BBTiA: Top 25 Rangers Prospects

Miguel Velazquez is no Ruben Mateo!

After graduating Elvis Andrus, Julio Borbon, Chris Davis, Matt Harrison, Derek Holland, Tommy Hunter, Taylor Teagarden, and Brandon Boggs to the major leagues in the past two seasons and losing Eric Hurley to injury, the Rangers’ minor league system has fewer well-known prospects in the No. 5-10 range than it has in the past few years. But the system remains a powerhouse, with no fewer than 30 players above the rookie league with realistic chances of becoming effective major leaguers. Since deciding to emphasize the acquisition and development of young players in 2007, it can be argued that the Rangers have created the most productive minor league system in baseball.

The strength of the Rangers’ system is its pitching. Feliz, Perez, and Scheppers headline a group of five or six pitchers who profile as potential No. 1 or No. 2 starters. At least ten additional pitchers are candidates to develop into major league starters. Unlike the last few years, more than half of the Rangers’ top 25 prospects should begin 2010 in AA-ball or higher, and many figure to impact the major league team during the upcoming season.