2008 Top 25 Prospects List (Part I)

Today, I will be kicking off my Top-25 prospect list with the five prospects with the honor of holding up the back end of the list. This is no slight to their talent as even the back end of a list like this has several future stars. This year featured what seemed like a particularly strong pitching crop with a solid mix of hitters sprinkled in. Hope you enjoy it; here it is!

25. Beau Mills, 3B, CLE - This kid may not be an amazing fielder, but boy can he hit. His bat could be just what the Indians need to ascend to championship level in a few years.

24. Mike Moustakas, SS/3B, KC - Dayton Moore and his staff knew just what they were doing when they took this kid second overall in the 2007 draft. Scott Boras says that he plays just like A-Rod did at the same age, which may be a bit of a stretch, but he’s got potential, and lots of it.

23. Carlos Gonzalez, OF, OAK - While he may be given a shot at a starting job with the talent-stripped A’s, I hope that Billy Beane holds off on it. While Gonzalez is a toolsy outfielder with good potential, he needs more minor league seasoning to work on his plate discipline.

22. Wade Davis, RHP, TB - Whether he sticks in the rotation or moves into the bullpen is still a question that the Rays have to worry about, but I think it’s clear that he’ll have a place on a team sometime soon.

21. Daric Barton, 1B, OAK - As if his minor league numbers weren’t ridiculous, Barton only put up a 186 OPS+ in a 72 at-bat major leage call-up, complete with a strong walk ratio. His bat is clearly ready for the majors, but is his glove?

20. Joey Votto, 1B, CIN - Strong minor league numbers in combination with a strong major league call-up and good speed out of first base make this young man the first baseman of the future for Cincinatti.