Part II in Emack's series on rookies and prospects for 2007.
We have cobbled together the Top 100 Fantasy Baseball rookies to target on Draft Day. But we have to warn you: It is not a top prospects list, which projects long-term potential.
Instead, it is a ranking of Draft Day value for yearly leagues -- assuming you're drafting in March and don't have keepers. We take into account talent, opportunity and proximity to having an impact this year alone, giving you options on fliers to take in deeper leagues on Draft Day.
2007 DRAFT GUIDE! | ||
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Trust us: It is harder to project what a Class A prospect might do in 2007 than it is to forecast him long term. He might never get called up ... or he might be the next Albert Pujols. It's a variable that's missing from top prospects lists, where seeing the high ranking of Yankee teenage OF Jose Tabata won't do anything for you. (In fact, Tabata didn't even make our cut).
Also, Angels shortstop farmhand Brandon Wood is an elite prospect, but the fact he is currently slated to open the year in Triple-A puts him at No. 26 below. The same can be said for Philip Hughes, the highly touted Yankees 20-year-old pitching phenom, who checks in at No. 19. For a more in-depth look at the Top 25, click here.
Also, if you think some of these rankings are out of whack, click here. There we list the rookies picked in our AL-only and NL-only analyst leagues.
Note: All ages are based on what they will be opening day (April 1).
Top 100 Rookies to Target on Draft Day | |||||
Rookies/Prospects | Age | Pos. | 2006 high | Destination | |
1 | Delmon Young, TB | 21 | RF | Majors | Majors |
He should break 20-20, but we still see a future 30-30 man here | |||||
2 | Daisuke Matsuzaka, BOS | 26 | RH SP | Japan | Majors |
Hype will likely have him overrated, but he has big-time potential | |||||
3 | Alex Gordon, KC | 23 | 3B | Double-A | Majors |
Royals say they will give him a shot this spring, can we trust them? | |||||
4 | Chris B. Young, ARI | 23 | CF | Majors | Majors |
Triple-A numbers didn't match hype, but still have to be intrigued | |||||
5 | Matt Garza, MIN | 23 | RH SP | Majors | Majors |
Fast-rising flame-thrower was promising in spots late last year | |||||
6 | Mike Pelfrey, NYM | 23 | RH SP | Majors | Majors |
Enters spring training as No. 5 starter and has big-time upside | |||||
7 | Troy Tulowitzki, COL | 22 | SS | Majors | Majors |
It didn't take long for Tulo to render Clint Barmes useless | |||||
8 | Chris Iannetta, COL | 23 | C | Majors | Majors |
Don't be J.D. Closser-shy here, Iannetta is better, we promise | |||||
9 | Kevin Kouzmanoff, SD | 25 | 3B | Majors | Majors |
You don't trade a Josh Barfield unless you have conviction here | |||||
10 | Kei Igawa, NYY | 27 | LH SP | Japan | Majors |
Not a Dice-K, but we think he can be the better side of Kaz Ishii | |||||
11 | Homer Bailey, CIN | 20 | RH SP | Double-A | Triple-A |
Has to be very convincing this spring, but his talent is worth gamble | |||||
12 | Akinori Iwamura, TB | 28 | 3B | Japan | Majors |
Even Rays say power won't translate, but he's worth an AL-only flier | |||||
13 | Adam Lind, TOR | 23 | OF | Majors | Majors |
Showed he can mash, but has to earn at-bats after Big Hurt signing | |||||
14 | Jason Botts, TEX | 26 | DH | Majors | Majors |
Big power man has wide-open opportunity in still great hitter's park | |||||
15 | Jeff Baker, COL | 25 | OF | Majors | Majors |
Will get his at-bats at 3B-1B-RF-LF spelling middle of Rox order | |||||
16 | Miguel Montero, ARI | 23 | C | Majors | Majors |
If he beats out Chris Snyder, he's worth look even in mixed formats | |||||
17 | Dustin Pedroia, BOS | 23 | 2B | Majors | Majors |
Minor league numbers are as intriguing as his talent and opportunity | |||||
18 | Jeff Mathis, LAA | 23 | C | Majors | Majors |
Another repeat name on this list; has to overcome disappointing '06 | |||||
19 | Phil Hughes,NYY | 20 | RH SP | Double-A | Triple-A |
Talent top notch, but we cannot see Yanks taking him out of spring | |||||
20 | John Danks, CHW | 21 | LH SP | Triple-A | Triple-A |
This ranking is on shred of hope he opens year in ChiSox rotation | |||||
21 | Jason Hirsh, COL | 25 | RH SP | Majors | Triple-A |
Astros gave up on him way too soon, but he needs to earn spot | |||||
22 | Josh Fields, CHW | 24 | 3B | Majors | Majors |
Move him into top 5-10 if he wins starting spot in LF this spring | |||||
23 | Hunter Pence, HOU | 23 | CF | Double-A | Triple-A |
CF is clear for the taking, if not this spring, then by midseason | |||||
24 | Jeff Niemann, TB | 24 | RH SP | Double-A | Triple-A |
Drafted in Jered Weaver-Justin Verlander-Jeremy Sowers class | |||||
25 | Edinson Volquez, TEX | 23 | RH SP | Majors | Majors |
Only worth this spot if he reaches potential and earns rotation spot | |||||
26 | Brandon Wood, LAA | 22 | SS | Double-A | Triple-A |
Power potential for position off the charts; might be best minor leaguer | |||||
27 | Philip Humber, NYM | 24 | RH SP | Majors | Triple-A |
Another from famed '04 class; swap spots if he beats out Pelfrey | |||||
28 | Andy LaRoche, LAD | 23 | 3B | Triple-A | Triple-A |
Huge pop; if not for shoulder last year, he would be opening-day 3B | |||||
29 | Kory Casto, WAS | 25 | LF | Double-A | Triple-A |
Not an elite prospect, but has shot at starting on opening day for Nats | |||||
30 | James Loney, LAD | 22 | 1B | Majors | Triple-A |
If not for Nomar re-signing, this future monster would be top 10 here | |||||
31 | Adam Miller, CLE | 22 | RH SP | Triple-A | Triple-A |
Sowers is ahead of him, but he's a bigger prospect due to K potential | |||||
32 | Ryan J. Braun, MIL | 23 | 3B | Double-A | Triple-A |
Alex Gordon -lite has shot if Corey Koskie (concussion) isn't ready | |||||
33 | Yovani Gallardo, MIL | 21 | RH SP | Double-A | Triple-A |
Do cartwheels when filthy Francisco Liriano -like talent gets call | |||||
34 | Humberto Sanchez, NYY | 23 | RHP | Triple-A | Majors |
Just a hunch, but he could be this year's Joel Zumaya relief find | |||||
35 | Joey Votto, CIN | 23 | 1B | Double-A | Triple-A |
Huge bat blocked by just Scott Hatteberg; two great reasons to buy! | |||||
36 | Reid Brignac, TB | 21 | SS | Double-A | Double-A |
Offense at thin spot is intriguing and might lead to quick rise | |||||
37 | Evan Longoria, TB | 21 | 3B | Double-A | Double-A |
Bigger prospect than Brignac or Braun, but more blocked at 3B in TB | |||||
38 | Andrew Miller, DET | 21 | LH SP | Majors | Double-A |
Tigers say second-half return to bigs not out of question this year | |||||
39 | Tim Lincecum, SF | 22 | RH SP | Class A | Double-A |
'06 pick extremely raw, but Giants feel he could be factor late 2007 | |||||
40 | Billy Butler, KC | 20 | RF | Double-A | Triple-A |
Gordon forced him to RF, but his bat will wind up playing anywhere | |||||
41 | Andrew McCutchen, PIT | 20 | CF | Double-A | Double-A |
Similar to Lastings Milledge; could arrive quickly but blossom later | |||||
42 | Ian Stewart, COL | 21 | 3B | Double-A | Triple-A |
Injury-plagued '06 doesn't scare us; potential Helton trade excites us | |||||
43 | Ryan Sweeney, CHW | 22 | OF | Majors | Triple-A |
Has chance to open year in majors, but numbers aren't great yet | |||||
44 | Erick Aybar, LAA | 23 | SS | Majors | Majors |
Stuck between Orlando Cabrera and Wood, but can get SBs now | |||||
45 | Felix Pie, CHC | 22 | CF | Triple-A | Triple-A |
Might get chance to debut this April, but won't star right away | |||||
46 | Alberto Callaspo, ARI | 23 | 2B | Majors | Majors |
Great contact bat, but a UTL man who doesn't hit HRs or get SBs | |||||
47 | Adam Jones, SEA | 21 | OF | Majors | Triple-A |
Rose quickly, but scouts like him more than statisticians do so far | |||||
48 | Carlos Ruiz, PHI | 28 | C | Majors | Majors |
Old for a "prospect" but opportunity, position and bat are intriguing | |||||
49 | Luke Hochevar, KC | 23 | RH SP | Class A | Double-A |
Ranked low, but you can't anticipate an '07 call-up | |||||
50 | Cameron Maybin, DET | 19 | CF | Class A | Double-A |
Tigers don't mind moving prospects quickly, but he's really young | |||||
51 | Jay Bruce, CIN | 19 | OF | Class A | Class A |
Top 5 on prospect lists, but low here because he's keeper-only | |||||
52 | Scott Elbert, LAD | 21 | LH SP | Double-A | Double-A |
LH version of 2006's Chad Billingsley; could arrive in second half | |||||
53 | Glen Perkins, MIN | 24 | LH SP | Majors | Triple-A |
A top 15 if he makes rotation this spring (possible, but not likely) | |||||
54 | Micah Owings, ARI | 24 | RH SP | Triple-A | Triple-A |
Big Unit trade slows him up, but won't keep him from '07 arrival | |||||
55 | Shawn Hill, WAS | 24 | RH SP | Majors | Majors |
Tommy John patient will have rotation spot if healthy this spring | |||||
56 | Matt Albers, HOU | 24 | RH SP | Majors | Triple-A |
Competes for spot, but regardless helps Astros, NL-onlys in '07 | |||||
57 | Jeff Clement, SEA | 23 | C | Triple-A | Triple-A |
Coming off bad '06 and needs an injury to soph Kenji Johjima | |||||
58 | Jarrod Saltalamacchia, ATL | 21 | C | Double-A | Double-A |
Supposed to be better than Brian McCann; might have to move | |||||
59 | Thomas Diamond, TEX | 23 | RH SP | Double-A | Triple-A |
Lost some high-end luster, but should develop into solid starter | |||||
60 | Carlos Gonzalez, ARI | 21 | OF | Double-A | Double-A |
Even better long term than Chris B. Young, but further behind | |||||
61 | Joe Koshansky, COL | 24 | 1B | Double-A | Triple-A |
Helton deal would have opened door, but he needs more time | |||||
62 | Daric Barton, OAK | 21 | 1B | Triple-A | Triple-A |
Disaster '06 in Triple-A means he won't challenge Dan Johnson | |||||
63 | Travis Buck, OAK | 23 | OF | Double-A | Triple-A |
Power isn't there yet, but he's not far from bigs and might pop | |||||
64 | Nick Adenhart, LAA | 20 | RH SP | Class A | Class A |
Popular name at trade deadline; could be reason he gets early look | |||||
65 | Tyler Lumsden, KC | 23 | LH SP | Double-A | Triple-A |
Has shot at rotation, but that's good-news, bad-news right now | |||||
66 | Javier Herrera, OAK | 21 | OF | DNP injured | Double-A |
Made Andre Ethier expendable then lost '06 to elbow surgery | |||||
67 | Gio Gonzalez, CHW | 21 | LH RP | Double-A | Triple-A |
Nice talent and White Sox say he could compete for No. 5 spot | |||||
68 | Justin Huber, KC | 24 | DH | Majors | Triple-A |
Ryan Shealy blocks him; he's running out of time and positions | |||||
69 | Trevor Crowe, CLE | 23 | OF | Double-A | Triple-A |
Had he been able to transition to 2B, he would be higher here | |||||
70 | Ryan Goleski, OAK | 24 | OF | Double-A | Majors |
Raw Rule-5er had awesome numbers and has to make roster | |||||
71 | Jerry Owens, CHW | 26 | OF | Majors | Triple-A |
Not a hitter, but he has AL-only value in Roto leagues for SBs | |||||
72 | Joel Guzman, TB | 22 | 3B/1B/OF | Majors | Triple-A |
Numbers don't equal talent yet, but we're not giving up here | |||||
73 | Delwyn Young, LAD | 24 | OF | Majors | Triple-A |
Pop was a lot more impressive when he was a 2B, but still | |||||
74 | Elijah Dukes, TB | 22 | OF | Triple-A | Triple-A |
Dukes of Hazzard remains a problem child, but a talented one | |||||
75 | Joaquin Arias, TEX | 22 | SS | Majors | Triple-A |
Plus speed but blocked by two studly Fantasy stars at SS/2B | |||||
76 | Jacoby Ellsbury, BOS | 23 | OF | Double-A | Triple-A |
Speedster could take over in CF if (when?) Coco Crisp fails | |||||
77 | Larry Broadway, WAS | 26 | 1B | Triple-A | Triple-A |
No longer a high-ceiling talent, but might start on opening day | |||||
78 | Kevin Slowey, MIN | 22 | RH SP | Double-A | Triple-A |
Doesn't have knockout stuff, but you cannot argue with results | |||||
79 | Brian Bannister, KC | 26 | RH SP | Majors | Majors |
Trade to KC gives him opportunity, but ruins '07 Fantasy potential | |||||
80 | Cesar Carrillo, SD | 22 | RH SP | Triple-A | Triple-A |
If he doesn't need elbow surgery, he's a big-time sleeper prospect | |||||
81 | Matt Chico, WAS | 23 | LH SP | Double-A | Triple-A |
Wide-open Nats rotation could help him make quick rise in spring | |||||
82 | Garrett Mock, WAS | 23 | RH SP | Double-A | Triple-A |
With Chico, Livan Hernandez might nets Nats two rotation Ps | |||||
83 | Anthony Lerew, ATL | 24 | RH SP | Majors | Triple-A |
Move in and out of bullpen ruined his '06, but might surprise | |||||
84 | Colby Rasmus, STL | 20 | OF | Class A | Class A |
A raw talent but Cardinals aren't shy about using young players | |||||
85 | Justin Upton, ARI | 19 | OF | Class A | Class A |
Might he star before B.J.? Headed to hitter's league, so look out! | |||||
86 | Chris Volstad, FLA | 20 | RH SP | Class A | Class A |
Too young to be considered in earnest in '07, but very talented | |||||
87 | Clay Buchholz, BOS | 22 | RH SP | Class A | Class A |
Numbers look filthy, but Red Sox have ample depth right now | |||||
88 | Mitch Talbot, TB | 23 | RH SP | Double-A | Triple-A |
Can move up quick because he can steal rotation spot in spring | |||||
89 | Blake Hawksworth, STL | 23 | RH SP | Double-A | Triple-A |
Cards have some experimental SPs, so he could arrive quickly | |||||
90 | Terry Evans, LAA | 25 | OF | Double-A | Triple-A |
Ridiculous '06 numbers came out of nowhere; keep him in mind | |||||
91 | George Kottaras, BOS | 23 | C | Triple-A | Triple-A |
Another Jason Varitek injury paves way for decent C prospect | |||||
92 | Jesus Flores, WAS | 22 | C | Class A | Majors |
Rule-5 draftee C coming off 21-HR season making a huge leap | |||||
93 | Anderson Hernandez, NYM | 24 | 2B | Majors | Triple-A |
Weak bat, but steals, plays D and has just Jose Valentin ahead of him | |||||
94 | Jose Garcia, FLA | 22 | RHP | Majors | Majors |
Long shot for rotation, but soar him up list if he wins closer's job | |||||
95 | Henry Owens, FLA | 27 | RHP | Majors | Majors |
Old for a rookie, but converted C has outside shot at closer, too | |||||
96 | Michael Bourn, PHI | 24 | OF | Majors | Triple-A |
Speedster can work way into at-bats, if so, consider him in Roto | |||||
97 | Beltran Perez, WAS | 25 | RH SP | Majors | Majors |
Might have shot at rotation, which is only way he's useful in '07 | |||||
98 | Neil Walker, PIT | 21 | C | Double-A | Double-A |
Injury-plagued year and Ronny Paulino's arrival slows Walker up | |||||
99 | Jeff Fiorentino, BAL | 23 | OF | Majors | Triple-A |
Already up in Baltimore twice, but needs to dominate minors | |||||
100 | Andrew Sonnanstine, TB | 24 | RH SP | Double-A | Triple-A |
Another potential Devil Ray rotation prospect to keep an eye on |
You can e-mail Emack your Fantasy Baseball questions to DMFantasyBaseball@cbs.com. Be sure to put Attn: Top 100 rookies in the subject field. Please include your full name, hometown and state. Be aware, due to the large volume of submissions received, we cannot guarantee personal responses or answers to all questions.