2008 Mock Draft Central Top 30 Prospects

These days there`s a top prospects list born every minute in the fantasy industry, which isn`t surprising considering fantasy owners, especially those in keeper leagues, aim to discover tomorrow`s big stars while they can still be had at today`s prices. As the guy building Mock Draft Central`s list, I struggle to balance a players future potential with their ability to deliver this season.

This may differ slightly from the divisional top-10s because some shifting has occurred in my rankings since those were originally posted.

The List:
1) Evan Longoria, 3B, Rays
2) Jay Bruce, OF, Reds
3) Clay Buchholz, SP, Red Sox
4) Colby Rasmus, OF, Cardinals
5) Clayton Kershaw, SP, Dodgers
6) Cameron Maybin, OF, Marlins
7) David Price, SP, Rays
8) Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pirates
9) Joba Chamberlain, RP, Yankees
10) Brandon Wood, 3B, Angels
11) Homer Bailey, SP, Reds
12) Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Athletics
13) Wade Davis, SP, Rays
14) Andy LaRoche, 3B, Dodgers
15) Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Red Sox
16) Travis Snider, OF, Blue Jays
17) Rick Porcello, SP, Tigers
18) Daric Barton, 1B, Athletics
19) Adam Miller, SP, Indians
20) Jacob McGee, SP, Rays
21) Matt Wieters, C, Orioles
22) Joey Votto, 1B, Reds
23) Franklin Morales, SP, Rockies
24) Johnny Cueto, SP, Reds
25) Jordan Schafer, OF, Braves
26) Reid Brignac, SS, Rays
27) Ian Kennedy, SP, Yankees
28) Fautino De Los Santos, SP, Athletics
29) Nick Adenhart, SP, Angels
30) Carlos Triunfel, SS, Mariners

1) Evan Longoria, 3B, Rays
Longoria left the Arizona Fall League early in order to play for Team USA at the World Cup in Taiwan, but not before hitting .318 and sporting a 1.062 OPS in 44 at-bats. This came on the heels of hitting .299 with 26 homeruns, 97 runs and 95 RBI in 485 at-bats between Single- and Double-A last season. The Rays claim there is a 50-50 shot that Longoria will be starting at the hot corner when they open the 2008 season, and they are clearly making plans for such, shifting Akinori Iwamura over to second base. Every fantasy owner in keeper leagues should covet Longoria next spring and those owners in redraft leagues should closely monitor his ability to secure the starting job during Spring Training.

2) Jay Bruce, OF, Reds
Bruce strikes out quite a bit, but his across the board production more than makes up for it. In 525 at-bats between three levels of the minors, he hit .319 with 26 homers, 87 runs 89 RBI and eight stolen bases. After the Reds picked up Adam Dunn`s option, it looked as though there wouldn`t be room for Bruce in the Reds crowded outfield, but then Josh Hamilton was dealt to the Rangers. There should be no excuse for fantasy owners taking anything other than an aggressive approach when it comes to putting Bruce on their roster come draft day.

3) Clay Buchholz, SP, Red Sox
After a solid debut, the Red Sox flirted with the idea of giving Buchholz a significant role down the stretch and were rewarded for their faith when he no-hit the Orioles in just his second major league start. Then of course, they decided it would be in everyone`s best interest to handle him with kid gloves and shut him down for the season after two more appearances. Prior to his impressive major league stint, he went 8-5 with a 2.44 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 12.3 K/9IP in 125.3 innings between two minor league levels. Fantasy owners shouldn`t be scared off by how the Sox coddled him last season, because the team will have at least one opening in their rotation and their impressive Minor League Pitcher of the Year is even money to claim that spot.