All grades are subject to change.You can find a full listing of the Top 50 Prospects of 2011 Archive Page.

QUICK PRIMER ON GRADE MEANINGS:

Grade A prospects are the elite. They have a good chance of becoming stars or superstars. Almost all Grade A prospects develop into major league regulars, if injuries or other problems don’t intervene. Note that is a major “if” in some cases.

Grade B prospects have a good chance to enjoy successful careers. Some will develop into stars, some will not. Most end up spending several years in the majors, at the very least in a marginal role.

Grade C prospects are the most common type. These are guys who have something positive going for them, but who may have a question mark or three, or who are just too far away from the majors to get an accurate feel for. A few Grade C guys, especially at the lower levels, do develop into stars. Many end up as role players or bench guys. Some don’t make it at all.
-John Sickels

11. Lucas Duda | OF | AAA | Age – 25 | Drafted – 7th Round 2007 (C+)

Duda burst onto the scene in 2010 with some huge power numbers.  This are the numbers that made him a top prospect out of high school, but he had never put it together in college or in the minors till this point.  His bat looks like it will play anywhere, but it is just a matter of where it will wind up.

Best Case Outcome – All bat slugger
Most Likely Outcome – Platoon hitter

12. Armando Rodriguez | SP | LoA | Age – 23 | Drafted – IFA 2007 (C+)

Possibly the most overlooked prospect in the whole system.  If you look at his numbers there is almost nothing you can complain about.  The only thing holding him back from higher rankings anywhere is an average fastball and fringe average breaking ball.

Best Case Outcome – #3/4 starter
More Likely Outcome – Middle reliever

13. Zach Lutz | 3B | AAA | Age – 24 | Drafted – 5th Round 2007 (C+)

Similar to Reese Havens health has been the only thing holding him back.  He can absolutely mash when he is on the field, but various different injuries have prevented that from happening.  Not a terrible fielder still his bat will always carry him.

Best Case Outcome – Everyday Hitter
Most Likely Outcome – Role Player/Bench Bat

14. Juan Urbina | SP | GCL | Age – 17 | Drafted – IFA 2009 (C+)

I am not as big on Urbina as some other people.  He does have some intriguing upside with a decent fastball and good change up, but I need to see some more positive results before I go any higher. I love the control for a young pitcher.

Best Case Outcome – #2/3 starter
Most Likely Outcome – Too early to tell. Anything from #3/4 starter to career minor leaguer

15. Sean Ratliff | OF | AA | Age – 23 | Drafted – 4th Round 2008 (C+)

Ratliff had a really big, breakout season in 2010.  His numbers only got better after being moved out of the tough environment in St. Lucie and up to AA. His BABIP was high, but it has been high throughout his whole career.  If he could ever get his strikeouts under control he can become a force.

Best Case Outcome – Starting Outfielder
Most Likely Outcome – Platoon Fielder

16. Darrell Ceciliani | OF | SSA | Age – 20 | Drafted – 4th Round 2009 (C+)

A great fielder and speedster, had a great season swinging the lumber in Brooklyn.  The 12 triples just show you what kind of speed he poses, but he is still a little raw on the basepaths.  Not much to complain about so far.

Best Case Outcome – Good leadoff hitter and fielder
Most Likely Outcome – 4th outfielder

17. Mark Cohoon | SP | AA | Age – 23 | Drafted – 12th Round 2008 (C+)

Cohoon completely changed my opinion on him as I was a huge hater.  Dominance is an understatement for his efforts in the Sally and after a few terrible starts in AA he really settled down and was great again.  If only he had a big time fastball he would be a huge prospect, but until he makes it in the pros he will always have some doubters.

Best Case Outcome – #3/4 Starter
Most Likely Outcome – #5 Starter/Loogy

18. Albert Cordeo | C | LoA | Age – 21 | Drafted – IFA 2007 (C+)

Good athletic defensive catcher who has shown some pop.  Has some high upside if the bat continues to develop along.  I like him a lot.  Huge sleeper potential in 2011.

Best Case Outcome - Starting Catcher
Most Likely Outcome – Bench player

19. Dillon Gee | SP | AAA | Age – 24 | Drafted – 21st Round 2007 (C+)

Pitched much better in AAA than his ERA says.  Great peripherals and an inflated BABIP were his killers.  On the flip side he didn’t pitch nearly as well in NY as his ERA.  Should compete for the 5th starter spot in camp.

Best Case Outcome - #4/5 starter
Most Likely Outcome - #5 starter/middle relief

20. Matt Den Dekker | OF | LoA | Age – 23 | Drafted – 5th Round 2010 (C+)

Had a great start to his career after signing.  Stark splits as he kills righties and didn’t do to well against lefties.  His defensive alone should help him find a way onto a big league roster at some point.

Best Case Outcome – Fringe starter/platoon partner
Most Likely Outcome – 4th outfielder