In addition to rolling out their 2015 top 100 this week, MLB.com writer Jim Callis also put out an article discussing the Top Tools in the minors:

 

http://m.mlb.com/news/article/107759988/jim-callis-best-tools-of-top-100-prospects-list

 

Byron Buxton was recognized in several categories, including best hitter, strongest arm, best defender, and took the top spot in the fastest baserunner category.

 

Miguel Sano is honorable mention for best power, and Alex Meyer got honorable mention for best slider.

My takeaways from this article:

 

1)I wish the Twins had found a way to lose one more game in 2013, move ahead of the White Sox in the draft standings, and taken Rodon. (Edit: never mind, it was the Cubs they tied--White Sox were 3 games up).

 

2)That Giolito pick at #16 by the Nats was amazing. (Edit: not that I am complaining about Buxton and Berrios. Man was that some draft).

Edited February 4, 201511 yr by AM.

My takeaways from this article:

 

1)I wish the Twins had found a way to lose one more game in 2013, move ahead of the White Sox in the draft standings, and taken Rodon. (Edit: never mind, it was the Cubs they tied--White Sox were 3 games up).

 

2)That Giolito pick at #16 by the Nats was amazing. (Edit: not that I am complaining about Buxton and Berrios. Man was that some draft).

If I'm not mistaken, Giolito ended up having TJ surgery during his senior year in HS.  He was being discussed for the #1 pick overall prior to the surgery.

Yeah, Giolito was a top 3 pick all season, until he blew his elbow and had to have Tommy John surgery. The Nationals took the flier on him at pick 16, and were able to get something done by going over the slot.

If I'm not mistaken, Giolito ended up having TJ surgery during his senior year in HS.  He was being discussed for the #1 pick overall prior to the surgery.

It was my recollection that he was doing the 'rest and rehabilitation' at the time of the draft and...

 

to no one's surprise it didn't work. He had TJ on 8/31.

I remember the elbow injury causing Giolito to drop down, but that no one thought the Nats would be able to put together the money he was demanding at the #16 pick.

 

Nats draft 2009-2010-2011-2012:

 

1 Strasburg

1 Harper

6 Rendon

16 Giolito

 

Man.

In 2018, how will this group compare?

 

2 Buxton

(32 Berrios)

4 Stewart

5 Gordon

Edited February 5, 201511 yr by AM.

I find it really weird that if Giolito has the best fastball and the best curveball in the minors according to Mayo, he is not the top baseball prospect, according to the same guy.  Same as far as Buxton and Correa go.  He is ranking Correa as the better hitter (ok Buxton is faster and better defender- but that's defense comparison is apples and oranges) and Correa is playing a more premium position...

 

I really have no issue with rankings and opinions, as long as they are consistent and something is missing here...