Continuing past our Top 25 rookies to watch this spring, we outline the Top 100 prospects to watch. Lists such as this one have become more and more pertinent in recent years as teams are eschewing costly midseason trades in order to give chances to their lower-level farm hands. We also have links for separate lists in AL-only and NL-only Fantasy leagues.
We guarantee not all of these players will appear in the majors this season -- and we certainly left out some names who will surprise -- but use this list as a guide to help you find hidden gems in deeper long-term keeper leagues. We rank them based on their projected contributions in Fantasy this year only, taking the younger and raw prospects' talent and hype in consideration as well.
Note: All players on this list remain rookie eligible, according to official MLB rules, meaning they have less than 130 at-bats, 50 innings pitched or 45 days of service time in the major leagues.
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Rk | Player | TM | Age | Pos | 2007 high | Destination |
1 | Evan Longoria | TB | 22 | 3B | Triple-A | Majors |
Scouts from Arizona Fall League see him hitting 30 homers this year. | ||||||
2 | Clay Buchholz | BOS | 23 | RHP | Majors | Majors |
Curt Schilling's shoulder problem cuts a clear path for him in Red Sox rotation. | ||||||
3 | Jay Bruce | CIN | 20 | OF | Triple-A | Triple-A |
Might not start year in majors, but "next Larry Walker" will get a chance soon enough. | ||||||
4 | Joba Chamberlain | NYY | 22 | RHP | Majors | Majors |
We would rank him higher if we could be sure he won't merely be a setup man. | ||||||
5 | Jacoby Ellsbury | BOS | 24 | OF | Majors | Majors |
Might not be as good as we saw in September, but he is a 40-steal candidate if he starts. | ||||||
6 | Cameron Maybin | FLA | 20 | OF | Majors | Majors |
Initially will contribute in steals, but he is an elite talent with 40-40 potential long term. | ||||||
7 | Ian Kennedy | NYY | 23 | RHP | Majors | Majors |
His minor league numbers were even better than Phil Hughes or Chamberlain's last year. | ||||||
8 | Geovany Soto | CHC | 25 | C | Majors | Majors |
Triple-A MVP's numbers came out of nowhere, but they were so good you have to take notice. | ||||||
9 | Brandon Wood | LAA | 23 | 3B | Majors | Majors |
Angels cleared shortstop spot to make room for him, if not on opening day then soon enough. | ||||||
10 | Andy LaRoche | LAD | 24 | 3B | Majors | Majors |
Dodgers say he will enter spring on equal ground with Nomar Garciaparra for starting 3B job. | ||||||
11 | Joey Votto | CIN | 24 | 1B | Majors | Majors |
Great OPS bat has wide-open shot in a great hitter's park, but he plays a competitive position. | ||||||
12 | Kosuke Fukudome | CHC | 30 | OF | Japan | Majors |
Import is a well-rounded outfielder the Cubs are paying a lot of money to produce. | ||||||
13 | Colby Rasmus | CIN | 21 | OF | Double-A | Majors |
Some in Cards organization believe he is capable of handling the huge jump from Double-A. | ||||||
14 | Daric Barton | OAK | 22 | 1B | Majors | Majors |
A's say he will have first shot at starting 1B job over disappointing Dan Johnson this spring. | ||||||
15 | Franklin Morales | COL | 22 | LHP | Majors | Majors |
Stretch run was great, but he won't have a certain rotation spot like Ubaldo Jimenez does. | ||||||
16 | Homer Bailey | CIN | 21 | RHP | Majors | Majors |
Talent is as good as anyone's but has some significant development steps to take still. | ||||||
17 | Chase Headley | SD | 23 | 3B | Majors | Majors |
Move to outfield should give him a great chance to open year in San Diego's starting lineup. | ||||||
18 | Carlos Gonzalez | OAK | 22 | OF | Triple-A | Majors |
He might not be ready to star, but the rebuilding A's might need him ready to start. | ||||||
19 | Ian Stewart | COL | 22 | 3B | Majors | Majors |
If we were certain he can handle the defensive switch to second, he would be in the top 10. | ||||||
20 | Matt Antonelli | SD | 22 | 2B | Double-A | Triple-A |
A year behind Headley, but we wouldn't doubt he could open the year in LF in San Diego. | ||||||
21 | Hiroki Kuroda | LAD | 33 | RHP | Japan | Majors |
Reports say he can throw mid-90s with outstanding command. He's old, but at least intriguing. | ||||||
22 | Steve Pearce | PIT | 24 | 1B/OF | Majors | Majors |
His bat is ready, but he needs a position. The Pirates need to play guys like Pearce. | ||||||
23 | J.R. Towles | HOU | 24 | C | Majors | Majors |
Astros are ready to hand the position over full time to this future top-10 Fantasy catcher. | ||||||
24 | David Price | TB | 22 | LHP | College | Double-A |
2007 No. 1 overall pick might be getting a look to open pro career in majors ... wow! | ||||||
25 | Aaron Laffey | CLE | 22 | LHP | Majors | Majors |
Has potential to start for a top contender, but Cliff Lee and Jeremy Sowers are still around. | ||||||
26 | Gio Gonzalez | OAK | 22 | LHP | Double-A | Majors |
Minor league strikeout leader should have a great chance to start for rebuilding A's out of gate. | ||||||
27 | Clayton Kershaw | LAD | 20 | LHP | Double-A | Double-A |
Scouts are unanimous on his high ceiling, but he is just too young to consider for '08. | ||||||
28 | Adam Miller | CLE | 23 | RHP | Triple-A | Triple-A |
Elite prospect was throwing 100 MPH last spring but missed out on call-up due to elbow. | ||||||
29 | Jake McGee | TB | 21 | LHP | Double-A | Double-A |
Any other organization would have him as a No. 5 starter candidate. Rays will be patient. | ||||||
30 | Wade Davis | TB | 22 | RHP | Double-A | Double-A |
Four Rays among our top 30 prospects and Davis is the third pitcher. This is a serious system. | ||||||
31 | Shelley Duncan | NYY | 28 | DH | Majors | Majors |
Power is pretty obvious, but Baseball America doesn't think much of him. | ||||||
32 | Manny Parra | MIL | 25 | LHP | Majors | Majors |
If he wins a rotation spot out of spring training, move him into the top 25 rookies portion. | ||||||
33 | Carlos Carrasco | PHI | 21 | RHP | Double-A | Triple-A |
If he gets a chance to start for the Phils in '08, look out for some potentially huge dividends. | ||||||
34 | Wladimir Balentien | SEA | 23 | OF | Majors | Majors |
We give him a pretty good chance of making Mariners as a reserve outfielder. | ||||||
35 | Nick Adenhart | LAA | 21 | RHP | Double-A | Triple-A |
He will be just one call away from starting for one of the best teams in baseball. | ||||||
36 | Reid Brignac | TB | 22 | SS | Double-A | Triple-A |
Poor showing in Arizona Fall League forced Rays to trade for Jason Bartlett to start at SS. | ||||||
37 | Johnny Cueto | CIN | 22 | RHP | Triple-A | Triple-A |
It shouldn't take much for him to get a look. If he opens in rotation, he is a top-20 guy. | ||||||
38 | Andrew McCutchen | PIT | 21 | OF | Double-A | Triple-A |
Looks like another Lastings Milledge to us; can arrive soon but star later down the road. | ||||||
39 | Max Scherzer | ARI | 23 | RHP | Double-A | Triple-A |
'06 No. 1 pick had solid first pro season and has a good shot at ending in D-Backs' rotation. | ||||||
40 | Jordan Schafer | ATL | 21 | OF | High Class A | Double-A |
Not candidate to open year in CF for Atlanta, but we like his chances of finishing there. | ||||||
41 | Travis Snider | TOR | 20 | OF | Low Class A | High Class A |
Our first Class A player on this list, which means his ceiling is high but still far away. | ||||||
42 | Eric Hurley | TEX | 22 | RHP | Triple-A | Triple-A |
We like his chances of making his debut, but Texas' history with pitching prospects is poor. | ||||||
43 | Christopher Marrero | WAS | 20 | 1B | High Class A | High Class A |
Age will keep him from making a huge impact this year, but he could rise quickly. | ||||||
44 | Jair Jurrjens | ATL | 22 | RHP | Majors | Triple-A |
If he winds up in Braves rotation to start the season, you should move him into the top 20. | ||||||
45 | Radhames Liz | BAL | 25 | RHP | Majors | Triple-A |
Hard thrower could use time in Triple-A to become a pitcher, but can O's afford that? | ||||||
46 | Troy Patton | BAL | 22 | LHP | Majors | Majors |
As a teenager was viewed as a potential Hall of Famer. Might be O's No. 5 starter. | ||||||
47 | Collin Balester | WAS | 21 | RHP | Triple-A | Triple-A |
It won't take much for the Nats' closest pitching prospect to earn rotation spot. | ||||||
48 | Jeff Clement | SEA | 24 | C | Majors | Majors |
Kenji Johjima's veteran presence on contender holds elite catching talent back ... for now. | ||||||
49 | Brandon Jones | ATL | 24 | OF | Majors | Majors |
Might start year as reserve with Braves, but he lacks real power or steals potential. | ||||||
50 | Jayson Nix | COL | 25 | 2B | Triple-A | Triple-A |
Reports may have him ahead of Stewart for starting 2B job, but we obviously like Ian more. | ||||||
51 | Philip Humber | MIN | 25 | RHP | Majors | Triple-A |
Drafted among the elite, higher than all but Justin Verlander, in famed 2004 pitcher draft. | ||||||
52 | Kevin Mulvey | MIN | 22 | RHP | Triple-A | Triple-A |
Groundball pitcher who doesn't give up homers should outpitch his stuff in big leagues. | ||||||
53 | Jeff Niemann | TB | 25 | RHP | Triple-A | Triple-A |
Mountain of a pitcher should get a look before Rays more elite prospects in first half. | ||||||
54 | Luke Hochevar | KC | 24 | RHP | Majors | Triple-A |
Former No. 1 overall pick likely needs to dominate minors before he starts for Royals. | ||||||
55 | Taylor Teagarden | TEX | 24 | C | Double-A | Triple-A |
Awesome power at his position but Rangers are committed to Jarrod Saltalamacchia. | ||||||
56 | William Inman | SD | 21 | RHP | Double-A | Double-A |
Key piece in the Scott Linebrink to Brewers deal has struggled above Class A so far. | ||||||
57 | Brett Anderson | OAK | 20 | LHP | Low Class A | High Class A |
This might wind up being the best chip the A's got in the Dan Haren blockbuster. | ||||||
58 | Glen Perkins | MIN | 25 | LHP | Majors | Triple-A |
Starting last year in Twins' bullpen proved to set him back a year or two. | ||||||
59 | Nick Blackburn | MIN | 26 | RHP | Majors | Triple-A |
Lack of knockout stuff could hold him back to Triple-A, but he should get a look in '08. | ||||||
60 | Chris Volstad | FLA | 21 | RHP | Double-A | Double-A |
The rebuilding Marlins won't need to see much more of him before they call him up. | ||||||
61 | Chuck Lofgren | CLE | 22 | LHP | Triple-A | Triple-A |
Indians have too many options in front of Lofgren, but few of them have more talent. | ||||||
62 | Ross Detwiler | WAS | 22 | LHP | Majors | High Class A |
Sixth overall pick should be watched for potentially huge second-half dividends. | ||||||
63 | Matt LaPorta | MIL | 23 | OF | Low Class A | Double-A |
Seventh overall pick in '07 draft has great bat that won't need much seasoning in minors. | ||||||
64 | Sean Rodriguez | LAA | 22 | SS | Double-A | Triple-A |
If Angels' Wood falters, this power-hitting shortstop will be there to pick up pieces. | ||||||
65 | Joe Savery | PHI | 22 | LHP | Low Class A | High Class A |
Rice product shouldn't need much time in minors, so Phils may give him look late. | ||||||
66 | Gaby Hernandez | FLA | 21 | RHP | Double-A | Triple-A |
Another pitcher the rebuilding Marlins will give a look to far sooner than others would. | ||||||
67 | Greg Smith | OAK | 24 | LHP | Triple-A | Triple-A |
"Crafty" lefty should make a good deal of starts for an A's team searching for talent. | ||||||
68 | Garrett Olson | BAL | 24 | LHP | Majors | Triple-A |
Another lefty whose minor league numbers exceed his reported "stuff" and hype. | ||||||
69 | Justin Masterson | BOS | 22 | RHP | Double-A | Triple-A |
Red Sox might give him a look to be a Chamberlain-like setup man in second half. | ||||||
70 | German Duran | TEX | 23 | 2B | Double-A | Triple-A |
Power at second base makes him a top-notch candidate to surprise in second half. | ||||||
71 | Chris Davis | TEX | 22 | 3B | Double-A | Double-A |
Masher combined for 36 homers last season in minors and could get late look. | ||||||
72 | Humberto Sanchez | NYY | 24 | RHP | DNP -- injury | High Class A |
Won't be healthy for start of season after Tommy John surgery, but could surprise. | ||||||
73 | Neil Walker | PIT | 22 | 3B | Triple-A | Triple-A |
His numbers would have played a lot better at catcher than at third base. | ||||||
74 | Michael Bowden | BOS | 21 | RHP | Double-A | Double-A |
He might have a better chance to reach majors elsewhere after midseason trade. | ||||||
75 | Desmond Jennings | TB | 21 | OF | Low Class A | High Class A |
Ability to get on base and potentially become a 50-SB threat make him intriguing in Roto. | ||||||
76 | Matt Harrison | TEX | 22 | LHP | Double-A | Triple-A |
Trade-deadline acquisition just has to prove healthy, but Texas will need him in '08. | ||||||
77 | Joe Mather | STL | 25 | OF | Triple-A | Triple-A |
Third-rounder from '01 has been in system a while, but peaked with 31 HRs last year. | ||||||
78 | Brent Lillibridge | ATL | 24 | SS | Triple-A | Triple-A |
Figures to be fall-back option if Yunel Escobar falters or gets injured in first full season. | ||||||
79 | Nolan Reimold | BAL | 24 | OF | Double-A | Triple-A |
Rebuilding O's will likely go to him before he's ready, but he looks solid long term. | ||||||
80 | Jed Lowrie | BOS | 23 | SS | Triple-A | Triple-A |
If Julio Lugo has another stinker, we could see powerful Stanford product take over. | ||||||
81 | Fernando Martinez | NYM | 19 | OF | Double-A | Double-A |
Injuries and being rushed up the Mets' chain have kept him from posting good numbers. | ||||||
82 | Austin Jackson | NYY | 21 | OF | Triple-A | Double-A |
One of the pieces the Yankees demanded hanging on to in Johan Santana trade talks. | ||||||
83 | Brett Sinkbiel | FLA | 23 | RHP | High Class A | Double-A |
First-round pick has to get over nagging injuries, but Marlins won't be afraid to advance him. | ||||||
84 | Bill Rowell | BAL | 19 | 3B | Low Class A | High Class A |
Disappointing first full pro season has taken some of the luster off elite high school pick. | ||||||
85 | Matt Wieters | BAL | 21 | C | College | High Class A |
Until the catcher makes his official pro debut we can't consider him a true Fantasy target. | ||||||
86 | Chin-Lung Hu | LAD | 24 | SS | Majors | Triple-A |
Could develop into .300 hitter in majors and might be Rafael Furcal's successor. | ||||||
87 | Deolis Guerra | MIN | 18 | RHP | High Class A | High Class A |
Among the prospects in the Santana deal, he has the best chance to be great. | ||||||
88 | Daniel Cortes | KC | 21 | RHP | High Class A | Double-A |
Great first full season in Royals system has him moving up team's prospect radar. | ||||||
89 | Chris Coghlan | FLA | 22 | 2B | High Class A | Double-A |
Power at second could help Marlins deal off much older Dan Uggla for more prospects. | ||||||
90 | Jose Tabata | NYY | 19 | OF | High Class A | Double-A |
We don't see it yet, but scouts love his high ceiling, so we will watch one more year. | ||||||
91 | Lars Anderson | BOS | 20 | 1B | Low Class A | High Class A |
Baseball America is predicting some huge numbers this year for this slugger. | ||||||
92 | Jason Heyward | ATL | 18 | OF | Low Class A | Low Class A |
An outstanding debut has toolsy high school draftee high on Braves' prospect radar. | ||||||
93 | Mike Moustakas | KC | 19 | SS | Low Class A | Low Class A |
2007 first-rounder is too far from the majors to consider outside of keeper formats. | ||||||
94 | Josh Vitters | CHC | 18 | 3B | Low Class A | Low Class A |
Another '07 first-rounder who could arrive quickly but won't impact Fantasy this year. | ||||||
95 | Elvis Andrus | TEX | 19 | SS | High Class A | High Class A |
Piece in Mark Teixeira deal has drawn Edgar Renteria comparisons, but is too far away. | ||||||
96 | Rick Porcello | DET | 19 | RHP | High school | Low Class A |
Slipped due to signability, but he needs to debut spectacularly to have any chance soon. | ||||||
97 | Angel Villalona | SF | 17 | 3B | Low Class A | Low Class A |
Scouts and Baseball America love his high ceiling, so that's enough for us. | ||||||
98 | Tim Alderson | SF | 19 | RHP | Low Class A | Low Class A |
6-foot-7 prospect throws in low-90s but you should expect more power to come. | ||||||
99 | Jarrod Parker | ARI | 19 | RHP | High school | Low Class A |
Baseball America has compared him to Scott Kazmir and Tim Lincecum, wow! | ||||||
100 | Carlos Triunfel | SEA | 18 | SS | High Class A | High Class A |
Power hasn't developed and he is far too raw and far away to project for Fantasy yet. |
You can e-mail us your Fantasy Baseball questions to DMFantasyBaseball@cbs.com. Be sure to put Attn: Top 100 prospects in the subject field. Please include your full name, hometown and state.