It's a moment to celebrate the best of the prospect world and project the future of the sport. Some players were bumped off an initial Top Some were close to making it but just fell short. Others were just surpassed by a rising name.
Many names were considered for our final rankings, but unfortunately only can ever fit on the list. Here are 10 more prospects, listed in alphabetical order by last name, who nearly made the cut:.
He played well during his cameo with Single-A St. Lucie after going 19th overall in the Draft, as you'd expect from a college hitter. Not only was the Oklahoma State product well disciplined, but he also whiffed a minuscule Benge's power was more impressive in college than in pro ball to date, but as he adds weight and gets the ball in the air more, he should project for above-average power. Plus, he has the arm you'd expect from a former two-way prospect that should enable him to stick in center field or right.
But from June on, the hulking slugger slashed. While Clifford is not likely to hit for a high average -- in part because his patient approach leads to many two-strike counts -- his disciplined eye allows him to get on base at a high rate, and his tremendous power is a big reason why he enters the year as the No.
He'll be one of the youngest hitters in the upper Minors this season -- not turning 22 until July -- giving him time to iron out his rough areas. Jimmy Crooks , C, Cardinals As a fourth-rounder out of Oklahoma, Crooks was seen as a rugged defender with middling offensive upside. The year-old remains a strong framer with an above-average arm, and now his bat matches his glove in potential.
