
In what may (or may not) become an annual occurrence, I'll take a look at the best prospects by position in the BLB. The only rule for this feature is that a player must be currently on the Top 100 Prospect List (or still eligible for it) prior to the first day of Spring Training.
Outfielders
LF Erik "Trucker" Surmeier (WIL 2014 1.2) - the 19 year old Surmeier looks to be one of the next great outfielders. Currently a RF, the former 2nd overall pick in the 2014 draft has the tools to eventually move to LF. With so many stellar young RFs, we'll put Surmeier in LF for the purpose of this list. During the 2014 draft, numerous scouts had Trucker with the highest potential contact rating score in years. Combine that with an advanced eye at 19, superior speed on the base paths, and a high ceiling to develop into a power threat, and you have the recipe for one of the most complete offensive players in years.
CF _____________ - Outside of Pittsurgh's Jamie O'Hearn, a disturbing trend has emerged in recent drafts... the lack of young and balanced centerfielders. While slick fielding, refined hitting corner outfielders are popping up in abundance, the elite level defensive, top of the line-up CF is in decline. There are candidates here, such as Roman Stafford set to make his debut in Davenport, but like many others, Stafford is an excellent natural LF.
RF Gil Mullins (LAM 2014 1.5) - Having burst on the scene late last season with the Amigos, Mullins is about to drop off this list. Considered the future in Los Alamos, the rocket armed RF hit .307/.386/.485 in just a 30 game stint at the end of last season. A true 5 tool talent, the 22 year old will anchor the Amigos line-up this season, as the team looks to push towards earning an IL wildcard spot.
Up Next... Infielders...
Outfielders
LF Erik "Trucker" Surmeier (WIL 2014 1.2) - the 19 year old Surmeier looks to be one of the next great outfielders. Currently a RF, the former 2nd overall pick in the 2014 draft has the tools to eventually move to LF. With so many stellar young RFs, we'll put Surmeier in LF for the purpose of this list. During the 2014 draft, numerous scouts had Trucker with the highest potential contact rating score in years. Combine that with an advanced eye at 19, superior speed on the base paths, and a high ceiling to develop into a power threat, and you have the recipe for one of the most complete offensive players in years.
CF _____________ - Outside of Pittsurgh's Jamie O'Hearn, a disturbing trend has emerged in recent drafts... the lack of young and balanced centerfielders. While slick fielding, refined hitting corner outfielders are popping up in abundance, the elite level defensive, top of the line-up CF is in decline. There are candidates here, such as Roman Stafford set to make his debut in Davenport, but like many others, Stafford is an excellent natural LF.
RF Gil Mullins (LAM 2014 1.5) - Having burst on the scene late last season with the Amigos, Mullins is about to drop off this list. Considered the future in Los Alamos, the rocket armed RF hit .307/.386/.485 in just a 30 game stint at the end of last season. A true 5 tool talent, the 22 year old will anchor the Amigos line-up this season, as the team looks to push towards earning an IL wildcard spot.Up Next... Infielders...

CF Tri Djambek (HAR 2015 7.3) - He's no Surmeier or Mullins but he's got a future in the BLB. OSA has his OF defensive ratings 7-7-7 and his CF defense at a 4 despite having just one inning played there in his college/minor league career. I'm sure over the next few seasons in the minors, Djambek will move to CF where he will be a near DWI level defender. Not known for contact he does have a good eye, gap power, left handed bat and a ton of speed. Durable, very intelligent and wants to win.
1B Dylan Owens (TOR 2014 1.1) - Continuing the trend of 2014 being possibly the deepest draft in BLB history, the top overall pick from that draft displays a rare combination of contact and power. At just 19, Owens looks to be just as advertised in the contact department, hitting a solid .311 in his first full season at A Vancouver. With a slow build approach being taken in Toronto, expect Owens to be given ample time to develop the explosive power many in the league are expecting.
2B Pat Vickers (PIT 2014 2.34) - Vickers is set to challenge for the starting spot in Pittsburgh following an impressive 30 game audition with the bat in 2015. Vickers hit a respectable .279, but his defense left a lot to be desired. If he can show enough improvement with his glove, look for Vickers to solidify the position for the Millers going forward.
SS Erik Jackson (IND 2014 1.9) - Dealt last offseason by Indy for SP Adrian Pulido, Jackson has sped through the Death Valley system. On the way he's been converted from a slick fielding 3B to a SS, where's he's shown significant growth in a short period of time. He's won the NCAA Outstanding Hitter Award, hit for the cycle, and boasts multiple Grand Slams and Walk-offs in his short career. The Scorpions expect him to be a fixture at SS for the foreseeable future.
C Daniel Collazo (DEN 2014 4.82) - The only player currently not on the Top 100 list, the diminutive Guatemalan, put up a massive season at A Oklahoma City. Collazo blasted 24 homers, driving in 94, and slashing minor league pitching for a .315/.387/.573 and a 5.6 WAR and the Outstanding Hitter Award.


Comment