Prospect Report Vol. IV -- THIRD BASE

AAA – Denny Brinkley (20) San Francisco Giants

Probably the best international bargain in the Great American Pastime. With a signing bonus of only $6.3 million in Season 1 (albeit from the White Sox), Brinkley is the definition of “money well spent”, as he is looking to be a superstar, and could be that in a couple years, especially with a career average of .323 and an OPS of 1.008, almost all coming at the highly competitive AAA level.

AA – Kevin Watson (23) Chicago Cubs

Watson barely edged out A’s 3B Damian Takada for the AA spot, mostly due to the career season he’s having so far this year. Thus far, Watson is hitting a combined .351 between HiA and AA, and has scored 58 runs in 51 games. He is projected to take over the hot corner in Chicago in a year or two, and could provide the spark opposite Victor Parra that Cubs Management has been dreaming of.

HiA – Pedro Guerrero (18) Tampa Bay Rays

He could play virtually any position with his skill set, but for now, 3B is where the Rays need him. Guerrero is definitely a stud in the making, as he projects to be one of the best players in the game (even if that is 4 years down the road). In his first season, the 18 yr old dynamo has hit a modest .312 with 5 HR and 30 RBI in 32 games. His calling card, however, will always be the record $23.2 million bonus he received to sign with the Tampa Bay club. Hopefully his stats will soon speak for themselves.

LowA – Harry Cruz (19) Cleveland Indians

While the big club is struggling, the minor league system for Cleveland is thriving, especially with prospects like Harry Cruz. A 4^th round pick in the Season 2 draft, this Jersey boy has enjoyed great success in about one full season’s worth of action. He’s hit .352 with 26 HR and 149 RBI in 126 games between Rookie and Low A ball. Although he is obviously still raw, watch for Cruz to explode on the scene within 3 to 4 years.