Baseball America: Top 100 Amateurs
The top amateur prospects for Tuesday's Major League Baseball
draft as determined by Baseball America:
Position Players
(Bats-throws, height, weight, average, AB, H, HR, RBI, SB in parentheses)
1. Pat Burrell, 3b, U. of Miami, Boulder Creek, Calif., 21
(R-R, 6-4, 225, .433, 90, 39, 11, 35, 5)
Lingering back injury may take him out of the first couple of picks.
5. Corey Patterson, of, Harrison HS, Kennesaw, Ga., 18
(L-R, 5-10, 175, .560, 109, 61, 22, 61, 36)
Georgia speedster has added unexpected power to his game this spring.
8. Chip Ambres, of, West Brook HS, Beaumont, Texas, 18
(R-R, 6-1, 190, .500, 66, 33, 10, 21, 12)
A top-quality athlete who has a surprisingly polished bat.
9. Sean Burroughs, 3b, Wilson HS, Long Beach, Calif., 17
(L-R, 6-2, 200, .507, 67, 34, 5, 29, 9)
Many are worried about his USC ride, but what does he have to prove?
10. Carlos Pena, 1b, Northeastern U., Haverhill, Mass., 20
(L-L, 6-2, 210, .342, 146, 50, 13, 52, 12)
He just turned 20 years old, but already is accomplished with wood.
11. Choo Freeman, of, Dallas Christian HS, Mesquite, Texas, 18
(R-R, 6-3, 195, .557, 88, 49, 9, 44, 13)
A high-ceiling athlete who keeps moving up the list.
14. Ben Diggins, 1b-p, Bradshaw Mountain HS, Dewey, Ariz., 18
(R-R, 6-6, 220, .573, 89, 51, 11, 49, 5)
Top HS power potential in the draft, also throws 96 from the mound.
18. Adam Everett, ss, U. of South Carolina, Kennesaw, Ga., 21
(R-R, 6-1, 176, .378, 249, 94, 12, 61, 13)
One of the safest picks in the draft, a multi-tooled college shortstop.
19. Felipe Lopez, ss, Lake Brantley HS, Altamonta Springs, Fla., 18
(B-R, 6-1, 170, .521, 73, 38, 7, 28, 35)
Along with Pena, one of two Dominican natives who are likely 1st-rounders.
20. Bubba Crosby, of, Rice U., Houston, 21
(L-L, 5-11, 185, .401, 207, 83, 23, 84, 2)
Potential fourth first-rounder from Rice in four years.
22. Mark Teixeira, 3b, Mount St. Joseph HS, Severna Park, Md., 18
(B-R, 6-3, 220, .508, 65, 33, 9, 26, 13)
Great skills and strength, but worries exist about body and signability.
24. Drew Henson, ss, Brighton HS, Brighton, Mich., 18
(R-R, 6-5, 222, .594, 69, 41, 10, 50, 13)
National football player of the year may top baseball list also.
26. Rick Elder, of, Sprayberry HS, Marietta, Ga., 18
(L-L, 6-6, 230, .516, 93, 48, 14, 36, 15)
Top-of-the-line left-handed power, but somewhat all-or-nothing prospect.
27. Austin Kearns, 1b, Lafayette HS, Lexington, Ky., 18
(R-R, 6-3, 215, .561, 73, 41, 10, 40, 22)
Has disappointed on the mound, now considered a bat-only prospect.
29. Gerald Laird, c, La Quinta HS, Westminster, Calif., 18
(R-R, 6-2, 195, .648, 88, 57, 5, 33, 37)
Top-ranked catcher, similar to fellow Californians Kendall & Lieberthal.
34. Eric Valent, of, UCLA, Anaheim, 21
(L-L, 6-0, 195, .336, 220, 74, 30, 73, 4)
Some say he has become one-dimensional, but power numbers speak loudly.
35. Jody Gerut, of, Stanford U., Villa Park, Ill., 20
(R-R, 6-1, 190, .338, 216, 73, 18, 59, 11)
Very polished hitter, won the stellar Etherton/Austin matchup with HR.
37. Brad Wilkerson, of-p, U. of Florida, Owensboro, Ky., 21
(L-L, 6-0, 193, .347, 196, 68, 21, 63, 18)
Pitcher vs. player ?'s still exist; some fear another Drew situation.
41. Andy Brown, of, Richmond HS, Richmond, Ind., 18
(L-L, 6-7, 195, .466, 58, 27, 7, 33, 3)
Power potential has drawn comparisons to another Hoosier, A.J. Zapp.
42. Mamon Tucker, of, South Austin HS, Austin, 18
(R-R, 6-3, 195, .515, 97, 50, 9, 47, 14)
Catches in high school but will probably play in the outfield in pros.
44. Jason Tyner, of, Texas A&M U., Beaumont, Texas, 21
(L-L, 6-1, 167, .384, 255, 98, 0, 25, 37)
Lots of differences in opinion on his ceiling, can't deny his speed.
47. Arturo McDowell, of, Forest Hill HS, Jackson, Miss., 18
(L-L, 6-1, 175, .447, 85, 38, 3, 25, 37)
Late-blooming outfielder is one of the fastest players in the draft.
49. Ben Cordova, of, Marian Catholic HS, Chula Vista, Calif., 18
(L-L, 6-0, 190, .521, 46, 24, 8, 26, 9)
One of Cal's top prep players as a soph, he's struggled with
injuries in 1998.
54. Clint Johnston, of-p, Vanderbilt U., Vero Beach, Fla., 20
(L-L, 6-3, 200, .424, 198, 84, 19, 74, 6)
Another pitcher vs. player question, depending on which team picks him.
55. Ivan Reyes, ss, Hispano Americano HS, Bayamon, P.R., 16
(R-R, 6-3, 175, No High School Team)
Slick-fielding shortstop impressed scouts during island tryout camp.
56. Derek Wathan, ss, U. of Oklahoma, Blue Springs, Mo., 21
(B-R, 6-3, 190, .409, 235, 96, 6, 50, 21)
Son of John, brother of Dusty, but this one plays SS, not catcher.
58. Adam Dunn, 1b, New Caney HS, New Caney, Texas, 18
(L-R, 6-5, 238, .533, 74, 40, 5, 16, 32)
A poor man's Drew Henson' impressive dual-sport athlete.
66. Jared Jones, of-p, Walla Walla HS, Walla Walla, Wash., 17
(R-R, 6-5, 220, .292, 48, 14, 2, 8, 10)
Lots of unpolished baseball ability, but may choose football instead.
68. Ryan Bundy, c, U. of Washington, Lake Stevens, Wash., 20
(R-R, 6-1, 205, .295, 139, 41, 6, 20, 8)
Top collegiate catcher has not always hit well, even with aluminum.
70. John Jacobs, ss, Marin Catholic HS, Kentfield, Calif., 18
(R-R, 6-1, 185, .500, 44, 22, 6, 20, 9)
Has quietly moved up the prospect charts all spring.
72. Tim Lemon, of, La Mirada HS, La Mirada, Calif., 17
(R-R, 6-2, 185, .357, 70, 25, 4, 15, 7)
Trying to follow the path of uncle Chet; multi-tooled player.
74. Jeff Goldbach, c, Princeton Community HS, Princeton, Ind., 18
(R-R, 6-0, 195, .476, 42, 20, 4, 19, 12)
Power hitter with solid catching skills.
75. Victor Menocal, ss, Gainesville HS, Gainesville, Ga., 18
(R-R, 6-3, 190, .550, 100, 55, 8, 51, 21)
May move from shortstop to third when he fills out his lanky frame.
76. Brandon Inge, ss, Va. Commonwealth U., Lynchburg, Va., 21
(B-R, 6-0, 195, .333, 195, 65, 13, 57, 20)
Strong-armed SS also among the nation's save leaders as VCU's closer.
78. Jorge Padilla, of, Florida Air Academy, Melbourne, Fla., 18
(R-R, 6-2, 205, .613, 80, 49, 9, 40, 7)
Puerto Rican native but playing HS ball in Florida; Sammy Sosa clone.
81. David Callahan, 1b, Palm Bay HS, Melbourne, Fla., 18
(L-L, 6-0, 205, .438, 96, 42, 13, 39, 13)
Powerful left-handed bat earns high-round ranking.
86. David Kelton, ss, Troup County HS, La Grange, Ga., 18
(R-R, 6-3, 185, .600, 70, 42, 7, 37, 22)
Projects as a 3b in pros but has potent bat for the position.
88. Josh McKinley, ss, Malvern Prep, Downingtown, Pa., 18
(B-R, 6-2, 192, .434, 83, 36, 3, 39, 21)
Switch-hitting middle infielder looks like a solid early-round pick.
89. Zach Sorensen, ss, Wichita State U., Salt Lake City, 21
(B-R, 6-1, 185, .419, 248, 104, 15, 91, 21)
Hopes to join Lansing and Meares as former Shocker shortstops in majors.
91. Ryan Lentz, 3b, U. of Washington, Woodinville, Wash., 21
(L-R, 6-2, 210, .319, 210, 67, 15, 59, 6)
Son of No. 2 pick in '75 draft hopes to outdo his father as pro.
92. Josh Hochgesang, 3b, Stanford U., Fullerton, Calif., 21
(R-R, 6-3, 200, .330, 185, 61, 10, 39, 7)
Scouts worry about constant arm woes; bat speaks loudly, though.
96. Tony Torcata, 3b, Woodland HS, Woodland, Calif., 18
(L-R, 6-1, 200, .494, 83, 41, 12, 39, 9)
One of top pure HS hitters, but shoulder surgery worries scouts.
97. Scott Pratt, ss, Auburn U., Tooele, Utah, 21
(L-R, 5-10, 186, .402, 239, 96, 11, 57, 33)
Offensive-minded middle infielder faces move to second base.
100. Donald Caldwell, of, Jefferson HS, Tampa, 19
(R-R, 6-2, 194, .444, 81, 36, 4, 21, 21)
Talented athlete, but he still has a long way to go with the bat.
Pitchers
(Bats-throws, height, weight, W-L, ERA, IP, H, BB SO)
2. Mark Mulder, p, Michigan State U., South Holland, Ill.
(L-L, 6-6, 200, 6-6, 3.40, 85, 80, 19, 113)
The strength of his summer performance may carry him to No. 1.
3. Ryan Mills, p, Arizona State U., Scottsdale, Ariz.
(L-L, 6-5, 200, 6-3, 4.63, 93, 88, 41, 118)
May be the No. 1 talent in the draft, but questions still remain.
4. Jeff Austin, p, Stanford U., Kingwood, Texas
(R-R, 6-0, 185, 12-3, 2.98, 127, 110, 30, 129)
A candidate to be one of the first Class of '98 players to reach majors.
6. J.M. Gold, p, Toms River North HS, Toms River, N.J.
(R-R, 6-5, 225, 4-1, 0.90, 39, 19, 4, 82)
No jokes about potential nicknames, but he's been 94-96 mph every outing.
7. Kip Wells, p, Baylor U., Sugar Land, Texas
(R-R, 6-3, 195, 13-4, 3.55, 119, 114, 40, 134)
Has pitched as well as anyone in the country the last two months.
12. Chad Hutchinson, p, Stanford U., Del Mar, Calif.
(R-R, 6-5, 220, 9-5, 5.06, 94, 88, 57, 109)
Football career may be a negotiating smoke screen.
13. Jeff Weaver, p, Fresno State U., Simi Valley, Calif.
(R-R, 6-5, 200, 10-4, 2.98, 124, 108, 37, 156)
Turned down WSox last year, but won't have the same leverage this time.
15. Chris George, p, Klein HS, Klein, Texas
(L-L, 6-2, 165, 10-0, 0.93, 75, 39, 23, 105)
Looks like Tom Glavine, pitches like Tom Glavine.
16. Brad Lidge, p, U. of Notre Dame, Englewood, Colo.
(R-R, 6-3, 200, 8-2, 4.15, 80, 72, 39, 93)
A fastball that tops at 97 and his fresh arm have scouts excited.
17. Pat Strange, p, Central HS, Springfield, Mass.
(R-R, 6-4, 240, 4-0, 0.62, 45, 19, 10, 76)
Ready to join recent procession of high school pitchers out of Northeast.
21. Matt Burch, p, Va. Commonwealth U., Elmira, N.Y.
(R-R, 6-3, 185, 12-2, 2.51, 122, 102, 39, 114)
One of the few Cape Cod all-star pitchers to enjoy a solid spring.
23. Nick Neugebauer, p, Arlington HS, Riverside, Calif.
(R-R, 6-3, 225, 3-0, 1.60, 31, 10, 17, 56)
Mid-first round pick off last summer, has slipped this spring.
25. Seth Etherton, p, U. of Southern California, Laguna Niguel, Calif.
(R-R, 6-1, 205, 11-3, 2.77, 114, 91, 25, 147)
Ninth round in 1997 to first round in 1998; the exception, not the rule.
28. Nate Cornejo, p, Wellington HS, Wellington, Kan.
(R-R, 6-5, 200, 5-1, 0.88, 42, 16, 3, 85)
One of the highest velocity pitchers of 1998, plus has ML bloodlines.
30. Alex Hart, p, Chambersburg Area HS, Merion, Pa.
(R-R, 6-6, 215, 7-0, 1.16, 42, 16, 20, 81)
Has not had the notoriety of other NE pitchers, but a solid talent.
31. Matt Roney, p, Edmond North HS, Edmond, Okla.
(R-R, 6-3, 225, 11-3, 0.82, 94, 36, 55, 171)
Check out those strikeout totals; does it with 94-mph fastball.
32. Brad Baisley, p, Land O'Lakes HS, Land O'Lakes, Fla.)
(R-R, 6-9, 205, 8-3, 1.10, 64, 34, 23, 86)
Not too many 6-foot-9 right-handers in major leagues.
33. Ben Knapp, p, Oviedo HS, Oviedo, Fla.
(R-R, 6-7, 210, 4-5, 2.85, 71, 67, 36, 73)
Lack of velocity and poor performance have dropped him out of first round.
36. Josh Karp, p, Bothell HS, Bothell, Wash.
(R-R, 6-5, 192, 5-2, 2.03, 40, 35, 14, 55)
Has not thrown with the velocity expected this year, signed with UCLA.
38. Matt Belisle, p, McCallum HS, Austin
(B-R, 6-3, 205, 5-2, 1.69, 51, 34, 13, 72)
Teams still interested despite disappointing, injury-plagued spring.
39. C.C. Sabathia, p, Vallejo HS, Vallejo, Calif.
(L-L, 6-6, 240, 6-0, 0.67, 46, 14, 14, 82)
Body says NFL lineman, talent says major league power left-hander.
40. Brian Sager, p, Branford HS, Branford, Conn.
(R-R, 6-5, 215, 5-0, 0.43, 32, 19, 6, 42)
Strong commitment to Stanford may keep him from pro ball for three years.
43. Nate Bump, p, Penn State U., Monroeton, Pa.
(R-R, 6-3, 185, 7-3, 2.62, 106, 85, 25, 135)
Different path to senior year than Etherton, could go in first round.
45. Marcus Sents, p, Cookeville HS, Cookeville, Tenn.
(R-R, 6-3, 215, 6-3, 1.94, 52, 33, 21, 94)
Young high school pitcher has improved tremendously in past two months.
46. Brad Busbin, p, Dr. Phillips HS, Orlando, Fla.
(R-R, 6-2, 190, 6-2, 1.26, 50, 20, 16, 81)
Latest in the line of Dr. Phillips prospects.
48. Jermaine Van Buren, p, Hattiesburg HS, Hattiesburg, Miss.
(R-R, 6-2, 195, 12-0, 0.74, 76, 26, 32, 148)
Unheralded Mississippi pitcher has impressed many teams.
50. Jeff Verplancke, p, Cal State Los Angeles, Ontario, Calif.
(R-R, 6-3, 200, 6-3, 2.94, 95, 67, 21, 134)
Polished sinker/slider pitcher could move through minors quickly.
51. Gary Majewski, p, St. Pius HS, Houston
(R-R, 6-2, 190, 12-3, 1.71, 94, 68, 38, 134)
Lost in shuffle of plentiful Texas talent, but gets it up there at 95.
52. Mike Fischer, p, U. of South Alabama, Crestline, Ohio
(R-R, 6-4, 200, 9-1, 2.62, 107, 81, 19, 105)
Switch to starting role this season seemed to agree with him.
53. Barry Zito, p, Pierce JC, La Mesa, Calif.
(L-L, 6-3, 200, 9-2, 2.62, 103, 73, 28, 135)
Strikeout pitcher left UC Santa Barbara to become eligible for draft.
57. Michael Nannini, p, Green Valley HS, Henderson, Nev.
(R-R, 5-11, 175, 8-1, 0.71, 59, 33, 5, 84)
5-foot-11 right-hander might be hardest throwing prep pitcher in country.
59. Travis Devine, p, Dacula HS, Dacula, Ga.
(R-R, 6-4, 190, 4-2, 1.68, 39, 20, 12, 72)
Son of ex-big leaguer has climbed prospect rankings this spring.
60. Russ Rohlicek, p, College Park HS, Pleasant Hill, Calif.
(L-L, 6-5, 205, 7-4, 2.50, 64, 40, 47, 106)
Projectable 6-foot-5 lefty has already hit 94; what's to project?
61. Robbie Morrison, p, U. of Miami, Loxahatchee, Fla.
(R-R, 6-0, 215, 2-1, 4.00, 36, 31, 8, 57)
Power closer has overcome devastating '96 College World Series loss.
62. Brian Rogers, p, The Citadel, Carthage, N.C.
(R-R, 6-6, 195, 7-4, 3.52, 107, 94, 37, 144)
January knee surgery has impacted his velocity, mechanics.
63. Frankie McGill, p, Tate HS, Gonzalez, Fla.
(R-R, 6-0, 205, 14-1, 0.80, 87, 37, 29, 132)
Ace of nation's most talented high school team.
64. Alex Santos, p, U. of Miami, Lake Worth, Fla.
(R-R, 6-1, 205, 13-1, 2.97, 94, 75, 24, 124)
Many scouts didn't realize he redshirted his freshman year at UM.
65. Jayson Larman, p, Wayne HS, Wayne, Okla.
(R-R, 6-3, 215, 7-2, 1.55, 48, 20, 31, 99)
Second Oklahoma high schooler who could crack top two rounds.
67. Pete Fisher, p, U. of Alabama, Stoneham, Mass.
(R-R, 6-4, 215, 6-8, 6.18, 95, 132, 28, 85)
Disappointing season has probably taken him out of the first round.
69. Jeff Urban, p, Ball State U., Alexandria, Ind.
(L-R, 6-8, 211, 8-2, 2.60, 69, 55, 20, 72)
Towering right-hander has made huge strides this spring.
71. Ryan Dittfurth, p, Union HS, Tulsa, Okla.
(R-R, 6-5, 180, 5-5, 3.11, 65, 66, 27, 69)
In low 80s last year, he's added 10 mph to his fastball
73. Mike Gosling, p, East HS, Salt Lake City
(L-L, 6-1, 200, 2-2, 1.13, 37, 12, 24, 94)
Stanford signee likely to take his place near the front of the 2001 class.
77. Brent Hoard, p, Stanford U., Los Gatos, Calif.
(L-L, 6-4, 205, 3-3, 6.05, 58, 56, 49, 67)
Dominated wood bats in the Cape, but aluminum a different story.
79. Charlie Isaacson, p, Shaw. Mission West HS, Shawnee Mission, Kan.
(R-R, 6-1, 185, 4-0, 1.78, 39, 19, 28, 67)
Hits 90 with little effort; lot of upside potential.
80. Steve Kelly, p, Fairfield HS, Fairfield, Ohio
(R-R, 6-0, 190, 4-1, 1.71, 41, 24, 10, 44)
Smallish right-hander has one of the best breaking balls in draft.
82. Mark Prior, p, University HS, San Diego
(R-R, 6-5, 220, 7-3, 1.01, 69, 44, 12, 78)
May turn back on Vanderbilt to showcase arm at pro level.
83. Josh Fogg, p, U. of Florida, Margate, Fla.
(R-R, 6-2, 205, 6-2, 1.38, 65, 43, 18, 87)
Doesn't get much acclaim, but is one of nation's best closers.
84. Adam Pettyjohn, p, Fresno State U., Phoenix, Ariz.
(R-L, 6-3, 190, 7-6, 3.92, 126, 113, 30, 145)
Strikeout artist takes back seat to Jeff Weaver on own team.
85. Jason Moates, p, Meridian (Miss.) CC, Columbia, Tenn.
(R-R, 6-3, 200, 8-1, 3.00, 63, 43, 23, 77)
Alabama transfer really opened some eyes this spring.
87. Tommy Marx, p, Brother Rice HS, West Bloomfield, Mich.
(R-L, 6-7, 215, 2-2, 2.17, 29, 12, 14, 59)
6-foot-7 left-hander with 90-plus fastball gets your attention in a hurry.
90. Jason Saenz, p, U. of Southern Cal, Santa Ana, Calif.
(L-L, 6-2, 195, 1-2, 4.42, 37, 36, 30, 34)
Scouts wonder why he can't get college hitters out with ML stuff.
93. Mike Maroth, p, U. of Central Florida, Orlando, Fla.
(L-L, 6-0, 185, 3-3, 4.09, 55, 61, 23, 43)
Strong-armed left-handers hard to find; has battled mono this spring.
94. Rick Riccobono, p, Commack HS, Commack, N.Y.
(R-R, 6-3, 220, 5-0, 0.24, 36, 12, 14, 63)
Fully developed high school pitcher overpowering at 93 mph.
95. Chris Pine, p, Oregon State U., Tigard, Ore.
(R-R, 6-2, 205, 4-3, 5.38, 75, 70, 44, 104)
Oregon's best prospect has run it up there at 94 mph at times.
98. Mike MacDougal, p, Wake Forest U., Mesa, Ariz.
(R-R, 6-4, 180, 6-5, 4.15, 91, 79, 78, 86)
Rates as best talent in down year for Atlantic Coast Conference.
99. Kevin Gordon, p, U. of Central Florida, Clearwater, Fla.
(L-R, 6-3, 200, 6-3, 1.86, 51, 26, 31, 66)
Converted outfielder just beginning to make mark as a pitcher.
Baseball America
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