Baseball America unveils Padres' Top Prospects

FORT WAYNE, Ind. - The future of the Padres at the major league level could be led by several former TinCaps as Baseball America released the San Diego Top-10 Prospect list on Monday. Outfielder Rymer Liriano was ranked as the second-best prospect. Liriano was named the 2011 Midwest League Most Valuable Player and Prospect of the Year, along with being named the Topps Player of the Year in the league.

Second baseman Cory Spangenberg was the fourth-rated prospect, third baseman Jedd Gyorko was listed as the sixth prospect and right-hander Keyvius Sampson was tenth.

In addition to being named on the Top-10 list, Gyorko was also recognized as the best hitter for average in the Padres Minor League system, Spangenberg had the best strike-zone discipline as a hitter, and Liriano was selected as having the best outfield arm.

Other TinCaps to reach the best-of list included Adys Portillo with the best fastball, Simon Castro with the best slider, Jeudy Valdez as having the best infield arm and Rico Noel as the best defensive outfielder.

Baseball America also projects a future line-up for each major league team and the 2015 line-up for the Padres includes Spangenberg at second base, Liriano in right field and former Wizards Chase Headley at third base and Cory Luebke as the number three starting pitcher.

Top-10 San Diego Padres Prospects as named by Baseball America:
1. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
*2. Rymer Liriano, OF
3. Casey Kelley, RHP
*4. Cory Spangenberg, 2B
5. Austin Hedges, C
*6. Jedd Gyorko, 3B
7. Joe Wieland, RHP
8. Robbie Erlin, LHP
9. Joe Ross, RHP
*10. Keyvius Sampson, RHP

* = Played for Fort Wayne TinCaps