108 Stitches

Welcome to my Top 30 Prospects list for 2008! Many lists you see out there are 50 to 100 players long, but when it comes down to draft time and making important decisions, I’ve found that having a shorter more focused list is more effective. By keeping my list at no more than 30 players, I force myself to focus on players who have a better chance of making an impact this season.

The top of my list has remained pretty much the same as previous versions, but I decided that injuries and likelihood of players making their team’s roster either out of spring camp or shortly thereafter should be bigger factors in the rankings. I also tried to focus it even more on players who figure to make an impact this coming season. That is why you see guys like Joba Chamberlain, Jacoby Ellsbury, Carlos Gonzalez, and Manny Parra moving up, and guys like Matt Wieters, and Rick Porcello moving down. I hope you enjoy the list!

THE LIST
1. Evan Longoria, 3B, Rays
2. Jay Bruce, OF, Reds
3. Colby Rasmus, OF, Cardinals
4. Clay Buchholz, SP, Red Sox
5. Cameron Maybin, OF, Marlins
6. Joba Chamberlain, RP, Yankees
7. Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Red Sox
8. Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pirates
9. Brandon Wood, 3B, Angels
10. David Price, SP, Rays
11. Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Athletics
12. Travis Snider, OF, Blue Jays
13. Johnny Cueto, SP, Reds
14. Clayton Kershaw, SP, Dodgers
15. Manny Parra, SP, Brewers
16. Joey Votto, 1B, Reds
17. Franklin Morales, SP, Rockies
18. Gio Gonzalez, SP, Athletics
19. Homer Bailey, SP, Reds
20. Daric Barton, 1B, Athletics
21. J.R. Towles, C, Astros
22. Carlos Gomez, OF, Twins
23. Adam Miller, SP, Indians
24. Jacob McGee, SP, Rays
25. Chase Headley, 3b, Padres
26. Wade Davis, SP, Rays
27. Rick Porcello, SP, Tigers
28. Ian Stewart, 3b, Rockies
29. Nick Adenhart, SP, Angels
30. Wladimir Balentien, OF, Mariners

JUST MISSED
Matt LaPorta, OF, Brewers
Andy LaRoche, 3B, Dodgers
Matt Wieters, C, Orioles
Jordan Schafer, OF, Braves
Ian Kennedy, SP, Yankees
Chris Marrero, OF, Nationals
Matt Antonelli, 2b, Padres
Geovany Soto, C, Cubs
Luke Hochevar, SP, Royals
Eric Hurley, SP, Rangers
Fautino De Los Santos, SP, Athletics
Elvis Andrus, SS, Rangers
Brent Lillibridge, SS, Braves

NOT RANKED ONLY BECAUSE THEY LACK EXPERIENCE AT UPPER LEVELS
Carlos Triunfel, SS, Mariners
Fernando Martinez, OF, Mets
Mike Moustakas, SS, Royals
Jarrod Parker, SP, Diamondbacks
Angel Villalona, 3b, Giants
Neftali Feliz, SP, Rangers