Prospect guru Kevin Goldstein recently unveiled his list of the top ten Rangers prospects. Everyone got a bump because John Danks probably would have topped the list but with the trade for Brandon McCarthy, the top spot went to right hander Eric Hurley. He was also the only guy who Goldstein put into the “excellent” category.
Hurley was good at High A but he really shined when he got promoted to Double A. He’s a tall, power pitcher and while he’ll probably get a repeat at Double A, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Hurley falling into the that fifth spot in the rotation some time after the All Star break.
Edinson Volquez comes in at second and he’s also a hard thrower. He had a cup of coffee with the Rangers in 2006 and he’ll be in the mix for that fifth spot in the rotation. Walks are a concern but he struck out 130 in 120 2/3 innings at Triple A.
After that, the talent pool dips a bit. Number three and four are still pitchers though. Thomas Diamond is number three and he’ll test his mettle at Triple A. Number four is a lefthander. Kasey Kiker was the Rangers first round pick in 2006 and while he has a lot upside, he’s also a couple of years away.
John Mayberry, the first position player on the list, rounds out the top five. The outfielder is on the cusp of prospectdom because he’s getting up there in age (23). He’ll be starting in High A but if he doesn’t make it to Double A by the end of the season, you’ll probably see him drop off a lot of lists next year.