USA Today's top 100 names to know

USA TODAY is counting down the 100 Names You Need to Know this upcoming season.

This is our yearly look at young players primed to make an impact during the upcoming big-league season. They aren't necessarily baseball's best prospects but rather the ones most likely to make a mark in 2011.

To qualify for our list, a player must have had more innings (for pitchers) or at-bats (for hitters) in the minor leagues in 2010 than he has had during all of his major league time. Players are ranked in order of their anticipated impact this season.

100. Chance Ruffin, RHP, Tigers:
Getting to the majors the summer after you were drafted isn't impossible, but takes a special case. This son of former major-league pitcher Bruce Ruffin earned his first-round status after he became a closer at the University of Texas. Ruffin, 22, won't close for Detroit yet but he led the Arizona Fall League with four saves and made the All-Star team there despite not having pitched yet in the minors. Detroit needs enough bullpen help that Ruffin could get a look this season.

99. Jordan Lyles, RHP, Astros:
Houston can use pitching help but how prudent is it to rush a pitcher who won't turn 21 until October? This one pitched 158 innings last year at the top two levels of the minors after 144 the year before at low Class A. He's not overpowering, so the Astros are most likely to give him another half season or so at Class AAA to keep honing his command. But, it's all fine-tuning. He's not very far away.

98. Andrew Oliver, LHP, Tigers:
The late-winter signing of Brad Penny probably ensures Oliver, 23, will be at Class AAA to begin the season. That's the prudent course for Oliver, who looked overmatched in his five-start major-league debut last season. The 2009 second-round pick is still developing secondary pitches to go with a mid-90s fastball. He should get some spot starts for Detroit this year and could be a rotation candidate should a need arise during the second half.

97. Chris Valaika, SS, Reds:
The Reds are creating logjams at several positions thanks to an improved farm system. These include shortstop, where Paul Janish will take over this season. So, playing most of last season at second base created the versatility Valaika needed to compete for a utility job this spring and allow Cincinnati to look at him as a potential replacement for Brandon Phillips. That's if Phillips' $12 million option for 2012 is deemed too expensive in light of the long-term deals for some of the team's other young stars. Valaika, 25, drives the ball to all fields but is prone to chasing bad pitches.

96. Tyler Greene, SS, Cardinals:
The offseason acquisition of Ryan Theriot pushes Greene, 27, into a utility role, unless he becomes a secondary option at second or third base. The Cardinals will give Greene some time in center field this spring in an attempt to improve his versatility. He remains a strong defensive player but he's hit .221 and .222 in his two partial seasons in St. Louis.

95. Ben Revere, OF, Twins:
The 2007 first-rounder's speed and four consecutive seasons over .300 in the minors make him an intriguing option to be Minnesota's fourth outfielder this year. But he needs work on his defense and doesn't have any experience above Class AA. Playing regularly in the minors is the best option for his development. Still, Revere, 22, is likely to get a step up from his 30 major-league plate appearances last season as the Twins try to determine if he can move into a full-time role over the next couple of years.

94. Bryce Harper, OF, Nationals:
He hasn't played a minor-league game yet but Harper already is aiming for a September call-up. Why not? The No. 1 overall pick last summer is on the 40-man roster so there's little reason not to begin finding out how quickly his big-time power bat can handle major-league pitching. Sure, he's only 18. But he also could be a once-in-a-generation hitter because he's not just a power threat. He's ticketed to begin the year at low Class A Hagerstown (Md.). He's unlikely to stay there long and the real intrigue will be how far he gets before the season is over.

93. Aneury Rodriguez, RHP, Astros:
If a Rule 5 pick makes it to opening day, he's at least guaranteed a roster spot. Rodriguez, selected from Tampa Bay in December, could be more than a guy stashed for future use. He could challenge for a rotation spot. He was solid in Class AAA at age 22 but far down the pitching-rich Rays' pecking order. The hard thrower (mid-90s fastball) had a breakout performance in the Dominican winter league just in time. He had a 1.22 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 37 innings at the time of the Rule 5 draft, and a 2.06 ERA overall.

92. Mark Trumbo, 1B, Angels:
He's a big-time power guy who tied for the minor-league lead in home runs last year. He's well behind younger outfield prospect Mike Trout in terms of attention, but Trumbo could find his way into the Angels lineup as a backup at first base, DH and the outfield corners. His biggest disadvantage is that he's right-handed, like most of the Angels' top offensive threats. Trumbo, 25, could be best-served getting regular at-bats in the minors until a major-league need arises.

91. Bryan Petersen, OF, Marlins:

Petersen, 24, always will be the other guy, especially as Florida assembles a lineup of young stars such as Mike Stanton, Gaby Sanchez and Logan Morrison. Petersen is a consistent contact hitter without a great deal of speed or power. A lefty who has played all three outfield positions, Petersen could grab the fourth outfielder role in Florida while the Marlins wait to see if he can develop the power that first attracted scouts to him while he was an amateur.

90. Jarrod Parker, RHP, Diamondbacks:
He's the top pitcher in the Arizona organization but missed last season after elbow reconstruction surgery. He was back in time to again show his 97-mph fastball in the fall instructional league. Don't be surprised if he begins the year at Class AA Mobile (Ala.), which is warmer than Class AAA Reno (Nev.). But Parker, 22, easily could make a midseason jump to the Diamondbacks rotation, which still doesn't have the depth new general manager Kevin Towers would like.

89. Dillon Gee, RHP, Mets:
Gee is a pitcher who could get lost in the minor leagues unless the right opportunity pops up. The rebuilding of the Mets pitching staff could be that opportunity. Barely hitting 90 mph, Gee, 24, put himself into the 2011 rotation discussion with a strong September with the Mets. He's had a good strikeout rate in the minors but more advanced hitters are more likely to make contact. That means Gee will have to continue to be precise. He's the type of pitcher who often needs extra time to establish himself in the big leagues.

88. Vance Worley, RHP, Phillies:
It's not good to be a Philadelphia pitching prospect these days. But Worley, 23, positioned himself to step in thanks to a solid big-league debut last year. His chances increase quickly if the Phillies find a deal they like for fifth starter Joe Blanton. Then Worley and Kyle Kendrick would be the top candidates for the spot. Worley also is in competition for a bullpen job in the meantime, which could be the first step for a rotation job later this year or next.

87. Mike Trout, OF, Angels:
The Angels are hoping to reassemble a strong offense this year and the ultra-talented Trout could become irresistible by midseason. He hasn't played above Class A and doesn't turn 20 until August, but he's a center fielder and the Angels are looking at the defensively strong but light-hitting Peter Bourjos in that spot this season. Trout is fast, makes consistent contact and has exceptional plate coverage. If the season isn't going well in Anaheim, the clamor for Trout could grow.

86. Dan Descalso, 2B, Cardinals:
His path to the majors is blocked by Skip Schumaker, a favorite of St. Louis manager Tony La Russa. But Descalso, 24, is more of the same and with more raw talent. He is a high-energy player, a consistent contact-hitter and solid defender; exactly the type of player who has to keep proving his major-league future is more than a utility role. He also can handle third base and is most likely to start out as an infield backup with St. Louis and continue to grow on La Russa and Cardinals fans.

85. Jacob Turner, RHP, Tigers:
The 2009 first-round pick out of high school was in high Class A by the middle of last season. The Tigers love high-ceiling guys but Turner, 19, has just 115 pro innings, so they'll have to resist the temptation to fast-track him to the majors. He's still refining his secondary pitches, but dominates with the fastball and could force his way to the majors before the end of this season. He's a future top-of-the-rotation star.

84. Dee Gordon, SS, Dodgers:
Gordon, 22, is one of the jewels of the Dodgers farm system and how quickly he moves up depends on how the season goes for the major-league team and the durability of starter Rafael Furcal, 33. Gordon is a raw, athletic talent spectacular at times and, like most top, young, middle-infield prospects, also erratic. Gordon is a speedster still learning not to be overaggressive at the plate. He could be a nice injection of energy for the Dodgers at some point during the season.

83. Michael Bowden, RHP, Red Sox:
He's had a couple of failed chances to snag a significant spot on the Boston pitching staff. But don't write off Bowden. He's still just 24. Now, though, he's looking at a spot in the bullpen instead of starting. Bowden spent part of the winter in the Venezuelan league getting more accustomed to relieving. The Red Sox will consider putting him in Class AAA to begin the season if they feel he needs more work adapting to the new role.

82. Michael Taylor, OF, Athletics:
Taylor is a monster physically - 6-6, 260 - but he was much less of a monster on the field last year, dropping significantly from his combined .334, 39 homers, 172 RBI and .957 OPS the previous two seasons. Taylor, 25, will return to Class AAA this year to work on a swing that he tinkered with during last year's power outage. The A's believe he didn't just forget how to hit and after a half-season or more in the minors, he'll probably get his first shot at the major leagues.

81.Omar Beltre, RHP, Rangers:
Texas has plenty of strong pitching prospects but the one who could make an immediate impact is Beltre, 29, who spent five seasons waiting for another chance to pitch professionally in the USA. He was banned for that time because of his involvement in a visa-fraud scandal but he returned last year and is poised to grab a spot in the Rangers bullpen or even fill in as a starter. He showed at Class AAA last year that he still has a complete and effective repertoire.

80. Scott Cousins, OF, Marlins:
Cousins, 26, is the classic full-speed overachiever and that could be just the formula to land him in center field on opening day. He's a strong defender and a solid contact-hitter with decent opposite-field power. The key to his role this season could be when third-base prospect Matt Dominguez is ready for the majors. Chris Coghlan could start the year at third, but also could bump Cousins from center when Dominguez arrives.

79. Jenrry Mejia, RHP, Mets:
Mejia, 21, began last season in the New York bullpen, then went back to the minors to resume his career as a starter. It was a completely lost season in his development but he has been the top starting pitching prospect in the system and will go back to Class AAA at the start of this season to continue developing. He had minor shoulder problems last year and will be brought along slowly because he hasn't reached 100 innings in any of his four pro seasons. Look for a second-half call-up.

78. Dayan Viciedo, 3B, White Sox:
Viciedo, who turns 22 in March, has been a corner infielder, but his best position clearly is hitter. The Cuban got a taste of the majors last season but the White Sox aren't ready to turn over a defensive position to him and that limits his playing time. With Brent Morel getting the first shot at third base and the Paul Konerko-Adam Dunn combo clogging up first base and DH, Viciedo spent some time learning the outfield this winter. He's stocky (5-11, 240) and powerful but could progress slowly like another Cuban, the Angels' Kendry Morales.

77. Mike Dunn, LHP, Marlins:
Maybe this power arm finally has a home in the Florida bullpen. Traded from the Yankees to the Braves in the Javier Vazquez deal a year earlier, he came to Florida this winter in the Dan Uggla trade. Dunn already has 32 strikeouts in 23 major-league innings. But he also has 22 walks. That's what needs to improve for Dunn, 25, to increased his time in late-inning, high-leverage situations.

76. Josh Bell, 3B, Orioles:
If Bell wondered how his late-season audition for new manager Buck Showalter went, he found out during the winter meetings, when Baltimore traded with Arizona for Mark Reynolds. So much for taking over at third base. But Bell, 24, has been slimming down as the Orioles requested because they thought the major-league game was just a bit too quick for him. He probably will go back to Class AAA to continue working on his game, but he could turn himself into a power-bat option for later in the season.

75. Wilson Ramos, C, Nationals:
Ivan Rodriguez came to Washington a year ago in part to tutor Jesus Flores. But shoulder problems for Flores and last summer's trade of closer Matt Capps to the Minnesota Twins for Ramos has changed the identity of Rodriguez's top pupil. Ramos, 23, should be a perfect fit for the instruction because defense is his strong point. He was effective at the plate in his limited major league debut in 2010, but the question is whether he can maintain his .285 minor league career average or if a nearly 3-1 strikeout-walk ratio in the minors portends trouble against big league pitching.

74. Devin Mesoraco, C, Reds:
With Cincinnati expecting to be a contender again, manager Dusty Baker will feel more comfortable with veteran Ramon Hernandez handling a mostly young rotation. But chances are good this 2007 first-round draft pick will get his chance to ease into the majors as a part-timer later in the season. Mesoraco, 22, has steadily improved his defense over the past few seasons and has become more consistent at the plate without sacrificing power.

73. Greg Halman, OF, Mariners:
He's been an all-or-nothing swinger in the minors and his high strikeout rates (665 over the past four seasons) have held him back. But Seattle must explore all options to beef up last year's feeble offense and Halman has big-time power. Halman, 23, who was born in the Netherlands, is a good enough athlete to handle center field, but his European background means he's behind other prospects in baseball instincts. That's also why it could be worth waiting to see if the skills catch up to his raw athletic ability.

72. Josh Rodriguez, 2B, Pirates:
The first pick in December's Rule 5 draft and former Cleveland prospect will battle for the Pittsburgh utility infielder job. The fact that the Pirates must keep him in the majors or offer him back to Cleveland gives him the edge, as does his ability to also play the outfield. A 2006 second-round pick, Rodriguez, 26, has been slowed by injuries in the minors. He's a better offensive player than defender, and second base is the most likely position for him to grab increased playing time.

71. Juan Miranda, 1B, Diamondbacks:
Rescued from the Yankees organization in a November trade, the 27-year-old Cuban gets his first opportunity at a full-time major league job. He'll compete with Brandon Allen and Miranda, who has more experience, has the initial edge to give Arizona left-handed power. Allen is the better long-term prospect, and the Diamondbacks also have veteran Xavier Nady as insurance.

70. Matt Dominguez, 3B, Marlins:
It's just a matter of when this next big talent arrives from the Florida farm system. His offensive production isn't the usual power game of a corner infielder, but the 2007 first-rounder also is just 21 despite having played more than a full season at Class AA. His defense is already major-league ready, so how quickly his patient, contact-oriented approach at the plate develops -- and how the Marlins' weak collection of third base alternatives fares -- will determine when he gets the call. Expect it by midseason.

69. Darwin Barney, SS, Cubs:
He's just the kind of overachiever that turns into a Wrigley Field favorite. A slick fielder, Barney, 25, isn't going to unseat Starlin Castro, who is often spectacular. But he also can play second and third bases. He can take a walk, steal a base and play situational baseball. In other words, he's just the kind of player who can carve out a long-term niche on a National League bench. Of course, that's exactly the description Detroit's Will Rhymes carried around the minors until he got a chance last year and became the Tigers' starter.

68. Hank Conger, C, Angels:
This personable, 23-year-old potential darling of Southern California's Korean-American community (his given name is Hyun Choi Conger) is a primary beneficiary of the recent trade of Mike Napoli. Conger has been a consistent contact hitter, moving one level a season through the Angels system. The majors are the only level left, but how much Conger plays will depend on how much his defense and handling of pitchers impresses Angels manager Mike Scioscia, a demanding ex-catcher. Conger can outhit incumbent Jeff Mathis, but Mathis has the edge behind the plate.

67. Scott Sizemore, 2B, Tigers:
The second base job was his to lose last spring. But Sizemore was coming off ankle surgery and struggled, losing the job in May when he was hitting .206. He hit .308 in 11 games after a September recall and now will battle with 2010 revelation Will Rhymes, especially while veteran Carlos Guillen rehabs a knee injury that probably will keep him out past opening day. At 26, Sizemore still has time to return to the form that has made him a career .296 minor league hitter.

66. Jason Kipnis, 2B, Indians:
Kipnis at second base is everything Lonnie Chisenhall is to the Indians at third -- the future. And that future probably will be delayed for at least part of this season. Kipnis, 23, also is similar to Chisenhall in his efficient consistency at the plate. He has a quick swing and has hit over .300 at every level. Cleveland's other options at second base, including fellow prospect Cord Phelps, will make it easier for the Indians to be patient with Kipnis, who hasn't played above Class AA.

65. Mark Rogers, RHP, Brewers:
The trades for Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum eliminate the pressure to move Rogers, the organization's top pitching prospect, into the majors this season. He's 25 and has missed two full seasons (2007-08) after shoulder surgery. His 126 innings last season were a career high. He's throwing in the low 90s again, though it's still with an arm motion across his body that is deceptive to hitters and worrisome for anyone hoping he can maintain good health. If healthy, he could get a shot at the major league rotation during the season.

64. Chris Nelson, 2B, Rockies:
Nelson, 25, hit over .300 last season for the first time since he was a rookie-ball teenager. More importantly, Nelson was no longer a full-time shortstop. By branching out to second and third bases, he drastically increased his chances of becoming a contributor in Colorado this year. While playing at hitter-friendly Colorado Springs probably enhanced his numbers, Nelson's plate discipline has steadily improved since being a 2004 first-round draft pick. Now, he'll compete with Eric Young and Jose Lopez for the second-base job.

63. Brett Jackson, OF, Cubs:
The Cubs have spent several years searching the trade and free agent markets, looking for impact outfielders. Jackson is about ready to fulfill that wish without a lot of glitz or fanfare. This is the season he'll get eased into the majors, probably with an in-season call-up or two. It might take more than a couple of cameos for his all-around effectiveness to sink in. Just 22, he can play any of the outfield positions, run well and hit the ball hard to all fields. He's not spectacular in any of those areas, but has hit .303 while moving through five of the six levels of the farm system in two seasons.

62. Ozzie Martinez, SS, Marlins:
When the 22-year-old hit .326 after a September call-up, the Marlins realized an interesting decision was coming sooner than expected -- like now. Florida already has an All-Star shortstop in Hanley Ramirez. But Martinez is a stronger defender. Martinez also could play second base but he's unlikely to hit for much power, so maybe it's Ramirez's bat that plays better into a second baseman's profile. Moving the team's most established star isn't an easy decision, so Martinez is more likely to be in and out of the major league lineup this year trying to prove he's worthy of causing an infield shakeup.

61. Will Rhymes, 2B, Tigers:
It was two springs ago that Detroit manager Jim Leyland called Rhymes a dirtball -- a compliment. That elicited a few chuckles. The big laughs came when Leyland predicted the 5-9 infielder had a major league future. Rhymes showed up last July, ended up playing more games at second base last season than any other Tiger and hit .304. The only Detroit regular to hit better was first baseman Miguel Cabrera. Now that he's shown he can hit in the majors, Rhymes, 27, has the opportunity to carve out a David Eckstein-like career. First, he'll have to win the Detroit job again this spring.

60. Mike Carp, 1B, Mariners:
If Carp were a stronger defender, he might have solved Seattle's first base problem by now. Well, that defense-first approach hasn't exactly produced a championship in the Northwest. The Mariners won't abandon it, but the AL's worst offense by more than a half-run per game could use Carp's lefty power. He's just 24 and has two years at Class AAA under his belt.

59. Matt Moore, LHP, Rays:
What are they going to do with all these guys? This is how budget-conscious Tampa Bay has to operate to remain a contender: continue producing top-notch young players. Moore, 21, will begin this year at Class AA and will be subject to the same care that the Rays exercise with all their young pitchers. They're more concerned with innings than levels, so Moore is on track to move above 160 innings this year, a factor that will help him battle to be next in line behind Jeremy Hellickson to step into the majors.

58. Mat Gamel, 3B, Brewers:
Casey McGehee has been a nice story at third base for Milwaukee the past two seasons, enough so that what seemed the inevitable transition to Gamel has changed. Now Gamel, 25, also could find his way into increased major league time in the outfield or as the potential replacement at first base should Prince Fielder be traded this season or leave as a free agent after it. Gamel has decent power to all fields.

57. Lonnie Chisenhall, 3B, Indians:
Cleveland has discussed several third-base options to begin this season, but any of them would be holding space for Chisenhall, the Indians' 2008 first-round pick. A good spring by Chisenhall would leave delaying his arbitration clock as the only reason not to turn over the position. The 22-year-old converted shortstop has developed well defensively. On offense, it's a compact, quiet swing that earned him his high draft position.

56. Manny Banuelos, LHP, Yankees:
The Yankees know they have plenty of pitching prospects on the way. They'd prefer to not see much of them in the majors this year. But their patience could be tested with Andy Pettitte retiring, A.J. Burnett coming off a down year and the bottom of the rotation a question mark. Banuelos, who turns 20 in March, is poised and could have the highest ceiling of the kids on the way. He'll start the year at Class AA, but with 228 strikeouts and 174 hits allowed in 215 2/3 minor league innings, how long can they hold him back?

55. Eduardo Nunez, SS, Yankees:
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman set off a mini-firestorm when he suggested Derek Jeter could be moved to center field - someday. If it happens sooner rather than later, Nunez, 23, could be the beneficiary. He hasn't been anointed the heir apparent. But his .280 average in limited major league duty is consistent with his lifetime .274 in the minors and, combined with his ability to also play second and third bases, makes him the Yankees' best utility infield option for 2011.

54. Brandon Belt, 1B, Giants:
Belt is a victim of the World Series champions' 2010 success. San Francisco turned out not to be a one-year stop for Aubrey Huff, blocking one of the spots that could have been open for Belt, 22, whose lefty swing has been compared to that of former Giants star Will Clark. The Giants will keep Belt on the opening day roster only if he's a starter, but they're also including left field as an option. Belt's defense is strong enough that Huff could be the one who's bumped to the outfield.

53. Yonder Alonso, 1B, Reds:
He's 23 and ready for the majors. But his best chance to make an impact this year would be via trade. With NL MVP Joey Votto signed for three more years, Alonso is stuck. He's taken some balls in the outfield, but Cincinnati isn't ready to give him a major league shot there. The Reds predictably say they have no plans to trade him, but it might be their best way to make an impact move during the 2011 season. In the meantime, he'll be stuck at Class AAA again.

52. Allen Craig, OF, Cardinals:
He was considered a hitter without a position entering last spring but now manager Tony La Russa is looking for positions for a guy with 86 homers and 329 RBI over the past four minor-league seasons. The Cardinals had Craig work on his outfield defense last year and will have him focus on third base this spring. The 26-year-old right-hander also plays first base, but that's not an option in St. Louis. He's more likely to work himself into a significant backup role at several positions.

51. Mike Montgomery, LHP, Royals:
Long and lanky at 6-5, 180 pounds, Montgomery would be in a race to the majors with John Lamb if not for arm soreness that limited him to 93 innings last season. Though Montgomery, 21, is healthy now, the Royals will handle him conservatively. Still, he's another ace in the making and should be ready for the majors by midseason. He's a fastball-changeup guy who can throw in the mid-90s.

50. Ryan Kalish, OF, Red Sox:
Kalish is a prime example of life in a rich, perennially contending organization. He lost his rookie status last season as a 22-year-old call-up, hit a couple of grand slams and showed he belongs in the majors. With the addition of Carl Crawford and return from injury of Jacoby Ellsbury, Kalish is no better than third on the depth chart at any of the outfield positions. He's likely to begin the season in the minors and be the first call-up when necessary.

49. Lucas Duda, OF, Mets:
This 6-5, 240-pound slugger might be better suited in the American League, but he'll have to play the field to find time with the Mets. And it will have to be in the outfield, where he's a weaker defender than at first base. Ike Davis is established at first, so Duda, 25, will need more of last year's outfield injuries to create some playing time. His most likely course is a shuttle back and forth to Class AAA Buffalo.

48. Chris Archer, RHP, Rays:
He was the Cubs Minor League Pitcher of the Year. Suddenly, he's just another of those hot Tampa Bay pitching prospects after the trade that sent Matt Garza to the Cubs. That's his second trade in three winters, having gone from Cleveland to the Cubs for Mark DeRosa. Archer, 22, will get a chance to create his spot in the pecking order this spring. Jeremy Hellickson has first dibs on the fifth spot in the Rays rotation. But Archer will have the chance to use his high-velocity fastball-slider combo to show he should be next in line.

47. Danny Espinosa, 2B, Nationals:
He's just a run-of-the-mill good prospect. That makes it difficult to get noticed in Washington, where the 1-2 star-power punch of Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper has grabbed all the attention. But Espinosa, 23, has the second base job heading into spring training. He has a long swing that might make it difficult for him to hit for a high average, but he has enough power and speed to be one of only three 20-homer, 20-steal players in the minor leagues in 2010.

46. Mike Minor, LHP, Braves:
Minor, 23, heads to spring training as a favorite to win a rotation spot. But it's no sure thing for the 2009 first-rounder, who will have plenty of competition in camp with more prospects waiting in the wings during the season. He needs to reduce the 11.7 hits per nine innings he allowed in the majors late last season after a 7.7 career rate in the minor leagues. Minor's changeup is his best pitch along with a low-90s fastball.

45. Lars Anderson, 1B, Red Sox:
Anderson, 23, is another case of a talented Boston farmhand just waiting for an opportunity. At 6-4, he has a sometimes long swing that gets him into slumps, but he's a lefty who goes the other way often enough to make him a intriguing Fenway Park possibility. His numbers have slipped the past two years almost as if he's gotten bored biding him time but his sweet swing and patient approach at the plate keep him looking like a prospect. The addition of Adrian Gonzalez further blocks his progress, but he could be in and out of the majors as a fill-in or prime trade bait.

44. Kyle Gibson, RHP, Twins:
Minnesota's rotation in recent years has been solid. It has been deep. It also has lacked an ace, something that shows up more in the club's short postseasons than over the regular-season long haul. Gibson, 23, is the best hope that void could soon be filled. The 2009 first-rounder won't take over right away, but should at least begin teasing Twins fans this summer. Like so many current Twins, Gibson isn't a strikeout machine, but he has an outstanding slider. As solid as his 2010 numbers were, he also was coming off a stress fracture in his arm the previous year, so more improvement wouldn't be a surprise.

43. Brent Morel, 3B, White Sox:
While the White Sox have pondered how best to work Cuban prospect Dayan Viciedo's bat into the major leagues, Morel quietly has emerged as the likely starting third baseman. Morel, 23, certainly is no defensive liability and solidified himself as an offensive force last year at both Class AA and AAA after no previous experience above Class A. He's a good contact hitter with power to the gaps and could get a spike in home runs by playing regularly in the White Sox's home park.

42. Dustin Ackley, 2B, Mariners:
The Mariners have tried to temper the hype on Ackley, one of the top offensive talents in their system, but one who was learning second base on the fly in his first two pro seasons. The road to a starting job in Seattle was opened when Chone Figgins was moved back to third base. The only other choices at second are stop-gap options Adam Kennedy and Brendan Ryan, so a strong spring by Ackley, the second overall draft pick in 2009, could force the Mariners' hand right away.

41. Brandon Allen, 1B, Diamondbacks:
Turning 25 this week, he's the younger half of first base battle with Juan Miranda that could last all season in Arizona. Like, Miranda, Allen is a left-handed power hitter, ruling out a platoon, still growing into his offensive game. His strikeouts have been high in the minor leagues, but his walk rate more than tripled as he rose through the minors over the past four seasons.

40. Mike McClendon, RHP, Brewers:
He's never been an overpowering pitcher, so the 25-year-old doesn't get a lot of notice. But he's been primarily a reliever for three years now and just continues to get people out, including during his first shot in the majors last year. Throwing several pitches including a changeup as his out pitch, McClendon became a follower of Trevor Hoffman when he got to Milwaukee. His hits- and strikeouts-per-inning ratios have steadily improved since he moved to the bullpen and his home run rates are among the lowest in the minors.

39. Ivan Nova, RHP, Yankees:
He's not the best pitching prospect in the Yankees system, and he's not going to make anyone forget Andy Pettitte or Cliff Lee. But Nova is the system's most likely addition to the New York rotation. A 1.05 ERA in the Dominican winter league certainly helps the Yankees' confidence in giving the 24-year-old sinkerballer a prominent role. Nova hasn't been an aggressive pitcher and will need to hold down a sometimes high hits-per-inning ratio to be successful.

38. Andrew Cashner, RHP, Cubs:
Cashner, 24, was developed as a starter in the minor leagues but when he came to the majors for the first time last summer, the Cubs decided his nasty slider and high-90s fastball played best in a bullpen set-up role. Now, it's back to the rotation or at least a chance to compete for the fifth spot in Chicago. The fact that Cashner allowed three runs and 14 hits in his final 19 innings last season, striking out 21, gives him and the Cubs a viable option of returning him to the bullpen if he's not ready to start.

37. Peter Bourjos, OF, Angels:
He might not have to hit a lot to hold down the center field job in Anaheim. Manager Mike Scioscia was raving about the defensive possibilities after the Angels traded for Vernon Wells, who would move to left field if the fleet Bourjos, 23, can hold the center field job. He'll have to at least approach his career .346 minor league on-base percentage or else be prepared to look over his shoulder - perhaps at top prospect Mike Trout - especially if the Angels are struggling to score.

36. Alex White, RHP, Indians:
As Cleveland has sorted through young arms the past several years, few of their prospects have been hard throwers. White can reach the low 90s, but he's still more of a ground-ball than a strikeout pitcher with a splitter and sinking fastball. The 2009 first-rounder is 22 and should get enough time in the majors this season to lose his rookie status and help the Indians determine if he can be counted on as part of the 2012 rotation.

35. Brett Wallace, 1B, Astros:
Wallace has bounced through four organizations since being St. Louis' first-round draft pick in 2008. With Houston this year, his opportunity to play might be more of a factor than his readiness to be an impact player. He's being counted on as the starting first baseman and he should provide power. But, at 24, the biggest question about his offense is whether he's developed enough plate discipline yet to produce an acceptable batting average.

34. Eric Hosmer, 1B, Royals:
It's going to get crowded in Kansas City. It's just a matter of when. Hosmer, 21, has huge power. He's flirted with a 1.000 OPS in two of his three minor league seasons. If that continues, his bat could be ready for the majors sometime this season. That would make the Royals at least consider the possibility of moving Hosmer to the outfield. He has the arm but isn't overly mobile. Still, he'd be a better candidate there than Billy Butler or Kila Ka'aihue, who could have first base and DH filled in Kansas City by the time Hosmer is ready. For now, Hosmer remains a first baseman with a middle-of-the-order future.

33. Lorenzo Cain, OF, Royals:
As if this organization wasn't rich enough in prospects, Cain is the part of the return for Zack Greinke most likely to make an immediate impact in the majors. Cain jumps past Jarrod Dyson, who debuted last season, as the prospect with the best shot at competing with offseason signing Melky Cabrera for the center field job. Cain, 24, certainly can help with his speed and defense and his improvement in plate discipline makes him a top-of-the-order candidate.

32. Chris Sale, LHP, White Sox:
It's another start-or-relieve question and might even be a start-or-close consideration. Sale, a first-round draft pick last year, showed the value of signing quickly. He was in the majors less than seven weeks and 10 minor league innings later. Working out of the Chicago bullpen, Sale, 21, bumped up his fastball several mph to a consistent 97 mph. And with closer Bobby Jenks gone via free agency, the temptation is obvious. Sale could start until Jake Peavy is back from shoulder problems, probably a month or so into the season.

31. Josh Tomlin, RHP, Indians:
Tomlin stopped the Yankees on three hits for seven innings to win his major league debut in July. OK, so it wasn't that easy the rest of the season, but his 12 major league starts were a huge stride from starting the year in the Class AAA bullpen. Tomlin, 26, will remain a starter if he can stick in the Cleveland rotation this spring. Manager Manny Acta likes a lot of the little things about Tomlin's game - control, holding runners and the ability to handle relieving - if he doesn't make the rotation.

30. Brandon Beachy, RHP, Braves:
The non-drafted free agent was the feel-good story of the Atlanta system last year. Now, he's a strong contender for a spot in the major league rotation. He became a starter in the middle of 2010 at Class AA and finished the year making starts in the NL playoff race. Beachy, 24, doesn't have one overwhelming pitch, but throws in the low 90s with solid curve and changeup. The one concern for putting him in the rotation could be stamina. Last year's 134 1/3 innings were nearly double his previous pro high.

29. Kila Ka'aihue, 1B, Royals:
Lost somewhere between entrenched and productive Billy Butler and Kansas City's impending onslaught of prospects is Ka'aihue, the team's likely opening day first baseman (with Butler at DH). The 26-year-old Hawaiian's future has been questioned because of his size (6-3, 233), lack of speed and - several years ago in the minors - conditioning issues. But he just hits and voraciously studies hitting. His plate discipline is legendary (career .391 on-base percentage in the minors). When he had 37 homers and 100 RBI in 2008, more amazing were his 67 strikeouts and 104 walks.

28. Jason Castro, C, Astros:
Him again? Yes. Castro was to be the Houston catcher last season. He hit just .205 in 67 games, costing him the job and earning him just enough time in the minors to qualify for this list again. He's back because he's just 23 - still unusually young for a catcher to be ready to handle all aspects of the major league game - and because the Astros aren't exactly loaded with catching options. Castro is a career .287 hitter in the minors with good plate discipline. It's far too early to write him off.

27. Tim Collins, LHP, Royals:
Collins is long past being a minor league novelty act. He's an unhittable, hard-throwing strikeout machine with a strong chance of spending this summer in the Kansas City bullpen. For the uninitiated, the 5-7 (that's quite generous, according the Blue Jays, who originally signed him) 21-year-old has averaged 13.3 strikeouts and 5.7 hits per nine innings since former Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi found him at a summer league game. He does it throwing 92-95 mph with an excellent changeup. And if you're thinking lefty specialist, righties hit .140 against him last year.

26. Simon Castro, RHP, Padres:
He's a strikeout pitcher who will come to spring training as a long shot to move into the rotation right away. More likely, he'll be auditioning to convince the Padres he should be called up the first time they need someone to step into the rotation. Castro, now 22, skipped a level to pitch at Class AA last season. His strikeout rate was lower than in previous years, but his hit and walk rates remained low and induced more ground balls. And he was still getting up into the 96-98 mph range with his fastball. He should be in the middle of the San Diego rotation soon.

25. Desmond Jennings, OF, Rays:
The signing of Johnny Damon buys time and take the pressure off Jennings, 24, to perform right away this spring. He doesn't have to be the immediate replacement for Carl Crawford in left field but will get enough time in the majors this season for the Rays to ease him toward a full-time role in 2012, either in left or possibly in center, his best position. Jennings has the ability to be a basestealer like Crawford, with less power but better plate discipline.

24. Cory Luebke, LHP, Padres:
He was a first-round pick in 2007, but Luebke, 25, turned himself into a top prospect by changing his delivery and developing a changeup. He already had a 98 mph fastball. After a 4.48 ERA his first two minor league seasons, he lowered it to 2.73 the past two years. Now, he can pitch himself into the San Diego rotation with a strong spring. He'll be competing with Wade LeBlanc and Tim Stauffer for one of probably two available spots.

23. Kenley Jansen, RHP, Dodgers:
Jansen was stunned in 2009 when the Dodgers told him he was maybe a year from pitching in the major leagues. He was a Class A catcher then. He's an overpowering reliever now who could be a major factor in the Los Angeles bullpen this season. If his growth in his new position continues at a similar pace, it's not out of the question he could put himself into consideration for ninth-inning work should closer Jonathan Broxton repeat some of his 2010 struggles. The next crucial improvement for Jansen, 23, will be his control.

22. Mike Moustakas, 3B, Royals:
They're coming - Kansas City's deep, deep collection of young players is coming. Moustakas, 22, might not start the season in the majors, if only because he's not on the 40-man roster. But there's room for him at third base, and he should fill it sometime during the first half of the season. He's a contact hitter with power, and the Royals will give him a chance to bash his way onto the roster with a strong spring. But expect versatile Mike Aviles to keep third base warm for a couple of months.

21. Zach Britton, LHP, Orioles:
The Baltimore system is becoming a pitching pipeline that might soon challenge division rival Tampa Bay's. Britton, 23, is next in line and could be the best of the bunch. He's more about ground balls than strikeouts but has averaged less than a hit allowed per inning since he reached the full-season leagues in 2008 and has given up a homer only once per 20 innings since turning pro. Britton, 23, will start the season at Class AAA unless one of the other young Orioles starters falters this spring. But Britton's efficiency will get him to the majors sooner rather than later.

20. J.P. Arencibia, C, Blue Jays:
Arencibia got a scare for a few days when it looked like Mike Napoli would cut into his playing time. But Napoli, acquired from the Angels on Jan. 21, was quickly dealt to Texas, leaving 25-year-old Arencibia to compete with veteran Jose Molina for the Toronto starting job. Arencibia will fit right in with the homer-happy Blue Jays, but major league pitchers could exploit his tendency to also strike out. He's an average defender, so that could determine how much new manager John Farrell is willing to use him.

19. Ernesto Frieri, RHP, Padres:
The 25-year-old Colombian was the closer at Class AAA Portland (Ore.) and was nearly unhittable when inserted into the deep San Diego bullpen, allowing one hit in his first eight innings, no runs until his 11th appearance. He uses a fastball (low-90s)-curveball combination that provides plenty of swings and misses. His bullpen role should increase during the season as the Padres size up whether he could be a worthy successor to Heath Bell in the future.

18: Mitch Moreland, 1B, Rangers:
Texas has spent the offseason entertaining several alternatives to Moreland, a key second-half contributor to their pennant drive last season. But he's a career .313 hitter in the minors and got 191 major league at-bats (including playoffs). Hitting .348 in the postseason allayed some concern about a September fade after Moreland, 25, hit .314 in his first 17 big-league games. Mike Napoli, Chris Davis and Mike Young are the others who could push the lefty for playing time.

17. Jesus Montero, C, Yankees:
Ask anyone around the Yankees about Montero, and they'll rave about his hitting. Ask them about his catching and they'll rave about his hitting. The dilemma is that the 21-year-old has a bat ready for the major leagues. But his defensive game hasn't quite developed enough that the Yankees are ready to turn him loose behind the plate. But general manager Brian Cashman says he's close. Then, look out. He hits for average, hits for power and can be an impact player.

16. John Lamb, LHP, Royals:
Not only is the Kansas City farm system loaded, but it is loaded with pitchers, especially left-handed pitchers. Lamb, 20, could be the best of the bunch, and he's the most advanced of the organization's elite-level prospects. His fastball-changeup combination is often overwhelming, and his curve is good, too. He'll start the season at Class AA but the only thing holding him back is that he's not on the 40-man roster. Once he's past the arbitration-clock threshhold (usually about June 1), the Royals will have realized he's better than most of the guys in their major league rotation.

15. Chris Carter, OF, Athletics:
He got plenty of attention for starting his major league career 0-for-33 last year. Most of his future attention will come from offensive success, most notably his power. He's a typical A's prospect with above-average strike zone judgment, piling up walks as well as strikeouts. He can play first base or the outfield corners, giving him more routes to the majors. The winter additions of Hideki Matsui and Josh Willingham mean there's no obvious job available in Oakland for Carter, 24, to start the season, but his power will be difficult to ignore.

14. Jake McGee, LHP, Rays:
He's a fireballer who's been groomed as a starter but could end up being Tampa Bay's ninth-inning savior - for this year, at least. McGee, 24, missed much of the 2009 season after Tommy John elbow surgery and pitched just over 110 innings last year. His low recent workload means he's not a candidate to crack the deep Rays rotation right now, but he got a taste of the majors last year in what is now a decimated bullpen. He'll probably start the season as a set-up man or long reliever, but, without an established closer in the Tampa Bay bullpen, he could pitch his way into that role.

13. Kyle Drabek, RHP, Blue Jays:
The building plan continues in Toronto, but the Blue Jays can start patting themselves on the back for the return on the Roy Halladay trade. Drabek, 23, has a ways to go to match Halladay, but he could be the best pitcher in the Toronto rotation before this year is over. And he should be in that rotation from opening day. His curve is dominant, the perfect companion for a mid-90s fastball. He showed enough poise and maturity in his first taste of the majors last September to give the Blue Jays confidence he can handle a prominent role.

12. Alex Sanabia, RHP, Marlins:
Sanabia, 22, was never high on prospects lists, but that was before his lanky 6-2 frame began to fill out. He's still not overpowering, but he's becoming increasing difficult to hit while quickly progressing, allowing 157 hits in 202 innings the past two years over the three highest levels of the minors. He's still more of a fly-ball than ground-ball pitcher and, with a low strikeout rate, the concern is that he'll be prone to allowing home runs. He'll be first in line for an opening in the major league rotation.

11. Carlos Santana, C, Indians:
A 2010 season that could have been worthy of Rookie of the Year consideration ended far too early because of a knee injury, but early enough that the he's back on this list. Remember, a year ago, Santana was ahead of San Francisco's Buster Posey in the catching-prospect pecking order. He's ready to go after surgery and should resume being one of the game's top young combinations of power, batting average and plate discipline. His time behind the plate might be slightly limited early in the season to be certain the knee holds up, but he'll quickly become the everyday guy. Santana, 24, will also play some first base to ease the wear and tear.

10. Carlos Carrasco, RHP, Indians:
Cleveland has been sorting through pitching prospects for the past few seasons, looking for consistency. It finally began to see some from Carrasco, 23, during a September call-up last year. Manager Manny Acta is counting on Carrasco, who he feels has matured since being acquired from Philadelphia in the 2009 trade of Cliff Lee, to be in this year's rotation. He thrives on his fastball-changeup combination.

9. Domonic Brown, OF, Phillies:
Despite the hype that has surrounded Brown coming through the Philadelphia farm system, he doesn't necessarily get the right field job vacated by free agent Jayson Werth. At least that's the official line from the team. Maybe lefty-hitting Brown, 23, platoons with Ben Francisco for a short time, but Brown is a polished hitter who should develop power and also has a strong right-field worthy arm. Francisco will be better off looking for work backing up left fielder Raul Ibanez.

8. Julio Teheran, RHP, Braves:
Atlanta is piling up the pitching prospects again, and Teheran is at the top of the list for long-term success. There's no question about his stuff - mid-90s fastball, devastating changeup and solid curve - but the Braves are dealing with a 19-year-old whose 142 innings in 2010 are his career high. The Atlanta rotation is uncertain after Tim Hudson, Derek Lowe and Tommy Hanson. Though there are more experienced alternatives in the mix for the other two spots, Teheran could quickly make himself impossible to ignore.

7. Jeremy Hellickson, RHP, Rays:
Right on schedule, here he is. Few players have marched through a farm system in recent years with as much attention as this polished 23-year-old. Tampa Bay is handing over the fifth spot in its rotation to Hellickson. He has remarkable control and a changeup that creates deception because of how similar it looks to his fastball coming out of his hand. Hellickson, like other top Tampa Bay pitching prospects, got his first taste of the majors out of the bullpen last year.

6. Logan Morrison, OF, Marlins:
Florida has plenty to chirp about with its trio of young studs on offense. Twitter-happy Morrison - and not Mike Stanton or Gaby Sanchez - remains eligible for our list thanks to his late-July 2010 call-up. Morrison moved to the outfield last year after older Sanchez beat him out for the Marlins' first base job. Morrison, 23, has a good eye at the plate but might not develop much power, making his long-term future as a possible No. 2 hitter.

5. Tsuyoshi Nishioka, IF, Twins:
A batting champ in Japan last season, Nishioka, 26, might be described as "Ichiro Light." Of course, Ichiro anything is a pretty good start for the shortstop signed through the posting system. He's a slashing hitter, and we should know from Seattle's Ichiro Suzuki that Japan's best hitters with that style can handle harder-throwing major league pitchers. A shortstop in Japan, Nishioka is more likely to play second base now that he's off Japan's mostly turf fields and into the slightly quicker North American game, much like the transition made by Kaz Matsui after he crossed the Pacific.

4. Michael Pineda, RHP, Mariners:
He throws as hard as anyone in the Seattle organization and might be a candidate for a little more time in the minors, especially after missing much of 2009 with an elbow injury. But, at 22, he's already more polished than anyone in the Mariners rotation not named Felix Hernandez. Safeco Field and the Seattle defense should swallow up many of a youngster's inevitable mistakes. He's 6-5, strong and just needs a solid spring to force his way onto the major league roster. It should only get better from there.

3. Freddie Freeman, 1B, Braves:
Think it's tough for Fredi Gonzalez to follow Bobby Cox as Atlanta manager? How about trying to match Jason Heyward's rookie performance? Freeman will show up this spring with the first base job and expectations he can be as impactful as Heyward. A lefty like his close friend Heyward, Freeman's best attribute might be his defense, though he finished in the Class AAA International League's top 10 in batting before turning 21 in September. His 18 homers last year dispelled concerns the 6-5, 225-pounder might not develop big-time power.

2. Craig Kimbrel, RHP, Braves:
The Atlanta closer job is his to lose, and his 98 mph fastball is the biggest reason he'll probably hold onto it and step in effectively for retired Billy Wagner. Kimbrel, 22, got a taste of key late-inning situations late last season and in the playoffs. His 14.4 strikeouts-per-nine-innings rate through three minor league seasons was impressive enough, but he boosted that to 16.9 in his 25 combined regular season and playoff innings in the majors last year.

1. Aroldis Chapman, LHP, Reds:
Bullpen is the answer to the first big question about the Cuban flamethrower for this season. That's where he'll pitch, though the Reds aren't ruling out a future role in their rotation. The next question revolves around when and if he could take over for closer Francisco Cordero, who is entering the final guaranteed year of his contract ($12 million option for 2012) and allowed baserunners last season at the highest rate of his career. Despite the legendary 105 mph fastball, Chapman allowed runners at Class AAA at rate nearly as high as Cordero's, so the key will be how much manager Dusty Baker trusts a 22-year-old in the ninth inning instead letting him dominate the eighth.

Thanks for the list not sure if I will pick any of them in the fantasy baseball league :lol: