NL East Preview

[TSC25]

Mets top 5 prospects:

1. Jenrry Mejia, rhp Born: Oct. 11, 1989 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-0 • Wt: 180
Signed: Dominican Republic, 2007 • Signed by: Ramon Pena/Ismael Cruz/Sandy Rosario
Background: Unlike many pro baseball players, Mejia didn't sign his first contract for love of the game. He began playing at age 15 only after seeing how lucrative the sport could be for many impoverished young Dominicans, citing Pedro Martinez's $53 million deal with the Mets as an eye-opener. Scouted by the Red Sox and Yankees, among others, Mejia struggled to get noticed because he was undersized and skinny. When the Mets offered $16,500 in April 2007 he signed on the spot—it sure beat the roughly $8 a day he made shining shoes in Santo Domingo. Mejia made a much quicker impression in his U.S. debut in 2008, when he came out firing mid-90s heat for short-season Brooklyn. Less than a year later, in June 2009, New York jumped him to Double-A Binghamton, where at 19 he was the Eastern League's youngest player. After catching the eye of manager Jerry Manuel in spring training last year, Mejia began the season in the Mets' big league bullpen, at 20 the youngest player to make an Opening Day roster. His youth and inexperience showed, prompting New York to option him to Double-A on June 20. He left his second start there with a strained shoulder and sat out a month. Upon his return to Double-A in August, Mejia went on a monthlong tear to earn his way back to the New York. Back in the majors, this time as the youngest Mets starter since a 19-year-old Dwight Gooden in 1984, Mejia got rocked in two starts and left his third with what eventually was diagnosed as a rhomboid strain of his shoulder blade.

Scouting Report: Mejia adopted a reliever's mentality while working in the big league bullpen, showcasing his plus-plus fastball at the expense of his secondary pitches. He sits at a steady 94-96 mph and induces boatloads of groundballs—he had a 1.6 groundout/airout ratio in the majors—because his ball features such late cutting action. Mejia throws a firm 86-88 mph straight changeup that behaves like a splitter and serves as a second out pitch. Scouts like his 12-to-6 downer curveball, which is a plus pitch at times at 79-81 mph, and would like to see him deploy it more frequently. Because he struggles to repeat his release point on his curve, he tends to shy away from it. Concerns about Mejia center on his inconsistent secondary stuff and smallish build—though his strong lower half mitigates the latter somewhat. He worked just 81 innings last season and 95 in 2009, when he missed seven weeks with a strained right middle finger.

The Future: Mejia has the raw stuff to pitch at the front of a rotation, but he has yet to prove he can complete anything close to 200 innings in a season. He's young and is arm action is solid, especially for someone so new to pitching, so the Mets believe he'll hold up. Even if Mejia flames out as a starter, he can be a dominating late-inning reliever with just a slight improvement to his control. The new front-office regime intends to slow down his development track and have him build innings as a starter at Triple-A Buffalo in 2011.

2010 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG
New York (NL) 0 4 4.62 33 3 0 0 39 46 3 20 22 .289
Binghamton (AA) 2 0 1.32 6 6 1 0 27 19 0 14 26 .200
GCL Mets (R) 0 0 3.00 1 1 0 0 3 4 0 1 3 .333
St. Lucie (Hi A) 0 0 0.00 1 1 0 0 4 1 0 0 7 .077
Buffalo (AAA) 0 0 1.13 1 1 0 0 8 5 1 1 9 .200


2. Wilmer Flores, ss Born: Aug. 6, 1991 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-3 • Wt: 175
Signed: Venezuela, 2007 • Signed by: Sandy Johnson/Ismael Cruz/Robert Alfonzo
Background: Flores began fine-tuning his skills at an academy near his home at age 13, but his parents allowed him to pursue a baseball career only upon early graduation from high school. Signed for $750,000 on his 16th birthday in 2007, he reached high Class A St. Lucie as an 18-year-old last June.

Scouting Report: Flores always has shown natural aptitude for hitting, something that can't be said for his running or fielding ability. He puts a charge into the ball with quick wrists and a loose, easy stroke. He doesn't swing and miss much, making rapid adjustments and excelling at barreling the ball and driving it to all fields when he gets extension. The results began to manifest in games last season when he smacked 50 extra-base hits, doubling his total from 2009. Flores' ability to hit for average and power will be crucial as he slides down the defensive spectrum. His hands work at shortstop, but his lack of first-step quickness and range won't allow him to play up the middle in the majors. He throws well enough to play third base, though his well below-average speed would make an outfield post an adventure.

The Future: As he fills out and improves his selectivity, Flores could grow into a middle-of-the-order presence. He'll reach Double-A at some point in 2011, probably before his 20th birthday.

2010 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB
Savannah (Lo A) .278 .342 .433 277 30 77 18 2 7 44 23 37 2
St. Lucie (Hi A) .300 .324 .415 277 32 83 18 1 4 40 9 40 2


3. Cesar Puello, of Born: April 1, 1991 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-2 • Wt: 195
Signed: Dominican Republic, 2007 • Signed by: Ramon Pena/Ismael Cruz/Marciano Alvarez
Background: Signed for $400,000 in 2007, Puello was one of five teenage regulars in the low Class A South Atlantic League last year, batting .346/.424/.430 in the second half before missing the final three weeks with a strained lower back. Some scouts prefer him to Wilmer Flores because Puello has five-tool potential.

Scouting Report: Puello went on his tear after going from a deep crouch to a more upright stance, giving him a stronger load and better plate coverage on the inner half. Though he homered only once in 2010, he has as much raw power as anyone in the system, and scouts were impressed he never betrayed his all-fields approach to sell out for power. The home runs will come—potentially as many as 25 annually—because he accelerates the barrel through the hitting zone with strong wrists, generating ample backspin and carry. Puello's most evident tool is his plus speed, which he used to steal 45 bases in 55 tries last year. He has a plus arm and covers a lot of ground in right field, but grades as a merely average defender because of unfocused play and instincts lacking for center.

The Future: If Puello truly does hit 20-plus homers a year, he'll be a fixture in right field for the Mets for a long time. His first taste of high Class A awaits in 2011.

2010 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB
Savannah (Lo A) .292 .375 .359 404 80 118 22 1 1 34 32 82 45


4. Matt Harvey, rhp Born: March 27, 1989 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-4 • Wt: 225
Drafted: North Carolina, 2010 (1st round) • Signed by: Marlin McPhail
Background: One of the top prep pitchers in the 2007 draft, Harvey slid to the third round because of signability and turned down the Angels to attend North Carolina. Inconsistent in his first two years, he had a strong junior season in 2010 and went seventh overall in the draft. He signed at the Aug. 16 deadline for a slightly over-slot $2.525 million. He threw only bullpen sessions in instructional league before leaving camp early to attend to a family matter.

Scouting Report: Harvey has the physicality and arm strength favored by the Mets when they select college righthanders at the top of the draft. The line traces back from Harvey to Brad Holt to Eddie Kunz to Mike Pelfrey to Philip Humber. Harvey pitches at 91-95 mph and touches 97 with his fastball, though his control wavers because his long arm action affects his release point. He throws both a slider and a curveball, but the Mets prefer that he develop the latter, a power downer that shows flashes of being a plus-plus pitch. His mid-80s slider features depth and late finish. He needs to work on his changeup after rarely using it in as an amateur. He improved the balance and tempo in his delivery through hard work in college, a testament to his improved maturity.

The Future: If he maintains direction to the plate and throws strikes, Harvey has front-of-the-rotation stuff. He'll start his pro career in high Class A.

2010 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG

Did Not Play—Signed Late


5. Kirk Nieuwenhuis, of Born: Aug. 7, 1987 • B-T: L-R • Ht: 6-3 • Wt: 210
Drafted: Azusa Pacific (Calif.), 2008 (3rd round) • Signed by: Fred Mazuca
Background: Nieuwenhuis starred as a running back in high school but opted to pursue baseball in college, leading Azusa Pacific (Calif.) to consecutive NAIA World Series and ranking as the summer Alaska League's top prospect following his sophomore year. He led the high Class A Florida State League in four categories, including extra-base hits (56) and slugging (.467), during his full-season debut in 2009. He continued to hit for power last season in Double-A, leading the Eastern League with 53 extra-base hits at the time of his August promotion to Triple-A.

Scouting Report: Nieuwenhuis' all-out approach helps sell observers on his all-around ability, which breaks down as five average to a tick below-average tools. He shows an all-fields approach that could spell a .270 average in the big leagues. He has the bat speed to hit for power, but his line-drive stroke is geared more for doubles and a ceiling of 12-15 homers. His range and instincts in center field grade as average, as does his arm, but his speed is merely fringe-average.

The Future: As an athletic, lefthanded hitter with a dollop of power and speed, Nieuwenhuis could be an ideal reserve who can cover all three outfield spots and produce at the plate. He'll begin 2011 in Triple-A and make his big league debut at some point during the season.

2010 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB
Binghamton (AA) .289 .337 .510 394 81 114 35 2 16 60 30 93 13
Buffalo (AAA) .225 .295 .358 120 10 27 8 1 2 17 11 39 0

[TSC25]

Philles top 5 prospects:

1. Domonic Brown, of Born: Sept. 3, 1987 • B-T: L-L • Ht: 6-5 • Wt: 200
Drafted: HS—Redan, Ga., 2006 (20th round) • Signed by: Chip Lawrence
Background: A football and baseball star in high school, Brown had the opportunity to play wide receiver and outfield for Miami. He moved from Pasco (Fla.) High to Redan (Ga.) High before his senior season because of a messy custody dispute between his mother and father, but still dominated the competition—in both sports and both states—in two of the nation's most heavily scouted areas. Still, he never was considered an elite prospect despite playing in several top showcases. Scouts kept their distance since Brown was raw and had lofty bonus demands, but area scout Chip Lawrence tracked Brown closely and persuaded the Phillies to take a flier on him in the 20th round of the 2006 draft. The team's top scouts evaluated Brown during the summer before signing him away from the Hurricanes for $200,000. He broke out by winning the Hawaii Winter Baseball batting title (.386) after the 2008 season, and has ranked among the game's top prospects ever since. Brown played in the Futures Game and set career highs in most offensive categories in 2010, and he might have won Baseball America's Minor League Player of the Year award had he not earned a big league promotion in late July. He played sparingly in Philadelphia, though he did hit his first two major league homers and made the postseason roster.

Scouting Report: Brown is the prototype of the high-risk, high-reward players the Phillies like to take. He reminds some scouts of Carl Crawford, who turned down a Nebraska football scholarship to sign with the Devil Rays in 1999. Brown is a physical specimen, with a lean, lithe and powerful frame that draws comparisons to a young Barry Bonds and Darryl Strawberry. He has five-tool ability, with his bat has getting the most attention. Brown creates incredible bat speed with his whip-like, uppercut swing and has eliminated previous questions about his power. He developed a good eye for the strike zone in the minors, though he was overly aggressive during his first stint in the big leagues. For a player with such long arms, he has a relatively short stroke with few holes. Assuming he eliminates a tendency to open his front side too early in his swing, he could hit .300 with 20-25 homers annually once he gets established in Philadelphia. He also has above-average speed and the strongest outfield arm in the system. The biggest question about his game revolves around how talented a defender Brown can be in right field. He has plenty of athleticism but needs to improve his route-running and footwork. He went to the Dominican Winter League to work on his defense.

The Future: Brown drew rave reviews during his first big league camp last spring, working hard and showing no fear. With another spring like that following the departure of free agent Jayson Werth, he'll take over as the Phillies' everyday right fielder in 2011. Manager Charlie Manuel likes to break in youngsters slowly, so Brown could start the year platooning with Ben Francisco or even get a little more time at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He's a future all-star, but he's not a finished product.

2010 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB
Reading (AA) .318 .391 .602 236 50 75 16 3 15 47 29 51 12
Lehigh Valley (AAA) .346 .390 .561 107 15 37 6 1 5 21 8 23 5
Philadelphia .210 .257 .355 62 8 13 3 0 2 13 5 24 2


2. Jonathan Singleton, 1b/of Born: Sept. 18, 1991 • B-T: L-L • Ht: 6-2 • Wt: 215
Drafted: HS—Lakewood, Calif., 2009 (8th round) • Signed by: Demetrius Pittman
Background: Singleton impressed on the showcase circuit in 2008, but his summer performance didn't carry over into his senior year, when he pressed and hit .321 with just four home runs. The Phillies still saw him as an advanced high school hitter and signed him for $200,000 as an eighth-rounder. The youngest regular in the low Class A South Atlantic League last year, he rated as the circuit's top prospect and ranked third in on-base percentage (.393) and fourth in slugging (.479) at age 18.

Scouting Report: Singleton has uncanny balance and rhythm at the plate, as well as solid pitch recognition. His swing is simple and compact, and the strength in his hands, wrists and forearms gives him easy plus raw power. As with most young hitters, his swing can get long at times. He's not as athletic as his father Herb, a former quarterback at Oregon, but Singleton is light on his feet. He has a solid-average arm.

The Future: With Ryan Howard signed through 2016, Singleton will have to find a different position to crack Philadelphia's lineup. He started working out in left field in July and continued in instructional league, showing enough promise that he'll play there at high Class A Clearwater in 2011. He could be ready for the big leagues in 2013.

2010 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB
Lakewood (Lo A) .290 .393 .479 376 64 109 25 2 14 77 62 74 9


3. Brody Colvin, rhp Born: Aug. 14, 1990 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-4 • Wt: 195
Drafted: HS—Lafayette, La., 2009 (7th round) • Signed by: Mike Stauffer
Background: Though Colvin was considered a sandwich-round talent coming out of high school, his Louisiana State commitment scared teams off. Area scout Mike Stauffer did a good job getting to know Colvin, however, and the Phillies drafted him in the seventh round and signed him for $900,000, by far the most they spent on a 2009 draft pick. He had an 8.40 ERA after seven outings last year, then posted a 2.00 ERA in his final 20 starts, adding velocity along the way.

Scouting Report: Scouts love Colvin's live arm and strong frame. His fastball sits at 92-94 mph and he can reach back for 97 when needed. He shows signs of two above-average secondary offerings, an upper-70s curveball and an 83-85 mph changeup. His competitiveness helps him maximize his stuff. Philadelphia worked to clean up Colvin's delivery, but it still needs some refinement. He throws across his body from a high three-quarters arm slot and sometimes gets on the side of his curveball. Some scouts have questioned Colvin's makeup and he was arrested on three misdemeanor charges last February, but the Phillies aren't concerned.

The Future: Colvin has No. 2 starter potential and took a giant step in his first full pro. He'll open the 2011 season in high Class A but could finish it at Double-A Reading.

2010 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG
Lakewood (Lo A) 6 8 3.39 27 27 0 0 138 138 7 42 120 .258


4. Jarred Cosart, rhp Born: May 25, 1990 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-3 • Wt: 180
Drafted: HS—League City, Texas, 2008 (38th round) • Signed by: Steve Cohen
Background: Negotiations between Cosart's father Joe and Phillies brass went down to the wire during an American Legion game that ended less than an hour before the 2008 signing deadline, with the team prying Cosart away from a Missouri commitment for a $550,000 bonus in the 38th round. A talented two-way player, he broke Clear Creek (Texas) High's batting average record (.506) previously set by Jay Buhner. Shoulder and back pain delayed his pro debut in 2009, and a tender elbow shut him down in mid-2010 and kept him out of the Futures Game.

Scouting Report: Cosart is tall and lean, and scouts regard his arm as one of the most electric in the minor leagues. His fastball sits at 94-98 mph, usually at the top end of that range, with good life. His 77-79 mph curveball is a solid-average pitch, while his low-80s changeup is a work in progress. His command is advanced for his age and lively stuff. The biggest concern with Cosart is his health, though his arm action and delivery raise no red flags. His maturity and work ethic also have been called into question.

The Future: Cosart pitched without pain in instructional league and should be able to begin the 2011 season in high Class A. He has the potential to become a No. 1 starter or closer—if he can stay healthy.

2010 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG
Lakewood (Lo A) 7 3 3.79 14 14 1 0 71 60 3 16 77 .224


5. Trevor May, rhp Born: Sept. 23, 1989 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-5 • Wt: 215
Drafted: HS—Kelso, Wash., 2008 (4th round) • Signed by: Dave Ryles
Background: May rated as Washington state's top prospect in the 2008 draft before signing for $375,000 as a fourth-round pick. He has been part of Lakewood's back-to-back South Atlantic League titles, allowing just one run in four playoff starts. He wasn't supposed to be in low Class A last year, but when his mechanics and control got out of whack, May got demoted at midseason at the suggestion of senior adviser and former GM Pat Gillick.

Scouting Report: Scouts love to project on May's sturdy 6-foot-5 frame. His best pitch is his 91-95 mph fastball, which has heavy life and great angle. His high three-quarters arm slot also produces armside run. May's 76-79 mph curveball could become a plus pitch as it gains consistency. His changeup sits at 81-84 mph and has similar promise. The Phillies have worked to simplify May's delivery, which he struggles to repeat. He often flies open with his front side and drops his elbow on offspeed pitches. He also has a tendency to fall in love with strikeouts and overthrow.

The Future: May got back on track in the second half, setting the stage to take another crack at high Class A in 2011. A potential No. 2 or 3 starter, he'll pitch alongside Brody Colvin and Jarred Cosart on what should be a loaded Clearwater staff.

2010 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG
Clearwater (Hi A) 5 5 5.01 16 14 0 0 70 53 7 61 90 .212
Lakewood (Lo A) 7 3 2.91 11 11 0 0 65 51 3 20 92 .214

[TSC25]

Nationals top 5:

1. Bryce Harper, of Born: Oct. 16, 1992 • B-T: L-R • Ht: 6-3 • Wt: 225
Drafted: JC of Southern Nevada, 2010 (1st round) • Signed by: Mitch Sokol
Background: Harper was already established as a phenom before Sports Illustrated dubbed him "Baseball's Chosen One" on its cover in June 2009—when he had just completed his sophomore year in high school and was 16 years old. Since then, he has been confronted with gargantuan expectations everywhere he has gone, yet he has managed to exceed even the loftiest projections. In the fall of 2009, Harper earned his general equivalency diploma so he could skip his final two seasons at Las Vegas High and enroll early at the JC of Southern Nevada. Playing in the wood-bat Scenic West Athletic Conference, he destroyed the school record and led national juco players with 31 homers while hitting .443/.526/.987 with 20 steals in 24 tries. He led the Coyotes to a third-place finish at the Junior College World Series, showcasing his athleticism by playing right field, center field and third base in addition to his primary high school position of catcher. Harper was a slam-dunk choice for USA Baseball's Golden Spikes Award as the nation's top amateur player and the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. He signed right before the Aug. 16 deadline for a $9.9 million major league contract (the largest ever given to a position player in the draft) that included a $6.25 million bonus (the third-highest in draft history). After moving to right field full-time during instructional league, Harper faced much older competition yet again in the Arizona Fall League, where he hit .343/.410/.629 with one homer in 35 at-bats as a taxi-squad player.

Scouting Report: Harper's raw tools are freakish. His power rates as a legitimate 80 tool on the 20-80 scouting scale. There are plenty of stories and videos of him hitting 500-foot homers, and he has the ability to easily backspin the ball over the fence to any part of the park. Harper is incredibly intense and aggressive in all phases of the game, including at the plate. Some scouts wonder if he'll hit for a high average because of his propensity to take huge swings with a high, exaggerated leg kick and get jumpy at the plate. But at other times he shows a much quieter, more efficient swing. Those flashes, coupled with his uncanny hand-eye coordination and impeccable work ethic, give other scouts reason to believe he'll eventually become more selective and produce for average as well as power. Harper has shown 96 mph heat off the mound in the past, and his accurate outfield arm gives him a second 80 tool. His slightly above-average speed plays up on the basepaths because he's extremely aggressive at taking the extra base. He's still refining his routes and reads in right field, but he has the athleticism and instincts to be a premium defender there. He has impressed the Nationals by hustling to put himself in position to back up plays.

The Future: The most hyped prospect in draft history, Harper has superstar potential, and it's hard to find an evaluator who thinks he'll fall short of that ceiling. He's also incredibly advanced for an 18-year-old, and a strong spring could put him in position to jump right to high Class A Potomac to make his professional debut. He won't start any lower than low Class A Hagerstown. A realistic big league ETA for Harper is 2013—when he'll be just 20.

2010 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB
Did Not Play—Signed Late


2. Derek Norris, c Born: Feb. 14, 1989 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-0 • Wt: 210
Drafted: HS—Goddard, Kan., 2007 (4th round) • Signed by: Ryan Fox
Background: After establishing himself as the best position-player prospect in the system in 2009, Norris broke the hamate bone in his left hand that fall. Complications from surgery caused him to miss the first month of the 2010 season, and he was hit in the head with a 95 mph fastball shortly after returning. He never really got fully healthy until the fall, when he hit .278/.403/.677 in the Arizona Fall League.

Scouting Report: Norris has a compact, efficient swing with plus power potential, and he can hit the ball to all fields. He has exceptional pitch recognition, feel for the strike zone and discipline, allowing him to lead his leagues in walks in each of the last two years. Sometimes he takes too many pitches, and Washington wants him to pounce when he gets a pitch he can drive. Considering he had little catching experience before turning pro, Norris has made major strides defensively. He still needs to improve his receiving, but he has gotten better at blocking balls in the dirt. His solid-average arm plays up because of his quick release and accuracy, allowing him to throw out 51 percent of basestealers last year. He has fringe-average speed.

The Future: An offensive catcher with all-star potential, Norris will reach Double-A Harrisburg at age 22 in 2011. If his defense continues to progress, he could reach the big leagues the following year.

2010 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB
Potomac (Hi A) .235 .419 .419 298 67 70 19 0 12 49 89 94 6


3. Danny Espinosa, ss/2b Born: April 25, 1987 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-0 • Wt: 190
Drafted: Long Beach State, 2008 (3rd round) • Signed by: Mark Baca
Background: Espinosa was one of three minor leaguers to hit 20 homers and steal 20 bases in 2010. He earned a September taste of the big leagues, following in the footsteps of fellow Long Beach State shortstops Bobby Crosby, Troy Tulowitzki and Evan Longoria.

Scouting Report: Espinosa has a tightly wound frame and strong, quick wrists that generate excellent bat speed. He swings hard and has solid power, but the Nationals want him to be a bit less aggressive. Harrisburg hitting coach Troy Gingrich helpled him make his upper and lower halves work together more effectively in his swing. If Espinosa continues to refine his approach and setup he could become an average hitter, thanks to his excellent hand-eye coordination and bunting skills. Espinosa's plus-plus arm plays well at shortstop, and his instincts, intelligence and hands give him a chance to excel at second base or be solid at short. He has average speed and runs the bases well.

The Future:Espinosa had surgery to remove the hamate bone in his right hand in late November but should be ready to compete for Washington's second-base job in spring training. He projects as a solid regular.

2010 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB
Harrisburg (AA) .262 .334 .464 386 66 101 16 4 18 54 33 94 20
Syracuse (AAA) .295 .349 .463 95 14 28 2 1 4 15 8 22 5
Washington .214 .277 .447 103 16 22 4 1 6 15 9 30 0


4. A.J. Cole, rhp Born: Jan. 5, 1992 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-4 • Wt: 180
Drafted: HS—Oviedo, Fla., 2010 (4th round) • Signed by: Paul Tinnell
Background: Regarded as a potential top-10-overall pick heading into his senior year at Oviedo (Fla.) High in 2010, Cole got off to a slow start because of the flu and bad weather. His velocity dipped to 88-93 mph early in the year, though he touched the mid-90s later in the spring. Signability concerns (he was a Miami recruit) dropped him in the draft, and the Nationals were elated to get him in the fourth round. He signed a day before the Aug. 16 deadline for $2 million—a record for the round.

Scouting Report: Cole has an athletic, projectable frame and a loose, electric arm. He attacks the strike zone with his fastball and curveball, and his low-maintenance delivery suggests he'll have at least solid-average command. His fastball topped out at 93 mph in instructional league, but he regularly has reached 95-97 in the past. As he matures physically, his heater should be a premium pitch. Cole's 76-80 mph spike curveball has short 11-to-5 break, good rotation and depth, giving him the makings of a second plus offering. He also has feel for a changeup, though it's inconsistent. He's an intense competitor with a professional approach to preparation.

The Future: Cole has frontline-starter upside and could move fairly quickly for a high school draftee. With one pro inning under his belt, he'll probably open 2011 in low Class A.

2010 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG
Vermont (SS) 0 0 0.00 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 .333


5. Wilson Ramos, c Born: Aug. 8, 1987 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-2 • Wt: 220
Drafted: Venezuela, 2004 • Signed by: Jose Leon (Twins)
Background: Ramos had ranked as one of the Twins' best prospects since 2007, but Joe Mauer blocked his big league path. In need of a closer, Minnesota traded him and lefthander Joe Testa to the Nationals for all-star Matt Capps last July. Ramos spent September in Washington, then put together another solid winter in the Venezuela League.

Scouting Report: Strong and physical, Ramos stands out for his defensive skills behind the plate and his power potential. He's a good receiver with soft hands, and his plus arm helped him throw out an International League-best 50 percent of basestealers in 2010. He's still learning to call games and manage pitchers. Ramos has good loft and leverage in his swing, giving him a chance to hit for solid-average or slightly better power in time. He does get pull-happy, and he must improve his contact rate and patience at the plate. Conditioning has been an issue for Ramos in the past, and he's a well below-average runner.

The Future: Ramos' defense and power potential could make him a valuable everyday catcher. He should battle for time behind the plate in Washington this year.

2010 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB
Rochester (AAA) .241 .280 .345 278 25 67 14 0 5 30 12 49 1
Minnesota .296 .321 .407 27 2 8 3 0 0 1 0 3 0
Syracuse (AAA) .316 .341 .494 79 14 25 3 1 3 8 3 12 0
Washington .269 .296 .404 52 3 14 4 0 1 4 2 9 0