Sickels posted his Top 20 Pirates prospect for 2010 yesterday afternoon with a surprise number 1 prospect.....just kidding. Sickels has thrid base prospect Pedro Alvarez as his number 1 Buccos prospect, and here is what he said about him:

1) Pedro Alvarez, 3B, Grade A: Bat looks excellent. Even if he moves to first base, his bat will be good enough for him to be an All-Star. Upside: David Ortiz.

I wonder if the upside comment refers to Alvarez's bat or weight in comparison to Ortiz??

And here is what he said about a guy I recently traded for in the UBA league:

2) Jose Tabata, OF, Grade B: I don't know if I agree with the Pirates about his power, but I do believe them about his age and at 21 he is still VERY young with high upside.

Head on over to Minor League Ball to check out the rest of the Pirates Top 20. It appears the system is improving, but they have alot of catching up to do after some horrible drafts in recent years.