Keith Law's Updated Top 50 Prospect List

ESPN's Keith Law updated his 2011 Top 50 Prospect List yesterday and  the Cardinals and Rays seems to have a bright future based on his Top 10. His list does not include prospects who are in the majors right now, so Angels outfielder Mike Trout is not on the list.

Here is his Top 10:

1. Bryce Harper, WAS

2. Matt Moore, TB

3. Shelby Miller, STL

4. Carlos Martinez, STL

5. Manny Machado, BAL

6. Devin Mesoraco, CIN 

7. Hak-Ju Lee, TB

8. Desmond Jennings, TB

9. Brett Lawrie, TOR

10. Martin Perez, TEX

Some excerpts from the list and his chat after the jump:

On Cardinals pitching prospect Shelby Miller:

Analysis: He's the best right-handed pitching prospect in the minors with a plus fastball, above-average to plus curveball and much better changeup. Preseason Ranking: 9

The bold is my doing, but I am sure there will be some Braves fans arguing this point with him.

Speaking of Braves fans, they will be shocked to learn that Law ranks Arodys Vizcaino ahead of Julio Teheran. He ranks Vizcaino at #11, and Teheran close behind at #12.

Law on Reds catching prospect Devin Mesoraco:

Analysis: A major league-ready offensive catcher who can catch and throw well. A potential All-Star. Preseason Ranking: 31

And KLaw answered this question about Mesoraco in his chat yesterday:

@Jaypers413 (IL)

I believe you are higher on Mesoraco than pretty much anyone else who puts out a Top 50 midseason list. What do you see in him that the others don't?

Klaw  (1:38 PM)

What is the value of a true catcher who can hit .270 or so with some walks and 25+ home runs? Given where replacement level is, isn't that an MVP candidate? Mesoraco can do all of those things - good swing, good eye, above-average arm, receiving much better this year now that the thumb is healed.

Jaypers makes another appearance, but I like what Law says about Mesoraco here. Time will tell how he pans out once he gets called up.

Here is what Law had to say about Toronto catching prospect Travis d'Arnaud:

Analysis: The offensive breakout finally happened this year with a .315/.388/.552 line in New Hampshire -- and he's actually been better on the road. It's All-Star production at that position if he can just stay healthy. Preseason Ranking: NR

How long before d'Arnaud takes over for Arencibia? Speaking of d'Arnaud, KLaw ranked him one spot ahead of Yankees catching prospect Jesus Montero, which I think says a lot about d'Arnaud, but maybe more about Montero.

I will have more on this list and his chat over the weekend, but I was just happy to see 2 Dodger pitching prospects in his Top 50, and one, Nate Eovaldi, just missed his Top 50. And he stated in his chat that Rubby de la Rosa would have been ranked in the 20-25 range if he was still eligible, so it appears the Dodgers farm system is starting to produce some talent.