MLB Top 100 Prospects: 11-25

The beat goes on, and it includes the top ranked M's prospect.

---

Baseball's Top Prospects

11 - Justin Verlander, RHP - Detroit: The Tigers were questioned when they drafted Verlander out of Old Dominion but those doubts are gone. Has a plus fastball and curve to go with a solid change up. Will be the best pitcher on the Tigers' staff the day he is called up.

12 - Ryan Zimmerman, 3B - Washington: Already a gold glove candidate, Zimmermans offense surprised some when he busted through the minors last summer after being drafted fourth overall. He profiles similarly as Mets third baseman David Wright.

13 -Prince Fielder, 1B - Milwaukee: The comparisons to his father are inevitible because he is nearly identical. The younger Fielder, however, is more athletic and that will help him adjust much quicker. Forty homers is in his future.

14 - Matt Cain, RHP - San Francisco: Often forgotten about due to a sub-par '05 statistically. The hitter-friendly environment hurt the numbers but the stuff was there. Top flight pitcher waiting to happen. Starts 2006 at SBC.

15 - Carlos Quentin, OF - Arizona: Quentin is your prototypical right fielder. Has the potential to hit .300 with 30 home runs and can even steal a few bases. Can play center on occasion.

16 - Felix Pie, CF - Chicago (NL): Draws comparisons to former Cubs center fielder Corey Patterson. The Cubs just hope he can match the tools without causing the same headaches. Pie is a better defender with even more athleticism.

17 - Russell Martin, C - Los Angeles: Doesn’t have the power of his fellow top prospects behind the plate but may be the best pure hitter of the bunch. Also is easily the best defender and the most ML ready.

18 - Conor Jackson, 1B - Arizona: Was slightly overmatched in his brief stint with Arizona in '05 but it won't last. Major break-out candidate in '06.

19 - Mike Pelfrey, RHP - New York (NL): The top pitcher in the 2005 draft. Has an excellent fastball that he commands well and his secondary offerings are advanced for a college arm. Could help the Mets as soon as late '06.

20 - Jeff Clement, C - Seattle: The only question mark centers around his defensive abilities. Everyone knows he'll hit and hit for power and the entire organization raves about his desire and work ethic.

21 - Troy Tulowitzki, SS - Colorado: Big, 6-foot-3 shortstop with athleticism and plus offensive tools. Not a sure thing to stick at the position. He may outgrow it - he's already 220 pounds at age 21.

22 - Andy LaRoche, 3B - Los Angeles: Had a break-out 2005 season. Shredded the Cal league and then answered questions about his plate discipline in Double-A. 40-home run potential and could be ready by opening day '07.

23 - Lastings Milledge, CF - New York (NL): Every tool grades well but doesn’t top the charts anywhere. Still, a five-tool talent moving closer to Shea every day.

24 - Joel Zumaya, RHP - Detroit: His fastball is as good as it gets and can back it up with his secondary offerings. Durability is a big issue and might hold him back. Could still be an excellent closer.

25 - Cameron Maybin, OF - Detroit: On upside alone, Maybin ranks up there with anyone. Has an amazing combination of power and speed for a high schooler. Could fly through the minors..

---