 pm ET) Yankees starter Hiroki Kuroda left Wednesday's outing in Baltimore trailing 3-1 and runners on first and third following a Chris Davis single with no outs in the third inning. After being checked by trainers, Kuroda appeared to leave injured. 

Kuroda was hit in the calf by a line drive but remained in the game. Following Davis' single, Kuroda appeared to touch his back in discomfort. His next start is supposed to be Monday at the Mets. 

Kuroda allowed two homers in his two innings. Preston Claiborne's first pitch to Matt Wieters after Kuroda departed was a three-run homer to complete the starter's line. Kuroda allowed five runs on eight hits and no walks with no strikeouts.

The 38-year-old had been New York's best starter entering Wednesday with a 1.99 ERA and 6-2 record over his first nine outings. 


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