Top 50 MLB Prospects entering 2012

Since being drafted first overall by the Nationals in 2010, Bryce Harper has appeared atop nearly every prospect board despite having just more than a year of pro ball under his belt. His uncanny bat speed, five-tool ability and instincts for the game have made him the most coveted prospect in recent memory. While Harper is the traditional "can't miss" prospect, his superstar billing has overshadowed many quality prospects who will forge major league careers of their own. Here is a look at the Top 50 prospects entering the 2012 season, taking into account players who have either not had enough at-bats to qualify for rookie standing and/or prospects who have not yet made their MLB debut prior to the 2012 season.

1. Bryce Harper (OF) Nationals

2. Matt Moore (LHP) Rays

3. Mike Trout (OF) Angels

4. Jesus Montero (C) Yankees

5. Julio Teheran (RHP) Braves

6. Shelby Miller (RHP) Cardinals

7. Manny Machado (SS) Orioles

8. Gary Brown (OF) Giants

9. Randall Delgado (RHP) Braves

10. Drew Pomeranz (LHP) Rockies

11. Yonder Alonso (1B) Reds

12. Will Meyers (OF) Royals

13. Tyler Skaggs (LHP) D-Backs

14. Jurickson Profar (SS) Rangers

15. Martin Perez (LHP) Rangers

16. Jacob Turner (RHP) Tigers

17. Devin Mesoraco (C) Reds

18. Michael Choice (OF) A's

19. Jameson Taillon (RHP) Pirates

20. Miguel Sano (3B) Twins

21. Matt Harvey (RHP) Mets

22. Grant Green (SS) A's

23. Manny Banuelos (LHP) Yankees

24. Chris Archer (RHP) Rays

25. Jonathan Singleton (1B) Astros

26. Zack Wheeler (RHP) Mets

27. Jose Iglecias (SS) Red Sox

28. Mike Olt (3B) Rangers

29. Joe Benson (OF) Twins

30. Jarrod Parker (RHP) D-Backs

31. Tony Sanchez (C) Pirates

32. Jarred Cosart (RHP) Astros

33. Casey Kelley (RHP) Padres

34. Starling Marte (OF) Pirates

35. Joe Wieland (RHP) Padres

36. Lars Anderson (1B) Red Sox

37. Jean Segura (2B) Angels

38. Christian Colon (SS) Royals

39. Cesar Puello (OF) Mets

40. Jedd Gyorko (3B) Padres

41. Aaron Hicks (OF) Twins

42. Anthony Gose (OF) Blue Jays

43. Yasmani Grandal (C) Reds

44. Zack Cox (3B) Cardinals

45. Billy Hamilton (SS) Reds

46. Brett Jackson (OF) Cubs

47. Travis D'Arnaud (C) Blue Jays

48. Nolan Arenado (3B) Rockies

49. Slade Heathcott (OF) Yankees

50. Robbie Erlin (LHP) Padres

*Below is a link to MLB.com's Top 50 Prospects list if you would like to see how they differ
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/prospects/watch/y2011/index.jsp?tcid=mm_mlb_players


Top Five MLB-ready Prospects--Closest to the show

1. Matt Moore (Rays) LHP--Likely member of the Rays young and talented 2012 rotation after sizzling debut in 2010

2. Mike Trout (Angels) OF--Will have to win the centerfield job over incumbant Peter Borgeois but has all the tools to do so

3. Jesus Montero (Yankees) C--With Jorge Posada on the way out, it will only be a short time before Montero is the Yankees backstop

4. Randall Delgado (Braves) RHP-- Derek Lowe's trade was Braves first step toward committing to young arms like Delgado

5. Drew Pomeranz (Rockies) LHP-- Had a hot and cold debut in 2010 but pitched well enough to be a rotation candidate for Colorado

 

Ten 2011 Draft Picks to watch:

1. Gerrit Cole (RHP) Pirates--Former UCLA ace sits at 97 mph with late movement and was the first player chosen in the 2011 draft

2. Danny Hultzen (LHP) Mariners--Two-way star in college at Virginia projects to be a overpowering lefty on the hill

3. Trevor Bauer (RHP) D-Backs--Overshadowed by Cole at UCLA, the smaller Bauer finished with more impressive numbers

4. Anthony Rendon (3B) Nationals--Pure hitter with great hands and wrist strength, could be a perenial .300 hitter if healthy

5. Sonny Gray (RHP) A's--Undersized hurler had outstanding college career at Vanderbilt--could join A's soon with Oakland rebuilding

6. Kolton Wong (2B) Cardinals--Line-drive hitter sprays ball to all fields--surprising power for 5'7" frame

7. Joe Panik (SS) Giants--With the jury still out on Brandon Crawford, SF took Panik in the first and have been impresed with his bat

8. Mikie Mahtook (OF) Rays--Gritty, hard-nosed centerfielder had a standout career at LSU and has had strong showing in AFL action

9. C.J. Cron (1B) Angels--Another Angels first baseman with power in the mold of Mark Trumbo--Cron's pop comes from the left side

10. Jackie Bradley Jr. (OF) Red Sox--Injuries cost Bradley a higher place in the draft, but the two-time NCAA champion is a gamer