This year's rankings come courtesy of 20 members of the scouting community. The results were tabulated in an AP poll-type format: Each voter submitted a list of their top 30 prosepcts, with a No. 1 ranking worth 30 points, No. 2 worth 29 and so on down to one. The cumulative score for each player helped determine the final rankings.
The only parameters set for the participants is that a prospect must still have rookie status heading into the 2008 season to be included on this list. That's why you won't see Justin Upton or Kevin Slowey here. Any other Minor Leaguers, from Triple-A players knocking on the door to recent draftees just getting started, were eligible for the rankings.
A great deal has changed since our end-of-season rankings a year ago. Six of last year's top 10 graduated to the big leagues, leading to a pretty interesting changing of the guard.
The best thing about this list is the debate it stirs. Undoubtedly, there are prospects you believe should be on this list that didn't make the cut. That's what the email address below is for. Don't hesitate to let me know your thoughts about the rankings (you usually don't). Happy reading!
- 41. Ian Stewart
- 42. Alcides Escobar
- 43. Jeremy Jeffress
- 44. Tyler Colvin
- 45. Radhames Liz
- 46. Jeff Clement
- 47. Johnny Cueto
- 48. Carlos Triunfel
- 49. Austin Jackson
- 50. Dexter Fowler
- 31. Chris Marrero
- 32. Reid Brignac
- 33. Andy LaRoche
- 34. Joey Votto
- 35. Max Scherzer
- 36. Scott Elbert
- 37. Ross Detwiler
- 38. Elvis Andrus
- 39. Chris Volstad
- 40. Luke Hochevar
- 21. Matt Wieters
- 22. Mike Moustakas
- 23. Carlos Gonzalez
- 24. Gio Gonzalez
- 25. Eric Hurley
- 26. Ian Kennedy
- 27. Matt Antonelli
- 28. Carlos Carrasco
- 29. Chase Headley
- 30. Josh Vitters
- 11. David Price
- 12. Wade Davis
- 13. Jacoby Ellsbury
- 14. Rick Porcello
- 15. Travis Snider
- 16. Franklin Morales
- 18. Nick Adenhart
- 19. Brandon Wood
- 20. Jacob McGee