The 2012 MLB draft is almost here, and this year’s edition figures to be like none other in history. With Major League Baseball’s new collective bargaining agreement in effect, the drafting process has seen some significant changes.

Each team now has an allotted spending cap depending on the number and placement of its picks, and harsh punishments have been put in place for teams that dole out more cash than MLB would like. Rules regarding free agency compensation and the draftees’ signing deadline have changed as well. It will all likely cause many organizations to take new strategies this year.

The draft’s new rules, plus a crop of players that lacks a clear best overall talent, means this year’s selections are still up in the air. The Houston Astros are first on the clock at 7 p.m. Monday. Here’s one look at the first and supplemental first rounds of the 2012 draft.

1. Houston Astros — Byron Buxton, CF, Appling County HS (GA)
The Astros are playing this pick close to the vest, but most believe it will be either Buxton, who has the highest ceiling of any player in the draft, or Stanford ace Mark Appel. With new general manager Jeff Luhnow running the show, expect a long-term approach and a gamble on Buxton, who won’t be ready for several years but compares to a faster, better defensive version of Andrew McCutchen.

2. Minnesota Twins — Mark Appel, RHP, Stanford
The Twins have a long history of drafting college players, and here they get the best arm the NCAA has to offer in Appel. Some scouts see Appel as more of a strong No. 2 than a true ace, but he’s viewed as a safe pick and should be MLB-ready within two seasons. The Twins could take Florida catcher Mike Zunino with an eye toward moving Joe Mauer off the position, or they could shock the world with high-upside shortstop Carlos Correa.

3. Seattle Mariners — Carlos Correa, SS, Puerto Rico Baseball Academy
Correa may have the best blend of upside and probability in the draft, and some scouts think he should go No. 1. After eschewing offense in favor of Danny Hultzen last year, look for the pitching-rich Mariners to grab Correa. He’s similar to Orioles prospect Manny Machado but with less power and better defense. Zunino is a possibility here as well, and Alberto Almora is a dark horse.

4. Baltimore Orioles — Kevin Gausman, RHP, LSU
The Orioles are big wild cards here. Consensus has them taking LSU ace Gausman, who some prefer to Appel, but they could go with offense instead. This is probably the floor for Buxton or Appel should either fall, and Correa would be a solid pick here, too. The Orioles arent in on Zunino but may prefer Kyle Zimmer. Pairing Gausman with Dylan Bundy would give the O’s one of the minors’ best one-two pitching combos.

5. Kansas City Royals — Mike Zunino, C, Florida
Many believe the Royals want a college pitcher, which would make Zimmer the obvious choice. But the Royals have proven they’re intent on taking the best player available in recent years, and on this board, that’s Zunino. The best college position player in the draft, Zunino could be MLB-ready by the end of 2014 and profiles as an above average offensive and defensive backstop. If Gausman is still available, he might get picked.

6. Chicago Cubs — Alberto Almora, CF, Mater Academy (FL)
The Cubs have been heavily linked to Almora, and the only way they don’t take him is if Correa falls here. Almora lacks Buxton’s upside but is a safer pick and should beat the presumptive No. 1 pick to the majors. If Almora is already gone, this could be one of the top college arms: prep lefty Max Fried or outfielder David Dahl. Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer will take a long-term approach to rebuilding the Cubs.

7. San Diego Padres — Kyle Zimmer, RHP, San Francisco
The Padres have three picks in the Top 50 and the third-highest spending allotment, so expect them to target a signable player here and then gamble later. Zimmer’s stock has fallen a little late in the process thanks to a hamstring injury and decreased velocity, but when he’s healthy, some scouts consider him the best pitcher in the draft. This represents Correa’s floor, and Fried would be a solid pick here, too.

8. Pittsburgh Pirates — Devin Marrero, SS, Arizona State
Perhaps the most likely pick in the first round, much of the industry has soured on Marrero after a so-so junior year, but the Pirates reportedly have not. Marrero’s upside is as a Gold Glove-caliber shortstop who hits enough to bat second, but he doesn’t look as likely to reach that ceiling as he once did. Marrero could slide if the Pirates opt for a quick-to-the-majors arm, or if Zunino somehow makes it this far.

9. Miami Marlins — Courtney Hawkins, RF, Carroll HS (TX)
The Marlins have hit on high-upside prep players in their last two drafts with Christian Yelich and Jose Fernandez and will try to replicate their success here. Miami has been linked to Hawkins for a while, and he could become a five-tool, power-hitting right fielder in the Nelson Cruz mold. This is likely as far as Almora can fall, and Dahl could be the pick should Hawkins come off the board earlier.

10. Colorado Rockies — Max Fried, LHP, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA)
Never afraid to take high-upside prep lefties, the Rockies have to be happy to see Fried here. He is very polished for a pitcher his age. The Rockies can’t sign free agent pitching thanks to Coors Field, so they have to develop or trade for their own. Fried will likely need at least three seasons in the minors but is a potential No. 2 starter. The Rockies are frequently linked to Hawkins as well.

11. Oakland Athletics — Richie Shaffer, 3B/1B, Clemson
Shaffer is arguably the most MLB-ready power hitter in the draft, and the A’s nearly always take college players with their first-round picks. Some scouts worry Shaffer may move to first base, but he has a decent chance of sticking at third and has the ability to hit .280 with 25 homers in his prime. Shaffer is likely to sign for slot money, which may let the A’s gamble when they pick at 34.

12. New York Mets — Lucas Giolito, RHP, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA)
Giolito would be a huge role of the dice for the Mets here — he has the highest upside of any pitcher (and maybe player) in the draft, but a sprained ulnar collateral ligament ended his season in March. He’s also strongly committed to UCLA and is likely headed there unless he gets a giant bonus. The new Mets regime seems intent on taking the best player available, and they could go for signability with Pick 35 in order to save money and offer Giolito nearly as much money with this pick as if he went sixth overall. If the Mets play it safe, look for Dahl or Gavin Cecchini.

13. Chicago White Sox — Michael Wacha, RHP, Texas A&M
The White Sox have the worst farm system in baseball and should aim for a safe, reliable player. Enter Wacha, who lacks the upside of any of the arms listed before him but could be the first starter from the 2012 draft to see the majors. He profiles as a No. 3 innings eater but could be more if he adds a third pitch. Andrew Heaney is an option here as well, as is Marcus Stroman.

14. Cincinnati Reds — Andrew Heaney, LHP, OSU
The Reds would love Wacha and could be dark horse contenders for Lance McCullers Jr., but after going with prep righty Robert Stephenson in the first round last year, look for them to take a safer pick here. That’s Heaney, who’s a classic No. 3/4 lefty in the Joe Saunders mold and who shouldn’t need more than two seasons in the minors. Don’t rule out Dahl if he falls this far, either.

15. Cleveland Indians — Marcus Stroman, RHP, Duke
If the Indians move Stroman to the bullpen, he could be in the majors by September. The smarter play would have them let Stroman start despite his short stature, as he has the pitches to throw in the middle of a big league rotation. Either way, Stroman has value. The Tribe may prefer Chris Stratton, but they don’t have much money and will likely stay away from tough signs.

16. Washington Nationals — Chris Stratton, RHP, Mississippi State
The Nationals are in a similar situation as the Indians in that they don’t have much money to play with. I’d expect them to take whoever is left of the Tier 2 college arms, and in this mock, that’s Stratton. Stratton’s ceiling is as a No. 3 starter, but he should move quickly through the minors, and the Nats need to restock their pitching after the Gio Gonzalez trade.

17. Toronto Blue Jays — David Dahl, CF, Oak Mountain HS (AL)
Many think the Blue Jays will go for a tough sign here since they have three picks in the Top 50 and money to spend. Dahl is unlikely to slip this far, but if he does I’d expect Toronto to jump on the potential five-tool center fielder. Cecchini or Matt Smoral could go here, and Giolito’s a popular name in this slot as well. Dahl may opt for his Auburn scholarship if he slips this far, though.

18. Los Angeles Dodgers — Ty Hensley, RHP, Edmond Santa Fe HS (OK)
With Chris Reed, Zach Lee and Ethan Martin representing the Dodgers’ past three first draft picks, it’s clear they value high upside pitching. Hensley makes sense here for that reason, as the prototypical, hard-throwing prep righty has No. 2 starter potential. He’ll be slow to the majors, but fits the Dodgers’ draft bill. McCullers could go here instead, or the lack of offense in Los Angeles’ system could lead to Stephen Piscotty or Joey Gallo.

19. St. Louis Cardinals — Gavin Cecchini, SS, Barbe HS (LA)
The younger brother of Red Sox third base prospect Garin Cecchini, Gavin is a faster, more athletic version of his brother and has a good shot to stick at shortstop. This is somewhat of a departure from the college-centric approach the redbirds usually take, but the 2012 draft is weak on college bats. Piscotty and Gallo are certainly options here, as is Addison Russell or possibly Stroman or Stratton if one falls. This is St. Louis’ compensation pick for Albert Pujols.

20. San Francisco Giants — Stephen Piscotty, 3B/OF, Stanford
The Giants should be thrilled to land Piscotty, who some feel is the second-best college bat in the draft. Piscotty has an above-average hit tool, and scouts think he may have above-average power, too, once he changes his swing. He may have to move to right field but will get a shot to stick at third. Expect the Giants to go with a college bat or prep arm here, as both fit their M.O.

21. Atlanta Braves — Tanner Rahier, 3B/SS, Palm Desert HS (CA)
Smoral is frequently rumored here, but considering the Braves have the fifth-lowest amount to spend in the draft, he doesn’t make sense. Rahier has a polished bat for a high school player and would likely forgo his San Diego commitment if drafted this high. He’s somewhat like a right-handed Lonnie Chisenhall. The Braves could grab Gallo here, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see them grab a high-probability college arm should one fall.

22. Toronto Blue Jays — Addison Russell, SS, Pace HS (FL)
It wouldn’t be a draft without the Jays rolling the dice on a tough sign, and Russell fits the bill. Scouts had Russell pegged as a third baseman before the powerful righty slimmed down this season, and he now has a non-zero chance of staying at short. Regardless of where Russell plays, he has big-time power. Auburn fans will hate Toronto if they sign both Dahl and Russell away from the SEC school.

23. St. Louis Cardinals — Lance McCullers Jr., RHP, Jesuit HS (FL)
McCullers would be a very difficult sign away from Florida if he falls this far, but the Cardinals can afford to take a gamble on the projectable right-hander given that they pick again at 36. Many believe McCullers has the highest upside of any prep arm save for Giolito, and even if he never develops a third pitch, he’d likely be a dominant reliever. The Cards could go for Pierce Johnson or Brian Johnson here if they opt to go cheap instead.

24. Boston Red Sox — Joey Gallo, 3B/1B, Bishop Gorman HS (NV)
The Red Sox have graduated or traded three power hitters from their system in Will Middlebrooks, Anthony Rizzo and Miles Head since last year’s draft, and they need an infusion of power in their system. Some believe Gallo has the best power in the draft, and while he may move to first, he has an outside shot of sticking at third. Gallo is committed to LSU and isn’t an easy sign, but the Sox have two more early picks and some financial flexibility.

25. Tampa Bay Rays — Stryker Trahan, C/OF, Acadiana HS (LA)
After selecting an absurd 10 of the first 60 picks in the 2011 draft, the Rays are left with just two in the Top 100 and the fourth-smallest budget in 2012. A high-risk, high-reward talent like Trahan would suit them well, as the Rays have a very deep system but one that lacks upside. Trahan is committed to Mississippi, but if the Rays cheat their pick at 88 they could offer Trahan close to $2 million to forgo school.

26. Arizona Diamondbacks — Tyler Naquin, CF/RF, Texas A&M
The D-Backs went heavy on pitching last year, grabbing an impressive haul of Trevor Bauer, Archie Bradley and Andrew Chafin with their early picks. They should focus on offense now, and while Naquin doesn’t have huge upside, he’s a high-probability player who profiles as a better offensive version of Ryan Sweeney. If Arizona wants to stick with pitching, look for Ty Buttrey or Hunter Virant.

27. Milwaukee Brewers — Clint Coulter, C, Union HS (WA)
Most draft pundits view this as one of the few “locks” in the first round, as the Brewers have been heavily linked to Coulter for months. Coulter brings the most power potential of any catcher in this draft and has a better-than-even shot of sticking behind the plate. If for some reason Coulter is gone, look for the Brewers to go with Trahan, if he’s available, or a signable college arm.

28. Milwaukee Brewers — Zach Eflin, RHP, Hagerty HS (FL)
Eflin and Coulter would represent a great haul for the Brewers, as they’d restock a system woefully devoid of talent in the low minors. Eflin is a late riser in terms of draft stock and is mostly projection at this point, but it’s easy to look at his frame and fastball and see an innings-eating No. 2 starter. Buttrey is an option here, as is Virant or a signable outfielder.

29. Texas Rangers — Matt Smoral, LHP, Solon HS (OH)
With three picks in the Top 53 and a decent amount of money to spend, I expect the Rangers to shoot for a tough sign here and take safer players later on. Smoral missed much of 2012 with a stress fracture in his right foot, but he’s arguably the second-most talented southpaw in the draft behind Fried. It’s not hard to see D.J. Davis or Corey Seager here if the Rangers opt for offense, and Giolito will be considered if he falls here, too.

30. New York Yankees — Ty Buttrey, RHP, Providence HS (NC)
Weighing in at 6-foot-5 and 205 pounds, Buttrey is everything scouts look for in a prep arm from a physical perspective. He’s a long-term project but has a higher ceiling than several arms who have been taken before him. The Yankees don’t pick again until 89, so the high upside Buttrey makes sense here. Signing him away from Arkansas may be the only issue, but if anyone can afford a penalty tax, it’s the Yankees.

31. Boston Red Sox — Pierce Johnson, RHP, Missouri St.
After taking a relatively difficult sign in Gallo, the Red Sox will gamble on the health of Johnson, who missed time with a right forearm strain earlier this season. While there’s no structural damage, some scouts are still worried about his long-term health. But Johnson is affordable, has a four-pitch mix when healthy and could see the majors within two years. Those factors make him worth the risk. This is the Red Sox’ compensation pick for Jonathan Papelbon.

32. Minnesota Twins — Corey Seager, 3B, Northwest Cabarrus HS (NC)
This is the first pick of the supplemental round, and seeing as the Twins have the most allotted money of any organization, they should go for upside here. Seager is believed to be strongly committed to South Carolina, but the younger brother of Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager would be a steal here. He’s a shortstop right now but will move to third as a pro, where he should turn into an above-average starter in time.

33. San Diego Padres — D.J. Davis, CF, Stone County HS (MS)
The Padres, like the Twins, should look to grab a high-upside player who falls here. Davis is arguably the fastest player in the draft, and while he’s raw, his plus defense in center would play up in spacious Petco Park. Davis will need plenty of time in the minors, but he could be the second coming of Michael Bourn. This could also be the floor for Giolito.

34. Oakland Athletics — Nolan Fontana, SS, Florida
This is another college bat for the A’s, who are quietly building a deep farm system. Fontana plays above his tools, and while he won’t hit for power, he’s a near lock to stay at shortstop and can run a little too. Fontana’s future relies solely on his hit tool. If it improves, he’s a starter, and if it doesn’t, he’ll be a good utility infielder. Brian Johnson makes sense here as well.

35. New York Mets — Barrett Barnes, CF/LF, Texas Tech
If the Mets do target Giolito, they’ll need to sign a player to an under-slot deal here. Barnes fits the bill, as there are plenty of more talented outfielders available, and the Texas Tech product is unlikely to go any higher. Barnes is fast and has the ability to make contact, but he doesn’t have great instincts and will take longer to reach the majors than most college outfielders.

36. St. Louis Cardinals — Brian Johnson, LHP, Florida
After gambling on two high school players earlier in the draft, the Cardinals return to their roots here and take Johnson. What the Florida southpaw lacks in upside, he makes up for in probability and signability — two things St. Louis will want after gambling early. He should be a No. 4 MLB starter within two years. Fontana is an option here as well, as is Travis Jankowski.

37. Boston Red Sox — Wyatt Mathisen, C/SS, Calallen HS (TX)
By taking a difficult-but-not-impossible sign in Gallo and an easy one in Johnson, the Sox have enough cash to go after Mathisen here. Currently a shortstop, Mathisen should be given a shot behind the plate. If the Red Sox manage to draft and sign him, Mathisen would join Blake Swihart as the second catching prospect Boston signs away from Texas in as many years.

38. Milwaukee Brewers — Adam Brett Walker, 1B/OF, Jacksonville
The Brewers need an easy sign after targeting Coulter and Eflin, and the powerful Walker should be happy to hear his name called this early. Walker is pretty much a one-tool player at this point, but one can argue he has the most power of any player in the draft. It’s unclear whether he can handle left field, but if his hit tool progresses, he’ll have the bat for first either way. This would be a nice infusion of power for a system that lacks it.

39. Texas Rangers — Travis Jankowski, CF, Stony Brook
Another pick based more on signability than upside, Jankowski should sign for well under slot, which is something the Rangers will consider if they take Smoral with their first pick. Jankowski profiles as a plus defender in center who can steal a few bases but is devoid of power and hasn’t faced great competition. If he can improve his hit tool, he might start for a few years in his prime. He’s more likely to be a fourth outfielder.

40. Philadelphia Phillies — Carson Kelly, 3B/SP, Westview HS (OR)
The Phillies should target upside with their first pick, and they’ll get an excellent two-way prospect in Kelly if they can sign him away from Oregon. Most scouts prefer Kelly as a hitter, where he should hit for a decent average and provide good power and defense at third base. With his cannon of an arm and athleticism, it’s easy to draw parallels between him and Angels prospect Kaleb Cowart. Virant, Lucas Sims, Victor Roache and Lewis Brinson would be reasonable choices here as well.

This past Thursday, we started off our list with the bottom 20 players. We have worked our way through the prospects in increments of 20. Friday, we listed prospects 61-80, Saturday we gave you prospects 41-60 and prospects 21-40 were released on Sunday.

The top 20 minor leaguers are listed below, highlighting the next wave of talent that will be making its way to the major leagues soon. Players on this list have very high ceilings and are generally close to earning big league playing time very soon. None of the pitchers project as less than a No. 2 starter, and all of the batters profile as middle-of-the-lineup types. The players in this portion of the list should be playing in All-Star Games and making major contributions to their major league teams soon.

20. Bubba Starling, outfielder, Kansas City Royals

If you like upside, Starling is the prospect for you. An incredibly athletic talent who the Royals signed away from a football scholarship at Nebraska, Starling is a potential five-tool centerfielder. He's as raw as he is athletic, though, and is the type of player who is likely to need at least three full seasons in the minors. This is an aggressive ranking for him, but if everything breaks right, he could be a Jim Edmonds-like player.

19. Travis d'Arnaud, catcher, Toronto Blue Jays

A major part of the Roy Halladay trade, d'Arnaud's production finally matched his talents in 2011, as the 22-year-old catcher hit .311 with 21 homers and a .374 on-base percentage in 114 games at Double-A. He still needs to improve his approach -– he struck out in over a fifth of his at-bats, while walking just seven percent of the time -– but the tools are there for d'Arnaud to become an All-Star. He should challenge J.P. Arencibia for regular catching duties in 2013. 

18. Manny Banuelos, starting pitcher, New York Yankees

Banuelos held his own as a 20-year-old in both Double-A and Triple-A last season, which speaks volumes about his potential. He didn't dominate at either level, though, and his high walk rates suggest he needs more time in the upper minors to refine his command. Banuelos needs another 100-or-so innings at Triple-A before he's major league ready, but he could be in the Yankees' rotation by midseason. 

17. Martin Perez, starting pitcher, Texas Rangers

Once upon a time, Perez would regularly invoke comparisons to fellow Venezuelan and left-hander Johan Santana, but his stock has fallen slightly in recent years. It took Perez over 200 innings to move past Double-A, but considering he's yet to see his 21st birthday, he still has an enormous amount of potential. If Perez improves his command, he's an ace in the making. If not, he could become a left-handed Ervin Santana. Either way, he'll be ready for the big leagues by July. 

16. Nolan Arenado, third baseman, Colorado Rockies

Arenado had a breakout 2011 campaign, hitting 20 homers and 32 doubles with a .349 on-base percentage in 583 plate appearances at High-A Modesto. Arenado also walked nearly as often as he struck out, and he took major strides in the field as well (many now view him as an average defender at third). Modesto is a notoriously hitter-friendly environment, so Arenado will need to prove his performance was legitimate in Double-A this season. If he does, he could see the majors by season's end.

15. Jameson Taillon, starting pitcher, Pittsburgh Pirates

The second overall pick from the 2010 draft, Taillon has everything scouts look for in a young pitcher -– a large frame that suggests durability, a mid-90s fastball and a firm grasp of the strike zone. Taillon struck out over a batter per inning in Low-A last season while posting a solid 2.1 walks per nine innings rate. Look for Taillon to throw 120-140 innings this year and battle with the man who precedes him in these rankings to be the Pirates' ace in 2014.

14. Gerrit Cole, starting pitcher, Pittsburgh Pirates

Trevor Bauer's rotation mate at UCLA and the first overall pick in the 2011 draft, Cole has some of the highest upside of any pitcher in the minors. Cole's command and delivery both lack in consistency, but when he's firing on all cylinders, he can be unhittable. Scouts disagree on when Cole will reach the majors -– some think he could be up by August, others think he'll take a year longer -– but he should be a 200-plus strikeout pitcher once he arrives. 

13. Wil Myers, outfielder, Kansas City Royals

Originally drafted as a catcher, the Royals transitioned Myers to the outfield with the hope that his bat would develop quickly. They may have been overly aggressive in sending him to Double-A last season, though, and the 21-year-old will likely repeat the level in 2012. That being said, Myers could see the majors by season's end, will hit for high averages and play good defense in right field immediately, and should hit for power as he ages.

12. Jacob Turner, starting pitcher, Detroit Tigers

Detroit loves to push their young starters aggressively, and that's certainly been the case with Turner, who reached the majors in his second professional season last year. He's the odds-on favorite to start the year as the Tigers' fifth starter, but with just 30 innings above Double-A, he would likely benefit from another half-season in the minors. Turner profiles as a durable innings-eating No. 2 starter in the Matt Cain mold and should be a major contributor this year.

11. Anthony Rendon, second/third baseman, Washington Nationals

Once favored to be the first overall pick in last year's draft, Rendon was injured for much of his junior campaign at Rice, and slid to sixth overall as a result. Nationals fans should be ecstatic, as they may have nabbed the draft's best prospect for the third straight year. Rendon is blocked at third base by Ryan Zimmerman, and some doubt whether he'll be able to transition smoothly to second base. No one doubts his bat, though, and he profiles as a slower Evan Longoria. 

10. Julio Teheran, starting pitcher, Atlanta Braves

The cream of what is an impressive crop of Braves pitching prospects, Teheran pitched very well at Triple-A last season, and held his own during a brief stint in the majors as well. He could benefit from another half-season in the minors, but considering he just turned 21, he's still ahead of the curve. He may not pile up the strikeouts at first, but Teheran's fastball and curveball are top-of-the-rotation type pitches.

9. Shelby Miller, starting pitcher, St. Louis Cardinals

Miller had a dominating 2011 season, reaching Double-A and striking out over a batter an inning there in 86 2/3 innings. He still needs to refine his command -– his 3.43 walks per nine innings rate leaves something to be desired -– but he should see the majors before the 2012 season is over, and before he celebrates his 22nd birthday. Miller should begin his major league career in the middle of the rotation, but will headline it before long. 

8. Manny Machado, shortstop, Baltimore Orioles

Some prefer Machado to the shortstop ranked a few slots above him, and there's no doubt he's among the most powerful middle infield prospects in baseball. The third overall pick in the 2010 draft, Machado reached High-A in his first full professional season in 2011, but likely needs a bit more time there, as his approach suffered. He may outgrow shortstop, but if he can stick there, his upside is as a perennial All-Star capable of playing in the middle of the field and lineup. 

7. Devin Mesoraco, catcher, Cincinnati Reds

A first-round pick in the 2007 draft, Mesoraco had fallen off the prospect map after two lackluster seasons before bursting back onto the scene in 2010. After a terrific 2011 campaign that saw him post a .371 on-base percentage in Triple-A, he's now ready to assume full-time big league duty in Cincinnati. Mesoraco should outperform the average MLB catcher immediately, and in his prime could have an offensive profile similar to that of Brian McCann. 

6. Jurickson Profar, shortstop, Texas Rangers

Machado may have more power, but with his superior speed, range and understanding of the strike zone, Profar is the best shortstop prospect in the minors. The 18-year-old walked more than he struck out in over 500 plate appearances in Single-A last season, and recorded 12 homers, 23 steals and a .390 on-base percentage to boot. Profar's at least two full minor league seasons away from the majors, but he has Jimmy Rollins-type upside. 

5. Jesus Montero, designated hitter/catcher, Seattle Mariners

Recently traded for Michael Pineda, Montero can't catch, but his bat is so good it doesn't really matter. Montero reached base at a .406 clip with four doubles and four homers in 69 plate appearances last season. Extrapolate those numbers over 600 plate appearances and you'll have a solid idea of the type of offensive upside he brings. He'll be batting in the heart of the order for the next decade.

4. Yu Darvish, starting pitcher, Texas Rangers

Yes, Japanese pitchers have a troubling record in the major leagues. And yes, there's certainly a possibility that Darvish will fail. But no one's ever posted the type of numbers in Nippon Professional Baseball — including the once-heralded Daisuke Matsuzaka. His career-worst ERA in Japan is 1.88, and his lowest strikeouts per nine innings ratio is 8.3. Darvish is still just 25, throws six different pitches and has no history of injury. He should be an ace, and he's ready to pitch in the majors immediately.

3. Matt Moore, starting pitcher, Tampa Bay Rays

Another year goes by, and the Rays produce yet another top-10 pitching prospect. Moore lacks the pedigree of David Price or the polish of Jeremy Hellickson, but has an even higher ceiling than his prospect predecessors. He may struggle with his command at times, but Moore will likely challenge for the strikeout crown as early as this season, and is in some ways a similar player to reigning NL Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw.

2. Mike Trout, outfielder, Los Angeles Angels

Trout is the best prospect in the minors who's ready to contribute tomorrow, and if he were guaranteed 450 at-bats next season, he'd be the heavy favorite for AL Rookie of the Year. A true five-tool talent, Trout should provide Gold Glove-caliber defense in center and post an on-base percentage around .400 in his prime. He's Carlos Beltran with a touch more speed and less power, and it's downright criminal that he may lose playing time to the likes of Vernon Wells. 

1. Bryce Harper, outfielder, Washington Nationals

No reason to overthink this one -– the most-hyped prospect in the history of the draft is also the top minor leaguer in the game. Harper's bat is already the stuff of legends, and in terms of power, he'd stack up well against Mike Stanton and Ryan Howard if he broke into the majors tomorrow. Add in a plus arm, above-average speed and that he held his own as an 18-year-old in Double-A last season, and his talent is obvious. Harper should see the majors by July, and will be one of the game's premier sluggers by 2014. 

Prospects 1-20 | 21-40 | 41-60 | 61-80 | 81-100

On Thursday, we examined the bottom 20 qualifiers for this list. That portion of our rankings consisted of high-ceiling players who are several seasons away from the majors, or lower-ceiling prospects who can make major league impacts soon. Friday, we covered some promising young athletic players, as well as a few pitchers who may profile better as relievers and were ranked between 80 and 61. Saturday, we covered some of the games best prospects, but prospects who also have some key flaws and were in the middle of the pack, between 60 and 41.

Today the list rolls on, and we examine players who are either safe bets to be above-average major leaguers soon, or some minor leaguers with All-Star upside. The younger players on this list have the potential to top these rankings next year, while several others should make their MLB debuts in a few months.

40. Arodys Vizcaino, pitcher, Atlanta Braves

Based on pure talent, Vizcaino is arguably a Top 20 prospect. What's troubling, though, is that he's been rushed through the minors and has thrown over 85 innings just once in his professional career. He's small, listed at just six feet and a generous 190 pounds, and has already battled injuries in his career. Vizcaino showed how dominant he can be out of the bullpen in a brief major league stint last season, and his future may lie in relief.

39. Robbie Erlin, starting pitcher, San Diego Padres

It's not hard to make the case that Erlin has the best command of any pitcher in the minors. The lefty walked just 16 batters in 147 1/3 innings pitched between High and Double-A last season, while striking out 154 opponents over that same period. Erlin is somewhat undersized and lacks a true out pitch, but has a very high floor. He'll be a number three caliber MLB starter by June, and has number two starter potential.

38. Brett Jackson, outfielder, Chicago Cubs

Jackson is a fairly divisive player in the prospect community –- some see a potential star, whereas others think he'll flame out against major league pitching. The truth likely lies somewhere in between, and while Jackson's high strikeout rates might prevent him from posting elite OBPs, his power/speed combination is very real. Jackson compares favorably to a left-handed Chris Young, albeit with less range and more patience. He should be MLB ready by July.

37. Randall Delgado, starting pitcher, Atlanta Braves

Frequently overshadowed by fellow prospects Vizcaino and Julio Teheran, Delgado is an outstanding pitcher in his own right. Delgado won't turn 22 until February, yet reached the majors last season after a solid showing in Double-A and a brief stint at Triple-A. He needs to refine his command and better develop a third pitch to complement his devastating fastball-changeup combo, but has the ceiling of a number two pitcher with a fairly high floor as well.

36. Zack Wheeler, starting pitcher, New York Mets

The Mets absolutely robbed the Giants when they nabbed Wheeler for Carlos Beltran last July, and now get to reap the rewards of his promising young career. He needs to refine his command –- his BB/9 was north of four in High-A last season –- but if he does, he has ace potential. Still just 21, Wheeler posted a strikeouts per nine innings above 10 and induced a groundball rate of over 50 percent, so it’s clear that he dominates when around the plate.

35. Jake Marisnick, outfielder, Toronto Blue Jays

Marisnick exploded onto the prospect scene in 2011, hitting .320-17-77 with 37 steals and a .392 OBP in Single-A. Although those numbers are eye-popping, an even stronger indicator of success for Marisnick is that his walk rate rose while his strikeout rate fell last season, indicating a better approach at the plate. This is an aggressive ranking for him after just one standout season, but he's a potential five-tool centerfielder with an advanced feel for hitting at age 20.

34. Gary Sanchez, catcher, New York Yankees

Perhaps the catcher with the highest upside in the minors, Sanchez has nearly the offensive upside of former Yankees prospect Jesus Montero, but with the physical tools needed to stay behind the plate. Still only 19, Sanchez needs to cut his strikeout rate and improve his maturity, but he has massive power –- he had 34 extra base hits (XBH) in 301 at-bats last season –- and should move up to High-A in 2012. If he improves his walk rate, he'll be an elite prospect.

33. Anthony Rizzo, first baseman, Chicago Cubs

Many seem to be down on Rizzo after he struggled badly in 49 games in the majors last season, but all he needs is more time to develop. Rizzo mashed to the tune of a .331 average and .404 OBP with 26 homers and 34 doubles in 413 plate appearances in Triple-A as a 22-year-old. That's impressive, and is even more so when you consider Rizzo lost an entire year of development in 2008 while battling cancer. He's a future 30-homer threat and plus defender who should be ready by July.

32. Hak-Ju Lee, shortstop, Tampa Bay Rays

While Lee flashes five-tool potential, he's no lock to reach double-digit homers in the majors with any consistency. That being said, his other four tools all grade as above average, and Lee should be a productive MLB shortstop in fairly short order. Lee should spend his age 21 season at Double-A, where he'll work on limiting his strikeouts and better translating his speed into range in the field and steals on the bases. His floor appears to be as a Jason Bartlett-type player, but he has the ability to be much more.

31. Taijuan Walker, starting pitcher, Seattle Mariners

Walker is raw and relatively untested, but there's a lot to like with his athletic frame, youth and plus fastball. Walker struck out 122 batters in 104 2/3 innings last season, and if all goes well he could reach Double-A as a 20-year-old in 2012. Odds are better that he'll need at least two more seasons in the minors to refine his command and develop his off-speed pitch, but he's on the short list of highest-upside pitchers in the minors.

30. A.J. Cole, starting pitcher, Oakland Athletics

A cursory look at Cole's numbers in Single-A last season might not impress you, but if you look past his win-loss record and his ERA –- two relatively ineffective statistics –- it's evident that Cole dominated. A 10.99 strikeouts per nine innnigs, 2.43 walks per nine innings and 2.53 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) mark indicate that Cole had little trouble dispensing with older competition. Cole will look to increase his workload in 2012, and could reach Double-A by season's end. He has ace potential.

29. Jarrod Parker, starting pitcher, Oakland Athletics

The main piece coming back to the Athletics in the Trevor Cahill deal, Parker has been all over the prospect map since being drafted in 2008. He missed the entire 2010 season recovering from Tommy John surgery, but threw 130 2/3 strong Double-A innings last season. His strikeouts were down and his walks were up from his pre-surgery days, but that's to be expected in his first year back. Parker could use another half-season in the minors, but he has No. 2 starter potential.

28. Rymer Liriano, outfielder, San Diego Padres

This is about as high as you'll see Liriano on any prospect list, but potential five-tool center fielders don't grow on trees. There’s plenty for Liriano to work on –- he needs to improve his defense, face more advanced competition and prove his 2011 walk rate wasn't a fluke. But in terms of tools, Liriano can compare to a player such as Grady Sizemore if he maintains his speed, or Hunter Pence if he fills out a bit more. He's a high-risk, high-reward prospect, but his potential is too great to ignore.

27. Miguel Sano, third baseman, Minnesota Twins

Sano has been a heralded prospect since signing with the Twins in 2010, and put up huge numbers as an 18-year-old in rookie ball last season. Sano hit 20 homers and a total of 45 extra base hits in 2012, but struck out far too much and is still a work in progress defensively at third. Worst-case scenario, Sano moves across the diamond to first base, and only his power translates to the majors. Best-case, he's a three-tool third baseman capable of hitting 40-plus homers a year.

26. Dylan Bundy, starting pitcher, Baltimore Orioles

The first high school arm and fourth overall player selected in the 2011 draft, Bundy is very polished and should move through the minors faster than most high school arms. He's just 19 and has yet to throw a professional inning, though, so he's still several seasons away from the majors. The only real concern anyone has about Bundy is his size –- he's a little smaller than most power pitchers, but there's nothing in his delivery that suggests durability will become an issue down the line.

25. Tyler Skaggs, starting pitcher, Arizona Diamondbacks

The main piece coming back to the Diamondbacks in the Dan Haren trade, Skaggs has dramatically improved his prospect stock over the past two seasons. Once viewed as a mid-rotation starter, Skaggs now looks more like a future number two or borderline ace, and has posted huge strikeout numbers in High-A and Double-A last season. He needs another 100 innings in the minors to work on his command, which will be important as Skaggs lacks premium velocity.

24. Carlos Martinez, starting pitcher, St. Louis Cardinals

One of the most exciting arms in the low minors, Martinez racked up 98 strikeouts in 84 2/3 innings between Single and High-A last season. The 20-year-old throws in the mid-90s and induces ground balls at a high rate. There's some significant recoil in his delivery, though, leading some to believe he’ll wind up in the bullpen. Either way Martinez has an electric arm, and his next test will be to throw for more innings while developing his secondary pitches.

23. Danny Hultzen, starting pitcher, Seattle Mariners

The Mariners surprised many by taking Hultzen with the second overall pick this June, and while it's unlikely they nabbed a future ace, they did get the most MLB-ready pitcher in the draft. Hultzen has good command of three average-or-better offerings, a durable frame and the good fortune to throw with his left hand. He could be ready for the majors by June and is in many ways similar to Drew Pomeranz, but with a touch more upside.

22. Trevor Bauer, starting pitcher, Arizona Diamondbacks

The D-backs selected Bauer third overall last June, and hope he can follow the likes of Roy Oswalt, Tim Lincecum and other short, hard-throwing righties who've dominated in the National League. Considered by some to be the most MLB-ready right-hander in the draft, Bauer made four starts in Double-A after signing and should begin 2012 there as well. It wouldn't be surprising to see him crack the big leagues by June, though, and he should be successful immediately.

21. Drew Pomeranz, starting pitcher, Colorado Rockies

The key piece coming back to the Rockies in the Ubaldo Jimenez deal, Pomeranz is very close to being MLB ready in what will be just his second professional season. The big left-hander excelled in High-A last season, pitched well in five Double-A starts, and held his own in four major league starts at season’s end. He’s more of a mid-rotation starter than a potential ace, but he's a safe bet to become a Jon Danks-type starter in short order.

Prospects 1-20 | 21-40 | 41-60 | 61-80 | 81-100

After covering the bottom 20 qualifiers for our Top 100 prospects list on Thursday and prospects 61-80 Friday, on Saturday we reach the halfway point with prospects 41-60. The previous prospects covered have generally been high-ceiling players who are several years away from the majors, or lower-ceiling players who can contribute in the majors soon.

The minor leaguers on this portion of our list generally have some elite tools, but questions surrounding their overall ability, health and approach. Some are potential All-Stars, while several will likely see the flaws they have now prevent them from reaching their potential.

60. Wily Peralta, starting pitcher, Milwaukee Brewers
Prospect junkies and Brewers fans alike started the 2011 season wondering who the real Wily Peralta was –- was he the dominant force who struck out 118 batters in 2009, or the flameout who struggled badly in 2010? The answer lies somewhere in between, and while Peralta may not be an ace in the making, he’ll be an MLB-ready number three starter by July. If he can improve his changeup, he should have a few very successful years, similarly to Ervin Santana.

59. Neil Ramirez, starting pitcher, Texas Rangers
Perhaps no prospect was pushed as aggressively in 2011 as Ramirez, who the Rangers promoted to Triple-A after just one dominating start in High-A. Ramirez performed quite well in the upper minors, posting a 10.41 K/9 rate and 3.63 ERA. His walk and groundball rates are troubling though, as was his relatively low innings total. Repeating Triple-A at age 23 still leaves Ramirez ahead of the curve, though, and he could be MLB-ready by July.

58. Jonathan Singleton, first baseman, Houston Astros
A big part of the Hunter Pence trade, Singleton is a high-upside first baseman who may not fit the offensive mold for that position. Singleton has posted a consistently excellent OBP during his time in the minors, but has yet to show the type of power teams like to see from a corner infielder. He’s still just 20, so his pop might come, but if he fails to eclipse 40 extra base hits (XBH) again in 2012, his stock will fall.

57. Nick Franklin, shortstop, Seattle Mariners
Franklin’s 2011 season was a disappointing one. The 20-year-old couldn’t stay on the field thanks to freak injuries and illness, and when he was playing he didn’t show anywhere near the same type of power he did in his breakout 2010 campaign. Franklin was also shaky defensively, and some believe he’ll have to move to second base. His ceiling is still as a shortstop with 20-homer pop and 15-steal speed, but he looks less likely to reach it than he did a year ago.

56. Will Middlebrooks, third baseman, Boston Red Sox
This is a slightly aggressive ranking for Middlebrooks, and it’s true that his contact issues may prevent him from reaching his potential. But if he can improve his approach even slightly, Middlebrooks’ plus power, arm and defense could make him an All-Star at a time when there are few elite third baseman in the game. Middlebrooks should begin 2012 in Triple-A, and while he could use another 300-or-so at-bats there, he’ll be ready for the majors by July.

55. Drew Hutchison, starting pitcher, Toronto Blue Jays
The best pitching prospect in a system littered with exciting arms, Hutchison boosted his value more than just about any other Toronto prospects in 2011. Still just 21, Hutchison dominated in 134.2 innings between Single- and High-A before making three starts in Double-A at season’s end. What’s further encouraging is the frequency with which he produces ground balls. Some see Hutchison as more of a mid-rotation workhorse, but his ability in keep the ball on the ground can make him a No. 2 starter.

54. Zach Lee, starting pitcher, Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers’ first round pick in the 2010 draft, Lee is a scout’s dream in terms of his athleticism and build. Built to be a workhorse starter with a repeatable delivery, Lee pitched well in his first professional season, posting a 3.68 FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) with a solid 2.6 BB/9 rate. His stock may fall a little if he doesn’t improve his 7.51 K/9 rate from 2011, but he’ll be just 20 for the majority of the season, so he has plenty of time to impress.

53. Jean Segura, shortstop, Los Angeles Angels
One of the most dynamic middle infield prospects in the game, Segura would rank higher on this list were it not for an injury-marred 2011 campaign that saw him play just 55 games, nearly half of which came in rookie ball. Injuries can be forgiven, but Segura’s was especially worrisome because he hurt his hamstring and derives much of his value from speed. He should begin 2012 in Double-A, and could supplant Erick Aybar as the Angels’ shortstop in 2013.

52. Jake Odorizzi, starting pitcher, Kansas City Royals
2011 was a tale of two seasons for Odorizzi, who absolutely dominated in 78.1 innings in High-A before hitting the wall in 68.2 innings in Double-A. It’s tempting to just chalk his struggles up to a 21-year-old trying to compete in the upper minors, but Odorizzi’s home run rate has to give even his biggest supporters pause. He’ll likely return to Double-A to begin 2012, and a better performance this time around will cement his status as an elite pitching prospect. 

51. Wilin Rosario, catcher, Colorado Rockies
Once viewed as one of the elite catching prospects in the game, Rosario took a major step back last year in terms of his approach at the plate, seeing his strikeout rate rise while his walk rate fell, and reaching base at a sub-.300 clip. Rosario still has plus power and a plus arm and is defensively adequate, but will need a strong offensive season at Triple-A if he wants to profile as more than a mid-tier MLB catcher.

50. Michael Choice, outfielder, Oakland Athletics
One of the most powerful prospects in the game, Choice mashed 30 homers and 27 doubles in High-A last season, all while maintaining a .375 OBP and manning center field. He doesn’t rank higher on this list, though, because of his strikeout issues and the likelihood that he’ll need to move to right field. Choice has a patient approach and should get on base at an acceptable clip in the majors, but his strikeout rate may prevent him from becoming an elite player.

49. Yonder Alonso, first baseman, San Diego Padres
Alonso lacks the type of prodigious power generally seen from blue-chip first base prospects, but he certainly doesn’t lack for a hit tool, and he should hit above .280 in the majors from day one. Alonso put up identical counting stats in two Triple-A stints in 2010 and 2011, but improved his walk rate and OBP last season. He profiles as a Billy Butler-type who can actually field, although he’s restricted to first base. Petco Park will suppress his already suspect power, though, so 15 homers might be his immediate ceiling.

48. Mike Montgomery, starting pitcher, Kansas City Royals
If you like Montgomery, you see a nearly MLB-ready lefty with three solid pitches and youth on his side and a potential ace with a high ceiling. If you don’t like him, you see an injury-plagued, inconsistent starter whose minor league numbers have never matched his talent. Even if Montgomery never puts it all together, lefties who produce high groundball rates will always have roles in the majors and he should at least develop into a mid-rotation starter.

47. Yasmani Grandal, catcher, San Diego Padres
One of the key components headed to the Padres in the Mat Latos trade, Grandal is adept at calling games, is a switch-hitter and reached Triple-A in just his first full professional season last year. He’s a work in progress defensively, though, and doesn’t figure to have plus power. He’s more likely to be an above-average player than a true star, but he could be ready by late 2012 and MLB catchers are always in short order.

46. James Paxton, starting pitcher, Seattle Mariners
Paxton’s taken an odd route to the majors, opting to play in the Independent League after refusing to sign with the Blue Jays, who took him with 37th overall pick in the 2009 draft. Paxton’s gamble didn’t pay off, as the M’s then took him in the fourth round in 2010, but he’s reestablished himself as one of the game’s best left-handed pitching prospects. Paxton’s already 23 and should start 2012 in Double-A, but if he can harness his command he should shoot through the minors. He’s a potential number two starter.

45. Francisco Lindor, shortstop, Cleveland Indians
The best shortstop in the 2011 draft, Lindor is the bright spot in an Indians system decimated by trades, graduations and injuries. Lindor may not have plus power or speed, but should be slightly above-average in both areas, and has a chance to be an excellent defender. He’s got an above-average bat as well, and it’s easy to see him developing into a future No. 2 hitter. Lindor will take a while to get to the majors, but brings a nice blend of upside and probability.

44. Archie Bradley, starting pitcher, Arizona Diamondbacks
In a lot of drafts, Bradley would be the best high school arm available. Thanks to Dylan Bundy, he wasn’t even the best high school arm from the state of Oklahoma. That being said, Bradley absolutely has number one starter potential, and is superior to Bundy in that his large, athletic frame is built for pitching. He won’t skyrocket through the minors, but he has more polish than many of his fellow prep pitchers and could be MLB ready by mid-2014. 

43. Anthony Gose, outfielder, Toronto Blue Jays
When it comes to tools, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better prospect than Gose, who profiles as a plus defender in center with plenty of speed and pop. Unfortunately his hit tool isn’t yet fully developed, and the 21-year-old struck out in 26.2 percent of his at-bats in Double-A last season. Unless he dramatically changes his approach, Gose is likely to transform into a faster Adam Jones. There’s plenty of value in a player like that, and if he puts it all together his ceiling is even higher.

42. Gary Brown, outfielder, San Francisco Giants
Brown is one of the fastest players in the minors, and there’s no question that his speed and glove tools are elite. He was a bit old for High-A and played in the notoriously hitter-friendly California League, but his 2011 numbers were outstanding –- a .336 average, .407 OBP, 61 XBH and 53 steals. If the power is legit, he profiles as a faster Shane Victorino. If not, he’d be a better offensive version of Peter Bourjos.

41. Matt Harvey, starting pitcher, New York Mets
The seventh overall pick in the 2007 draft, Harvey is a classic power right-hander. He generates excellent velocity on his fastball, has a heavy sinker and a power curveball that’s a reliable pitch as well. The Mets’ have been conservative with Harvey -– he’s pitched just 60 innings above High-A –- and he should get his first taste of Triple-A in 2012, with a chance for a MLB cameo late in the season. If all goes well, he should be a number two starter.

Prospects 1-20 | 21-40 | 41-60 | 61-80 | 81-100

Photo via Facebook/Will Middlebrooks

On Friday, we now delve into the next 20 prospects, and bring you some potential mid-rotation starters, impact position players who are still several years away and another crop of outfielders with even more talent than the last. This part of the list includes several players who are likely to make their MLB debuts in 2012, so fans of all teams should take note.

80. Tyler Thornburg, starting pitcher, Milwaukee Brewers
A small right-hander with big-time strikeout stuff but some command issues, Thornburg is an intriguing prospect with a high floor as a reliever, but a low one as a starter. Just under six feet tall, Thornburg threw 136.2 innings between Single and High-A last season, striking out 160 batters in that time but walking 58 as well. If he proves to be durable and can keep the ball on the ground, he’s a number two starter. If not, he’s a strong candidate to be a future closer.

79. Nathan Eovoldi, starting pitcher, Los Angeles Dodgers
Eovoldi was rushed to the majors in 2011, causing some to overrate him as MLB-ready and others to discount him since he didn’t perform particularly well there. Still just 21, Eovoldi should spend most, if not all, of 2012 at Triple-A, where he can refine his control and his off-speed pitches. Eovoldi’s strikeout and groundball rates lend themselves to success, though, and he should be a mid-rotation starter after another 120 minor league innings.

78. Mike Olt, third baseman, Texas Rangers
It’s easy to get excited about Olt’s power and patience, and he’s likely to be an average defender at third base as well. He’s played only 169 career professional games, though, and none of those have come above High-A despite his relatively advanced age of 23. College players are supposed to perform well in the low minors, so Olt can’t be considered an elite prospect until he proves himself against tougher competition.

77. Javier Baez, third baseman/shortstop, Chicago Cubs
The ninth overall pick in the 2011 draft, Baez has an exciting bat but major flaws as well. He’s very unlikely to stay at shortstop — with a move to third base likely coming within the year — and Baez has been accused of having character issues as well. That being said, his hit-and-arm tools are already above average, and scouts think he’ll grow into power, so he could become a prototypical mashing third baseman in time.

76. Tim Wheeler, outfielder, Colorado Rockies
The good –- Wheeler mashed 33 homers, 28 doubles, stole 21 bases and manned center field in Double-A in 2011. The bad –- he’s already 24, may be a right fielder in the long run and he struck out in 22.3 percent of his at-bats. Add it all together and Wheeler is an intriguing prospect, but not as elite as his stat line would lead you to believe. Still, his floor is decently high as a power-hitting right fielder who can play well in a corner spot.

75. Starling Marte, outfielder, Pittsburgh Pirates
Statistically speaking, Marte had a phenomenal 2011 campaign, hitting .332 with a .370 OBP, 58 extra base hits (XBH) and 24 steals. There’s plenty to suggest that luck factored into his success, though, as Marte’s .390 batting average on balls in play was insanely high, even for someone with his speed. Marte figures to be a plus defender in center and has enough power to keep pitchers honest, but will need to improve his approach if he’s to become a star. He should be MLB-ready by July.

74. Sonny Gray, starting pitcher, Oakland Athletics
Gray was the 18th overall pick in the 2011 draft, which will make him a bargain if he can start or a reach if he ends up in the bullpen. Gray’s fastball and curveball are both above-average pitches, and the latter in particular has the ability to become special. However, Gray’s changeup isn’t MLB-ready, he has a small frame and erratic delivery and his command is just average. The A’s will give him every chance to start, and he should spend 2012 in Double-A.

73. Trevor May, starting pitcher, Philadelphia Phillies
May had an excellent 2011 season, putting up some eye-popping strikeout numbers while producing a Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) mark of 2.69. His success does come with some caveats, though, as May was repeating High-A as a 21-year-old and still walked over four batters per nine innings. May has No. 2 starter potential, but will need to improve his command and start inducing more groundballs if he’s to fully develop.

72. Nestor Molina, starting pitcher, Chicago White Sox
Traded to the White Sox in December for Sergio Santos, Molina immediately became the best prospect in what is a barren system. After a solid 2010 campaign, the 23-year-old righty dominated in High-A last season, striking out over one batter per inning while inducing a fair amount of ground balls. Molina doesn’t rank higher because he isn’t young for his league and some fear he’ll end up in the bullpen, but the bet here is that his control allows him to become a mid-rotation starter by 2013.

71. Jon Schoop, second base, Baltimore Orioles
Schoop had an exciting season in 2011, reaching Double-A at the age of 19 and largely holding his own there after dominating in High-A. Schoop’s patience and power regressed once he reached the higher level, though, and he’ll likely need to spend all of 2012 refining his approach there. Schoop profiles as a good defender at second with unusual power for the position, and should be MLB-ready by mid-2013. He and Manny Machado make for one of the more exciting middle-infield prospect duos in baseball.

70. Taylor Jungmann, starting pitcher, Milwaukee Brewers
This may be the highest you’ll see Jungmann on any list, but while the big right-hander lacks ace potential, he was one of the safest picks in the 2011 draft and should be MLB-ready at some point in 2013. He hasn’t thrown a professional pitch yet, but there’s no reason he should start 2012 anywhere lower than High-A, and it’s not hard to envision him ending the year in the upper minors. He profiles as a durable, mid-rotation workhorse in the Jeff Niemann mold with a chance to be something more.

69. Josh Bell, outfielder, Pittsburgh Pirates
The surprise sign of the 2011 draft, Bell was viewed as a lock to temporarily forgo professional ball and attend the University of Texas, but the Pirates changed his mind with a $5 million contract. Bell was one of the top 10 talents in the draft, and profiles as a power hitter with the defensive chops to handle right field. He’s young and at least three seasons away, but the Pirates could be looking at a Mike Stanton-like player.

68. Christian Yelich, outfielder, Florida Marlins
Yelich had a phenomenal first full professional season in 2011, validating his status as the Marlins’ first-round pick in 2010. Despite playing the year at age 19, Yelich hit 15 homers, 32 doubles and reached base at a .388 clip, all while swiping 32 bases in 37 attempts in Single-A. He should move up to High-A as a 20-year-old in 2012, and if he performs that well again he’ll be an elite prospect. His upside is as a moderate five-tool center fielder. 

67. Oscar Taveras, outfielder, St. Louis Cardinals
Taveras is high on many prospect lists this off-season, but while there’s plenty to like about him, he’s a bit overrated thanks to his outrageous .386 average. There’s no disputing that Taveras has an exceptionally polished approach for his age –- he won’t turn 20 until June –- but the .440 batting average on balls in play (BABIP) he posted last season is unsustainable. He lacks the range to play center and the power to profile in a corner outfield spot, so he’ll need to reach base frequently and get stronger to succeed. But the upside is there.

66. Nick Castellanos, third baseman, Detroit Tigers
Castellanos had a very solid first full professional season in 2011, hitting .317 with a .367 OBP and 46 XBH in Single-A. What’s troubling, though, is that he struck out in 23.1 percent of his at-bats while walking just 8 percent of the time, and he hit only seven home runs. He has all the natural skills to develop into a four-tool third baseman, but is still several seasons away from sniffing the majors. If he adds power without sacrificing his range in the field, he could move quickly.

65. Billy Hamilton, shortstop, Cincinnati Reds
Hamilton is the fastest player in the minors, and the 21-year-old stole 103 -– yes, 103 — bases in 135 games in Single-A last season. The biggest knock on Hamilton is his strength –- he’s wire-thin — and scouts fear he won’t have enough pop to keep pitchers honest or enough of an arm to stay at short. Still, the worst-case scenario for Hamilton is ending up as a plus center fielder in a mold similar to Michael Bourn. If he can stay at short, he’ll be a special player.

64. Dellin Betances, starting pitcher, New York Yankees
A high-risk, high-reward prospect, Betances seems destined to be a number two starter, an impact reliever or flame out completely. A physical monster at 6-foot-8, 260 pounds, Betances has always put up big strikeout numbers, but is held back by a lengthy injury history and command problems. He’s likely to spend 2012 at Triple-A and could see a few major league starts if all goes well. He’ll need to throw over 150 innings if he wants to prove he can start long term.

63. Xander Bogaerts, shortstop/third baseman, Boston Red Sox
Few prospects improved their stock in 2011 more than Bogaerts, who went from a relative unknown to the man many consider to be the best prospect in the Sox’ system. Scouts doubt whether Bogaerts will be able to remain at shortstop, but no one doubts his power, as the 19-year-old Aruban mashed 32 XBH in 265 at-bats in Low-A last season. If he continues to flash that kind of pop, he’d be comparable to a more athletic version of Twins’ prospect Miguel Sano, who ranks much higher on this list.

62. Casey Kelly, starting pitcher, San Diego Padres
Kelly had yet another fairly disappointing statistical season in 2011, posting a K/9 rate of just 6.64 and an ERA of 3.98 over 142.1 innings in Double-A. Scouts remain high on the pure quality of his stuff, though, and he did improve his command and velocity from 2010 while inducing ground balls at a high rate. There’s a tendency to ignore Kelly since he may not develop into the ace many originally thought, but he still has a high floor as a mid-rotation innings eater with the potential to be more.

61. Brad Peacock, starting pitcher, Oakland Athletics
If you think Peacock is a starter, you likely want him 20 spots higher than this. If you think he’s a reliever, you probably think he shouldn’t be on here at all. This ranking splits the difference and acknowledges Peacock’s phenomenal 2011 season, while also respecting the notion that he was pretty darn lucky last year too. Peacock will get the chance to be a starter this year and should rack up plenty of strikeouts, but he doesn’t induce enough groundballs to be more than a No. 3 or No. 4 starter. That being said, he’s ready to begin 2012 in the A’s rotation.

 Prospects 1-20 I 21-40 I 41-60 I 61-80 I 81-100

These elite systems possess several of the very best prospects in baseball, and feature both players who are ready to contribute to the majors immediately, as well as those who should keep their organizations successful in the years to come.

As always, players must meet MLB rookie eligibility requirements (under 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched at the major league level) to qualify as part of an organization's farm system.

10. New York Yankees
Top Prospect: Jesus Montero, designated hitter/catcher
The Yankees system lacks depth, but it certainly doesn't lack in star power. Montero isn't a great catcher, but he is one of the two or three best hitters in the minors and is an excellent candidate for 2012 AL Rookie of the Year.

Southpaw Manny Banuelos is a half-season away from slotting as a solid No. 2 or No. 3 starter, and the giant Dellin Betances could be scary if he improves his command and conditioning. Gary Sanchez and Mason Williams are a great set of high-upside bats in the low minors, and Austin Romine and Adam Warren could play bit parts on the 2012 MLB squad.

9. Seattle Mariners
Top Prospect: Danny Hultzen, starting pitcher
The Mariners have tremendous pitching depth in their system, but most of their young arms are still one season away. Hultzen was a surprise as the second overall pick in the 2011 draft, but is a high probability No. 2 starter. Taijuan Walker is an explosive young arm, and James Paxton should pitch near the top of an MLB rotation as well.

Jose Campos and Chance Ruffin are two more pitchers who deserve mention, as does power-hitting shortstop prospect Nick Franklin, who regularly evokes J.J. Hardy comparisons. Add in toolsy hitters Guillermo Pimentel and Francisco Martinez, and the M's should be able to stop rebuilding soon.

8. Atlanta Braves
Top Prospect: Julio Teheran, starting pitcher
With the possible exception of the Diamondbacks, no system can compete with the Braves' stash of MLB-ready arms. Teheran can be an ace on a playoff contender, Randall Delgado is a solid mid-rotation innings eater, and Arodys Vizcaino can be a high-upside starter or dynamic reliever.

Considering the Braves just graduated Brandon Beachy and Mike Minor –- and also have 2011 first-rounder Sean Gilmartin in the wings –- it's an impressive collection. It's not the strongest offensive system, but Tyler Pastornicky is the favorite to be the Braves' everyday shortstop next season, and Christian Bethancourt could be the team's successor to Brian McCann.

7. Oakland Athletics
Top Prospect: Jarrod Parker, starting pitcher
The A's began the offseason with a middling farm system, but have rebuilt quickly thanks to the trades of Trevor Cahill and Gio Gonzalez. Parker and Brad Peacock are two newly acquired prospects likely to begin 2012 in the major league rotation. Outfielders Grant Green, Collin Cowgill and Michael Taylor –- plus first baseman Chris Carter — should all vie for at-bats by midseason.

A.J. Cole and Sonny Gray are future top-of-the-rotation starters, Michael Choice is one of the best power hitters in the minors, and Derek Norris and Max Stassi are a solid pair of catching prospects.

Overall, this is a deep system.

6. Kansas City Royals
Top Prospect: Wil Myers, outfielder
The Royals were billed as having perhaps the best farm system ever headed into 2011, and despite the graduations of Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Johnny Giavotella, Danny Duffy and Aaron Crow to the big leagues, the Royals system is still sitting pretty. Myers is one of the best pure hitters in the minors, and could see a September call-up.

Bubba Starling, a 2011 first-round center fielder was the best high-school hitter in the 2011 draft, and Cheslor Cuthbert is an exciting hot corner prospect. Add in high-upside pitchers Jake Odorizzi, Mike Montgomery and John Lamb, and the Royals could have a very competitive MLB team by 2013.

5. Texas Rangers
Top Prospect: Jurickson Profar, shortstop
The Rangers have a nice mix of talent in the low-to-mid minors. Profar is arguably the best shortstop prospect in the game, and has five-tool talent. Martin Perez's prospect star has faded in recent months, but he's still just 20 and reached Triple-A last season. He could join righty Neil Ramirez and lefty Robbie Ross in the Rangers rotation in short order, with Cody Buckel further away (and Yu Darvish is also a possibility).

Outfielder Leonys Martin will be an excellent defender with some pop in center, and Mike Olt is a promising corner infield bat in the low minors. Infielders Rougned Odor and Christian Villanueva are exciting too.

4. Tampa Bay Rays
Top Prospect: Matt Moore, starting pitcher
It doesn't matter how many prospects the Rays graduate to the majors each year, they just keep replenishing an incredibly deep system. Flame-throwing lefty Moore is one of the three or four best prospects in baseball, and shortstop Hak-Ju Lee and pitcher Chris Archer will make plenty of top 50 lists as well.

A haul of Taylor Guerrieri, Mikie Mahtook and Grayson Garvin, among others, made for a great 2011 draft, and Brandon Guyer, Alex Torres, Alex Colome and Tim Beckham could play roles on the 2012 MLB club.

3. Arizona Diamondbacks
Top Prospect: Trevor Bauer, starting pitcher
Even after trading Jarrod Parker for Trevor Cahill, the D-Backs boast one of the most impressive collections of pitchers in the minors. Bauer and Tyler Skaggs should be MLB-ready this season, and Archie Bradley, Pat Corbin and David Holmberg aren't too far behind.

Matt Davidson and Bobby Borchering may boast 30-homer power, and Anthony Meo and Andrew Chafin could be phenomenal relievers. Add in up-the-middle prospects Chris Owings and A.J. Pollock, and Arizona has set itself up for success for years to come.

2. Toronto Blue Jays
Top Prospect: Travis d'Arnaud, catcher
General manager Alex Anthopoulos has done a tremendous job building this farm system through trades, drafting and the international market. And as a result, the Jays now have the top system in the American League. Jake Marisnick and Anthony Gose form one of the most dynamic outfield prospect pairings in baseball, and d'Arnaud is an elite catching prospect.

With Drew Hutchison, Justin Nicolino, Noah Snydergaard, Daniel Norris, Deck McGuire and Aaron Sanchez, the Jays have a bevy of No. 2/3 starter types throughout the system, as well. It's a very impressive group, especially given the trade of Nestor Molina and the recent graduations of Henderson Alvarez and Brett Lawrie.

1. San Diego Padres
Top Prospect: Rymer Liriano, outfielder
The Padres boast the best combination of upside and probability of any farm system in baseball, and have talent throughout all levels of their minor leagues. Robbie Erlin, Casey Kelly and Joe Wieland should all be permanent members of the big league rotation by mid-2013.

Yonder Alonso, Yasmani Grandal, Liriano, Corey Spangenberg and Jedd Gyorko give them a solid crop of offensive prospects, as well. Trading Mat Latos to the Reds will hurt them in 2012, but it put them in a much better position going forward.

View all of the MLB farm system rankings: 30-21 I 20-11 I 10- 1

Jesus Montero photo (left) via Flickr/njnetfan
Matt Moore photo (right) via AP

As always, players must meet MLB rookie eligibility requirements (under 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched at the major league level) to qualify as part of an organization's farm system.

20. Minnesota Twins
Top Prospect: Miguel Sano, third baseman
The Twins system is deep in the low minors, but lacks impact players in any levels above High-A. Sano is the cream of the crop; he boasts some of the best pure power in the minors and could be a perennial All-Star if he doesn't outgrow the hot corner.

Outfielder Joe Benson and starters Kyle Gibson and Liam Hendricks could all contribute in 2012, but none possesses star power. Oswaldo Arcia and Eddie Rosario are outfielders with more potential, but neither is close, and former organization golden boy Aaron Hicks never translated his tools into numbers. Shortstop Levi Michael and starter Alex Wimmers are more recent first-rounders with more probability than upside.

19. Los Angeles Angels
Top Prospect: Mike Trout, outfielder
Trout deserves serious consideration -– even over Bryce Harper -– for best overall prospect in the game. He'll likely be an All-Star the first time he gets over 500 at-bats. 

The Angels have a nice mix of infield prospects in third baseman Kaleb Cowart, shortstop Jean Segura, first baseman C.J. Cron and second baseman Taylor Lindsey, but none has played above High-A. Garrett Richards is likely ready to compete for the Angels' fifth starter spot now, and has a ceiling as a third starter. Starter Trevor Reckling regressed badly in 2011, but Johnny Hellweg had a breakthrough campaign. 

18. New York Mets
Top Prospect: Zack Wheeler, starting pitcher
The Mets' robbing of the Giants in acquiring Wheeler for Carlos Beltran last season was downright criminal, and pairing him with Matt Harvey gives the Mets one of the best one-two starting pitcher punches in the minors. 

Righty Jeurys Familia has upside as well, but may end up in the bullpen. The Mets would do well to avoid hampering his development the way they did with Jenrry Mejia. Brandon Nimmo, a 2011 first-rounder, is an exciting prospect, but is at least three seasons away. Wilmer Flores and Reese Havens are the keys for this system –- it's not hard to envision either as an All-Star or out of baseball by 2015. 

17. Houston Astros
Top Prospect: Jonathan Singleton, first baseman
The Astros have done a good job turning their farm system around in short order, and while it's not elite, it's certainly now respectable. Singleton and righty flame thrower Jared Cosart were a terrific return for Hunter Pence. Along with 2011 first-round outfielder George Springer, they're clearly the three best prospects in the system. 

Shortstop Jonathan Villar and outfielder Domingo Santana are two other solid prospects who used to be in the Phillies organization. Starters Brett Oberholtzer and Mike Foltynewicz are more useful to know for Scrabble purposes than baseball ones, but can become No. 4 starters.  

16. Chicago Cubs
Top Prospect: Anthony Rizzo, first baseman
Theo Epstein and Co. inherit a system deep with position players, but somewhat barren on the pitching end. Rizzo and center fielder Brett Jackson are both MLB-ready, and they should be batting near the middle of the Cubs' lineup by midseason. 

Catcher Wellington Castillo and outfielder Matt Szczur look like second division starters or excellent backups, and 2011 first-rounder Javier Baez is a prototypical mashing third baseman. Right-handers Dillon Maples, Trey McNutt and Chris Carpenter all throw hard, but might end up in the bullpen. Josh Vitters and Dan Vogelbach are deeply flawed players, but both can hit. 

15. Colorado Rockies
Top Prospect: Nolan Arenado, third baseman
Despite the failures of first-round lefties Tyler Matzek and Christian Friedrich, the Rockies have been able to quietly add talent to their system in the past several months. Arenado is the best third base prospect in the minors and could be MLB-ready by mid-2012.

Drew Pomeranz was a great get for Ubaldo Jimenez, and has No. 2 starter stuff even at Coors Field. Chad Bettis, Trevor Story and Tyler Anderson make for a nice group of players in the low minors, while catcher Wilin Rosario and outfielders Tim Wheeler and Charlie Blackmon will all likely contribute in the majors this year. 

14. Pittsburgh Pirates
Top Prospect: Gerrit Cole, starting pitcher
The Pirates took Cole with the first overall pick in this year's draft, and continue to add to a farm system littered with high-upside players. Cole joins Jameson Taillon and Luis Heredia to form a ridiculously strong crop of right-handed pitchers who likely won't make an impact until mid-2013 at the earliest.

Josh Bell and Starling Marte form an intriguing pair of multi-tool outfielders, and Robbie Grossman could figure into the outfield future in Pittsburgh as well. Kyle McPherson and Jeff Locke should make appearances as back-end starters this season, and catcher Tony Sanchez and pitcher Stetson Allie still have time to turn their careers around. This system is one solid trade or draft away from approaching the Top 10.

13. Boston Red Sox
Top Prospect: Will Middlebrooks, third baseman
The Red Sox' farm system lacks any blue-chip prospects, but is incredibly deep. Middlebrooks and Jose Iglesias will likely form the team's left side of the infield in short order, with Xander Bogaerts, Garin Cecchini and Sean Coyle contributing down the line. Anthony Ranaudo now looks like a mid-rotation starter, but UConn product Matt Barnes has ace upside.

Ryan Lavarnway and Alex Wilson should contribute to the majors this year, while Bryce Brentz and Brandon Jacobs are two power-hitting outfielders for the future. The Sox' 2011 draft haul of Barnes, Blake Swihart, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Henry Owens should go a long way toward replenishing a system depleted by trades. 

12. Washington Nationals
Top Prospect: Bryce Harper, outfielder
The Nationals began the offseason with a borderline top five system, but were drained in the Gio Gonzalez deal. They still have baseball's best prospect in Harper, and added arguably the best hitter in the 2011 draft in second/third baseman Anthony Rendon. They added more upside in the draft through pitchers Alex Meyer and Matt Purke, and took five-tool outfielder Brian Goodwin as well. Robbie Ray and Sammy Solis could be mid-rotation lefties in a few years, and Steve Lombardozzi could impact the 2012 club. This is no longer an elite system, but it's still very good.

11. St. Louis Cardinals
Top Prospect: Shelby Miller, starting pitcher
The Cardinals have drafted well and been active in the international market in recent years, and their farm system is now reaping the rewards. Miller is close to MLB ready and projects to be an ace, and starter Carlos Martinez and outfielder Oscar Taveras are two insanely talented Dominican signees. 

Zack Cox and Kolten Wong don't awe scouts, but both should at least be average MLB regulars by mid-2013. Add in high-upside starter Tyrell Jenkins, plus 2011 contributors Lance Lynn and Eduardo Sanchez, and this is a very well balanced system.

View all of the MLB farm system rankings: 30-21 I 20-11

Check back on NESN.com on Monday for farm system rankings 1-10.

Will Middlebrooks photo (left) via Flickr/murphman61
Mike Trout photo (right) via Flickr/Keith Allison

With several major offseason deals in the books, and with the 2011 draft class now firmly entrenched in each team's system, now is as good a time as any to review how all 30 farm systems stack up heading into the 2012 season.

There's a certain amount of subjectivity that comes with any prospect ranking, as balancing proximity to the majors, upside and probability is a difficult task. But based on scouting reports from Baseball America, ESPN's Keith Law, Minor League Ball's John Sickles and more, plus analysis of both traditional and advanced statistics, here is a series aiming to rank, in reverse order, all 30 farm systems.

It's not a perfect science, but in general, organizations with high-upside prospects rank higher than those without, and prospects who are closer to the majors are worth more than those who are further away. That being said, an organization's depth –- including in the low minors -– does factor in to where they rank.

To begin, the bottom 10 systems in baseball are listed below. For the most part, these systems either lack prominent prospects all together, or contain one or two high-end prospects with little talent to follow.

As always, players must meet MLB rookie eligibility requirements (under 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched at the major league level) to qualify as part of an organization's farm system.

30. Chicago White Sox
Top Prospect: Nestor Molina, starting pitcher
White Sox GM Kenny Williams should try to win one more time with his current squad of veterans, because judging by the Sox' farm system, it's going to get a whole lot worse for the South Side before it gets any better. Molina projects as a No. 2/3 starter or a closer, and was a solid get from the Blue Jays in the Sergio Santos deal.

Many view Addison Reed as the favorite to close in 2012, and he does have overpowering stuff. Infielder Eduardo Escobar can contribute in the field but can't really hit. 2009 first-rounder Jared Mitchell still has tools, but is progressing very slowly thanks to injuries. There's not much else to see in this system.

29. Miami Marlins
Top Prospect: Christian Yelich, outfielder
It's good that the Marlins spent big in free agency this offseason because there isn't much help coming from the farm. Yelich is the team's only prospect with a shot at seeing his name on a Top 100 list this offseason, and if he can handle center field as he ages, he could be an elite player.

Fellow outfielder Marcell Ozuna is widely regarded as the team's second-best prospect. Third baseman Matt Dominguez has proven that while he's phenomenal defensively, he can't hit. First-rounder Jose Fernandez has No. 2 starter potential, but is several years away, while lefty Chad James is closer to the majors but profiles more as a back-end starter.

28. Cleveland Indians
Top Prospect: Francisco Lindor, shortstop
This system was hammered by graduations and the Ubaldo Jimenez trade last season. Lindor is a potential four-tool shortstop who the Tribe nabbed with the eighth overall pick last June, and is the only elite prospect in the system.

Righty Dillon Howard and second baseman Tony Wolters are decent as well, but both need several more seasons in the minors. Luigi Rodriguez and LeVon Washington are toolsy but unpolished outfielders, and Felix Sterling and Nick Hagadone are just as unrefined on the mound. Cord Phelps looks like he'll be a solid utility infielder with the chance to start for a second division team for few years in his prime.

27. Baltimore Orioles
Top Prospect: Manny Machado, shortstop
Owners of the most top-heavy system in baseball, the Orioles are saved from an even lower ranking by Machado -– a surefire top 10 prospect -– and starter Dylan Bundy, who is likely one of the ten best pitching prospects in the game. Unfortunately for O's fans, Machado likely won't play in the majors until mid-2013, and 2015 is more likely for Bundy.

Second baseman Jonathan Schoop is a solid infielder who may be able to play third as well. Jason Esposito and Nick Delmonico make a pair of recently drafted third base prospects who warrant some attention, but are hardly blue-chippers.

26. Los Angeles Dodgers
Top Prospect: Zach Lee, starting pitcher
Lee is the prize of this system, and brings the same type of athleticism to the mound that makes the Padres' Casey Kelly a top prospect as well. Nathan Eovaldi isn't flashy but is probably ready to be a major-league No. 4 starter right now.

Allen Webster and Chris Withrow have experienced mixed results, but both possess potential as mid-rotation starters. The system is very thin on offensive prospects, with moderately toolsy outfielder Alfredo Silverio likely the best of the group, and catcher Tim Federowicz most likely to see action in 2012. Lefty first-rounder Chris Reed's future is probably in the bullpen, but he'll be given a chance to start first.

25. Detroit Tigers
Top Prospect: Jacob Turner, starting pitcher
Trades, free-agent signings and questionable drafting have drained this system, which is really only four or five prospects deep. Turner is the star, and while he inspires debate as to whether he's more of a future ace or No. 2 starter, no one doubts he's really good.

Third baseman Nick Castellanos is the only position player of note in the Tigers system, and while he'll hit, his power remains a question. Casey Crosby, Andy Oliver and Drew Smyly are three left-handers who could start or relieve, with Crosby possessing the most troubling injury history but also the biggest upside.

24. Cincinnati Reds
Top Prospect: Devin Mesoraco, catcher
Trading for Mat Latos certainly improves the Reds' odds in 2012 and beyond, but it's left their system thin. Mesoraco is the best catching prospect in the minors, and should garner plenty of NL Rookie of the Year votes in 2012. Infielders Zack Cosart and Todd Fraizer figure to see MLB time as well.

Shortstop Billy Hamilton is an exciting prospect and is arguably the fastest player in the minors, but is several seasons away. Right-handers Robert Stephenson and Daniel Corcino won't see the majors for quite some time as well, as each has yet to pitch above Low-A.

23. San Francisco Giants
Top Prospect: Gary Brown, outfielder
Last July's Zack Wheeler-for-Carlos Beltran trade hurt this system, but there are still a few Giants worthy of keeping an eye on. Brown looks like a Gold Glove-caliber center fielder and potential leadoff hitter –- think of him as a better Peter Bourjos. Shortstop Joe Panik has surprised during his brief professional career and his stock is on the rise.

Tommy Joseph, Andrew Susac and Hector Sanchez form a very strong group of catching prospects, though Joseph may move to first base. Eric Surkamp should compete for a spot at the bottom of the big league rotation this season, while Heath Hembree and Josh Osich are notable power arms for the future.

22. Philadelphia Phillies
Top Prospect: Trevor May, starting pitcher
The Phillies don't have any blue-chip prospects now that Domonic Brown has graduated to the big leagues, but they still have some interesting players in their system. May doesn't have the upside of Jesse Biddle or Brody Colvin, but he is the safest bet to be an effect MLB starter.

Sebastian Valle is a solid-if-unspectacular catching prospect, and the same can be said about shortstop Freddy Galvis. Phillipe Aumont and Justin DeFratus could be impact relievers in short order. Larry Greene, a supplemental first-rounder in 2011, possesses enormous power potential and may be able to handle a corner outfield spot.

21. Milwaukee Brewers
Top Prospect: Taylor Jungmann, starting pitcher
The Brewers gutted their system last offseason by trading for Zack Greinke and Shawn Marcum, but they are slowly inching their way back towards respectability. Jungmann and Jed Bradley were 2011 first-round picks, and both are quick-to-the-majors, mid-rotation starters, with Jungmann possessing a bit more upside.

Wily Peralta should see the majors at some point in 2012 and profiles as a solid No. 3 starter, while righty Tyler Thornburg is further away but has a higher ceiling. The Brewers lack dynamic hitting prospects, but outfielder Logan Schafer and infielder Taylor Green could both be second-division starters or good options off the bench.

View all of the MLB farm system rankings: 30-21 I 20-11

Check back on NESN.com on Sunday for farm system rankings 20-11, and check back on Monday for 10-1.

Christian Yelich photo (left) via Flickr/Mark Briscoe
Manny Machado photo (right) via Flickr/pinprosho

There's a certain amount of subjectivity that comes with any prospect ranking, as balancing proximity to the majors, upside and probability is a difficult task. But based on scouting reports from Baseball America, ESPN's Keith Law, Fangraphs' Mike Newman and Marc Hulet and more, plus analysis of both traditional and advanced statistics, here are the Red Sox' top prospects headed into the 2012 season.

Players must meet MLB rookie eligibility requirements (under 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched at the major league level) to qualify for this list. Teams listed below represent the highest level each player reached in 2011.

1. Will Middlebrooks, third base, Pawtucket
One of the most athletic third base prospects in the minors, Middlebrooks enjoyed a breakout season in 2011. The 23-year-old posted a .302 average and .345 on-base percentage with 18 homers and 25 doubles in 397 plate appearances in Double-A.

Widely regarded as an above-average defender, Middlebrooks' best tools are his arm and his plus power. One area of concern for Middlebrooks is his plate discipline, as he struck out in more than 23 percent of his at-bats last season while walking less than 6 percent of the time. Middlebrooks may never develop into the type of high-OBP player Sox fans have become accustomed to, but has a ceiling as an above-average everyday third baseman in the mold of a young Mike Lowell — albeit with inferior contact rates. 

2. Anthony Ranaudo, starting pitcher, Salem
Ranaudo had a solid if unspectacular year in High-A, tossing 81 innings and posting a 4.33 ERA in 16 starts. Ranaudo's 3.95 fielding independent pitching (FIP) suggests he was better than his ERA demonstrates, but it would have been nice to see him pitch with more efficiency. The next major steps in Ranaudo's development will be further refining his changeup and building up his durability -– surpassing 140 innings pitched in 2012 would be a great sign.

Ranaudo projects more as a No. 2 starter than an ace in the majors, but he still comes with significant upside and could compete for a spot in the Sox rotation in spring training 2013. 

3. Xander Bogaerts, shortstop, Greenville
This is an aggressive ranking for Bogaerts, but if you believe that the best way to win at the MLB level is through acquiring stars, there's no more exciting prospect in the Red Sox system. Bogaerts' numbers don't look entirely impressive without context, as he put up a .260-16-45 line with a .324 OBP in Greenville. But considering Bogaerts more than held his own as an 18-year-old in Single-A in his second professional season, those numbers are rather impressive.

Bogaerts may eventually outgrow shortstop and slide to third base, but his bat would profile there as well. He's at least three more seasons away from seeing the majors, but his upside is as an all-star who contributes both in the middle of the field and in the heart of a batting order.

4. Jose Iglesias, shortstop, Pawtucket
Just about every Red Sox fans knows the book on Iglesias -– he's ready to be one of the two or three best defensive shortstops in baseball right now, but he's proven to be a liability at the plate to this point in his young career.

Iglesias possesses the bat speed and hand-eye coordination necessary to hit for a solid average, but he struggles with pitch recognition and has very little power. After hitting just .235 with a .285 OBP in Triple-A last year, Iglesias will need to prove himself for a few months before seeing major league time. He's still the Sox’ shortstop of the near future, but 2011 represented a step backward in his development.

5. Ryan Lavarnway, catcher/designated hitter, Boston
Lavarnway has the exact opposite problem as Iglesias: He's ready to contribute in the majors with his bat right now, but is held back by defensive limitations. Lavarnway has well above-average power — especially when he pulls the ball — and mashed 34 homeruns and 25 doubles between three levels last season. Behind the plate, Lavarnway has no problems calling games, but is below average against the run game and needs work on blocking pitches as well. Ideally, Lavarnway will progress into a Mike Napoli-type player who can catch twice a week while primarily DH-ing. If the Red Sox don’t retain Jason Varitek, Lavarnway could begin the season in the majors.

6. Matt Barnes, starting pitcher, Unassigned
One of the better collegiate pitching prospects in the 2011 draft, Barnes was somewhat of a steal for the Red Sox, who nabbed him with the 19th overall pick. Featuring a plus fastball, above average curveball and developing changeup, Barnes should be able to move quickly through the lower minors, with the general consensus being that he'll begin 2012 in Lowell. Barnes needs to work on refining his off-speed pitches and repeating his delivery more consistently, but doesn't need a major overhaul in terms of his mechanics. Barnes profiles as a solid No. 2 starter in the mold of John Lackey (the Angels' version, not the Red Sox' one). If all goes well he could see major league time in 2014.

7. Bryce Brentz, outfielder, Salem
Selected 36th overall in the 2010 draft, Brentz was a risky pick coming out of college. He was wildly productive while at Middle Tennessee State, leading Division I in several offensive categories in 2009, but faced a lesser level of competition than most first round collegiate draft picks. After a rough start to his pro career, Brentz took off in 2011, hitting 30 homers with 25 doubles and a high OBP between Low- and High-A. Brentz lacks the typical patient approach of most Sox prospects, but has 25-homer potential and should be adequate defensively in right field thanks to his arm strength. He's in some ways similar to a young Brad Hawpe. Brentz could reach Triple-A by the end of 2012 and challenge for major league playing time by mid-2013. 

8. Felix Doubront, pitcher, Pawtucket
This is an optimistic ranking for Doubront, who threw just 87 2/3 mostly ineffective innings in an injury-marred 2011 campaign. With his low-90s fastball, decent changeup and improving curveball, Doubront isn’t front-of-the-rotation material, but has decent enough stuff to profile as a number four starter on a contending team.

Conditioning will be key for Doubront headed forward, as health deprived him of the chance to be a major contributor to a 2011 Red Sox team short on pitching. Doubront will likely get the chance to compete for a spot in the Sox rotation in spring training, but could ultimately wind up being used out of the bullpen in a similar manner to how Alfredo Aceves was this past season.

9. Blake Swihart, catcher, Gulf Coast League Red Sox
Swihart was the 26th overall selection in the 2011 draft, but based on talent alone, he could have been a Top 15 pick in a deep class. The Red Sox gave Swihart $2.5 million to keep him away from Texas, and the young switch-hitter is already one of their most intriguing prospects. Swihart projects as a high-average, moderate-power hitter who will be athletic enough to catch or play third base down the line. Swihart won't sniff the majors until 2015 at the earliest, but has all-star upside. The Red Sox have had difficulty developing catchers in recent years, so Swihart will be an interesting case to watch.

10. Brandon Jacobs, outfielder, Greenville
A big, physical prospect whom the Sox signed away from a scholarship to play running back at Auburn, Jacobs has some of the most raw power in the entire system. Jacobs had a phenomenal 2011 campaign, hitting .303 with 17 homers, 32 doubles and a .376 OBP. He added 30 steals to boot, although he doesn't profile to be a major threat on the base paths in the majors. Jacobs is still two seasons away from coming close to seeing any MLB time, but his ceiling is as a power-hitting, number five hitter and left fielder in the Carlos Quentin mold. 

The Next 10

11. Alex Wilson, pitcher, Pawtucket
The Red Sox' minor league pitcher of the year for 2011, Wilson should see plenty of major league time in 2012. A starter in the minors, Wilson could take over Daniel Bard's eighth-inning role should the later become the team's new closer.

12. Sean Coyle, second base, Greenville
Coyle only batted .247 in his first full professional season, but made up for that with a .364 OBP, 14 homers and 20 stolen bases. Both Baseball America and SoxProspects.com compare Coyle to Brian Roberts, and there are many parallels between the two diminutive second basemen. 

13. Kolbrin Vitek, third base, Salem
Vitek was the Red Sox' first pick in the 2010 draft, and had a solid if not spectacular first full professional season in 2011. Vitek profiles as a Chase Headley-like player who could eventually move to the outfield given the Sox' glut of hot corner prospects.  

14. Drake Britton, starting pitcher, Salem
After a phenomenal 2010 season, Britton's 2011 was an absolute disaster, as the flame-throwing lefty regressed in nearly every facet of his game. Britton is far from a sure thing, but retains enough potential as a number three starter or impact reliever to remain on this list.

15. Garin Cecchini, third base, Lowell
Cecchini is another high-upside player with a plus bat, but has been unable to stay on the field to this point in his young career. His development will be in serious jeopardy if he doesn't play a full season in 2012, but he could skyrocket up this list if healthy. 

16. Junichi Tazawa, starting pitcher, Boston 
Tazawa has been largely forgotten after missing all of 2010 and most of 2011 recovering from Tommy John surgery, but the righty showed promise in a small sample size towards the end of last season. He could be a threat to grab some starts in the majors by mid-2012 and profiles as a number four starter. 

17. Jackie Bradley Jr., outfielder, Greenville
A star in college at South Carolina, Bradley battled injuries in his final season, allowing the Sox to pick him up in the supplemental first round of the 2011 draft. A David DeJesus-like player, Bradley should move quickly given his experience, and could be the successor to Jacoby Ellsbury in center field in 2014.

18. Kyle Weiland, pitcher, Boston
Weiland pitched well in Triple-A last season but appeared to be overmatched in his five starts at the major league level. Weiland was a closer at Notre Dame, and his future with the Red Sox will likely come in the bullpen as well. He could begin the season as the long man in the Sox' bullpen.

19. Henry Owens, starting pitcher, Unassigned
Owens may very well be the last player on this list to make it to the majors, but he was one of the best southpaw prep arms in the 2011 draft. Owens needs to become stronger and work on his offspeed pitches, but lefty starters who throw in the mid-90s are rare, and Owens could pitch in the top-half of a rotation in time.

20. Brandon Workman, starting pitcher, Greenville
Overshadowed during his collegiate career at Texas by some big-name teammates, Workman is nonetheless a safe bet to become a productive major league pitcher. Workman will need to improve his strikeout rates next season, and he best profiles as a Justin Masterson-like swingman who could be ready by mid-2013.

The 10 best prospects who switched teams at or during the days leading up to the deadline are ranked below. Most of these players won't see the majors until next season at the earliest, but they'll aim to ensure that at future trade deadlines, their organizations are looking to add talent for deep playoff runs.

10. Charlie Furbush, pitcher, Seattle Mariners
Furbush was a part of the deal that saw Doug Fister and David Pauley shipped to Detroit, and the 25-year-old left-hander offers the Mariners some versatility going forward. Should the M's choose to put Furbush in the rotation, he has the ceiling of a No. 4 starter, and his tendency to give up the long ball would be somewhat mitigated by spacious Safeco Field. Furbush's lack of a true out-pitch means his future may lie in the bullpen, though, where he would likely become a solid set-up man or high-leverage reliever. Either Drew Smyly or Chance Ruffin is rumored to be the PTBNL in the Fister deal, and either would bump Furbush off this list. A case can also be made to place Joe Wieland, dealt from Texas to San Diego, here on the list instead of Furbush.

9. Francisco Martinez, third baseman, Seattle Mariners
Until the final player is named, Martinez is the best prospect the Mariners received in the Fister trade. While he may not be an industry-consensus Top 100 prospect, he's likely not all that far off either. Martinez won't turn 21 until September, yet he is holding his own at Double-A with a .282 average, 46 RBIs and seven home runs and seven steals. His .319 on-base percentage leaves much to be desired, but he looks like a future everyday player, and has the tools to be an outstanding defensive third baseman. It's hard to find many impact positional prospects in the Mariners' system, and Martinez immediately becomes one of their best.

8. Zach Stewart, pitcher, Chicago White Sox
The White Sox were largely slammed for dealing Edwin Jackson and Mark Teahen to save payroll while in the midst of a pennant race, but they did little to harm their starting pitching depth by acquiring Stewart in return. Dealt from the Reds to the Blue Jays for Scott Rolen at the 2009 deadline, Stewart has been a consistent if not phenomenal performer at Double-A over the past two years, and started three games for the Jays earlier this season as well. Stewart could use a little more minor league seasoning, but is still just 24, and should compete for a spot in the White Sox rotation next year. He profiles as a No. 3 starter if he continues to improve his command.

7. Trayvon Robinson, outfielder, Seattle Mariners
Perhaps no move during this year's trading deadline was as odd as the Dodgers' decision to give up Robinson, who is exactly the type of young, cost-controlled talent they should be looking to acquire. Robinson has seen his value increase this year with a phenomenal Triple-A campaign, as the switch-hitter has hit .297-26-71 with eight steals and a .375 OBP through 416 plate appearances. Scouts believe the uptick in power may be a fluke, but Robinson should reach double-digit homers and steals in the majors. He can play an above-average left field or be an adequate defender in center. The Mariners will likely keep Robinson in Triple-A until the minor league season ends, but expect him to be up with the big league club in September, and to complete for a starting job next spring.

6. Alex White, starting pitcher, Colorado Rockies
White is the most major league-ready piece the Rockies received from the Indians in the Ubaldo Jimenez deal, but is currently on the disabled list with a finger injury -– a worse fate for White than for most pitchers, since his best pitch is a splitter. White has flown through the minors since being drafted 15th overall in 2009 and has less than 200 innings pitched in his professional career. If he can continue to induce ground balls at an above-average rate and improve on his slider, he has the chance to be a No. 3 starter. If not, he still profiles as a late-inning reliever or possible closer.

5. Robbie Erlin, starting pitcher, San Diego Padres
The main piece going to San Diego in the Mike Adams trade, Erlin is widely considered a Top 50 prospect and should absolutely thrive at PETCO Park. Erlin's fastball sits only in the 88-91 mph range, but both his curveball and changeup are above average, and he knows how to use them effectively. Erlin features ridiculously good control –- he's walked 12 batters in 101 1/3 innings pitched this season -– and is left-handed, which only adds to his value. Still only 20 years old, look for Erlin to begin 2012 in Triple-A and end the year in the middle of the Padres' rotation, where he should remain for years to come.

4. Jonathan Singleton, first baseman/outfielder, Houston Astros
Singleton was far and away the best positional prospect to be dealt at the 2011 deadline, and represents part of the solid return the Astros got for Hunter Pence. Singleton has an extraordinarily good grasp of the strike zone for a 19-year-old, and although it doesn't show up in his stat lines, he projects to have 30-homer power in the future. With Ryan Howard entrenched in the majors the Phillies had experimented with Singleton in the outfield, but his defensive home is clearly at first base. Singleton is unlikely to see the majors until late 2013 at the earliest, but should be a middle-of-the-order hitter once he gets there.

3. Jarred Cosart, starting pitcher, Houston Astros
The Astros were fleeced badly in the Michael Bourn deal, but did well to acquire both Singleton and Cosart for Pence. The prospect on this list with the most boom-or-bust potential, Cosart is likely to become a legitimate ace, a terrific closer, or flame out spectacularly. There are few pitchers in the minors who can boast the kind of one-two punch that Cosart has with his fastball and curveball combination. He comes with a troubling history of injuries, though, and has underperformed to this point in 2011. The fastest way to rebuild is through acquiring stars, and while Cosart is far from a sure thing, he could also be an elite starter by 2014.

2. Zack Wheeler, starting pitcher, New York Mets
The Mets likely acquired their ace of the future in Wheeler, and they couldn't have hoped to receive a better prospect in return for Carlos Beltran. Wheeler has a dominating fastball, projectable body and improving command, and is pitching quite well with a 10.02 K/9 rate in high Class-A. He's cut down on his walks from a season ago, and if one of his curveball or changeup becomes a plus pitch as he grows, he could shoot through the Mets' system very quickly. Some have cited concern over Wheeler's delivery, but with just 146.2 innings under his belt, he has plenty of time to learn to repeat his motion with more regularity. Wheeler has the highest upside of any player on this list.

1. Drew Pomeranz, starting pitcher, Colorado Rockies
Pomeranz cannot technically be traded to the Rockies until Aug. 15, but he was the crown jewel of the surprising Jimenez deal. Pomeranz doesn't have quite as much promise as Wheeler or even Cosart, but he has a significantly higher floor. The fifth overall pick in the 2010 draft, Pomeranz has already pushed his way to Double-A and has struck out 112 batters through his first 91 professional innings. With pitching prospects Tyler Matzek and Christian Friedrich struggling in the Rockies' system, Pomeranz easily becomes their No. 1 prospect. All that's left for Pomeranz to do in the minors is continue to improve his control, and it's not hard to envision him as an MLB-ready No. 2 starter in the Andy Pettitte mold by this time next season.

Last year's deadline saw current major leaguers such as Dan Hudson, Wilson Ramos and Brett Wallace switch uniforms, as well as Top 100 prospects such as Tyler Skaggs and Pat Corbin. The 2011 deadline is sure to feature some major names from the prospect world as well.

The players on this list aren't ranked by their ability, but rather by the likelihood with which they will be dealt in the coming days. All trades imagined below are purely speculative, but consist of names that are frequently mentioned as trade candidates.

10. Dayan Viciedo, first base/designated hitter, Chicago White Sox
Viciedo’s name isn't one that's mentioned frequently in rumors, but it makes sense for him to be dealt from a logistical standpoint. Viciedo is hitting at a .322/.371/.525 (BA/OBP/SLG) clip in Triple-A, but while he is clearly MLB-ready, he has nowhere to play in Chicago. Paul Konerko and Adam Dunn represent long-term commitments at first base and designated hitter, respectively, and Viciedo would be a defensive liability at third base or in the outfield. Still just 21 years old, Viciedo would draw a ton of interest on the trade market, and could be used to land a quality reliever –- think Leo Nunez — or a more offensively potent third baseman than Brent Morel. 

9. Robbie Erlin, starting pitcher, Texas Rangers
Erlin is probably the fourth or fifth best prospect on this list, and as such could be used as the centerpiece of a deal for a top-of-the-rotation starter or a closer. Still just 19 years old, Erlin has already reached Double-A, and is largely dominating there through 54 2/3 innings. The Rangers are unlikely to deal their two best prospects -– Jurickson Profar or Martin Perez — but may decide Erlin is expendable for a Heath Bell, Mike Adams or Jon Danks. He could be a mid-rotation starter by as soon as this time next season.

8. Desmond Jennings, outfielder, Tampa Bay Rays
It makes little sense for the Rays to trade Jennings, but then again it makes no sense for Jennings to still be in Triple-A. The 24-year-old center fielder is hitting .280 with 12 homers, 17 stolen bases and a .375 on-base percentage. He's battled injuries throughout his career, but he'd be an immediate upgrade over Sam Fuld or Justin Ruggiano and could assume leadoff duties from Johnny Damon. The Rays are more likely to trade B.J. Upton, but if they don't, Jennings could be dealt for a middle-of-the-order bat or an elite bullpen arm if they decide to shoot for the playoffs this season.

7. Josh Reddick, outfielder, Boston Red Sox
Reddick has fast become a fan favorite in Boston. But while he's capable of being an everyday big league right fielder, his value will never be higher than it is now. Reddick has hit .367 with four homers and 18 RBI in his impressive 2011 campaign, but he's done so in a very small sample size, and he can't sustain that type of success. Plus, many still view Ryan Kalish as the Red Sox' right fielder of the future. Reddick wouldn't be nearly enough if the Red Sox shoot for a big name like Jose Reyes or Ubaldo Jimenez, but if they set their sights on Hiroki Kuroda, Michael Cuddyer or Carlos Beltran, his name could come into play.

6. Charlie Furbush, pitcher, Detroit Tigers
The Tigers are rumored to be seeking a mid-rotation starter in the Derek Lowe or Jeremy Guthrie mold, and Furbush is the type of solid, yet non-elite prospect who could be involved in such a deal. Furbush has pitched well at Triple-A this season, with a 3.17 ERA and 10.17 K/9 rate, but allowed five home runs in just 29 innings with a 4.03 ERA in the majors. His ceiling is as a mid-rotation starter, but he may end up in the bullpen. Don't expect the Tigers to trade Andy Oliver or Nick Castellanos and consider Jacob Turner all but untouchable. 

5. Trevor May, starting pitcher, Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies have been heavily linked to seemingly every name out there — from right fielders like Beltran and Josh Willingham to relievers like Bell and Nunez — and seem certain to make at least one move before the calendar turns to August. Enter May, who despite showcasing a 3.64 ERA, 11.39 K/9 and improved control at High-A, is largely viewed as the Phillies' third-best pitching prospect behind Jarred Cosart and Brody Colvin. The Mets might ask for Domonic Brown, Jonathan Singleton or Cosart if the Phillies target Beltran, but May is a more realistic target, and he could be a No. 2 or 3 starter by mid-2013.

4. Zack Wheeler, starting pitcher, San Francisco Giants
Wheeler is the best pitching prospect on this list, but if the Giants are determined to seriously upgrade their offense, they may have to give him up. A potential ace in the making, Wheeler has phenomenal stuff and an impressive 10.34 K/9 rate in High-A, and he should progress quickly once he harnesses his command. The Giants' farm system is bereft of impact prospects save for Wheeler and Brandon Belt, and dealing the latter would be counterproductive toward improving their offense. That leaves Wheeler as the likely centerpiece of any deal for Reyes or Colby Rasmus, although Beltran and other rental players could possibly be had for a lesser price.

3. Mike Minor, starting pitcher, Atlanta Braves
Perhaps more so than any other organization in baseball, the Braves are absolutely loaded when it comes to starting pitching. They have the fourth lowest ERA in baseball, boast a staff of five well above-average starters, and have talented youngsters like Minor, Julio Teheran and Randall Delgado waiting in the wings. But while the Braves have an excellent pitching staff, they're just an average offensive team, and should look to acquire a corner outfielder with pop. An MLB-ready No. 3 starter like Minor is an excellent starting point to any deal, and he would likely be enough to fetch Beltran in a straight-up trade. The Braves could, however, opt to deal No. 5 starter Brandon Beachy instead, and he'd fetch a similar return.

2. Jesus Montero, catcher/designated hitter, New York Yankees
A catcher in name only, Montero will be a first baseman or DH for the duration of his career, but his bat is good enough to play anywhere. He's having an off year at Triple-A, hitting just .283 with seven home runs and a .353 OBP, but is still just 21 and projects to have plus-power in the future. The Yankees are in dire need of pitching — they actually tried to include Montero in a deal for Cliff Lee last season — and want flexibility from their DH spot, meaning Montero is quite likely to be moved in the coming days. He's the best prospect on this list, and can be the centerpiece of a deal for a star such as Jimenez.

1. Yonder Alonso, first baseman/outfielder, Cincinnati Reds
Alonso currently sports a .377 OBP at Triple-A and has had an MLB-ready bat for about a full season now, but he is blocked at his natural position of first base by reigning NL MVP Joey Votto. His experiments in left field have not gone favorably, and the Reds have one of the youngest, most talented outfields in the game anyway. In short, about 25 teams could use Alonso's bat, but his current team isn't one of them. He's more likely than any other prospect to be traded in the coming days, and the Reds can either trade him straight up for a decent reliever or back-end starter, or could package him with Travis Wood as part of a blockbuster. Either way, look for Alonso to embark on his big league career elsewhere.

The vast majority of impact prospects are taken in the first or second day of the draft. Which teams rolled the dice and look poised to open their checkbooks? Who played it safe and stuck to the college crowd?

Below are four teams that look to have benefited greatly from the 2011 draft, as well as four organizations that may suffer down the road.

Four Big Winners

1. Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays would have had to mess up pretty royally not to make this list, as they had 10 of the draft's first 60 picks. Although they didn't draft quite as much upside as they could have, their first two picks –- prep right-hander Taylor Guerrieri and LSU outfielder Mikie Mahtook –- were both projected to go much higher in the first round. Guerrieri is a long-term project but has top-of-the-rotation potential, and Mahtook is a Shane Victorino-type player who should be MLB ready within two years.

Tampa Bay also added a few high-probability players — such as prep shortstop Brandon Harris and Vanderbilt southpaw Grayson Garvin – and some upside picks like third baseman Tyler Goedell and prep lefty Blake Snell. This diverse group will help them retain one of the best minor league systems in baseball.

2. Washington Nationals
The Nationals grabbed a ton of big names in the draft's first two rounds, and look to be big spenders for the third straight year. The Mariners shocked the world by passing on Rice third baseman Anthony Rendon with the second overall pick, but their loss was the Nats' gain, as they grabbed the best college hitter in the draft with the sixth selection. The Nationals then took a high-risk, high-reward pitcher in Alex Meyer later in the first round before grabbing toolsy centerfielder Brian Goodwin with pick 43. If that weren't enough, Washington selected TCU lefty Matt Purke –- who many considered to be on par with first overall pick Gerrit Cole before the season began –- in the third round.

After the 2011 draft class joins an organization that already has Bryce Harper, Derek Norris and A.J. Cole, the Nationals system may contain the greatest number of high-upside players in baseball.

3. Boston Red Sox
Whereas in 2010 the Red Sox used their bevy of first-day selections to mix upside and probability, they took a much more aggressive approach in 2011. UConn right-hander Matt Barnes, a borderline Top 10 talent, fell to the Red Sox at 19. He has top-of-the-rotation potential. With the 26th pick, the Sox then selected prep catcher Blake Swihart, widely regarded as the best offensive backstop in the draft. Swihart is committed to Texas and will be a tough sign, but is a potential impact bat.

Boston rounded out the first day by taking a projectable high school lefty in Henry Owens, and South Carolina outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr., whose draft stock fell due to injuries. Cal State righty Noe Ramirez was a solid if not sexy pick in the fourth round as well. If the Red Sox can manage to sign Swihart and Owens, they'll go a long way towards restocking a system depleted by the offseason trade for Adrian Gonzalez.

4. Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks rank here because of the extraordinary pitching talent they landed, snagging right-handers Trevor Bauer and Archie Bradley in the first round, lefty Andrew Chafin in the supplemental first, and righty Anthony Meo in the second. Bauer and Bradley both project as No. 1 starters, and Chafin and Meo can either be stretched out as starters or moved quickly to the majors as impact relievers.

D-Backs fans can now dream of a late 2013 rotation featuring Jarrod Parker, Tyler Skaggs, Dan Hudson and Ian Kennedy, with Bradley waiting in the wings. In the generally soft NL West, that type of talent could win them several division titles.

Four Disappointments

1. Detroit Tigers
The Tigers didn't get to pick until the second round thanks to signing Type-A free agent Victor Martinez in the off-season, but many thought they would compensate as they usually do: by taking good players with high price tags later in the draft, as they did with Nick Castellanos in 2010. Such was not the case this year, however, as the Tigers took Arkansas catcher James McCann, Vanderbilt first baseman Aaron Westlake and Kansas State third baseman Jason King with their first three picks. None of these players has any star potential, and McCann and King are likely headed to careers as MLB backups.

Martinez is a very good player, but this looks to be a brutal draft for an already unimpressive system. In a division with the up-and-coming Indians and Royals and the big-market White Sox and Twins, this could hurt them in a few years.

2. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers' draft was all about signability, and thanks to their current financial situation, they were forced to sign relatively low-upside players who won't demand big bonuses. The Dodgers reached a little for Chris Reed in the first –- many considered him a second round or supplemental first round talent –- and there’s a chance he ends up in the bullpen in the majors. They took prep third baseman Alex Santana –- son of former major leaguer Rafael Santana — in the second round, but he should be easy to sign away from Florida Atlantic University. After Santana, the Dodgers took a fairly unimpressive mix of college hitters and pitchers, sprinkling in only the occasional prep player.

Their system is already growing weaker, thanks both to promotions to players such as Dee Gordon and Rubby De La Rosa and the faltering of former top prospects such as Ethan Martin and Chris Withrow. Unfortunately for Dodgers fans, this draft doesn't look like it will help much.

3. New York Yankees
Signing Rafael Soriano and Pedro Feliciano this offseason is hurting the Yankees in more than one way, as not only are both pitchers currently on the disabled list, but they cost the team their first and second draft picks as well. The Yankees ended up with the 51st pick thanks to losing Javier Vazquez, and used it to select Dante Bichette Jr., a high school third baseman whose professional future lies in left field. Their second pick, Texas lefty Sam Stafford, is likely headed for a career as a reliever. Their fourth pick, high school third baseman Matthew Duran, has yet to face decent competition.

The Yankees did well to land New Hampshire prep righty Jordan Cote, and catcher Greg Bird will be a good get if he doesn’t go to Arkansas. But overall, there isn't much upside in this class, and the Yankees have failed to land a marquee talent for the second consecutive draft.

4. Atlanta Braves
The Braves opted to go for probability in this draft –- all of their first 10 picks were college players –- and while they likely landed a few future MLB players, they're short on big-time talent. Vanderbilt southpaw Sean Gilmartin, the club's first-round pick, should get to the majors quickly and will be an easy sign, but he doesn't figure to be more than a No. 4 starter. Second-rounder Nick Ahmed, a shortstop from UConn, has the defensive tools to stick at short, but may wind up better suited to a utility role than an everyday job.

None of the Braves' other picks are particularly exciting, and many of the college arms they took during day two look more like relievers than starters. The Braves still have one of the majors' best farm systems, but it may thin out a little after this draft.

This year’s draft lacks a clear-cut number one talent, and as such, an obvious first pick. Gerrit Cole, a flame-throwing righty from UCLA, is the favorite to go first overall. But plenty of other players, such as third baseman Anthony Rendon, southpaw starter Danny Hultzen, toolsy outfielder Bubba Starling, or the young Dylan Bundy are all in the mix as well.

This draft may lack a Stephen Strasburg or a Bryce Harper, but there’s no doubt it looks to be one of the deeper drafts in several years. With an incredible mix of polished college arms, exciting prep pitchers, and five-tool offensive threats, the 2011 draft is sure to provide a bevy of major league stars over the next several seasons.

With the draft set to start in 24 hours, here’s one look at which players might hear their names called in the first round.

1. Pittsburgh Pirates — Gerrit Cole, RHP, UCLA
The Pirates have also been linked to Virginia lefty Hultzen, but it will be hard to pass on the upside of Cole, who has outstanding stuff and should move quickly through the minors once he improves his command. Pairing Cole with Jameson Taillon – the No. 2 overall pick in the 2010 draft – could give the Pirates one of the best young one-two rotation punches in baseball as soon as mid-2013.

2. Seattle Mariners – Anthony Rendon, 3B, Rice
Rendon was the early favorite to go first overall, but has been limited mostly to DH duties this season thanks to ankle and shoulder injuries. Far and away the best college position player in the draft, Rendon’s ceiling is as a slower Evan Longoria, capable of playing Gold Glove-caliber defense and batting in the middle of a lineup. He’d be a great addition to a Mariners system short on impact players.

3. Arizona Diamondbacks – Dylan Bundy, RHP, Owasso High School (OK)
The D-backs had been linked to Hultzen for weeks, but more recent rumors have them setting their sites on Bundy. The top prep arm in the draft, Bundy has outstanding command and should advance faster than most high school products. He has as much upside as any pitcher in this class, and could be in a big league rotation by 2014.

4. Baltimore Orioles – Danny Hultzen, LHP, Virginia
The O’s would likely prefer for Bundy to fall to them, but would be quite content with Hultzen, who has a good shot at being the first pitcher from this draft to permanently join a major league rotation. Adding Hultzen to a rotation with fellow southpaws Brian Matusz and Zach Britton would be downright unfair to left-handed batters everywhere.

5. Kansas City Royals – Trevor Bauer, RHP, UCLA
The Royals are setting themselves up to be a legitimately competitive ballclub from 2013-2016, and will want a prospect who can contribute during that time frame. Enter Bauer, who is frequently compared to Tim Lincecum and would be a Top 3 pick in weaker drafts. He may beat his current rotation-mate Cole to the majors, although some teams are concerned about his heavy workloads.

6. Washington Nationals – Bubba Starling, OF, Gardner Edgerton High School (KS)
There aren’t many surefire picks in this draft, but Starling to the Nationals seems to be one of them. Starling is far and away the best high school bat in the class, and has the chance to be a Carlos Beltran-type five-tool center fielder in the future. It’ll take a big bonus to keep him from playing quarterback at Nebraska, but the Nationals have been big spenders in the past two drafts.

7. Arizona Diamondbacks – Francisco Lindor, SS, Montverde Academy (FL)
The best shortstop prospect in this draft class, Lindor doesn’t project to move through the minors quickly but could be a perennial All-Star once he arrives in the majors. He won’t hit for much power, but he’s a switch-hitter who should hit for high averages while providing above-average defense. The D-backs will be tempted to draft a college arm here, but a potential franchise shortstop may be too good to pass up.

8. Cleveland Indians – Sonny Gray, RHP, Vanderbilt
The Indians are rumored to be in love with Bauer, but there’s very little chance he falls this far. Still, the Indians will likely opt for a college arm here, with Gray and Georgia’s Jed Bradley the most likely choices. Some believe Gray’s future is as a reliever, but if he can hold his velocity deeper into outings he has No. 1 starter potential. 

9. Chicago Cubs – Archie Bradley, RHP, Broken Arrow High School (OK)
In most draft classes, Bradley would be the top high school pitcher. Thanks to Bundy, he’s not even the best prep arm in his state. Bradley may take a little longer than his interstate rival to reach the majors, but he has a more durable frame and his ceiling is just as high. The Cubs will likely have to provide Bradley with a significant bonus, as he has an offer to play quarterback at Oklahoma.

10. San Diego Padres – Matt Barnes, RHP, UConn
This is an unprotected pick since the Padres failed to sign first-rounder Karsten Whitson last year, so look for them to take a player they know they can sign here. Barnes fits the bill, and while he may be slower to the majors than some of the other top college arms, he still has ace potential. The Padres are also interested in college bats such as George Springer and Corey Spangenberg.

11. Houston Astros – Jed Bradley, LHP, Georgia
The Astros are rumored to have their heart set on Archie Bradley, but unfortunately for them it appears as though the Cubs do as well. The Astros will have to settle for a different Bradley, and while Jed lacks No. 1 starter potential, he should be a viable mid-rotation innings-eater in short order. Taylor Jungmann and Taylor Guerrieri are also possibilities, and there are rumors that Chris Reed may go here as well.

12. Milwaukee Brewers – Taylor Jungmann, RHP, Texas
The Brewers should do cartwheels if Jungmann falls to them, as he’s become somewhat underrated amidst the hype surrounding some higher-ceiling arms. Jungmann has been amazingly consistent during his career at Texas, and is one of the safest picks in the draft. He can help the Brewers restock a system drained by off-season trades for Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum, and profiles as a durable No. 2 starter.

13. New York Mets – Taylor Guerrieri, RHP, Spring Valley High School (SC)
The Mets may prefer college arms such as Jungmann or Jed Bradey, but Guerrieri is one hell of a consolation prize. Guerrieri is likely to need three or four seasons in the minors — as many prep arms do — but he has top-of-the-rotation potential, and the Mets are about to enter a rebuilding phase anyway. His upside is nearly as high as Bundy’s or Archie Bradley’s.

14. Florida Marlins – Mikie Mahtook, OF, LSU
Unless one of the elite arms falls it seems as though the Marlins will focus on offense with this pick, and Mahtook provides a nice combination of upside and probability. He profiles as a leadoff hitter and center fielder in the Shane Victorino mold, and should move through the minors fairly quickly. The Marlins are also linked to Spangenberg and Levi Michael.

15. Milwaukee Brewers – Alex Meyer, RHP, Kentucky
After going the safe route with Jungmann at pick 12, the Brewers can afford to roll the dice with Meyer here. Meyer has shaky command and may end up as a reliever, but if he can develop a third pitch and learn to repeat his delivery, he has ace potential. This is an unprotected pick due to the Brewers’ failure to sign Dylan Covey last year, though, so the team may opt for an easier sign.

16. Los Angeles Dodgers – Tyler Anderson, LHP, Oregon
Most believe that the cash-strapped Dodgers will have to stick to MLB’s slotting system, so a cheap, medium-upside pick like Anderson makes sense. Anderson profiles as a mid-rotation southpaw in the Joe Saunders mold, but he should move through the minors quickly and won’t command a huge bonus. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Dodgers target Javier Baez here instead.

17. Los Angeles Angels — Javier Baez, 3B/SS, Arlington County Day School (FL)
The Angels would love for Lindor to somehow fall here and also have a strong history with high school arms, but Baez provides the type of power bat they currently lack in their system. Baez won’t move quickly, has no chance of staying at shortstop and needs to tone down his on-field antics, but he comes with serious upside as well.

18. Oakland Athletics – George Springer, OF, UConn
Springer has the best combination of tools of any hitter in this class save for Starling, but there are serious mechanical flaws with his swing that may see him fall past the first 15 picks. The A’s are rumored to be high on Springer, and would likely settle for college bats such as Spangenberg or Kolten Wong if the UConn product is off the board.

19. Boston Red Sox – Levi Michael, SS, UNC
The Red Sox aren’t typically linked to Michael, and are rumored to be in on higher-upside guys who will be tough to sign, such as Josh Bell, Blake Swihart or Meyer if he falls this far. But just as they took Kolbrin Vitek with their first selection in 2010 and focused on riskier players later, look for the Red Sox to take a high-probability player at 19 and role the dice at picks 26, 36 and 40.

20. Colorado Rockies – C.J. Cron, 1B, Utah
It’s tough to find a mock draft that doesn’t have Cron going to the Rockies, and it’s not difficult to see why. Although it’s rarely a good idea for MLB teams to draft for need, Cron should progress through the minors quickly, and the Rockies lack an heir-apparent to Todd Helton. The only other name the Rockies are linked to is Wong, but Cron is the more likely option. His 30-homer power would play nicely at Coors Field. 

21. Toronto Blue Jays – Cory Spangenberg, 3B/OF, Indian River State
The Blue Jays are most frequently linked to Michael, but he’s off the board in this mock draft. Jay’s GM Alex Anthopoulos has focused on acquiring athletic players during his tenure, and the speedy Spangenberg fits the bill. If Brett Lawrie cements himself as the Blue Jay’s third baseman of the future, Spangenberg may be able to handle center field. Brian Goodwin is another athletic option.

22. St. Louis Cardinals – Daniel Norris, LHP, Science Hill High School (TN)
The Cardinals have a strong tendency to take college players, but most of the top college starters are off the board and there are plenty of intriguing prep arms remaining. Norris heads that list, and is the consensus best left-handed high school pitcher in the draft. Norris is committed to Clemson and may ask for a hefty bonus, but lefties who can hit 96 mph with frequency are rare.

23. Washington Nationals – Dillon Howard, RHP, Searcy High School (AR)
The Nationals are believed to covet Meyer here, but he’s long gone in this mock draft. Howard is the best prep arm remaining, and although he’s committed to Arkansas he’d likely forgo school for a considerable bonus. Howard’s value is based mostly on projection at this point, but he has the potential to be a frontline starter a few seasons down the road.  Jose Fernandez, Robert Stephenson and Henry Owens are options here as well.

24. Tampa Bay Rays – Kolten Wong, 2B, Hawaii
With 12 picks in the top 89, the Rays will have to mix in both high-upside players and high-probability picks. Wong is certainly the latter, and while he’s not an elite talent, he’s a safe bet to hit and reach the majors in short order. Wong profiles as a prototypical No. 2 hitter in the Mark Loretta mold, and the Rays should be able to sign him for slot and then spend money elsewhere.

25. San Diego Padres – Andrew Susac, C, Oregon State
After taking Barnes with the 10th pick the Padres would love for a cheap college bat such as Spangenberg to land here, but will settle for one of the draft’s best catchers instead. Susac is very solid defensively, but there are plenty of questions about his offense. He’s also recovering from a broken hamate bone he suffered in April. If the Padres’ draft budget is bigger than in years past, Swihart could be the pick here instead.

26. Boston Red Sox – Brandon Nimmo, OF, Cheyenne East High School (WY)
With the high-probability Michael in the bag, the Red Sox can afford to take a bigger gamble with this pick and select the toolsy but untested Nimmo, who’s faced little high-level competition to this point. He’s a long-term project and strongly committed to Arkansas, but is one of the best talents left. Swihart is also a possibility here, as are Bell, Josh Osich and Austin Hedges.

27) Cincinnati Reds – Robert Stephenson, RHP, Alhambra High School (CA)
The Reds would probably love if Anderson fell here, but few remaining prep arms can match the upside of Stephenson, who could go as high as to the Astros at 11 or the Dodgers at 16. Stephenson is a long-term pitching project and is committed to Washington, but would be a boon to a Reds’ system that doesn’t have much talent in the low minors.

28) Atlanta Braves – Jose Fernandez, RHP, Alonso High School (FL)
The Braves are supposedly intent on taking the best available prep arm here, and a good case can be made for Fernandez. He’s a local kid – the Braves always have strong ties to player in the Georgia area – and could be a top-of-the-rotation starter if he watches his conditioning. Owens, Michael Kelly, Joe Ross and Lawrence Academy product Tyler Beede are all possibilities here as well.

29) San Francisco Giants – Henry Owens, LHP, Edison High School (CA)
Zack Wheeler notwithstanding, the Giants don’t have many high-ceiling pitchers in their system. Owens could change that immediately, and while he’ll likely need considerable time in the minors, he has as much upside as any lefty in this draft. The Giants have had luck recently developing southpaws such as Madison Bumgarner and Jonathan Sanchez, so Owens makes sense here.

30) Minnesota Twins – Chris Reed, LHP, Stanford
The Twins love their college pitchers, and while they could opt for a high-probability arm such as Grayson Garvin, Reed provides much more upside. Reed was used as a reliever in college, but he has a mid-90s fastball and a wipeout slider, and comes with big potential as a starter if stretched out. Stuff-wise he’s similar to Chris Sale, although he lacks the White Sox rookie’s control.

31) Tampa Bay Rays – Brian Goodwin, OF, Miami Dade College
The Rays have had success with athletic outfielders in the past – think Rocco Baldelli, BJ Upton and Desmond Jennings – and will look to continue that trend with Goodwin. Goodwin could go much higher than this, but the potential five-tool center fielder would feel right at home staying in Florida. He should sign for slot, allowing the Rays to spend more later in the draft.

32) Tampa Bay Rays – Blake Swihart, C, Cleveland High School (NM)
Swihart isn’t a lock to stay at catcher and will want a big bonus to keep him away from the University of Texas, but the switch-hitter has one of the best bats in the draft. With two safer players in Wong and Goodwin already drafted, the Rays can gamble on Swihart here, and hope they land the next Wil Myers. Hedges is also a possibility, as is Bell if the Rays are feeling particularly daring.

33) Texas Rangers – Andrew Chafin, LHP, Kent State
Chafin is yet another hard-throwing lefty in this draft, although he comes with some red tape as he required Tommy John surgery and missed the 2010 season. Chafin’s fastball is as good as ever, but his secondary pitchers are inconsistent and he needs to improve his control. He comes with a good amount of upside, though, and shouldn’t command a huge bonus. Osich is also a possibility here, as is Travis Harrison.

Photo via Flickr/davidmjensen

Around 60 starting pitchers are drafted in most 10-team leagues, meaning owners are often forced to choose between selecting low-risk players with mild upside and high-risk starters with the ability to outperform expectations. Regardless of which strategy you prefer, examining a deep pool of potential fantasy starters will increase your odds of success.

All rankings are based on a standard 5×5 category, 10-team rotisserie league scoring system.

26. Ted Lilly, Los Angeles Dodgers
Lilly is far from the sexiest starter left and lacks the upside of many pitchers to follow, but how many other pitchers can you name who've posted a sub-4.10 ERA and 160-plus strikeouts in three of the past four seasons? Lilly shouldn't be anchoring any fantasy rotations, but he's an underrated option from the 12th round on and could win 15 games on a solid Dodgers team.

27. Wandy Rodriguez, Houston Astros
Rodriguez has quietly been an above-average fantasy starter for three straight seasons now but doesn't get the credit he deserves because of the team he plays on and low win totals. The Astros figure to be one of the worst teams in baseball in 2011, so wins will continue to be hard to come by, but Rodriguez's sub-3.50 ERA and 180 strikeouts will make him a solid contributor to fantasy rotations.

28. Brett Anderson, Oakland Athletics
Anderson would have been a solid candidate to break into the top 20 if his health were guaranteed, but his injury potential suggests he's a dubious candidate at best to throw 200 innings. He has the talent to win 15-plus games with a sub-3.00 ERA and 175 strikeouts over a full season, but, to avoid disappointment, draft him with the expectation of receiving 25 starts.

29. Jonathan Sanchez, San Francisco Giants
Sanchez may seem like he's primed to break into fantasy stardom, but he benefited greatly from luck last season –- advanced statistics show that his ERA should have been nearly an entire run higher -– and his WHIP will kill you if he can't reduce his walk rates. He's a fine bet for 15 wins and 200-plus strikeouts, but he comes with the risk of posting a 4.00 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP, too.

30. Phil Hughes, New York Yankees
Hughes looked to be on his way to a breakout campaign during the first half of the 2010 season but was clearly fatigued from the All-Star game on, which is unsurprising given his dramatic increase in work load from a season before. Hughes won't turn 25 until June and should be stronger this season, meaning a 15-plus win, 170 strikeout and sub-4.00 ERA season is within his reach

31. Colby Lewis, Texas Rangers
Lewis is one of the most underrated fantasy pitchers headed into 2011, and nothing about his solid 2010 campaign suggests he should be in for any type of serious decline. Lewis is still in his prime at age 31, and it's reasonable to expect another sub-3.75 ERA, 180-plus strikeout, 12-plus win season from him. He's not an exciting pick, but I'd feel comfortable drafting Lewis as my third or fourth starter.

32. John Danks, Chicago White Sox
Danks hasn't developed into the ace many thought he would become when he was a prospect, but that shouldn't undermine the fact that he's grown to become a consistently above average pitcher. Danks won't wow you in any category but will help you in four of them, and he could break the 15-win threshold for the first time, thanks to an improved White Sox team.

33. Jhoulys Chacin, Colorado Rockies
Chacin was nothing short of phenomenal during his time in the Rockies' rotation in 2010, and he offers them a legitimate No. 2 starter to pair with Ubaldo Jimenez. Chacin has never thrown 200 innings in any season and is subsequently somewhat of a risky play, but there are few better options to roll the dice on. His upside could yield 200 strikeouts, 15 wins and a 3.50 ERA.

34. Matt Garza, Chicago Cubs
Cubs fans won't want to hear it, but there's a reason the Rays traded Garza away: he's fairly overrated. Garza was lucky to finish with an ERA below 4.00 last season, and he struck out nearly 40 fewer batters than in 2009. Garza's ability to post 175 strikeouts and 14-plus wins means he's a solid mid-rotation fantasy starter, but don't assume he's going to become an elite option just because of the switch in leagues.

35. Ryan Dempster, Chicago Cubs
Dempster proved to be one of the lone fantasy bright spots on the 2010 Cubs, winning 15 games with a 3.85 ERA and 208 strikeouts in what was arguably the best overall year of his career. Dempster seems like he's been around forever but is still only 33, and while his WHIP and ERA aren't exactly fantasy-friendly, they're also not bad enough to negate his value in wins and strikeouts.

36. Tim Hudson, Atlanta Braves
Hudson's 2010 season was his best since 2007, as the veteran sinker-baller posted 17 wins and a sub-3.00 ERA for the third time in his career. Hudson's BABIP suggests that his ERA was largely a function of luck and fantasy owners should expect it to be closer to 3.75 in 2011, but he's fully capable of winning 15-plus games again, and his WHIP will help owners, too. He's not an ace, but he's a valuable fantasy asset.

37. Josh Beckett, Boston Red Sox
Beckett is in many ways the ultimate risk-reward pick at starting pitcher this fantasy season, as he has the ability to be a top-10 performer at the position but also has the capacity to tank miserably. Beckett was a huge fantasy asset as recently as 2009 but likely sunk many squads in 2010. If you can stomach the risk, a 17-plus win, 200-strikeout season could be yours, but don't gamble on Beckett unless he falls to the later rounds.

38. Ricky Noalsco, Florida Marlins
Nolasco has been both over- and undervalued at different points during his career, but owners should now accept him for what he is: a solid third or fourth fantasy starter. Nolasco is coming off a knee injury that limited him to 26 starts last season, so you might be able to grab him for a bargain. Expect an ERA around 4.00 with 180-plus strikeouts and 14 wins, but don't bank on him turning into a stud.

39. Ricky Romero, Toronto Blue Jays
This is a slightly optimistic ranking for Romero, but the Blue Jays' new ace is being somewhat undervalued in drafts this preseason. Romero's ERA will likely always hover around 4.00 in the AL East, but the Jays are good enough to allow him to win 14-plus games again, and he should strike out 180 batters as he continues to improve. If you can stomach the high WHIP, Romero's a solid fantasy option.

40. Shaun Marcum, Milwaukee Brewers
As a player who had the best year of his career in 2010 and was then traded to a weaker division, Marcum has seen his fantasy value take a dramatic rise over the past several months. Marcum's injury history is troubling and he's only had one truly fantasy-relevant season, but the possibility of a sub-3.50 ERA, 160 strikeouts and 14-plus wins with a low WHIP makes Marcum a worthy gamble as a fourth fantasy starter.

41. Brett Myers, Houston Astros
There are plenty of reasons to like and dislike Myers headed into 2011, and whether or not you draft him should depend primarily on how far he falls in your draft. If Myers is treated as a top-25 option, let someone else roll the dice on the oft-injured righty, but if he can be nabbed from the 16th round on, the potential of another 180-strikeout, sub-3.50 season is too much to ignore.

42. Hiroki Kuroda, Los Angeles Dodgers
Kuroda's age will scare off many fantasy owners, but the 36-year-old righty has been a very steady producer over the past three seasons. Kuroda's 2010 campaign was his best yet, as he improved his strikeout, ground ball and home run rates from 2009. Expect a 3.50 ERA, 150 strikeouts and 12-14 wins, and be confident in Kuroda's ability to fill out your rotation.

43. Brandon Morrow, Toronto Blue Jays
Morrow would rank much higher on this list if healthy, but the oft-injured flamethrower will start the year on the disabled list with a sore right forearm. All indications are that he should be good to go by late April, but Morrow has thrown over 70 innings in a season just once in his career, and his 225-strikeout upside is somewhat mitigated by his lack of durability. He's a great upside pick, but don't expect more than 25 starts.

44. Edinson Volquez, Cincinnati Reds
Volquez is another risk-reward pick with the potential to perform like a top-20 starter but with serious question marks concerning his ability to stay on the mound. Volquez showed no ill effects from Tommy John surgery last season, but threw just 62.2 innings and saw his walk rate jump to over five batters per nine innings. He has No. 2 starter potential, but don't overdraft him based on his past success.

45. Dan Hudson, Arizona Diamondbacks
Many owners and fantasy experts think Hudson is in for breakout 2011 campaign, but I'm not one of them. Hudson was never projected as much more than a fourth starter while a prospect, and while his move from the AL Central to the NL West will certainly help his fantasy value, he's not an ace-in-the-making. Hudson can provide value with a sub-4.25 ERA and 170 strikeouts, but don't make him a key fantasy cog.

46. Madison Bumgarner, San Francisco Giants
The fourth member of the Giants to make the top-50 list, Bumgarner performed extraordinarily well in his first real stint as a major leaguer in 2010, exhibiting impressive control and poise. Bumgarner will need to improve his strikeout rate and avoid fatigue after pitching nearly 200 innings last season, but don't be surprised if he's a borderline top-25 option headed into 2012. 

47. Jeremy Hellickson, Tampa Bay Rays
If Hellickson were being judged on his skill alone, he'd rank much higher, but I'm hesitant to completely trust any rookie pitcher in the AL East. Hellickson is renowned for his superior control and pitching savvy, but don't expect better than a 3.75 ERA, 13 wins or 150 strikeouts in 2011. Those numbers are very good, but they won't make Hellickson an elite option.

48. Trevor Cahill, Oakland Athletics
If you believe in BABIP as a legitimate indicator of future success, you shouldn't believe Cahill will repeat his 2010 numbers. It's really that simple. The young sinker-baller is clearly a pitcher on the rise and should still be good for 14-plus wins, but he is unlikely to strike out more than 140 batters and should see his ERA rise closer to 4.00. Feel free to draft him, but not as a front-of-the-rotation arm.

49. Brian Matusz, Baltimore Orioles
Matusz is often overlooked because of the team he plays for and the division he plays in, but the young lefty is good enough to be fantasy-relevant anywhere. Matusz will of course struggle to surpass 12 wins on a poor Orioles team, and he may endure some rough stretches in his sophomore campaign, but don't be surprised if he finishes the year with 170 strikeouts and a sub-4.00 ERA.

50. James Shields, Tampa Bay Rays
Shields is being undervalued this season thanks to an ugly 5.18 ERA in 2010, but that number is largely a function of bad luck and Shields' tendency to give up home runs. Shields isn't an elite fantasy starter but he could win 15 games on a talented Rays team, and he should post an ERA of around 4.00 with 160-plus strikeouts to boot.

Three more prospects to watch for in 2011:

1. Jarrod Parker, Arizona Diamondbacks
Parker would likely already be in the majors if not for the Tommy John surgery he needed in 2009, but the flame-throwing right-hander has seen no loss of velocity or movement post-surgery. Parker is the D-Backs' ace of the future, and while he's likely to spend most of 2011 in the minors, a midseason call-up is far from out of the question.

2. Kyle Drabek, Toronto Blue Jays
Drabek would receive more attention if he were walking into a more rookie-friendly environment, but the AL East rarely treats its newest pitchers kindly. Drabek is still good enough to notch 170 strikeouts and win 12-plus games, but his ERA and WHIP may be a hit too high for most fantasy owners to swallow in 2011.

3. Corey Luebke, San Diego Padres
Luebke lacks the strikeout potential of any other prospect on this list but deserves attention as a pitcher with solid control who'll be playing in Petco Park. Luebke's hold on a rotation spot will be tenuous once Mat Latos returns from the DL, but he should be able to nudge his way onto a staff that includes the likes of Dustin Moseley and Tim Stauffer.

Starting pitchers have crushed many fantasy title chances in the past, but those who grab the most consistent players often find themselves playing deep into September. The following 25 pitchers make up the first tier of fantasy starters, and their reliability and upside distinguishes them from the rest of the pack.

All rankings are based on a standard 5×5 category, 10-team rotisserie league scoring system.

1. Roy Halladay, Philadelphia Phillies
Halladay has long been one of the best pitchers in baseball, but, with his move to a contender and to the weaker National League, he has become an absolute fantasy monster. Halladay is the only pitcher worthy of first round consideration in a 10-team draft and is a lock for 18-plus wins, 200-plus strikeouts, a sub-3.00 ERA and a sub-1.25 WHIP. Any fantasy staff he anchors is in good shape.

2. Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners
It’s not hard to argue that Hernandez has the best stuff of any starter in the majors, and he posted his second consecutive Cy Young-caliber season in 2010. King Felix’s win total will suffer thanks to the Mariners’ poor offense, and his 249.2 innings pitched last year are of some concern, but there’s every reason to expect another 225 strikeout, sub-2.75 ERA performance in 2011.

3. Tim Lincecum, San Francisco Giants
Lincecum took a small step back form his ridiculous 2008 and 2009 campaigns last season, but he was still one of fantasy’s elite pitchers and looks to be going forward, as well. Lincecum’s “poor” season-ending stats were largely the product of one rough stretch in the middle of the season, and, if he can avoid such a slump in 2011, another 16-plus win, 225-plus strikeout, sub-3.00 ERA campaign is well within his reach.

4. Cliff Lee, Philadelphia Phillies
Similarly to how Halladay benefited from his move to Philadelphia in 2010, Lee should get a significant boost from his first full season as a Phillie in 2011. Lee has improved his strikeout rates in three straight seasons and has a chance to break 200 strikeouts for the first time in his career as a fulltime National Leaguer. He should post a sub-3.00 ERA and 16-plus wins, as well, and is a legitimate Top 40 pick.

5. Jon Lester, Boston Red Sox
Lester has been a consistent force over the past three seasons, and brings a phenomenal combination of durability, youth and upside to the table. Lester’s ERA may be north of 3.00, thanks to his AL East competition, but he’s as good a bet as anyone in the majors to reach 20 wins and has reached exactly 225 strikeouts for two years in a row. Don’t let him fall past round five.

6. CC Sabathia, New York Yankees
Sabathia is a safe bet to post nearly identical numbers to Lester, but is several years older, doesn’t strike out quite as many batters, and, at least on paper, plays for the inferior team. Still, Sabathia is as safe a pick as they come, and fantasy owners can bank on another 3.25 ERA, 17-plus wins and 200 strikeouts in 2011. If you can get him 15 picks after Lester, he’s a better value.

7. Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers
Verlander saw his strikeout rate fall in 2010, but his increased ability to induce ground balls and limit homeruns indicate that he may be becoming a better overall pitcher. The Tigers have a potent enough offense to allow Verlander to surpass 16 wins for the fourth time in his short career, and he’s a lock for 200-plus strikeouts and a sub-3.50 ERA. His WHIP has improved for three straight seasons, as well, making Verlander a legitimate Top 60 pick.

8. Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers
Kershaw will be just 23 years old for the entirety of the 2011 season, but the young southpaw is well on his way to emerging as one of baseball’s most dominant starters. Kershaw cut his walk rate dramatically last year and finished with an ERA under 3.00 for the second consecutive season. Add in his 200-plus strikeouts and 16-plus win potential, and Kershaw has a shot at being one of fantasy’s five best pitchers.

9. David Price, Tampa Bay Rays
The third lefty from the AL East to make the Top 10 list, Price has as much natural talent as anyone on the list save for King Felix. Price raised his strikeout rate while decreasing his walk rate in 2010 – an excellent sign for any pitcher – and while his ERA is unlikely to dip below 3.00 again, he should win 16-plus games and notch over 200 strikeouts as he continues to mature as a major leaguer.

10. Ubaldo Jimenez, Colorado Rockies
Jimenez has some of the filthiest stuff in the majors and is an excellent pitcher, but his absurd first-half numbers have caused him to be slightly overrated in the fantasy world. Jimenez should post a sub-3.50 ERA, 200-plus strikeout, 15-plus win season, but I’d expect a slight overall decline from his 2010 stats. He’s still an elite option, but don’t take him before round six.

11. Dan Haren, Los Angeles Angels
Haren has less upside than several pitchers who will follow on this list, but he’s also the safest bet to stay healthy while contributing solidly in all non-save pitching categories. Haren was the victim of bad luck last season, and, despite his move to the tougher league, he should see his ERA fall back closer to his career 3.66 mark. Expect 200-plus strikeouts and 15-plus wins, as well.

12. Tommy Hanson, Atlanta Braves
Hanson managed to cut his walk and homer rates last year, but his strikeout numbers fell, as well, and a poor mid-season stretch prevented him from putting up the type of monster season he’s capable of. Look for Hanson to take another step forward in 2011 and reward his owners with a sub-3.25 ERA, 15-plus wins and 200 strikeouts.

13. Jered Weaver, Los Angeles Angels
2010 was quite the breakout season for Weaver as the fourth-year pitcher posted the highest strikeout rate and lowest walk rate, homer rate and ERA of his career. Weaver needs to post similar numbers in 2011 to be considered a truly elite fantasy pitcher, but, as a player in his prime with a steady track record of year-to-year improvement, there’s no reason to expect him not to.

14. Josh Johnson, Florida Marlins
Johnson would rank higher on this list based on potential alone, but health concerns and a relatively weak supporting cast knock him out of the position’s Top 10. Johnson can post 200 strikeouts and an ERA below 2.75 if healthy and running on all cylinders, but he’s unlikely to surpass 16 wins, and he may not reach 200 innings pitched either.

15. Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies
After a disappointing 2009 campaign, Hamels had a strong rebound season in 2010, finishing with 12 wins, a 3.06 ERA and 211 strikeouts. Hamels should post similar numbers in 2011, but I like his win totals to be a little higher, as he will routinely face middle-of-the-rotation pitchers on other teams thanks to the presence of Hallday and Lee. Hamels’ 82.7% left-on-base percentage is unsustainable though, meaning his ERA is likely due for a slight increase.

16. Matt Cain, San Francisco Giants
Cain continues to show slight season-to-season improvement as he enters his prime years, but, at this point, we can largely accept him for what he is – an excellent No. 2 starter. Cain’s WHIP has improved for three straight years as he’s lowered his walk rates, and he’s among the safest bets in the majors to post a sub-3.50 ERA and 170-plus strikeouts. Don’t undervalue his consistency.

17. Francisco Liriano, Minnesota Twins
It took a little loner than many Twins fans had hoped, but Liriano returned to his dominant pre-Tommy John surgery ways in 2010, posting his most dominant season since 2006. It’s fair to classify Liriano as a medium-risk, high-reward pick since he’s never thrown over 200 innings or won more than 14 games, but he has the potential to be a Cy Young candidate in 2011.

18. Yovani Gallardo, Milwaukee Brewers
If Gallardo demonstrated the ability to stay healthy for an entire season or pitch deeper into games, he’d rate much higher on this list, but he still remains a work in progress as he enters his fourth season in the majors. Gallardo has 225 strikeout, sub-3.50 ERA potential and could win 16-plus games on a talented Brewers team, but he’s not a lock to reach those numbers.

19. Roy Oswalt, Philadelphia Phillies
It’s absurd that Oswalt is the fourth Phillies starter to make the Top 20 list, but that speaks to the depth of the rotation in Philadelphia. Oswalt’s days as a truly elite fantasy starter are over, but he’s somewhat undervalued thanks to being overshadowed by his rotation mates. Expect a 3.25 ERA, 15-plus wins and 170-plus strikeouts, and don’t let him fall past round 10.

20. Chris Carpenter, St. Louis Cardinals
Carpenter lacks the strikeout rate and youth of many others on this list, but he is a consistent four-category producer when healthy and has made at least 28 starts in five of the past seven seasons. He comes with risk as a soon-to-be-36-year-old with a history of some lingering injuries, but his ability to produce a 3.25 ERA, 175 strikeouts and 15-plus wins makes him a great No. 2 fantasy starter.

21. Zack Greinke, Milwaukee Brewers
Greinke has seduced many fantasy owners this off-season thanks to his move to the NL and the memory of his 2009 Cy Young performance, but he’s among the most over-valued players this preseason. Greinke has topped 200 strikeouts and posted a sub-3.00 ERA just once in his career and will begin the season on the DL. He’s still worthy of a rotation spot on any fantasy team, but don’t make him your No. 1 starter.

22. Mat Latos, San Diego Padres
Latos is another player who has produced only one elite season and will begin the year on the DL, and, like Greinke, is being over-valued in most leagues. Latos had never thrown anywhere near the 184.2 innings he pitched in 2010, and some fatigue was all but inevitable. Latos’ ERA and WHIP will be a boon to any fantasy squad, but don’t expect more than 13 wins, 180 strikeouts or 175 innings pitched.

23. Max Scherzer, Detroit Tigers
Scherzer brings a higher WHIP and more risk to the table than many of the starters above him, but he also has the ability to reach 15-plus wins and 200-plus strikeouts in 2011. Improving his walk rate would go a long way towards getting his WHIP below 1.20 and ERA below 3.50, but Scherzer is still just 26 and primed to build on his breakout 2010 campaign.

24. Chad Billingsley, Los Angeles Dodgers
Billingsley has frustrated owners in recent years by failing to build on his success as a young starter, but, while he may not be ace material, he’s still a very solid pitcher. Don’t expect 200 strikeouts or 16-plus wins, but there’s no shame in having a No. 2 or No. 3 fantasy starter with 170 Ks and a sub-3.50 ERA. If other owners have given up on him, be sure to pounce.

25. Clay Buchholz, Boston Red Sox
Yes, Buchholz's ERA will likely rise by nearly a full run next season, and, yes, his 120 strikeouts in 2010 were a disappointment, but he’s clearly a pitcher on the rise. Don’t treat him as a fantasy ace, but expect a sub-3.50 ERA, 150 strikeouts and 15-plus wins in Buchholz’s second full season as a starter, and don’t be afraid to nab him if he falls past round 12.

Three prospects to watch for in 2011:

1. Michael Pineda, Seattle Mariners
Few expected the Mariners to begin the season with Pineda on their roster since they’re not expected to compete, but fantasy owners should be pleased with this decision. Pineda profiles as a high-strikeout No. 2 starter in the majors and will likely be a top-30 fantasy starter in short order. For 2011, expect around 10 wins, a reasonable ERA and 140 strikeouts.

2. Zach Britton, Baltimore Orioles
Britton may be more useful in real life thanks to his sinkerball, but the Orioles’ prized southpaw should be able to provide help to some fantasy owners, as well. Britton is likely to be called up in May to help delay his arbitration clock, but he might only need 25 starts to win 10 games and notch a sub-4.00 ERA.

3. Kyle Gibson, Minnesota Twins
The Twins took a gamble on Gibson in the 2009 draft after he injured his arm, but their decision has paid off in a big way. Unlike many of the all-control pitchers the Twins develop in their system, Gibson has the stuff needed to be a solid No. 2 major league starter, and he could break into the Twins’ rotation as early as June.

The second tier of fantasy outfielders still provides owners with plenty of high-upside players, one-category monsters and youngsters primed to make big impacts on the fantasy world. Many of these players have flaws that will need to be masked by other players on your roster, but still are worthy of owning in just about any fantasy league.

All rankings are based on a standard 5×5 category, 10-team rotisserie league scoring system.

26. Curtis Granderson, New York Yankees

It’s rare for Yankees to be undervalued in the fantasy world, but Granderson may be the exception to the rule. Granderson had a phenomenal second half in 2010, improved his abysmal numbers against lefties, and plays in the most lefty-friendly hitters’ park in the majors. If you can stomach his .250 average, you’ll be rewarded with 30 homers, 15-plus steals and 90 runs.

27. Corey Hart, Milwaukee Brewers

After a disappointing 2009, Hart rebounded to have the best season of his career in 2010, hitting .283-31-103 with seven stolen bases and 91 runs scored. Hart’s power numbers were likely somewhat of an anomaly, but he’s still a good bet for 20-plus homers, and he figures to run a little more in 2011 as well. He’s not an elite fantasy outfielder, but he’s an excellent No. 3 option.

28. Michael Bourn, Houston Astros

The first of several all-speed outfielders who should fly off the board in the middle rounds, Bourn is a lock for 50-plus steals and should score 80-plus runs batting atop the Astros’ lineup. He’s unlikely to ever top his .285 batting average from 2009, but there’s little reason to think he’ll fall below his .265 mark from a season ago either.

29. Drew Stubbs, Cincinnati Reds

Stubbs is shaping up to be an excellent four-category fantasy producer and is being woefully under-drafted in most leagues, going nine rounds later than B.J. Upton despite bringing the same skill set to the field. Stubbs’ inability to take a walk means his average might not top .260, but he’s a solid bet for 20 homers, 30 stolen bases, and 100 runs scored batting atop a talented Reds offense.

30. Torii Hunter, Los Angeles Angels

Hunter’s days as an elite fantasy producer are over, but he can still provide modest five-category production while batting in the middle of the Angels’ improving lineup. Hunter’s speed is clearly leaving him, but his power has largely remained intact, and a .285-20-90 season with 10 steals would make him a solid third or fourth fantasy outfielder. Just be sure not to overdraft him based on name value.

31. Bobby Abreu, Los Angeles Angels

As a model of consistency throughout his career, Abreu had arguably his worst season in 2010, hitting 41 points below his career average and posting his lowest RBI total since 1998. Abreu is 37, so a complete rebound is unlikely, but he can put together another .290-20-80 season with 80 runs scored and 20 steals, and is still worthy of owning in all fantasy leagues.

32. Jason Bay, New York Mets

Bay has been all but forgotten by fantasy owners thanks to his injury-plagued 2010 season and the ballpark he plays in, but David Wright suffered through an eerily similar set of circumstances in 2009 and rebounded quite nicely. Bay may not pass the 30-homer mark in 2011, but a possible .265-25-100 line with 10 steals makes him an excellent buy-low candidate headed into drafts.

33. Juan Pierre, Chicago White Sox

Pierre is the prototypical high-average, high-speed fantasy player. While his predictability and lack of power make him a boring pick, he’s also a very efficient fantasy asset. Pierre has never hit below .275 or stolen fewer than 40 bases in any season in which he’s been a starter, and that doesn’t figure to change in 2011. He’s a good bet for 100 runs scored as well.

34. Brett Gardner, New York Yankees

Gardner is turning out to be a very similar player to Pierre, only with a tick more power and with a worse batting eye. Don’t expect Gardner to match his .277 average from a year ago – a .341 BABIP is high even for someone with his speed – but 45 steals, 50 RBI and 100 runs scored would make him a solid contributor to any fantasy outfield.

35. Adam Jones, Baltimore Orioles

Jones didn’t seem to regress or improve as a player last season, but simply stagnated and repeated his 2009 numbers. While his lack of patience may prevent him from being the type of star many thought he would be while a prospect, he’s still young enough to develop some more power. Also he should see more RBI opportunities in the Orioles’ new lineup. A .275-25-80 line with 10 steals would be a step in the right direction.

36. Vernon Wells, Los Angeles Angels

After three seasons of mediocrity, Wells rebounded in 2010, hitting .273-31-88 and posting his highest slugging percentage since 2006. He’s unlikely to top 30 homers again, but he shouldn’t fall below 25, and he should reach double-digit steals again playing for the aggressive Mike Scioscia. Draft Wells for a .270-25-90 line with 10 swipes and be comfortable taking him from the 13^th round on.

37. Travis Snider, Toronto Blue Jays

This is an optimistic ranking for Snider, but a hand injury prevented him from growing much in his sophomore season and sapped him of much of his power as well. Snider will be just 23 for the entire 2011 season, and if he gets 500 at-bats, a .270-25-80 line is well within his reach. Snider is being drafted after players such as Raul Ibanez and Johnny Damon, and is an excellent buy-low candidate in later rounds.

38. Carlos Quentin, Chicago White Sox

Is Quentin the unluckiest player in baseball? His frequent injury troubles and career .251 BABIP suggest he’s certainly in the running, and fantasy owners have never been able to benefit from a full season of a healthy Quentin. You can dream on him and project a .280-30-100 campaign, but it’s best to temper those expectations and prepare for a .260-25-80 line instead. Still, there’s significant upside here.

39. Aubrey Huff, San Francisco Giants

Huff had a surprisingly good season in 2010, hitting .290-26-86 with a career-high .385 OBP while batting in the middle of the Giants’ lineup. I can see Huff matching his RBI total from last season, but would expect a modest reduction in homers and batting average, as he has little in terms of lineup protection except for Buster Posey. His first base eligibility adds to his value though.

40. Nick Swisher, New York Yankees

Swisher’s career-high .281 batting average in 2010 was simply a function of a high BABIP, but he’s still an excellent three-category fantasy producer with a surprising amount of power. As a very steady player, expect another .250-25-85 line with 90 runs scored. If you can absorb the hit in batting average, take the safe, predictable Swisher over the riskier players to follow.

41. Nick Markakis, Baltimore Orioles

Markakis has seen his homerun totals fall for four consecutive seasons, and while his high OBP and ability to hit doubles makes him a very good player, he’s somewhat overrated in the fantasy world. Markakis will contribute solidly in average, runs and RBI in 2011, but don’t expect more than 18 homers or 8 steals, and don’t treat him as an elite fantasy outfielder.

42. Rajai Davis, Toronto Blue Jays

Davis isn’t quite in the same category as the speedsters listed above him, but he’s stolen over 40 bases in each of the past two years and figures to see over 500 at-bats for just the second time in his career in 2011. Davis’ low OBP will always limit his upside, but fantasy owners would be thrilled with a .280 average, 45 swipes and 80 runs scored.

43. Grady Sizemore, Cleveland Indians

The ultimate risk-reward pick, Sizemore was an elite fantasy player from 2005-2008 but has been largely devoid of value over the past two seasons. It’s unclear how much Sizemore will be able to run on his surgically repaired knee and how rusty he’ll be after playing in just 33 games last season, so while a .275-25-80 line with 20 steals is plausible, it’s also far from likely.

44. Carlos Lee, Houston Astros

Lee is quite clearly entering the twilight of his career, and the aging slugger posted the lowest average of his career in 2010. Lee also saw his power decrease for a fifth consecutive season. He’s still worthy of drafting thanks to his RBI potential and first base eligibility, but don’t expect more than a .280-25-90 line, and keep in mind that that’s Lee’s ceiling at this point in his career.

45. Angel Pagan, New York Mets

Pagan finally got a chance to play everyday in 2010 and responded in a big way, hitting .290-11-69 with 37 steals. Pagan struggled some after the All-Star break and 2010 likely represents his ceiling. However, he should bat second in the Mets’ potent offense, and a .280-10-60 follow up campaign with 30 steals would please fantasy owners everywhere.

46. Denard Span, Minnesota Twins

Span suffered from bad luck and injuries last season, resulting in a career-low .264 average and a steady drop in runs, RBI and homers from his 2009 numbers. Expect a moderate rebound from Span and draft him for his three-category fantasy production. A .290-5-60 line with 90 runs scored and 25 steals would make him a solid fourth fantasy outfielder.

47. Ben Zobrist, Tampa Bay Rays

Zobrist hit just .238-10-75 last season but still produced some value thanks to his multi-position versatility and his 24 stolen bases. Zobrist is a candidate for a moderate rebound, but don’t expect more than 15 homers or 20 steals next season. He’s more useful as a middle infielder than an outfielder, but should be owned in all leagues thanks to all he brings to the table.

48. Jason Kubel, Minnesota Twins

Kubel’s true value likely lies somewhere in between his monster 2009 and his disappointing 2010, but that middle ground is still valuable enough to warrant owning him in most leagues. Kubel should sit against lefties in daily leagues, but should otherwise be a solid producer, hitting around .275-25-85 with 70 runs scored.

49. Dexter Fowler, Colorado Rockies

Fowler hasn’t shown much during his time as a starter to this point in his major league career, but he comes with a big amount of upside as well. Fowler will be just 25 for the duration of the 2011 season and should bat atop the Rockies’ potent offense, meaning 90 runs and 30 steals are within his reach. If he can hit above .260 and reach double-digit homers, he’ll be a fantasy steal.

50. Manny Ramirez, Tampa Bay Rays

Austin Jackson and Andrew Torres offer more speed, and Jose Tabata and Logan Morrison are better plays in keeper leagues, but Ramirez still offers more potential value for 2011. He’s almost a lock to see fewer than 500 at-bats, but DH-ing should allow him to see over 400, and that’s all the time Manny needs to post a .290-20-80 line batting in the middle of the Ray’s order.

Three More Prospects To Watch For 2011

1. Chris Carter, Oakland Athletics

Carter was given a chance to prove he belongs in the majors with 70 at-bats at the end of the 2010 season, but the big power-hitter was unable to take advantage of his opportunity. The A’s outfield situation is currently very crowded, but Carter has more power than anyone else in the system, and will only need 250 at-bats to hit 15 homers.

2. Brett Jackson, Chicago Cubs

The Cubs are in need of youth and left-handed hitters, and could get an influx of both if Jackson joins the scene late in the 2011 season. Jackson’s strikeout rate will prevent him from posting a high average, but he has double-digit homer and steal potential. Jackson needs more time in the minors, but could warrant a September call-up.

3. Jerry Sands, Los Angeles Dodgers

Sands burst onto the prospect scene in 2010, hitting 38 homers and 106 RBI between three minor league levels. Sands needs to repeat his performance if he’s going to be considered an elite prospect, but he can play both left field and first base, and the Dodgers lack long-term solutions at both positions.

All rankings are based on a standard 5×5 category, 10-team rotisserie league scoring system.

1. Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers

One of the most consistent players in baseball, Braun was stellar once again in 2010 despite hitting the fewest home runs of his short career. Braun’s increasing patience at the plate appears to be impacting his power, but look for him to put it all together in 2011 at age 27, and expect a .300-30-100 line with 15 stolen bases. Braun is a very safe player and should be off the board by the tenth pick.

2. Carl Crawford, Boston Red Sox

Another incredibly steady player, Crawford set career highs in homers, RBI and runs in 2010, and now moves to a better hitter’s ballpark and a better lineup in Boston. He may run a little less batting ahead of players like Adrian Gonzalez and Kevin Youkilis, but bank on a .300-15-80 line with 40 stolen bases and 120 runs from Crawford in 2011 and know that his power numbers could be a little higher, too.

3. Carlos Gonzalez, Colorado Rockies

Gonzalez was the best player in fantasy baseball in most leagues last season, exploding on to the fantasy scene by hitting .336-34-117 with 26 stolen bases. Gonzalez’ batting average on balls in play (BABIP) and strikeout rate mean he’s likely to see his average fall closer to .290 in 2011, but another 30-homer, 100-RBI, 20-steal campaign is within his reach, making him a top 15 fantasy player.

4. Matt Holliday, St Louis Cardinals

Avoiding risks in the first five or so rounds of fantasy drafts is often a sound strategy, and Holliday is the definition of a safe, predictable player. Count on Holliday to hit .310-25-100 with 10 stolen bases and 95 runs while providing Albert Pujols with protection, and be comfortable taking him in the second round.

5. Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers

If Hamilton were guaranteed to stay healthy, he’d top these rankings, but he’s played in over 150 games just once in his career and in over 130 games just twice. Hamilton won’t hit close to .360 again, but a .300-30-100 line with 10 steals is realistic for him if he reaches 500 at-bats. Unfortunately for Hamilton, the notion that he’ll see that much playing time is far from a guarantee.

6. Matt Kemp, Los Angeles Dodgers

Kemp is the definition of a high-risk high-reward player, but while he’s difficult to predict and sometimes frustrating to own, he’s also fully capable of being the best player in fantasy baseball. Kemp was victimized by a low BABIP last season, and while his lack of patience will always be a problem, the potential for a .300-30-100 campaign with 30 stolen bases is too much to ignore.

7. Nelson Cruz, Texas Rangers

Cruz has been on the verge of stardom for several years now, but has never received more than 515 plate appearances in any season, preventing him from putting up the type of eye-popping numbers he’s capable of producing. Cruz is as good a player as any to gamble on in 2011, and if he can finally reach 600 at-bats, a .280-30-100 line with 20 stolen bases is well within his reach.

8. Justin Upton, Arizona Diamondbacks

Fantasy owners may be a little tired of hearing about Upton’s upside without seeing terrific results, but Upton will be just 23 when the 2011 season begins, and his 2010 numbers were deflated by several nagging injuries. Upton has the ability to hit .300-30-90 with 20 stolen bases, and that type of upside means he shouldn’t make it past the fourth round.

9. Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates

McCutchen doesn’t get the attention he deserves playing in Pittsburgh, but he’s quietly turned into a five-category fantasy stud. McCutchen is fully capable of repeating his 2010 line of .286-16-56 with 33 steals and 94 runs, but there’s also serious potential for growth, and 20 homers and 40 swipes are not unrealistic goals. Treat McCutchen as a top 50 player and reap the rewards.

10. Shin-Soo Choo, Cleveland Indians

Choo has become so renowned for being underrated that he’s in danger of becoming overrated. His five-category production and reliability are major strengths, but his .300-22-90 line and 22 steals from 2010 likely represent his ceiling, and he shouldn’t be drafted before the fourth round. Choo also has little in the way of protection in a poor Indians offense.

11. Jayson Werth, Washington Nationals

Werth’s move to Washington has caused him to fall a little too far in the eyes of many fantasy players, and while leaving Philadelphia may have a slightly negative impact on his power numbers, the rest of Werth’s game is here to stay. Expect a .280-25-90 line with 20 steals, and don’t be afraid to make Werth your No. 1 outfielder in 2011.

12. Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays

One of the most polarizing figures in fantasy baseball, many will believe Bautista should rank much lower or much higher than this after his explosive 2010 season in which he drove in 124 runs and led the majors with 54 homers. I don’t expect him to repeat those numbers, but believe a .265-35-90 line is within his reach, and would take a gamble on Bautista from the fifth round on. Bautista’s third base eligibility adds to his value, as well.

13. Jason Heyward, Atlanta Braves

 The fact that Heyward hit .277-18-72 in 2010, finished second in NL ROY voting and was still considered to have somewhat of a disappointing season should tell you all you need to know about his upside. Heyward should see solid improvement across the board in 2011, and a .285-25-85 line with 15 swipes could send him to his second All-Star game in as many seasons.

14. Alex Rios, Chicago White Sox

Rios is a stronger player in rotisserie than head-to-head leagues, thanks to his streakiness, but the five-tool outfielder has largely revived his career in Chicago and is a fantasy force once again. Rios flies somewhat under the radar, but another .280-20-85 line with 30 steals would cement him as one of fantasy’s elite outfielders, and he could score 100 runs in an improved White Sox offense.

15. Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle Mariners

Suzuki had somewhat of a bounce back season in 2010, but while he’s been largely able to defy age to this point in his career, he won’t be able to maintain his quickness forever. He’s still a safe bet for a .300-plus average and 30 steals, but the lack of RBI and run opportunities he should see, coupled with his age, make him a riskier pick in 2011 than he has been in years past.

16. Hunter Pence, Houston Astros

Another outfielder who doesn’t receive quite as much attention as he should, thanks to the market he plays in, Pence has been as consistent as they come over the past three seasons. Still in his prime and improving his base running savvy as he ages, expect another .280-25-85 line from Pence in 2011, and count on him to nab 15-20 bases as well.

17. Andre Ethier, Los Angeles Dodgers

Ethier doesn’t hit lefties well enough to rank in the upper-echelon of fantasy outfielders, but mashes against right-handers so well that he’s still a solid four-category producer. Ethier’s power numbers fell a little in 2010 as he battled injuries, but he should return to hit around .290-25-90 in 2011. He’s a solid No. 2 outfielder, just be sure to sit him against tough southpaws in daily leagues.

18. Jay Bruce, Cincinnati Reds

2011 looks to be the season Bruce finally breaks out as a big time star, as he was one of the best players in the majors after the All-Star break last season and improved his walk rate to a career-high 10.1%. Bruce is never going to be a major threat on the bases or win batting titles, but if he hits .280-30-100, his owners won’t mind.

19. Jacoby Ellsbury, Boston Red Sox

Ellsbury played in just 18 games last season after breaking his ribs in a collision with Adrian Beltre in early April and was thus unable to follow up on his breakout 2010 season in which he stole 70 bases. Ellsbury should retain his spot atop Boston’s potent offense in 2011, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him hit .300-7-60 with 50-plus steals and 100 runs scored if he can stay on the field.

20. Shane Victorino, Philadelphia Phillies

Victorino hit below .280 for the first time in his career as a starter in 2011, but was hurt by a career-low BABIP and still managed to provide four-category fantasy production. Expect Victorino’s average to bounce back in 2011, and his .290-15-65 line with 30 steals and 100 runs will make him a solid No. 2 fantasy outfielder.

21. B.J. Upton, Tampa Bay Rays

Fantasy owners tend to undervalue Upton because he’s yet to become the big star many projected he would a few seasons ago, but he still has all the tools needed to be a four-category fantasy stud. Upton hit for more power in 2010 than he has in any season since 2007, and if you can stomach his low average, a 20-homer, 40-steal 2011 season will be your reward.

22. Chris Young, Arizona Diamondbacks

Young is a fairly similar player to Upton, only with more power and less speed than the Rays’ center fielder. Young’s high strikeout rate and lack of patience at the plate will likely preclude him from ever hitting much above .270, but another .260-25-90 line with 25 steals would cement him as a top 25 fantasy outfielder both now and in the future.

23. Delmon Young, Minnesota Twins

Drafted first overall in the 2003 draft, Young disappointed his first few seasons in the majors, but has really improved since the second half of the 2009 season and is now worth owning in all leagues. Young should continue to add power as he gets older and enters his prime, and a .290-25-90 line in 2011 would be a step in the right direction. He has less value in OBP leagues, though.

24. Mike Stanton, Florida Marlins

Stanton’s raw power is already the stuff of legends, and the 21-year-old outfielder didn’t disappoint in his rookie season, smashing 22 bombs in just 100 games. Stanton is another high-strikeout player who will have trouble breaking the .260 threshold, but he should hit 30-plus homers in 2011 while driving in 90 runs and swiping 5-10 bases.

25. Colby Rasmus, St. Louis Cardinals

Rasmus would rank higher on this list if he was guaranteed to receive 600 at-bats in 2011, but for some reason, Cardinals manager Tony La Russa insists on allowing lesser players to block Rasmus’ development. He has the ability to hit .275-25-80 with double-digit steals, but fantasy owners should draft him with caution until La Russa’s plans are more clear.

Three Prospects To Watch For 2011

1. Desmond Jennings, Tampa Bay Rays

Jennings may not break camp with the Rays, but he should be up and starting with the club by July at the latest. Jennings is one of the fastest players in the minors, and, while there are concerns about his durability and lack of power, he’ll only need 400 at-bats to swipe 20-30 bases and should hit for a solid average, as well.

2. Dominic Brown, Philadelphia Phillies

Brown likely would have been the Phillies’ opening day starter in right field if not for a broken hand that looks to keep him out until May. Brown’s struggles against left-handers means that Ben Francisco will steal some at-bats from him, but the potential five-category contributor will monitor a pick-up in all leagues once active.

3. Ben Revere, Minnesota Twins

Revere is the second coming of Juan Pierre. He’s unlikely to ever hit more than three homeruns in a season and will be nearly useless for RBI, as well, but he’ll be a lock to hit around .300 and has 40 stolen base potential, as well. The Twins’ outfield is crowded right now, but Revere figures to see major league time at some point this season and will be a cheap source of steals.

All rankings are based on a standard 5×5 category, 10-team rotisserie league scoring system.

1. Hanley Ramirez, Florida Marlins
A perennial Top 5 overall selection, Ramirez had a down year by his standards in 2010, hitting .327-21-76 with 32 stolen bases and 92 runs scored. That such an impressive line can be considered sub-par for Ramirez says all you need to know about his upside and reliability, and his five-category production plus shortstop eligibility means he shouldn’t be drafted behind anyone except for Albert Pujols. 

2. Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies
Tulowitzki fits better as option "1.a" than "2" on this list, and should also be under consideration for a Top 5 selection in any draft. Tulo’s ability to hit .300-30-100 from the shortstop position makes him an exceedingly valuable fantasy asset, but his lack of durability and top-notch speed means he falls slightly behind Ramirez in these rankings.

3. Jose Reyes, New York Mets
One of the riskiest selections in fantasy baseball, Reyes has tantalized owners with his 50-plus steal and 20-plus homer potential for over a half-decade. He’s been hampered by injuries for the past two seasons, however, and hasn’t played in over 135 games since 2008. Since Reyes is capable of hitting .300-15-70 with 50 swipes he should be off the board by round four, but make sure to handcuff him with a capable backup.

4. Jimmy Rollins, Philadelphia Phillies
Rollins has five-category fantasy potential like Reyes, but has been nagged by injuries in two of the past three seasons and is clearly no longer in the prime of his career. Rollins’ days of hitting north of .290 with 40-plus steals are over, but he’s still capable of hitting .275-20-75 with 25 swipes if healthy, and remains a Top 5 fantasy shortstop.

5. Derek Jeter, New York Yankees
Jeter is certainly in decline and is no longer an elite fantasy option, but remains one of the better fantasy shortstops because of how shallow the position is. Don’t expect Jeter to reach 15 homers or 25 steals again, but he’s a lock to score 100 runs and swipe 15-plus bases, and his average should rebound back closer to .290. Just be sure not to overdraft Jeter based on name value.

6. Alexei Ramirez, Chicago White Sox
It’s not hard to make the argument that Ramirez is a better option than Jeter, as the quietly consistent Cuban is likely to out-produce the Yankees’ star in homers and RBI. If he adds a little more pop, a .285-20-75 line with 15 steals is within his reach, and I’d be comfortable taking Ramirez from the seventh round on in non-OBP leagues.

7. Elvis Andrus, Texas Rangers
Andrus is largely devoid of power, but should put up very solid run and stolen base totals, and will slightly improve his batting average as he matures as a player. Andrus is currently being drafted a little too high in non-keeper leagues, but you could do worse than to have someone with a .275 average, 40 stolen bases, and 90 runs scored as your starting shortstop.

8. Stephen Drew, Arizona Diamondbacks
Drew hasn’t developed into the big star many thought he would, and because of that, he’s somewhat underrated as a fantasy option. Drew doesn’t provide great value in any one category but instead produces solid numbers in four of them, and his batting average won’t kill you either. Expect double-digit homers and steals with solid run and RBI totals and don’t let Drew fall past round 10.

9. Rafael Furcal, Los Angeles Dodgers
Furcal has been a fantasy staple at shortstop for over a decade now, but he’s lost some speed and durability as he’s aged. He’d likely still hit .300-10-60 with 30 stolen bases if he received 600 at-bats next season, but the odds of him taking the field that frequently are slim. Expect him to receive closer to 400 at-bats and adjust his numbers accordingly.

10. Ian Desmond, Washington Nationals
Desmond is a rare shortstop commodity in that he’s capable of providing double-digit homers and steals, and has a shot at 70 runs and RBI in an improving Nationals lineup. He’s worthy of drafting in all leagues, but keeper league owners should beware that his poor defense means he’ll likely move off of shortstop within a season or two.

11. Erick Aybar, Los Angeles Angels
Aybar was a popular sleeper headed into 2010 drafts, and while his numbers last season were solid, he didn’t quite break out the way many hoped he would. Still, fantasy owners shouldn’t be discouraged. Aybar is just entering his prime at 27, and should bat atop an improved Angel’s lineup. A .290-5-60 line with 30 stolen bases is within his reach, and in some ways he’s a safer option than Furcal.

12. Jhonny Peralta, Detroit Tigers
This is higher than many will rank Peralta, but as written in the third base rankings, he’s a solid candidate to improve on his 2010 numbers and provides above-average pop at shortstop. Peralta figures to hit fifth or sixth in Detroit’s lineup, and a .280-20-85 line is within his reach. He’s currently being drafted very late and provides good value past round 16 in non-OBP leagues.

13. Starlin Castro, Chicago Cubs
As a highly touted prospect in one of the biggest baseball markets in the country, Castro finds himself a little overrated in the fantasy world headed into his sophomore season. He’s still worthy of being a starting middle infielder in most leagues though, and can hit .300-7-50 with 20 steals. Feel free to take Castro from the 15th round on, just don’t reach for him.

14. Asdrubal Cabrera, Cleveland Indians
Another popular sleeper pick headed into the 2010 season, Cabrera broke his wrist a little over one month into the season and struggled when he returned. Now fully healthy and entering his prime, Cabrera has a chance to hit 10 homers while swiping 20 bases and providing a solid average. He also has a shot at scoring 90 runs batting from the top third of the Indians’ order.

15. Alcides Escobar, Kansas City Royals
Escobar had a disappointing rookie campaign last season, hitting just .235-4-41 with 10 steals and reaching base at less than a .300 clip. He was a victim of horrible luck, though, and has enough speed to steal well over 20 bases as well. In short, Escobar is an excellent late-round flier who could surprise with a .300 average, 70 runs and 30 steals.

16. Yunel Escobar, Toronto Blue Jays
Escobar has teased fantasy owners with his power for years, but we have a large enough sample of at-bats from him now to know what to expect. The Blue Jays’ lineup should be above-average, meanings a good amount of runs scored and RBI for Escobar, and he can hit around .290 with 15 homers as well. He’s not a budding star, but he’s a solid second-tier option.

17. Juan Uribe, Los Angeles Dodgers
Uribe was one of several Giants veterans to have surprisingly good seasons in 2010, and the portly middle infielder hit .248-24-85 while spending time at second, third and shortstop. Uribe’s value is entirely tied up in his versatility and power, and while he shouldn’t be drafted as a starter at any position, he’s an excellent bench option.

18. J.J. Hardy, Baltimore Orioles
Hardy was once considered the next big thing at shortstop, but has suffered through injuries and ineffectiveness for much of the past two seasons. He’s worthy of fantasy consideration because of his 25-homer potential, but won’t help you much in average and doesn’t steal bases either. In short, expect Uribe-like numbers but without the new Dodgers’ versatility. 

19. Ryan Theriot, St. Louis Cardinals
Theriot is a much more useful fantasy player than major leaguer, but while the Cardinals may come to regret allowing him to start at short, fantasy owners should take advantage of his speed and ability to hit for a solid average. Theriot’s a safe bet to hit .285-3-50 with 20 steals, and could score 90 runs in a solid Cardinals’ lineup. He has second-base eligibility as well.

20. Reid Brignac, Tampa Bay Rays
Once considered one of the Rays’ top prospects, Brignac isn’t destined for stardom but offers 15-homer pop with the ability to nab over 60 RBI and runs scored. Add in his second-base eligibility and likelihood to swipe 5-10 bases, and Brignac contributes enough to warrant a pick as a solid bench option in deep leagues.

Three Prospects To Watch For 2011

1. Dee Gordon, Los Angeles Dodgers
Gordon needs to get physically stronger before he projects as a major leaguer, but once he reaches the big show, he’s likely to be a Top 10 fantasy shortstop for years to come. Gordon’s plus-speed should allow him to swipe 40-plus bags a season, and he can hit for high averages as well. Look for him to become Jose Reyes but with less power.

2. Grant Green, Oakland Athletics
Green is very unlikely to make the A’s roster this season as he’s yet to play above High-A ball, but there’s a lack of shortstop prospects in the upper minors and Green at least has an outside shot to see major league time this September. He profiles as a future .290 hitter with 20-homer power, but may have to move off the position to third base.

3. Jose Iglesias, Boston Red Sox
Iglesias doesn’t profile as much of a fantasy factor, but could see major league time as soon as July and will score a ton of runs in Boston’s potent offense. His ceiling is as a .275-7-50 hitter with 10 stolen bases, but he’s one of the few shortstops who are nearly ready to make it to the majors.

All rankings are based on a standard 5×5 category, 10-team rotisserie league scoring system.

1. Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays
The gold standard for fantasy third baseman, Longoria disappointed some with a low homer total in 2010 but is a true five-category producer. The 25-year-old improved his average, OBP and stolen base totals in each of the past three seasons, and is a solid candidate to post a .300-30-100 line with 15 stolen bases as well. Longoria is a legitimate Top 5 overall selection.

2. David Wright, New York Mets
Wright rebounded from a miserable 2009 campaign to hit .283-29-103 with 19 stolen bases last season, reestablishing himself as one of baseball’s elite players in the process. The Mets have a chance to put together a decent offense in 2011 if health is on their side, and Wright will have a chance to reach 120 RBI and 100 runs. He’s a borderline Top 10 and definite Top 15 pick.

3. Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees
Rodriguez has seen his numbers fall for three consecutive seasons and is clearly no longer in the prime of his career, but the future Hall-of-Famer is still a Top 20 fantasy player and a modest five-category contributor. A-Rod is likely to top out at 10 stolen bases and 35 homers, but is a good bet for 100 RBI and 80-plus runs, and should see his average rebound to around .285.
 
4. Ryan Zimmerman, Washington Nationals
One of the most underrated players in baseball, Zimmerman is likely on the verge of stardom as he anchors an improving Nationals team. Similarly to Longoria, Zimmerman has improved his average and OBP for three straight seasons, and should put up a line of around .300-30-90 with 90 runs scored and 5 stolen bases in 2011. Don’t be afraid to take Zimmerman from the early third round on.

5. Kevin Youkilis, Boston Red Sox
Youkilis won’t be eligible at third base to begin the season, but will become a Top 5 player at the position by mid-to-late April depending on your league’s position requirements. As described in the fantasy first baseman rankings, Youkilis is a solid candidate to hit .300-30-100 in a revamped Red Sox lineup, and his positional flexibility gives him added value as well. He should be off the board by round five.

6. Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays
One of the most polarizing figures in fantasy baseball, many will believe Bautista should rank much lower or much higher than this after his explosive 2010 season in which he drove in 124 runs and led the majors with 54 homers. I don’t expect him to repeat those numbers, but believe a .265-35-90 line is within his reach, and would take a gamble on Bautista from the fifth round on. 

7. Adrian Beltre, Texas Rangers
Beltre had the second best season of his career in 2010, hitting .321-28-102 while largely anchoring the Red Sox’ injury-depleted line-up. Don’t rely on him to match his batting average from last season, but Beltre is moving to another good lineup and an excellent hitter’s park in Texas, and a .270-30-100 line is realistic. He’s likely to near a double-digit stolen base total as well.

8. Aramis Ramirez, Chicago Cubs
Ramirez is a fairly risky pick heading into the 2011 season thanks to his injury history and relatively poor 2010 campaign, but he comes with a significant amount of upside too. Ramirez suffered from terrible luck last season as evidenced by his .245 BABIP (batting average on balls in play), but was tremendous from July on, suggesting that better number should follow in 2011. Expect a .290-25-90 line if he reaches 500 at-bats.

9. Michael Young, Texas Rangers
Despite changing positions four times over the past seven seasons, Young has managed to be a Top 100 fantasy player for nearly his entire career and that shouldn’t change in 2011. If he’s healthy, Young is a lock to receive at least 500 at-bats and is capable of hitting .300-20-80 next season. That Young should see time at every infield position adds to his value tremendously.

10. Casey McGehee, Milwaukee Brewers
McGehee followed up his breakout 2009 campaign with a very good .285-23-104 line in 2010, and should be viewed as a reliable third base option. McGehee figures to get plenty of RBI opportunities batting behind Prince Fielder and Ryan Bruan, and there’s no reason he can’t repeat last season’s numbers in 2011. In a year in which third base is shallow, he’s shouldn’t make it past round 10.

11. Pedro Alvarez, Pittsburgh Pirates
Alvarez needs to improve his numbers against lefties and stop swinging at everything he sees if he’s to become an elite hitter, but he has so much power that he still warrants a look as a starting third baseman in 12-team leagues. I don’t expect Alvarez to hit much over .250 in 2011, but 30 homeruns are within his reach, and he could approach 90 RBI in an improving Pirates lineup as well.

12. Martin Prado, Atlanta Braves
Prado was listed as a Top 10 fantasy second baseman and just misses out on being included in the Top 10 third baseman here, which should tell you all you need to know about the lack of depth at the hot corner this season. Prado lacks the type of power fantasy owners want from a corner infielder and profiles better as a second baseman, but is a safe bet to hit at least .290 with 15 home runs.

13. Ian Stewart, Colorado Rockies
The Rockies are clearly using 2011 as a make-or-break season for Stewart, as they brought in Jose Lopez and Ty Wigginton to push him for playing time at third base. Stewart has the talent to hit .260-30-90, but will need to increase his selectivity and improve his OBP if he hopes to stay in the line-up every day. Still, he’s a strong gamble from the 12th round on.

14. Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants
Sandoval’s luck finally ran out in 2010, and as his BABIP fell to a near league-average .291 mark, his batting average plummeted from .330 in 2009 to .268 last season. Sandoval will have more offensive support than in years past and his off-season weight loss has been well documented, but don’t expect him to revert to his 2009 form. A more modest .285-20-80 campaign is a safer bet.

15. Chone Figgins, Seattle Mariners
The Mariners plan to move Figgins back to third base this season in the hopes that returning him to his natural position will help his offensive game as well. Figgins is only useful for his speed, but it’s not unreasonable to expect him to hit .280 with 40 swipes in 2011. He fits much better as a middle infielder than as a third baseman, but the position is so shallow this season that he’s a Top 15 option.

16. Mark Reynolds, Baltimore Orioles
Reynolds posted an insane 42.3% strikeout rate last season, and while fantasy owners often sacrifice other categories for power, Reynolds pushes the limit of what is an acceptable loss in batting average. Even if he hits just .240, his 35-homer potential makes him a borderline Top 10 option, but Reynolds’ contact number suggest he’s unlikely to hit that high, and a .220 mark will be tough for fantasy owners to swallow.

17. Scott Rolen, Cincinnati Reds
Rolen had his best season since 2006 a year ago, and was a big reason the Reds were able to win the NL Central for the first time since 1995. Rolen is an enormous health risk and shouldn’t be expected to play in more than 130 games next season, but is capable of repeating his .285-20-83 line from 2010, and is a solid late-round pick.

18. Chase Headley, San Diego Padres
Headley is fantasy-relevant thanks to his potential to post double-digit totals in both homers and steals. His supporting cast and home ballpark will likely limit him to 15 homers, but if Headley hits .280 and swipes 15 bases, he’d be worth owning in most leagues.  Headley will turn 27 in 2011 and should be in his prime, so this may be his last chance to prove himself as an everyday player.

19. Jhonny Peralta, Detroit Tigers
Peralta’s 2010 stats don’t look too impressive at first glance, but he was victimized by a low BABIP, and actually improved his OBP and decreased his strikeout rate from 2009. Peralta should rebound to a solid .270-18-80 line, and has a shot at scoring 80 runs too. Add in a decent Tigers lineup and Peralta’s shortstop eligibility, and he suddenly becomes a very useful fantasy option.
 
20. Edwin Encarnacion, Toronto Blue Jays
There are question marks surrounding his playing time and ability to hit for average, but if there’s one thing Encarnacion can do, it’s hit for power. Encarnacion figures to see time at third base, first base and DH for the Jay’s this season, and if he reaches 450 at-bats, a .240-30-70 line is within his reach. Placido Polanco is a safer play here, but unless you’re playing in an OBP league, Encarnacion’s power potential makes him worth the gamble.

Three Prospects To Watch For 2011

1. Mike Moustakas, Kansas City Royals
The Royal’s No. 4 hitter of the future, Moustakas has big-time power potential and should be able to hit enough to avoid being a liability in terms of batting average as well. Moustakas may only need 150 at-bats to hit 10 bombs, and could be a Top 10 third baseman as soon as next season. 

2. Lonnie Chisenhall, Cleveland Indians
Chisenhall is hitting .478/.538/.913 this spring, and with Jason Donald recently suffering a hand injury, fans in Cleveland are clamoring to break camp with their top prospect manning the hot corner. Despite his fast start Chisenhall needs at least a half-season in Triple-A, but could bring his 20-homer power to the majors by July.

3. Brent Morel, Chicago White Sox
Morel has been given every chance to win the White Sox’ starting third base job in spring training, but is hitting just .200 with no homers and an OBP of .286. He’s capable of hitting. 280-12-60 if he wins the job, but will face pressure from Mark Teahen and Dayan Viciedo if he doesn’t start producing.

All rankings are based on a standard 5×5 category, 10-team rotisserie league scoring system.

1. Robinson Cano, New York Yankees
Cano stands apart from other second baseman for two reasons: his power and his durability. Cano has played in at least 159 games in each of the past four seasons and has provided a slugging percentage above .500 three times in his career. Expect another .315-25-100 line in 2011, and don’t hesitate to take Cano early in round two.

2. Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies
If Utley were guaranteed to stay healthy, he’d be ahead of Cano on this list and a strong candidate as a top-five overall pick. He’s missed at least 30 games in two of the past four seasons though, and has already needed treatment on his knee in spring training. His ceiling is as a true five-category producer capable of hitting .290-30-100 with 20 stolen bases, but I’m not confident he’ll receive enough at-bats to approach those numbers.

3. Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox
Pedroia was on his way to posting his first 20-homer, 20-stolen base season when he suffered a serious foot injury in June, limiting him to 75 games in 2010. With his health intact and an improved lineup around him, Pedroia should return to hit .300-15-80 with 20 thefts and 120 runs next season, and is a legitimate top-50 pick.

4. Ian Kinsler, Texas Rangers
Kinsler has the most upside of anyone on this list but is even less likely to avoid a stint on the disabled list than Utley is. If he plays in 140 games, Kinsler is capable of hitting .280-25-100 with 30 stolen bases, but he’s broken that plateau just once in his career. Feel free to draft Kinsler from the fifth round on, but be sure to insure yourself with a reliable backup.

5. Dan Uggla, Atlanta Braves
Uggla appeared to become a more complete player in 2010, as he managed to raise his average up to a career-high .287 while still hitting for monster power. However, Uggla’s .330 BABIP (batting average on balls in play) suggests that he’s due for regression, and he’s being slightly overdrafted now that he’s in a bigger market. Expect a .260-30-100 line and draft accordingly, but not before the fifth round.

6. Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati Reds
Phillips is an excellent fantasy second baseman but is slightly overrated, as he’s perennially drafted as though he’s going to repeat his monster 2007 campaign, when he hit .288-30-94 with 32 stolen bases. Phillips’ power has fallen for three consecutive seasons. Expect him to produce more along the lines of Pedroia, but with a much lower average and fewer runs scored.

7. Rickie Weeks, Milwaukee Brewers
After tantalizing fantasy owners for years, Weeks finally stayed healthy produced last season, hitting .269-29-83 with 112 runs scored. Weeks is capable of producing that type of power again, but he’s unlikely to hit near .270, and he doesn’t run as much as he used to either. It’s easy to fall in love with Weeks’ potential, but there are too many variables in place for him to be considered an elite fantasy option in 2011.

8. Kelly Johnson, Arizona Diamondbacks
After a lackluster 2009 campaign, Johnson revived his career with the D-Backs in 2010 and put up surprisingly strong fantasy numbers. It’s more than a little concerning that Johnson hit over 50 points higher at home than on the road, but there are few second basemen left with 20-homer power, and Johnson’s a good bet to swipe 10-plus bases and hit above .280 as well.

9. Martin Prado, Atlanta Braves
Many were skeptical when the Braves handed Prado the keys to their starting second base job last season, but Prado made the most out of his opportunity, hitting .307-15-66 and playing his way onto the All-Star team. Prado’s average might fall some, but he should still hit above .290 and can reach 15 home runs again in 2011. That Prado is also eligible at third base helps his value.

10. Aaron Hill, Toronto Blue Jays
If you’re a believer in BABIP as a predictor of success, then Hill should be your preseason favorite to win AL Comeback Player of the Year honors. Hill had the worst luck of any player in the majors last year, as his BABIP of .196 was 100 points below the league average. He may not repeat his 2009 numbers, but you can bet on at least a .270 average, 25 homers and 80 RBIs.

11. Gordon Beckham, Chicago White Sox
This is certainly an optimistic ranking for Beckham, but there is reason to expect him to rebound from his disappointing 2010 season. Beckham suffered from an unusually high ground-ball rate in 2010, but made an adjustment and hit .354 and .309 in July and August, respectively.Beckham can post a .280-17-75 line next season, and you can be comfortable taking a gamble on him from the 10th round on.

12. Chone Figgins, Seattle Mariners
Figgins is essentially a one-trick fantasy pony at this point but is useful, thanks to his 40-stolen base potential. There’s nothing in Figgins’ stats that suggests he’s due for a big rebound, but the M’s are planning on moving him back to third base where he’s most comfortable, and he should increase his run totals in an improved Mariners lineup. Still, Figgins fits better as a middle infield option than a starting second baseman.

13. Ben Zobrist, Tampa Bay Rays
Similar to Hill, Zobrist had a breakout season in 2009, only to follow up with a complete dud in 2010. Zobrist hit just .238-10-75 last season but still produced some value thanks to his multi-position versatility and his 24 stolen bases. Zobrist is a candidate for a moderate rebound, but don’t expect more than 15 homers or 20 steals next season. 

14. Brian Roberts, Baltimore Orioles
Roberts was an elite fantasy second baseman from 2005-2009, but he played in just 59 games last year thanks to a nagging back injury. He’s capable of putting up a .280-10-60 line with 30 stolen bases if healthy, but Roberts has already missed time this spring with a sore neck and is an unlikely candidate to reach 600 plate appearances.

15. Howie Kendrick, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Once considered a top prospect, Kendrick has turned himself into a solid major leaguer but has yet to exhibit anything close to the star potential he had in the minors. Fantasy owners have been gambling on a Kendrick breakout for years, but what you see is what you get. Expect a line of .280-10-70 with 15 stolen bases and don’t draft Kendrick as a starter.

16. Mike Aviles, Kansas City Royals
Aviles is often forgotten thanks to the team he plays for but could prove to be worthy of a starting middle infield spot if he stays healthy. Aviles faces some competition for playing time from Chris Getz and Wilson Betemit, but he can hit .300-10-50 with 20 stolen bases if given 600 plate appearances. Aviles may add shortstop or third base eligibility later in the season as well.

17. Neil Walker, Pittsburgh Pirates
Another former top prospect, Walker had a very solid season in 2010, hitting .296-12-66 and establishing himself as one of the lone bright spots on a dismal Pirates squad. Walker’s average is unsustainable, but he’s capable of putting up a .280-15-75 line with 5 stolen bases in 2011. Walker is a fringe middle infield option in standard 10-team leagues.

18. Juan Uribe, Los Angeles Dodgers
Uribe was one of several Giants veterans to have surprisingly good seasons in 2010, and the portly middle infielder hit .248-24-85 while spending time at second, third and shortstop. Uribe’s value is entirely tied up in his versatility and power, and while he shouldn’t be drafted as a starter at any position, he’s an excellent bench option.

19. Danny Espinosa, Washington Nationals
A fairly unheralded prospect, Espinosa quietly put up a 20-homer, 20-stolen base campaign in the minors last year before getting the call to the majors in September. He’s not guaranteed the Nationals’ second base job, but if he wins it, he’s capable of putting up a respectable .260-15-60 line with 15 stolen bases, which would make him a passable middle infielder.

20. Tsuyoshi Nishioka, Minnesota Twins
Nishioka is somewhat of an unknown commodity as he heads to the majors from Japan, but all reports indicate that he has the ability to hit for a decent average and should be able to nab double-digit steals as well. Don’t expect Nishioka to be one of the key cogs on your fantasy team, but he should score runs in a good Twins lineup and is worth a late-round flier in deeper leagues.

Three Prospects To Watch For 2011

1. Dustin Ackley, Seattle Mariners
The second overall pick in the 2009 draft, Ackley didn’t hit quite as expected in 2010 but still managed to reach Triple-A by year's end. Ackley will likely start the season in the minors but could provide Derek Jeter-like numbers from second base by July.

2. Jason Kipnis, Cleveland Indians
Kipnis may not reach the majors until the second half of the season, but he has the upside of a starting fantasy second baseman. He’s not extraordinarily powerful or fast but projects to have the ability to hit .300 with double-digit homers and steals. He’s an excellent player to target in keeper leagues.

3. Brett Lawrie, Toronto Blue Jays
Lawrie has 20-homer, 20-steal potential and brings the type of bat that could allow him to someday profile as a top-five fantasy second baseman. Unfortunately for fantasy owners, Lawrie’s defensive shortcomings and the presence of Aaron Hill mean that he may be destined for a corner outfield spot instead.