2007 Top 10 First Base Prospects

by Phil Zuccarell

1. Joey Votto -- Cincinnati Reds

In a weak class of first basemen, Votto takes the #1 spot. After struggling in 2005, batting .256 in his first full season in Hi A ball, Joey rebounded well in 2006.  Hitting .319 in AA he put himself back on the prospect map.  He has all the power and patience desired for the position and last season showed he can hit for average as well.  In the field he will likely be no more than average.

2. James Loney -- Los Angeles Dodgers

Loney finally had his breakout season batting .380 for AAA Las Vegas.  He has all the talent to be an above average first baseman.  While his bat is his calling card his defense is solid enough that he won’t be a liability in the field.  The biggest knock so far has been his lack of power.  If that portion of his game develops he could be a star.  With the re-signing of Garciaparra he will probably get a little more AAA seasoning.

3. Daric Barton -- Oakland A’s 

Daric had a season to forget in 2006.  After hitting .313 or better at three stops the last two seasons he could only manage to hit .259 in 143 AAA at bats before a broken elbow ended his season.  His ability to hit for average and get on base is what will get him to the Majors.  He has shown less than ideal power for a first baseman and his fielding leaves a lot to be desired.  He could see time at DH for the A’s this season.

4. Joe Koshansky -- Colorado Rockies 

Few players improved their prospect status more than Koshansky in 2006 as he showed his power will play at the higher levels.  Joe is also a decent fielder and is athletic for his size.  While he shows the ability to take a walk his high strikeout totals worry me a little.  With Helton blocking his path he could be asked to move to the outfield.

5. Justin Huber -- Kansas City Royals 

After winning the Futures Games MVP in 2005 Huber has become more average than great.  He had a solid season in 2006 but showed little of the power desired for the position.  He could be moved to the outfield to get playing time.

6.  Scott Thorman -- Atlanta Braves 

It was a crucial year for Scott in 2006 and he responded by surpassing his career best in batting average while continuing to improve his power.  Like most guys on this list his power is what will get him playing time in the Majors.  He is probably ready to make a permanent jump there this season if only he had a place to play.

7. Mike Carp -- New York Mets

Mike put his name on the prospect map with a solid 2006 campaign.  Carp has shown developing plate discipline to go along with his power.  He needs to continue to progress in AA this year to prove that 2006 was not a fluke.

8.  Jason Botts -- Texas Rangers 

If he could play the field Jason would be higher on this list.  He has proven that he can hit for power and average.  He also has shown the ability/willingness to take a walk.  He will probably be limited to DH where his bat will have to be exceptional to get full time at-bats.

9. Gaby Sanchez -- Florida Marlins 

Showing excellent plate discipline, Sanchez nearly walked twice as much as he struck out in his pro debut.  He has developing raw power and with his batting eye should hit for a good average.  He has gotten by on his bat and could stand to improve a little defensively.

10. Lars Anderson -- Boston Red Sox

Anderson was drafted out of high school in 2006 and has yet to make is pro debut.  He is said to have tremendous raw power already and with his 6-5 frame should be able to add more.  As with all young players I would like to see more before I rank him much higher.

2007 Top Prospects by Position