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Top 50 Prospects Recap: Nos. 11-50

Calendar January 17, 2012 | Posted by Mike Rosenbaum

After a monster 2011 season, Arenado jumps from No. 44 to No. 21

Just as we did prior to the start of the 2011 season, The Golden Sombrero is currently unveiling our Top 50 Prospects.  Due to the promotion of many of baseball’s finest prospects over the course of last season, our new list features a slew of new names thanks to strong performances across various minor league levels.  Only time will tell whether this new crop of prospects will match the hype and success of last season’s, but one thing is certain – they are the future of baseball.  Before we crack the Top 10, however, here is a quick recap of the players we’ve highlighted thus far, and where they were ranked headed into the 2011 season:

50. Francisco Lindor, SS, Cleveland Indians – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

49. Christian Yelich, OF, Miami Marlins – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

48.  Joseph Wieland, RHP, San Diego Padres – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

47. Jarred Cosart, RHP, Houston Astros – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

46. Michael Choice, OF, Oakland Athletics – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

45. Matt Harvey, RHP, New York Mets – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

44. Sonny Gray, RHP, Oakland Athletics – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

43. Zack Cox, 3B, St. Louis Cardinals, — Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

42. Yasmani Grandal, C, Cincinnati Reds – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

41. Zack Wheeler, RHP, New York Mets – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

40. Hak-Ju Lee, SS, Tampa Bay Rays – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

39. Taijuan Walker, RHP, Seattle Mariners – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

38. Wil Myers, OF, Kansas City Royals – Pre-2011 Rank: 15

37. Will Middlebrooks, 3B, Boston Red Sox – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

36. Brett Jackson, OF, Chicago Cubs – Pre-2011 Ranks: 43

35. Carlos Martinez, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

34. Gary Brown, OF, San Francisco Giants – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

33. Randall Delgado, RHP, Atlanta Braves – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

32. Starling Marte, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

31. Robbie Erlin, LHP, San Diego Padres – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

30. Arodys Vizcaino, RHP, Atlanta Braves – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

29. Jonathan Singleton, 1B/OF, Houston Astros – Pre-2011 Rank: 37

28. Jake Odorizzi, RHP, Kansas City Royals – Pre-2011 Rank: 35

27. Travis d’Arnaud, C, Toronto Blue Jays – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

26. Manny Banuelos, LHP, New York Yankees – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

25. Miguel Sano, 3B, Minnesota Twins – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

24. Josh Bell, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates – Pre-2011 Rank: N/A

23. Martin Perez, LHP, Texas Rangers – Pre-2011 Rank: 28

22. Drew Pomeranz, LHP, Colorado Rockies – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

21. Nolan Arenado, 3B, Colorado Rockies – Pre-2011 Rank: 44

20. Archie Bradley, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks – Pre-2011 Rank: N/A

19. Anthony Rizzo, 1B, Chicago Cubs – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

18. Tyler Skaggs, LHP, Arizona Diamondbacks – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

17. Devin Mesoraco, C, San Diego Padres – Pre-2011 Rank: 27

16. Bubba Starling, OF, Kansas City Royals – Pre-2011 Rank: N/A

15. Jarrod Parker, RHP, Oakland Athletics – Pre-2011 Rank: 8

14. Jacob Turner, RHP, Detroit Tigers – Pre-2011 Rank: 19

13. Jurickson Profar, SS, Texas Rangers – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

12. Jameson Taillon, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates – Pre-2011 Rank: 14

11. Danny Hultzen, LHP, Seattle Mariners – Pre-2011 Rank: N/A

Top 50 Prospects Recap: Nos. 25-50

Calendar December 19, 2011 | Posted by Mike Rosenbaum

Banuelos debuts at No. 26 on our list

Just as we did prior to the start of the 2011 season, The Golden Sombrero is currently unveiling our Top 50 Post-2011 Prospects, and we are now halfway through out list.  Due to the promotion of many of baseball’s finest prospects over the course of last season, our new list features a slew of new names thanks to strong performances across various minor league levels.  Only time will tell whether this new crop of prospects will match the hype and success of last season’s, but one thing is certain – they are the future of baseball.

Here is a quick recap of the players we’ve highlighted thus far, and where they were ranked headed into the 2011 season:

50. Francisco Lindor, SS, Cleveland Indians – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

49. Christian Yelich, OF, Miami Marlins – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

48.  Joseph Wieland, RHP, San Diego Padres – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

47. Jarred Cosart, RHP, Houston Astros – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

46. Michael Choice, OF, Oakland Athletics – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

45. Matt Harvey, RHP, New York Mets – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

44. Sonny Gray, RHP, Oakland Athletics – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

43. Zack Cox, 3B, St. Louis Cardinals, — Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

42. Yasmani Grandal, C, Cincinnati Reds – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

41. Zack Wheeler, RHP, New York Mets – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

40. Hak-Ju Lee, SS, Tampa Bay Rays – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

39. Taijuan Walker, RHP, Seattle Mariners – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

38. Wil Myers, OF, Kansas City Royals – Pre-2011 Rank: 15

37. Will Middlebrooks, 3B, Boston Red Sox – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

36. Brett Jackson, OF, Chicago Cubs – Pre-2011 Ranks: 43

35. Carlos Martinez, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

34. Gary Brown, OF, San Francisco Giants – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

33. Randall Delgado, RHP, Atlanta Braves – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

32. Starling Marte, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

31. Robbie Erlin, LHP, San Diego Padres – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

30. Arodys Vizcaino, RHP, Atlanta Braves – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

29. Jonathan Singleton, 1B/OF, Houston Astros – Pre-2011 Rank: 37

28. Jake Odorizzi, RHP, Kansas City Royals – Pre-2011 Rank: 35

27. Travis d’Arnaud, C, Toronto Blue Jays – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

26. Manny Banuelos, LHP, New York Yankees – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

25. Miguel Sano, 3B, Minnesota Twins – Pre-2011 Rank: N/R

Top 50 Prospects: #29 – Jonathan Singleton

Calendar December 9, 2011 | Posted by Daniel "Dee" Clark

#29 Jonathan Singleton

Houston Astros

DOB: 9/18/1991

Previous Rank: 37

ETA: 2014

Singleton was the centerpiece of the deal that sent Hunter Pence to the Philadelphia.  Prior to the trade, Singleton spent time at both first and left.  This ranking is based on the premise that Singleton, despite possessing a grading of 30-40 in the speed tool and a 40-50 arm, ends up playing at least several seasons in the outfield.  Houston seems to prefer him at first, but with new ownership there is some hope that the Astros begin to make better decisions in how they handle their player development.

His bat is outstanding, and he already gets 60s in terms of discipline and hit tool.  The power grade is still just average, but there is enough loft in his cut that he will grow into more bombs as he matures.  As just a 19-year-old, Singleton slashed .298/.392/.441 with 13 dingers and 70 walks in around 520 plate appearances across two stops, finishing up the year in the California League.  He had pretty noticeable splits in favor of his appearances against right-handers as should be expected, but he hangs on well against secondary stuff and is almost always down with his front early enough to stay back with his legs.

Year Age Tm Lg Lev Aff G PA AB R 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BA
2009 17 Phillies GULF Rk PHI 31 119 100 12 9 0 2 12 1 0 .290
2010 18 Lakewood SALL A PHI 104 450 376 64 25 2 14 77 9 7 .290
2011 19 2 Teams 2 Lgs A+ PHI,HOU 128 530 449 68 23 1 13 63 3 3 .298
2011 19 Clearwater FLOR A+ PHI 93 382 320 48 14 0 9 47 3 3 .284
2011 19 Lancaster CALL A+ HOU 35 148 129 20 9 1 4 16 0 0 .333
3 Seasons 263 1099 925 144 57 3 29 152 13 10 .294
A+ (1 season) A+ 128 530 449 68 23 1 13 63 3 3 .298
A (1 season) A 104 450 376 64 25 2 14 77 9 7 .290
Rk (1 season) Rk 31 119 100 12 9 0 2 12 1 0 .290
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/9/2011.
Year Age Tm Lg Lev Aff G PA AB HR RBI BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS TB
2009 17 Phillies GULF Rk PHI 31 119 100 2 12 18 13 .290 .395 .440 .835 44
2010 18 Lakewood SALL A PHI 104 450 376 14 77 62 74 .290 .393 .479 .872 180
2011 19 2 Teams 2 Lgs A+ PHI,HOU 128 530 449 13 63 70 123 .298 .392 .441 .833 198
2011 19 Clearwater FLOR A+ PHI 93 382 320 9 47 56 83 .284 .387 .413 .800 132
2011 19 Lancaster CALL A+ HOU 35 148 129 4 16 14 40 .333 .405 .512 .917 66
3 Seasons 263 1099 925 29 152 150 210 .294 .393 .456 .849 422
A+ (1 season) A+ 128 530 449 13 63 70 123 .298 .392 .441 .833 198
A (1 season) A 104 450 376 14 77 62 74 .290 .393 .479 .872 180
Rk (1 season) Rk 31 119 100 2 12 18 13 .290 .395 .440 .835 44
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/9/2011.
Year Age Tm Lg Lev Aff G Ch PO A E DP Fld% RF/G
2009 17 Phillies GULF Rk PHI 1B 25 233 214 17 2 17 .991 9.24
2010 18 Lakewood SALL A PHI 1B 95 885 816 65 4 63 .995 9.27
2011 19 2 Teams 2 Lgs A+ PHI,HOU 1B 79 637 578 48 11 57 .983 7.92
2011 19 2 Teams 2 Lgs A+ PHI,HOU DH 18 0.00
2011 19 2 Teams 2 Lgs A+ PHI,HOU OF 31 52 46 3 3 0 .942 1.58
2011 19 Lancaster CALL A+ HOU 1B 33 268 241 22 5 30 .981 7.97
2011 19 Clearwater FLOR A+ PHI 1B 46 369 337 26 6 27 .984 7.89
2011 19 Clearwater FLOR A+ PHI LF 30 52 46 3 3 0 .942 1.63
2011 19 Lancaster CALL A+ HOU RF 1 0 0 0 0 0 0.00
2011 19 Lancaster CALL A+ HOU DH 2 0.00
2011 19 Clearwater FLOR A+ PHI DH 16 0.00
2011 19 Lancaster CALL A+ HOU OF 1 0 0 0 0 0 0.00
2011 19 Clearwater FLOR A+ PHI OF 30 52 46 3 3 0 .942 1.63
3 Seasons 248 1807 1654 133 20 137 .989 7.21
1B (3 seasons) 1B 199 1755 1608 130 17 137 .990 8.73
DH (1 season) DH 18 0.00
OF (1 season) OF 31 52 46 3 3 0 .942 1.58
RF (1 season) RF 1 0 0 0 0 0 0.00
LF (1 season) LF 30 52 46 3 3 0 .942 1.63
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/9/2011.

He takes a direct approach to contact and generates terrific carry with good thump.  Singleton should begin the year in Double-A since his numbers improved in the California League.  A full season there could probably do him some good especially if used in the outfield, but he has the bat and maturity to earn a promotion if his numbers at the dish justify it.  It is highly possible that Singleton reaches Houston by 2013, and he even has an outside shot at a cup this September.  We think Opening Day in 2014 sounds best, though.

Top 50 Prospects Update: Kelly, Mejia, Singleton, Norris and Odorizzi

Calendar May 16, 2011 | Posted by Mike Rosenbaum

With the first month of the MLB season in the books, and some of the baseball’s best prospects now suiting up for their respective big league squads, it’s time to reflect on the performances of our Top 50 Prospects.  Today we look at 39-35, which includes: Casey Kelly, Jennry Meija, Jonathan Singleton, Derek Norris and Jake Odorizzi.

39. Casey Kelly, RHP, San Diego Padres

Double-A: 3-1, 3.38 ERA, 45.1 IP, 14 BB, 33 K, 1.301 WHIP

38. Jennry Mejia, RHP, New York Mets

Triple-A: 1-2, 2.86 ERA, 28.1 IP, 14 BB, 21 K, 1.059 WHIP

37. Jonathan Singleton, 1B, Philadelphia Phillies

High-A: .276/.394/.333, 2 2B, HR, 10 RBI, 16 BB, 31 K

36. Derek Norris, C, Washington Nationals

Double-A: .194/.354/.323, 2 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 14 BB, 24 K, 4-for-5 SB

35. Jake Odorizzi, RHP, Kansas City Royals

High-A: 3-0, 1.97 ERA, 32 IP, 8 BB, 51 K, 0.938 WHIP

The Golden Sombrero’s Top 50 Prospects Recap: #30 – #40

Calendar January 31, 2011 | Posted by Mike Rosenbaum

Shortly after the turn of the New Year, we began unveiling our Top 50 Prospects for the 2011 season.  The list is the product of hours of deliberation between Dee and myself, and is far from your average, cookie-cutter top prospect list.

Our rankings are based on a number of criteria such as ceiling, refinement, age, level, performance, and health thus far.  Positional scarcity and chances to stay at a premium position in the Major Leagues carries some weight too, but is a lesser component. No pitcher rankings are based off of potential as relievers because no top arm ends up in the bullpen unless the front office decides to lose its mind.

In case you have missed any player on our list, here is a recap of 30-40:

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