1. Manny Machado. R/R. 6-3. 185. 3B. Age: 20. Orioles. Maybe the most promising young hitter in the game, Machado already hit a solid .262 last season, and had seven home runs while in the majors. Additionally, he gave the Orioles a solid third base presence during their post-season run. Although, Machado has a lot of experience to gain, I would expect a big season out of him, as his power potential is something the Orioles and their fans are drooling over.
2. Matt Harvey. SP. R/R. 6-4. 215. Age: 24. Mets. His debut in New York was extremely strong as he struck out eleven batters in just 5 innings of work. He continued to pitch solid for the Mets finishing with a 3-5 record and a 2.73 ERA last season. Harvey has the makings of a solid eventual number one starter with a confusing lanky athletic frame and an electric fastball.
3. Dylan Bundy. SP. B/R. 6-1. 200. Age: 20. Orioles. Although, his appearance is not overly intimidating, Bundy has a great feel for pitching and a high athletic ceiling which he has yet to maximize. He only made 2 short relief appearances in Baltimore last season, but at 20 years of age he is certainly on the fast track to be in the show, permanently. He will probably start the season in double or triple A.
4. Starling Marte. OF. R/R. 6-2. 180. Age: 24: Pirates. Marte reminds many fans of a young version of his teammate Andrew McCutchen, as he possesses many of the same talents. He performed solid in his Pittsburgh call-up last season; hitting .257-5-17. He will be a legitimate stolen base threat for years to come, and if he learns to become more disciplined at the plate, a sure-fire leadoff hitter.
5. Jurickson Profar. SS. B/R. 5-11. 170. Age: 20. Rangers. Widely considered, the most talented prospect in all of baseball, Profar will most likely begin 2013 in double or triple A. His skill set however, is way to profound and well rounded for him to be there long. If all goes well, expect Profar to be in Texas producing by mid-season. He has the ability to hit for both average and power; additionally he possesses a rocket arm at shortstop.
6. Jacob Turner. SP. R/R. 6-5. 210. Age: 21. Marlins. Once a top prospect on everyones’ list, Turner has struggled a little more than expected; possibly because his previous team, the Tigers may have rushed him to the Majors. Still at the age of only 21, this will be his third season making a major league appearance. A highly athletic pitcher with an ideal frame, he still possesses tremendous upside on the hill; could be the number 1 starter Miami is looking for.
7. Avisail Garcia. OF. R/R. 6-4. 240. Age: 21. Tigers. Garcia made fans aware of his presence as he hit .261 in the postseason for the Tigers at just a 21 year old. A large man who many in the Tigers organization call Miguel Cabrera’s younger brother, he has the skills at the plate to possibly live up to this expectation as he hit nearly .300 in each of his 5 minor league seasons. He may not start the season in Detroit, but he certainly will be called up sooner than later.
8. Martin Perez. SP. L/L. 6-1. 165. Age: 21. Rangers. Although Perez, did not pitch particularly well in Texas last season with a 5.45 ERA in 6 starts, the potential is certainly there for him to be a star. Another prospect that might have been slightly rushed, Perez just needs to work on his control to get to the next level. He holds very good arm speed from the left side, a mid 90’s fastball and devastating changeup.
9. Gerrit Cole. SP. R/R. 6-4. 220. Age: 22. Pirates. Cole was the first pick in the draft 2 years ago and has lived up to the expectation in the minors thus far. Although, he has not landed a job in Pittsburgh yet, he should certainly fit into there rotation very soon. A prototypical power pitcher he has been clocked as high as 100mph off of the mound with a solid curve and changeup. Cole just needs a little more seasoning to gain complete control over his fastball; then he will quickly become a top of the line starter.
10. Brett Jackson. OF. L/R. 6-2. 210. Age: 24. Cubs. Jackson, did not overly impress in his big league debut last season hitting just .175, but that won’t stop the Cubs from giving him every possible opportunity to be a star center fielder. Jackson, is simply too athletic to let a few holes in his swing dictate his future. I expect Jackson to slow down his approach this season and post a solid average, which will allow him to get on and steal bases in Chicago for a long time to come.
