Fantasy Baseball: Ranking the NL Prospects

Over the weekend, Eric gave a glimpse at Baseball America's National League Top 10 prospects. Today, I will give you a list of prospects who I think can contribute to roto/fantasy teams in 2009.

This list is in no particular order:

Cameron Maybin, OF, Florida Marlins-Maybin should win the CF job out of spring training. He has all the tools to go 30-30 at some point in his career, but he is still young, so expect some growing pains.

Tommy Hanson, SP, Atlanta Braves-Hanson could make the Braves rotation out of spring training after dominating hitters in A/AA/AFL in 2008.

Colby Rasmus, OF, St. Louis Cardinals-with rumors that the Cardinals were willing to trade either Rick Ankiel or Ryan Ludwick for a starting pitcher, it appears they are ready to give Rasmus a shot in CF.

Fernando Martinez, OF, New York Mets-since Omar Minaya doesn't want to sign Manny Ramirez, it appears he may give FMart a shot in LF should Tatis come down to earth in 2009.

Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates-McCutchen has been rushed throughout his minor league career, as he spent all of 2008 in AAA Indianapolis at the age of 21. He's still only 22, but has a very good eye at the plate, and stole 34 bases in 2008.

Brett Wallace, 3B, St. Louis Cardinals-with news that Troy Glaus is having surgery on his shoulder, Wallace could see some time in the bigs in 2009. Unlike most 2008 draftees who start out at Single A or lower, Wallace started his minor league career in AA Springfield-a sign that the Cardinals think he is ready for the majors real soon.

Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Colorado Rockies-the Rockies acquired Gonzalez in the Matt Holliday trade. CGonz could see some time in CF should Ryan Spilborgh or Seth Smith stumble out of the gate in 2009.

James McDonald, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers-McDonald impressed LA management coming out of the bullpen in the playoffs, but he should battle for a rotation spot in spring training, and could be their 5th starter. If not, I wouldn't be surprised if he is used out of the bullpen ala 2007 Chad Billingsley.

Jose Ceda, RP, Florida Marlins-Ceda was acquired from the Chicago Cubs for closer Kevin Gregg. Ceda has the stuff to close in the majors should Matt Lidstrom falter as the Marlins closer in 2009.

Alcides Escobar, SS, Milwaukee Brewers-Milwaukee sorely needs a starting pitcher, and with Escobar close to being ready for the move to Milwaukee, they may entertain trading JJ Hardy in 2009.