2007 Top 15 Outfield Prospects

by Phil Zuccarell

1. Delmon Young -- Tampa Bay Devil Rays

Delmon has been a top prospect since the Rays drafted him first overall in 2003.  As a player there isn't much he can't do.  He can hit for power and average while displaying a cannon for an arm in right field.  He even stole 24 bases last season.  He doesn't strike out a ton but doesn't walk much either but that should improve with experience.  It seems as if only his attitude and makeup can keep him from being a star.

2. Cameron Maybin -- Detroit Tigers

One of the best athletes in the minors, Maybin has shown that he can turn his tremendous tools into performance.  Along with his hitting he runs and fields very well.  His biggest need of improvement is cutting down his strikeouts.  Experience should help with that and allow him to become the star his tools show he can be.

3. Andrew McCutchen -- Pittsburgh Pirates 

Andrew is often left out of the elite list of outfield prospects but he could easily have as good a career as anyone on this list.  He has done it all, succeeding in AA at the age of 20.  While his speed is probably is best asset he should hit for reasonable power as well.  He gives Pirates fans some reason for optimism.

4. Justin Upton -- Arizona Diamondbacks 

As hyped prospects go, few ever will reach the levels Justin has.  He has been on the radar since little league and as shown tremendous skills as a player.  If he reaches his potential he could be as good as Ken Griffey Jr. in his prime.  While his performance last season was not horrible it didn't show his true ability.  If he can stay focused and motivated he could move quickly and should be a perennial All-Star.

5. Chris Young -- Arizona Diamondbacks 

Not initially thought of as an elite prospect, Young as pushed himself into the conversation through hard work.  He has succeeded on every level and  has the potential to be a 30-30 gold glove center fielder.  He should get the nod this season and be a fixture in Arizona for many years.

6. Jay Bruce -- Cincinnati Reds

Though he was a first rounder his name wasn't as well known or talked about as others in his draft class but that changed last season.  Bruce will probably end up in right field where he can be a huge bat for the Reds.  He will need to improve his strikeout rate as he begins to face better pitchers in the upper minors.

7. Billy Butler -- Kansas City Royals 

When it comes down to it, Butler's bat is what gets the buzz going.  He has shown that he can hit at every level he has played.  He could probably walk a little more but he rarely strikes out either.  He should continue to improve his power numbers as he gets stronger and should team with 3B Alex Gordon to form a formidable 1-2 punch in KC.  Now if he could only play a little defense he could be higher on this list.

8. Carlos Gonzalez -- Arizona Diamondbacks 

Is Arizona loaded in the outfield or what?  Gonzalez is the third Diamondback on this list and could easily end up the best.  He has all the tools, including a rifle arm, and has already shown off his power.  He is a bit raw and his walks and strikeouts could use improvement. He will soon force the Arizona to find room for him to play.

9. Adam Lind -- Toronto Blue Jays 

Like Butler on this list, Lind can hit but is very shaky in the field.  He could use a little more plate discipline but has shown little trouble putting the bat on the ball.  His power numbers should improve as he gains experience a should hit enough for any position he plays.  Lind should be a mainstay in the Toronto lineup for years but where he will ultimately play in the field is still undecided.

10. Travis Buck -- Oakland Athletics 

Buck gets mixed reviews on how far he will develop but he has gotten the most out of his talent at every stop.  A career .328 hitter in the minors, Travis should continue to hit for a high average in the Majors but his power maybe what holds him back.  He probably will end up in left where most teams prefer a power bat.  If he can turn some of his doubles into homers he will be a valuable hitter for the A's.

11.  Felix Pie -- Chicago Cubs  

It seems as if Pie has been on the prospect radar for years as he has steadily moved through the minors.  He has continued to turn his raw tools into playable skills at every level.  While he still needs work in just about every area of his game, especially his strikeouts, he also has shown that he can adapt as the competition improves.  He probably won't be ready to perform in the Majors for a few years, but he should  be a star once he gets there.

12.  Colby Rasmus -- St. Louis Cardinals 

Power and patience are Colby's best skills but his arm and defense are above average as well.  While he has shown raw power, he will need to continue to work on utilizing it in games.  If his game power does develop and if he stays in center he will be among the elite at his position.  He could be heir to Edmonds in the Cardinal outfield in very near future.

13. Hunter Pence -- Houston Astros

Pence is not the most graceful player to watch but he performs.  He has shown a good eye at the plate and improving power.  He has worked hard to improve every aspect of his game and is playable at any outfield position.  He could start the season with Houston with a strong spring.

14. Jacoby Ellsbury -- Boston Redsox 

Jacoby is final member of the 2005 draft class on this list, joining Maybin, McCutchen, Upton, Bruce, and Rasmus.  Speed and defense are his calling card and he has shown the ability to consistently get on base.  While he will likely never hit for much power, if he maintains his defensive skills and continues to be selective at the plate he will be among the best center fielders in the game.

15. Adam Jones -- Seattle Mariners  

Jones was originally drafted as a shortstop but moved to center last season.  His defense ranks among the best in the game already and could improve.  He also has show very good power potential but his high strikeouts could end up negating some of it.  Jones should get a shot to start in center or right for Seattle with a good spring.

2007 Top Prospects by Position