2008 Draft Prospects

by Eli Greenspan on Jul 19, 2007 12:27 AM EDT

Since many have been critical of the list I found, I have been working on one of my own.

20 Top College Prospects

1. Justin Smoak, 1b, South Carolina

2. Aaron Crow, rhp, Missouri

3. Pedro Alvarez, 3b, Vanderbilt

4. Brian Matusz, lhp, San Deigo

5. Yonder Alonso, Miami

6. Brett Hunter, rhp Pepperdine

7. Shooter Hunt, rhp, Tulane

8. Jemile Weeks, 2b, Miami

9. Ryan Perry, rhp, Arizona

10. Buster Posey, c, Florida St.

11. Christian Friedrich, lhp, Eastern Kentucky

12. Brandon Crawford, ss, UCLA

13. Luke Burnett, rhp, Louisiana St.

14. Jacob Thompson, rhp Virginia

15. Cody Satterwhite, rhp, Mississippi

16. Tyson Ross, rhp, California

17. Gordon Beckham, ss, Georgia

18. Tanner Scheppers, rhp, Fresno St.

19. Dennis Raben, of, Miami

20. Chris Carpenter, rhp, Kent St.

Best Athlete: Jemile Weeks, Miami

Best Hitter: Yonder Alonso, Miami

Best Power Hitter: Justin Smoak, South Carolina

Best Speed: Jemile Weeks, Miami

Best Defense: Blake Tekotte, Miami

Hardest Thrower: Aaron Crow, Missouri

Most Poise: Aaron Crow, Missouri

Pitcher in the MLB in '09: Aaron Crow, Missouri

Hitter in MLB in '09: Justin Smoak, South Carolina

Top 10 High School Prospects

1. Tim Beckham, ss

2. Eric Hosmer, 1b

3. Tim Melville, rhp

4. Gerrit Cole, rhp

5. Jordon Cooper, rhp

6. Aaron Hicks, of

7. Harold Martinez, 3b

8. Issac Galloway, of

9. Kyle Skipworth, c

10. Sonny Gray, rhp

11. Alex Meyer, rhp

12. Daniel Webb, rhp

13. Kyle Lobstein, lhp

14. Brett DeVall, lhp

15. Robbie Grossman, of

16. Zack Cox, 3b

17. Jarrett Martin, lhp

18. Michael Palazzone, rhp

19. Robbie Ross, lhp

20. Adrian Nieto, c

Best Athlete: Tim Beckham, ss

Best Hitter: Tim Beckham, ss

Best Power Hitter: Eric Hosmer, 1b

Best Speed: Randall Thorpe, of

Best Defense: Kyle Skipworth, c

Hardest Thrower: Gerrit Cole, rhp

Most Poise: Sonny Gray, rhp

In the MLB in '09: Tim Beckham, ss

Here is the Top 60 List From Keith Law:

NO. PLAYER POS. SCHOOL 1 Tim Beckham SS Griffin (Ga.) H.S. 2 Buster Posey C Florida State 3 Justin Smoak 1B South Carolina 4 Pedro Alvarez 3B Vanderbilt 5 Eric Hosmer 1B American Heritage H.S. (Plantation, Fla.) 6 Aaron Crow RHP Missouri 7 Gordon Beckham SS Georgia 8 Brian Matusz RHP San Diego 9 Tanner Scheppers RHP Fresno State 10 Gerrit Cole RHP Lutheran H.S. (Orange, Calif.) 11 Kyle Skipworth C Patriot H.S. (Riverside, Calif.) 12 Brett Wallace 3B Arizona State 13 Christian Friedrich LHP Eastern Kentucky 14 Aaron Hicks RF/RHP Wilson H.S. (Long Beach, Calif.) 15 Tim Melville RHP Holt H.S. (Wentzville, Mo.) 16 Ethan Martin RHP/3B Stephens County H.S. (Toccoa, Ga.) 17 Josh Fields RHP Georgia 18 Yonder Alonso 1B Miami 19 Shooter Hunt RHP Tulane 20 Jason Cooper 1B California 21 Casey Kelly SS/RHP Sarasota (Fla.) H.S. 22 Jason Castro C Stanford 23 Conor Gillaspie 3B Wichita State 24 Andrew Cashner RHP Texas Christian 25 Lance Lynn RHP Mississippi 26 Dennis Raben RF Miami 27 Reese Havens SS South Carolina 28 Jake Odorizzi RHP Highland (Ill.) H.S. 29 Petey Paramore C Arizona State 30 Jemile Weeks 2B Miami 31 Robbie Ross LHP Lexington (Ky.) Christian Academy 32 Aaron Weatherford RHP Mississippi State 33 Brad Holt RHP UNC Wilmington 34 Josh Lindblom RHP Purdue 35 Bryan Price RHP Rice 36 James Darnell 3B South Carolina 37 Ezekiel Spruill RHP Kell H.S. (Marietta, Ga.) 38 Daniel Webb RHP Heath H.S. (Paducah, Ky.) 39 Adrian Nieto C American Heritage H.S. (Plantation, Fla.) 40 Kyle Lobstein LHP Coconino H.S. (Flagstaff, Ariz.) 41 Michael Montgomery LHP Hart H.S. (Valencia, Calif.) 42 Cody Satterwhite RHP Mississippi 43 Niko Vasquez SS Durango H.S. (Las Vegas, Nev.) 44 Ryan Perry RHP Arizona 45 Alex Meyer RHP Greensburg (Ind.) H.S. 46 Vance Worley RHP Long Beach State 47 Destin Hood OF St. Paul's Episcopal School (Mobile, Ala.) 48 Wade Miley LHP Southeast Louisiana 49 Roger Kieschnick OF Texas Tech 50 Zach Collier OF Chino Hills (Calif.) H.S. 51 Brett DeVall LHP Niceville (Fla.) H.S. 52 Ike Davis 1B Arizona State 53 Aaron Shafer RHP Wichita State 54 Logan Forsyth 3B Arkansas 55 Isaac Galloway OF Los Osos H.S. (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.) 56 Kyle Weiland RHP Notre Dame 57 Tim Murphy LHP UCLA 58 Brett Lawrie C/2B Langley (B.C.) H.S. 59 Nick Maronde LHP Lexington (Ky.) Catholic H.S. 60 Taylor Hightower C Cartersville (Ga.) H.S.

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Comments

Alvarez is a 3B, while Matusz is a LHP.

by Anonymous on Oct 12, 2007 2:22 PM EDT reply actions

You left off Ryan Perry at U of A. The guy throws 97 with a power CB. Surely a top 10 prospect.

by Anonymous on Nov 27, 2007 11:43 AM EST reply actions

How could you leave off Jonathan Herendeen of Jackson CC. Definetely a top 20 pick

by Anonymous on Nov 29, 2007 3:04 AM EST reply actions

Over 500 JUCO players were selected in last years draft and you're tellin me that there isn't a single JUCO player worth your list...check out the Arizona JUCO's, guarantee you there would be some players there that would change your list...how about that South Mountain JC pitching staff, 3of their starters signed D1 early...Central Ariz. JC has a first baseman signed prominently early too...cmon, you can't leave out the entire JUCO system when really, they are a HUGE portion of the draft picks

by Anonymous 2 on Dec 5, 2007 9:50 PM EST reply actions

Michael Petrivelli out of Southwestern College in San Diego is a sleeper pick...keep an eye out for that bulldog

by Anonymous on Dec 21, 2007 6:02 PM EST reply actions

you failed to talk about 2 HUGE prospects. Brad Hand and Joe Loftus both out of Minnesota. Loftus has a full ride to Vanderbilt. He's a 3B and a pitcher with a 95 mph fastball and nasty slider. Hand is a LHP and 1B. He's going on scholarship to ASU to pitch. He hit 94 and for a lefty thats prime

by rememberMNbaseball on Jan 8, 2008 3:57 PM EST reply actions

To keep an eye out for the best college baseball prospects in the nation, go to collegebaseballprospects.blogspot.com. Here you can keep track of some of the best ncaa players in the country and potential top picks for the 2008 draft.

by Anonymous on Jan 10, 2008 12:10 AM EST reply actions

I agree about the JUCO system. They have some of the BEST players and there isn't one of them on your list. There are some amazing players at Sacramento City College in Sacramento, CA. They always have at least one or two of their players drafted every year. I think you've missed a big part of the baseball community of players by leaving the JUCO system out.

by Anonymous on Jan 28, 2008 3:33 PM EST reply actions

Greeley West High School 2008

by Anonymous on Feb 15, 2008 12:20 AM EST reply actions

What about Canada ?
Last year 8 drafted on day 1 and 3 in the first round.

Brett Lawrie could be the highest ever drafted Canadian positional player. Trained with Russ Martin in the off season.

Remember, MLB teams have easy access for P1 visas. Expect at least 1, maybe 2 Canadians in the top 100.

by Anonymous on Feb 20, 2008 4:41 PM EST reply actions

Bert Smith 2B and clay whittemore RF from Jacksonville State University are sleepers in 2008 up coming draft. Smith is one of your better college middle infielders in the nation, hands down. stats at PING baseball.

by Anonymous on Feb 24, 2008 9:15 PM EST reply actions

High School's Justin Jeising is the biggest high school star in the nation and will be moving up to the pro's eventually after going to college where he plans to attend Vanderbilt and he can reach up to 102 miles per hour on the radar gun but is a left fielder with a ton of power as he hit 36 homers in a very short season. I can't name his high school sorry

by Anonymous on Feb 25, 2008 12:53 PM EST reply actions

Has anyone been following Carlos Lopez.2008 Shortstop/Catcher from Atlantic Community High in Delray Beach FL.
6'0"195 lb. Built like a linebacker.
Plus arm (90 fastball) (90 across infield) A third through season leads all hitters in big schools in Palm Beach County in Avg. (.641) and RBIs. Wake Forest signee. Great hands, hits for power and avg. Only negative is below avg. speed. Several local coaches say he is the best shortstop in area in years and perhaps the best player in the county.

by Anonymous on Mar 3, 2008 4:08 PM EST reply actions

Um...what about Andrew Liebel for Long Beach State hes a senior this year and he has a record of 2-1; an ERA of 1.72 and already 46 K's and only 4 walks. Leads the team in K's.

by nwh2787 on Apr 1, 2008 1:52 PM EDT reply actions

T.J House is a LHP from Picayune H.S. in Miss.. He is probably the best lefty in H.S. at present. He will probably go in the 1st round. He should definetely be on this list.

by Anonymous on Apr 1, 2008 10:12 PM EDT reply actions

how is smoak better than alvarez, matusz, and crow? he is the 4th best at MOST.

by Anonymous on Apr 11, 2008 4:58 PM EDT reply actions

brett hunter should be dropped considering his injury - which is also why alvarez isnt first????? when he should be.

by Anonymous on Apr 11, 2008 5:00 PM EDT reply actions

If you like sleepers, a big polished hitter [DeJuan Johnson] in the California NAIA system who goes by DJ - from Univ of Patten. If he finishes the season, close to the way he's been playing to this point, you'll hear him taken top 35 picks, either Diamondbacks or Padres

by Anonymous on Apr 13, 2008 7:13 PM EDT reply actions

yes i love sleepers, there are many sleepers who i been keeping an eye on lately. the best sleeper i found out about was Former Eastern Michigan Player Montaous walton who now attends Whitewater back in wisconsin. his 06 campaign was crazy after finishing with 22 stolen bases, 14 RBI and a .323 batting average last season he had 17 stolen bases with a .317 batting average. this season he may be out due to grades from what i been hearing, but if he goes out for the draft this season i can see him being taken in the top 35 or 40...if he returns next season he can possibly be taken higher.

by Anonymous on Apr 13, 2008 8:55 PM EDT reply actions

there are alot of sleepers this year's draft like Eastern michigan's Montaous Walton who now attends whitewater in Wisconsin. his most dominate season was in 06 and his 07 debut was not bad at all. he will definitely become a later round pick if he go out this season, he should return for his final season to raise his stock higher.

by Eric Crock on Apr 13, 2008 9:06 PM EDT reply actions

yeah that name sounds kind of familiar, although i do believe this year and next years draft is gonna be Awesome! from what i been reading Walton is currently working hard to improve grades,which explains why he may not play all of this season maybe at all, but yeah i agree if he decides to go out this year he will be a later pick, but if he decides to wait until next year's draft he could definitely be higher. he has that much talent and potential i think.

by Tyler Beckam on Apr 16, 2008 11:09 AM EDT reply actions

how bout john brebia of Wellington highschool in Wellington florida
so far hes 9-1 with a era of 1.23 and 80 something strikeouts and he plays in one of the hardest districts in in the nation
6A palm beach.

by Julian on Apr 16, 2008 8:04 PM EDT reply actions

Tyler Stovall of Hokes Bluff, Al is one of the best kept secrets in baseball and should draft on June 5

by Anonymous on Apr 21, 2008 7:11 PM EDT reply actions

Take a look at The mustand from monroe college,NY there are exceptional players, must of them freshman hitting above 400 and setting up new records for the state http://www.ballcharts.com/teams/index.php?team=monroebaseball

by Ricel on May 3, 2008 12:37 PM EDT reply actions

from canada, anyone been following oscar rodriguez. top prospect for catching in the province of bc. poped a 1.81 in the arizona fall classic, along with hitting over .500. early signee with western nevada wildcats. hitting a solid .345 in the bcpbl(top league in canada) along with players such as brett lawrie, carter bell, and michael crouse...keep an eye.

by Anonymous on May 6, 2008 10:50 PM EDT reply actions

17 yr old Kid who's under the radar is a 6'3" 185lbs LHP from Newsome HS in Florida. Tossed 49 innings had 88K's as a senior. Allowed just 30 hits. Clocked as high as 91 FB, great curve and outstanding change.
Kris Castellanos.

by Anonymous on May 7, 2008 12:16 AM EDT reply actions

Is there any one following ROBIN BUGALLO first baseman hitting 459 ave
ranked #14 with an slug of 719 on the
NJCAA league?? He is playing for Monroe college.

by Anonymous on May 8, 2008 9:15 PM EDT reply actions

Another sleeper. Not only can he hit but has a very strong arm and is like a wall behind the dish. Mount Saint Mary College senior Chris Schacca (Franklin Square, N.Y.) was named the Skyline Conference Player of the Year on Monday, becoming only the second position player in school history to win the award. Playing in all thirty-eight games for the team, Schacca led the Blue Knights with a batting average of .459,(19th in the Nation) a slugging percentage of .637, and an on-base percentage of .545. He also led the team in hits, doubles, and total bases and finished second in runs scored, home runs and runs batted in. The senior’s numbers were even better in conference play as he posted a batting average of .528 to go along with a slugging percentage of .774 and an on-base percentage of .609.

by Coach44 on May 11, 2008 12:15 PM EDT reply actions

Another sleeper..Mount Saint Mary College senior catcher Chris Schacca (Franklin Square, N.Y.) was named the Skyline Conference Player of the Year on Monday, becoming only the second position player in school history to win the award. Playing in all thirty-eight games for the team, Schacca led the Blue Knights with a batting average of .459, a slugging percentage of .637, and an on-base percentage of .545. He also led the team in hits, doubles, and total bases and finished second in runs scored, home runs and runs batted in. The senior’s numbers were even better in conference play as he posted a batting average of .528 to go along with a slugging percentage of .774 and an on-base percentage of .609.

by Anonymous on May 11, 2008 12:17 PM EDT reply actions

Another sleeper.. Newburgh, N.Y. - Mount Saint Mary College senior catcher Chris Schacca (Franklin Square, N.Y.) was named the Skyline Conference Player of the Year on Monday, becoming only the second position player in school history to win the award. Playing in all thirty-eight games for the team, Schacca led the Blue Knights with a batting average of .459 (24th in the nation), a slugging percentage of .637, and an on-base percentage of .545. He also led the team in hits, doubles, and total bases and finished second in runs scored, home runs and runs batted in. The senior’s numbers were even better in conference play as he posted a batting average of .528 to go along with a slugging percentage of .774 and an on-base percentage of .609. A very strong arm and is like a wall behind the Dish.

by Coach44 on May 11, 2008 12:22 PM EDT reply actions

How about Nick Freitas from southern Utah University? Great numbers for a lead off hitter. Will he be picked in the draft? How high?

by Anonymous on May 13, 2008 4:12 PM EDT reply actions

Don't overlook small JUCO's. Otero in La Junta, Colorado, Mike Roberts one of the best catcher's seen, 6'4" 225 lbs, strong hitter, RBI leader, baseball training in high altitude puts player step ahead in conditioning. Played two years on his way to D1 or D2 or draft.

by Anonymous on May 14, 2008 1:54 PM EDT reply actions

Michael Mutcheson, 5'11 and a solid 180. 6.5 runner with a gun. First step quickness and a fearless hockey type attitude.
470 foot homerun to dead center in Regionals and an all-star selection at ss.
Baseball America called him the possible sleeper os the draft.

by zero on May 17, 2008 10:22 PM EDT reply actions

Another sleeper can be found at the NJCAA Div 1 W.S., pitching for Johnson County Community College. 6'3" 230# Freshman LHP Brandon Droge set a school record for season innings pitched (93)to remain one of the 12 lowest ERA in the nation (1.54), and was a region 6 1st team selection.

by Anonymous on May 22, 2008 1:05 PM EDT reply actions

Keep an eye open for Division II Lenoir-Rhyne 3B Daniel Ford the kid Left/Right great bat. Season batting average .426, with only 9 strikeouts in 248 plate appearances. 10 homeruns shows good power with strong arm.

by Anonymous on May 24, 2008 3:17 PM EDT reply actions

A sleeper not in this list is JP Ramirez from Canyon High School in Texas the best hitter in the country, without a doubt..

by Anonymous on May 26, 2008 3:10 PM EDT reply actions

You left off Brett (B.J.) Hermsen of West Delaware. (Manchester, IA) He throws between 93-95 and posted a 1.16 ERA as a junior with a no hitter at the State Tornament. He committed to Oregon State and played in the 2007 Aflac All-American game.

by Anonymous on May 26, 2008 10:09 PM EDT reply actions

Brett Lawrie (Langley, BC) has 8 Hr's and 22 rbi in 6 games on junior Team Canada's current Dominican trip vs. Rookie teams... heating up at the right time

by Anonymous on May 27, 2008 11:39 AM EDT reply actions

I think everyone should remember the name Pete Paris of Georgia College. Not going to get drafted high but I gurantee will make an impact within 5 years. Been consistent his whole career and has a great arm for a catcher

by Anonymous on May 27, 2008 7:39 PM EDT reply actions

Brett Sanders from Etobicoke Canada
This kid should be on the radar for sure. Barely into Puberty he is 6'3 220lbs FIRST BASEMAN THAT CAN CATCH WHEN NEEDED!!!
Member of team Canada!
HITS the ball a TON.

by Anonymous on May 28, 2008 6:32 PM EDT reply actions

Delawter from UMBC intrigued me when I saw him. Unbelievable power at the plate. About 6'0 tall and 210-215 pounds I'd guess. Reminds me of Jack Cust who plays for Oakland. Kid can definitely hit. And did fair on the pitchers mound this year going 5-1 in conference games. Absolutely running under the radar.....

by Anonymous on May 29, 2008 12:22 PM EDT reply actions

I may have overlooked him but i dont think i saw Kris Castellanos, he is a 6'-4" 200lb Lefty outta Tampa FL, he has a nasty curve and change up, his fastball is clocked around low 90's he also led the county in strikeouts this year

by Anonymous on Jun 1, 2008 8:01 PM EDT reply actions

PARISH (rhp), FROM nj

by Anonymous on Jun 4, 2008 1:12 PM EDT reply actions

corey young from seton hall is the truth

by Anonymous on Jun 5, 2008 10:27 AM EDT reply actions

To bad the world doesnt know about a young man from a Tennessee JUCO who throws 93-97mph with a 87mph slider and just started pitching when he got to JUCO is freshman year. Not to mention he didnt even play on his high school team. 6-5 210 lbs

by Anonymous on Jun 5, 2008 5:37 PM EDT reply actions

Does anyone know if Mater Dei standout SS Tyler Rahmatulla got drafted?and where?

by Anonymous on Jun 7, 2008 1:14 AM EDT reply actions

Milwaukee Native Montaous walton is making a Name for himself over in the West Coast At the ABI Academy
few west coast Scouts were Impressed by his time in the 60 (6.47), it appears he did not play this past school year due to grades, but there is no doubt in mind someone will sign him.

by Anonymous on Aug 4, 2008 5:36 PM EDT reply actions