Baseball Prospectus' Kevin Goldstein updated his Top 50 prospects on Friday. I highlighted the Top 50 prospects from Baseball America and Keith Law over the past few weeks and here are a few links:
Baseball America's Midseason Top 50 Prospects
Baseball America's Top 50 Prospect List with 2011 Draft Picks
Keith Law's Top 50 Prospect List
Here are Kevin Goldstein's Midseason Top 5 Prospects:
1. Bryce Harper, WAS
2. Matt Moore, TB
3. Julio Teheran, ATL
4. Shelby Miller, STL
5. Jurickson Profar, TEX
Some player analysis from Goldstein after the jump:
Goldstein offered 1-2 sentence player analysis for each player in his Top 50, and here are a few of his comments:
8. Brandon Belt, 1B, Giants (Preseason: #22)
Still technically a prospect and still an offensive machine who didn't get much of a chance in the big leagues. Forget about trades, Belt might be the second half's biggest addition to a contending team.
I am not so sure he would be a better bat than Carlos Beltran, but could see him taking over for Aubrey Huff at first base at some point this season.
14. Manny Banuelos, LHP, Yankees (Preseason: #27)
Command has slipped a bit, but he remains a lefty with two excellent pitches in his fastball and changeup. Has looked better as the season has worn on and could be poised for a big second half.
Would the Yankees consider dealing him for a starting pitcher like Ubaldo Jimenez? Would be an interesting call on both sides.
17. Arodys Vizcaino, RHP, Braves (Preseason: #50)
When the Braves traded Javier Vazquez to the Yankees, it wasn't about Melky Cabrera; it was about this guy. Don't be surprised if he makes his big league debut this year in either a starting or relief role.
Goldstein brings up a great point. Vizcaino was once in the Yankee farm system. Wow. I totally forgot about that. This just goes to show the Yankees pay top dollar for talent at the major league and minor league levels.
40. Will Middlebrooks, 3B, Red Sox (Preseason: NR)
Was always known for his top notch defense at third base, but the bat has finally come around with truckloads of doubles and a projection for 15-20 home runs a season in the big leagues.
Another guy who I think could be trade bait should the Red Sox look to trade for a starting pitcher, something they desperately need right now with all the injuries in their starting rotation.
27. Brad Peacock, RHP, Nationals (Preseason: NR)
Few pitching prospects have seen their stock jump more. Peacock has shown plus-plus velocity and command with the potential to be a monster if he can upgrade the rest of his arsenal.
Peacock is one prospect who doesn't get much love in many rankings, but could see some major league time this season when the Nationals shut down Jordan Zimmerman.