Bucco Blog's 2007 Top Ten Prospect List

Here is Bucco Blog's 2007 Top Ten Prospect list (based on less than 130 AB's or 50 IP in the majors, regardless of age or service time):

1 Andrew McCutchen

Seemingly bored in Low-A play, McCutchen finally had a chance to display his tools in AA and dominated. Perhaps an indication of future plans, the Pirates had him playing more and more left field in AA. If he continues to tear up AA in 2007, look for him to get his first call up in September.

2 Brad Lincoln

After a Cinderella year at UH, selected 4th overall in the draft, then being named a Clemens Award finalist and meeting his idol, it had to be hard for Lincoln to focus after joining the Pirates. He was eventually shut down with a left oblique strain and should start 2007 at Hickory and move fast.

3 John Van Benschoten

I saw Johnny V rehabbing in Bradenton this year and I can tell you there is nothing wrong with his confidence. Three surgeries later, he's riding high and his stuff impressive. While he wasn't dominating in AAA before the surgeries, part of that was due to nagging left arm pain. Fans might see him mid-year in Pittsburgh.

4 Neil Walker

Wrist surgery sidelined him in 2006 (and dropped him a slot in my prospect rankings), his AFL numbers were acceptable but not flashy, and his catching game is being questioned by scouts, but he still has one of the sweetest swings from either side of the plate. Can you see a 2008 Pirates OF of Bay, McCutchen, and Walker?

5 Bryan Bullington

Like Van Benschoten, Bullington's true value after labrum surgery is anyone's guess but he had the stuff to be a top of the order starter in Pittsburgh. 2007 will be a tough rehab year for him like 2006 was for Burnett, so it will be a shock to see him in Pittsburgh. One question I have about Bullington is the value of Meister's labrum work compared to Doc Andrews work with JVB? We'll see. 

6 Shelby Ford

Over drafted, now overrated here, sometimes you have to go with your gut feeling and that is what I am doing with Ford. I like him - I like him a lot. Don't let Ford's defensive rawness at 2B in 2006 throw you off because he is a left side of the diamond player who turned around.

7 Todd Redmond

For a guy picked 1,162 overall in 2004, Redmond has shown pretty impressive stuff, although many question how he'll do in the upper leagues. For now, Redmond earns my 7th pick because anyone who can take Northside Christian to the finals deserves a harder look.

8 Brent Lillibridge

If Lillibridge had a better defensive game, I'd have him much higher, especially after his 2006 season. But after seeing him play in Hickory last year, I'm not sure what his ceiling really is.

9 Josh Sharpless

Sharpless has had very good success with his deceptive delivery and outstanding slider, but good film work might negate that quickly in the majors. Still, he has been a surprise and if he can continue to adjust in the bigs, he might just end up being one of the best hidden gems that came out of the Pirates farm.

10 Brad Corley

How do you give up on him? I'm not ready to just yet and I believe the power will flow as he adds body mass. Plus, he plays the game hard, which I like.

Honorable mentions: Brian Bixler, Pat Bresnehan, Jesse Chavez, and Brian Rogers.

Wilbur Miller has also posted his top 20 list (link is at bottom of the page).