Top 10 Second Base Prospects

by Phil Zuccarell

1. Howie Kendrick -- Los Angeles Angels

Monster bat puts him atop this list. He’s not very adept defensively and could be moved from second. If he stays at 2b will be an all-star. If not, his bat should make him a very productive player anywhere he plays.

2. Josh Barfield -- San Diego Padres

Age	2005 level	at-bats	ave	2b	3b	hr	bb	so	obp	slg
23	Triple-A	516	.310	25	1	15	52	108	.370	.450

Barfield has lots of talent and he got his career/bat back on track after a disappointing 2004. He's improved defensively enough to be adequate at the major league level.

3. Alberto Callaspo -- Arizona Diamondbacks

Age	2005 level	at-bats	ave	2b	3b	hr	bb	so	obp	slg
23	Double-A	350	.297	8	0	10	28	17	.346	.406
	Triple-A	212	.316	21	2	1	10	13	.345	.448

Recently acquired from the Angels, Collaspo is a natural second baseman with all the skills to play there or shortstop. His good bat control leads to few strikeouts and decent on-base percentages. Should end up a solid starter.

4. Dustin Pedroia -- Boston Red Sox

Age	2005 level	at-bats	ave	2b	3b	hr	bb	so	obp	slg
22	Double-A	256	.324	19	2	8	34	26	.409	.508
	Triple-A	204	.255	9	1	5	24	17	.356	.382

Strong defensively with a good eye leading to more walks than strikeouts at every level. Pedroia has hit for decent power in the minors but more likely to be a gap hitter in the majors. Despite average arm, he could switch back to shortstop if needed.

5. Ian Kinsler -- Texas Rangers

Age	2005 level	at-bats	ave	2b	3b	hr	bb	so	obp	slg
23	Triple-A	530	.274	28	2	23	53	89	.348	.464

Kinsler has moved quickly through the system and has had success at every level. He has shown solid play at second and is developing power. Could be ready to start for the Rangers in ‘06.

6. Omar Quintanilla -- Colorado Rockies

Age	2005 level	at-bats	ave	2b	3b	hr	bb	so	obp	slg
24	Double-A	294	.293	14	2	4	23	40	.347	.395
	Triple-A	52	.346	3	2	1	3	8	.375	.538
	Majors	128	.219	1	1	0	9	15	.270	.242

I'm not sure if he will end up at mostly second or short playing in Colorado. With Troy Tulowitzki the SS of the future and Omar’s limited range, he will likely end up at second. He has hit for average with decent power at every stop in the minors and should continue that trend in the Majors.

7. Eric Patterson -- Chicago Cubs

Age	2005 level	at-bats	ave	2b	3b	hr	bb	so	obp	slg
23	Low-A	432	.333	26	11	13	53	94	.405	.535
	Double-A	30	.200	2	0	0	6	7	.324	.267

Eric looks to succeed where his brother Corey could not. He is improving both defensively and offensively. Will take a walk and has shown developing power to go with his speed.

8. Chris Getz -- Chicago White Sox

Age	2005 level	at-bats	ave	2b	3b	hr	bb	so	obp	slg
22	Rookie	24	.333	1	0	0	1	2	.346	.375
	Low-A	214	.304	13	2	1	35	10	.407	.397

Excellent strike zone judgment as seen by 36 walks against only 12 Ks as a pro. Should hit for high averages and is a very good defender with good speed. Likely will never hit for much power but should still be a very productive player.

9. Etanislau Abreu -- Los Angeles Dodgers

Age	2005 level	at-bats	ave	2b	3b	hr	bb	so	obp	slg
21	High-A	394	.327	32	7	4	15	56	.356	.452
	Double-A	96	.250	3	2	0	4	21	.284	.323

Very good defensively and improving offensively. Good hand-eye coordination has allowed him to succeed at lower levels but will need to be more selective to succeed against more advanced pitchers. Will get a chance to show what he can do at Double-A in 2006.

10.Kevin Melillo -- Oakland Athletics

Age	2005 level	at-bats	ave	2b	3b	hr	bb	so	obp	slg
24	Low-A	280	.286	18	3	8	53	40	.399	.457
	High-A	90	.400	7	1	9	12	18	.471	.800
	Double-A	131	.282	10	0	7	14	23	.347	.519

Fits the mold of the offense-first generation of second basemen. Has shown the ability to make solid contact with good power.  Has worked hard on his defense and is improving. Bat could be enough to carry him even if his defense falters.

2006 Top Prospects by Position