1. Rasmus: best true CF prospect left in the minors. I think at best he ends up a Sizemore and at worst a Rowand.
2. Anderson: If nothing else his perceived value by scouts is high. He could be part of a piece to get the Cards a #3 type starter next year. He reminds me a little bit of LaDuca when he first came up.
3. Perez: Could be the next Wild Thing Williams, but the Wild Thing had a pretty solid career.
4. Garcia: No way can Herron be rated higher. I’ll take the lefty that proved he could handle AA.
5. Herron: More ceiling than any of the other pitchers.
6. Mortenson: I really like him. I know its only 1 year, but I think he compares favorably to a Westbrook/Lowe. If I had to bet my life on who will make it to the majors as a starter between Mortenson/Ottavino/Herron/McCormick/Walters I would take Mortenson and the sinking action.
7. Hoff: have to put him here just because of the fact that I don’t see how he doesn’t make the MLB team next year.
8. Ottavino: If he can consistently find the strike zone he could be really good.
9. Martinez: Can’t deny his production at AA. Will be interesting to see if he gets to start at AAA next year. I may be wrong, but he reminds me of Belliard when he first came up 50lbs ago.
10. Hawksworth: Most ready “prospect” SP we got. Could win a rotation spot if he comes in healthy to spring training.
11. Allen Craig: His importance could increase with Rolens continued injuries. If he can hit consistently in AA next year he could become the next big thing.
12. Walters: Most talked about prospect besides Marti on this site. His product continues. Ceiling could be a 4 starter, worst case quadruple A type pitcher-too good for minors not good enough for MLB.
13. Mather: I don’t see a high ceiling, but do see a power hitting 4th outfielder/pinch hitter
14. Kozma: Errors scare me, but offense came on late. Tell more about him after first full year in system.
15. Motte: A lot of opening in MLB bullpen next year, could he get one of the spots?
16. Maiques: I love his attitude. Next year could be where he jumps up a lot of spots, especially if he moves to rotation.
17. Boggs: I see him more as a long reliever and spot starter.
18. Hill: I’m excited about his early success, hopefully he continue.
19. Greene: Needs to have big year next year.
20. D. Jones: Had a couple of really good weeks that showed his talent. He needs to start producing consistently.

1. garcia (if healthy)
2. herron
3. ottavino
4. mortensen
5. walters
6. hawksworth (i have to think he’s not healthy, if he’s going to be sidelined again then that would drop him down further)
7. boggs
8. todd
9. norrick
10. garceau
11. furnish
12. degerman
13. hooker
14. blazek
15. additon, maybe zawacki…could shoot up the list with a strong start to next season.

Off the top of my head and I do as much about skill and projection as I do about actual production.

1. Rasmus
2. Anderson
3. Garcia
4. Perez
5. Herron
6. Ottavino
7. Kozma
8. The Hoff
9. Craig
10. Mather
11. Mortensen
12. P.Walters
13. J. Martinez
14. D. Jones
15. J.Jay
16. Furnish
17. J.Edwards
18. T.Greene
19. McCormick
20. Yarbrough

Now of course I am going to leave someone obvious out….but it was done off the top of my head. It was heard to leave guys off the list like Motte, S.Hill and M.Shorey

Just for some fun

1-Colby Rasmus: Duh
2-Tyler Herron: Its early in his career, but finding out that he has only been pitching for 3 years makes me very excited about what he COULD BECOME
3-Chris Perez: The ceiling is exciting here too
4-Bryan Anderson: If he can add some power and better defense, he could be the top catcher in the minors anywhere
5-Jose Martinez: Some will question this, but he is putting it together very nicely
6-Jaime Garcia: A lefty at age 20 who is basically ready for AAA—talk about a possible steal!
7-Adam Ottavino: Cut down the walks please
8-PJ Walters: His stuff isn’t great….who cares?
9-Jarrett Hoffpauir: His ceiling may not be as high as some others, but production is very important, especially when it is in AA-AAA
10-Joe Mather: Like Hawksworth, he is getting pretty old to be considered a prospect, but his season forces me to include him; hope Tony can find a spot for him
11-Allen Craig: Lets see what he can do at AA before we call him the heir apparent at 3rd
12-Blake Hawksworth: Sure he has struggled this year, but his ceiling is big league #4
13-Mark Hamilton: Has slowed down in AA, but looks to be catching on of late
14-Kenny Maiques: Would love to see him get a shot at starting
15-Mitchell Boggs: The numbers don’t lie; maybe we didn’t lose Suppan after all
16-Steve Hill: I doubt he is as good as it would seem; Hopefully, he will be in Spingfield next year so we can find out
17-Mark Shorey: He has proven that he can hit; hopefully he will be given a real shot
18-Tyler Greene: Was ok before the injury this year; hopefully he can finally realize the potential in Springfield next year
19-Nick Additon: The peripherals at Johnson City are very exciting
20-Mark McKormick: He gets on here because of potential; some production would be nice

Honorable Mention: Brandon Yarborough, Jon Edwards, Pete Kozma

I think Boggs has earned a spot among our top 5 pitchers with Herron, Walters, Garcia, and Ottavino (I don’t count relievers)

He isnt a top 20 guy on my list.

We’ll get a better read on him as he faces competition in the AFL in Oct/Nov.

WHitey—I think Mitch’s numbers over the last 2 years define consistency.