1. Tim Lincecum
He just turned 25, so he counts for me. Lincy is just plain dirty. The numbers he has put up at this early an age scream superstar. And despite his unconventional mechanics, I feel like his arm and his body are built for the torque that he exerts on himself. The sheer genius of his windup is staggering. By minimizing the amount of space he takes up by curling his body up, he reduces the drag, and probably adds about 4-5 mph to his pitches. Easily the top pitcher in the game.
2. Matt Wieters
Like Lincecum, Wieters was passed by too many teams when he was stolen at #5 by the Orioles. I think the best compliment I've heard about Wieters is that he makes the plate seem 10 feet closer for pitchers. Do not underestimate Wieters as simply a once in a generation offensive catcher. He is also a fantastic defensive presence. Although most scouting reports seem to suggest that Wieters can hit a homerun with his mind, the truth is, the sky is the limit for this über prospect.
3. Evan Longoria
Evan Longoria is a fantastic beast in the most positive sense of the word. He is a defensive whiz, and he can hit some to. And by some, I mean, he could become one of the most dominant offensive players in the Majors.
4. Justin Upton
J-ups, man. Ken Griffey Jr. Jr. I suppose the best way to look at Upton's season is that he is 21, and is on pace to put up 25-25 numbers. His ceiling is limitless. If I was in a keeper league, I would not hesitate to take him in the 3rd round.
5. Stephen Strasburg
So he hasn't technically signed yet. And so he might not even wind up signing with the Nats. Still, with the reviews he has had (and from the scouting videos of his I've seen, they're all true), I think it isn't too early to put Strasburg this early on the list.
6. Felix Hernandez
Boy this list is fun to write. King Felix has finally begun to reach his stratospheric ceiling. I wrote earlier that I think he could contend for the AL Cy Young, and he very well could. Keep in mind he is only 23, and is really showing that he can become a fantastic pitcher, not just a fantastic arm. He has also created a holiday in Seattle, known as Felix Day, which is a celebration of the day Felix pitches, as it is the only day that the Mariners can win. So basically, he's like Jesus, but with a killer fastball
7. Clayton Kershaw
I don't think it's possible to explain the extent of my man crush on Public Enemy #1. I think that Kershaw has the potential to become the best pitcher in the league. I saw him live pitching against the Mets, and as he was warming up, I turned to my girlfriend, and simply said, "Well, the Mets are getting shut out tonight." The final score was 8-0. The scary thing is, Kersh is still learning how to pitch. He needs to improve his control, and he still doesn't go to deep into games as a result. But once he puts it all together, wow.
8. Adam Jones
The Orioles wouldn't trade Jones for Bedard straight up now. That just shows what a lopsided deal the Bedard for Jones, Tillman, and Sherill trade was. It would be like thinking you're taking the pretty girl home, only to find out that the girl is a dude. But back to Jones. He is a true 5 tool stud. At 23, he is continuing to develop right into the plans of the young Orioles. Their outfield is set for the next 10 years. Bravo Orioles.
9. Jason Heyward
Only at AA right now, but has hit an astonishing .422/.505/.722 line in over 90 at bats. That's not a joke. What's more, he doesn't turn 20 for another week. At 6'4'' and 220 pounds, the kid is a physical specimen. His career could look a lot like Justin Upton's.
10. B.J. Upton
Yet another toolsy outfielder, Upton has had some struggles this year. But I know his agent personally, and can say that Upton has had some difficulties in his personal life which have led to his struggles. I think his upside is 30 Hrs and 50 SBs, while combining that with fantastic defense. Tampa Bay is really a stacked team.
11. Matt Kemp
This is like the freakin' Home Depot of this list. Kemp is blessed with speed, power, and fielding ability. The only knock on Kemp is that he sometimes fails to give his 100%. Still, if what he's doing now isn't 100%, then his best is frightening.
12. Ryan Zimmerman
Zimmerman might be one of the best defensive 3rd basemen in the league now, and after last year's power outage, is on pace for over 30 home runs and a batting average of around .290. He is one of the bright spots on the Nats, and is really a very underrated player on the national level. Hopefully, this will change soon.
13. Matt Cain
No, he's not 30, although it does seem that he has been around forever. Cain has finally put it all together this year, and on really any other team in the league, would be considered the staff ace. He and Lincy will form a disgusting 1-2 punch for years to come.
14. Yovani Gallardo
It's about time MLB has a superstar named Yovani. Gallardo had already torn his ACL, yet has rebounded this season and put up some fantastic numbers. Now the resident ace for the Brewers, at only 23, he has a far way to go in terms of reaching his potential. For what it's worth, I traded him for Clayton Kershaw earlier this year in my dynasty league, so you can see how I value both of them.
15. Tommy Hanson
I used to not believe in this guy. I thought he had the ceiling of a #2. Whoops. He's good. Like, really good. I think his best year will look something like Glavine's top year. Love the kid now. Proud of him.
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