2007 Top 10 Second Base Prospects

by Chuck Dieringer

1. Alberto Callaspo -- Arizona Diamondbacks

Callaspo leads the list of second baggers due to his athleticism and bat control. Though his 2006 batting average could be somewhat inflated due to the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, he has consistently shown the ability to hit .300 and draw more walks than times he strikes out. Though he has good speed, his base running needs works and he has no power which means he's best suited to hit either 2nd or 8th in a National League lineup. With Orlando Hudson starting in the Majors, Callaspo could make the Diamondbacks as a utility bench player this season.

2. Dustin Pedroia -- Boston Red Sox

Age	2006 level	at-bats	ave	2b	3b	hr	bb	so	obp	slg
24	Triple-A	423	.305	30	3	5	48	27	.384	.426
	Majors	89	.191	4	0	2	7	7	.258	.303

With Pedroia's 2006 nearly a duplicate from Callaspo's, Pedroia could easily be considered second base prospect 1A. It's splitting hairs to determine which is more worthy of the top slot. Pedroia's approach at the plate is as good as Callaspo's and he even has a touch better power. But Pedroia's defense and athleticism limit him to second base, wheras Callaspo could play other positions. Pedroia is a gritty player and some like to compare him to David Eckstein.

3. Sean Rodriguez -- Los Angeles Angels

Age	2006 level	at-bats	ave	2b	3b	hr	bb	so	obp	slg
22	High-A	455	.301	29	5	24	47	124	.377	.545
	Double-A	65	.354	5	0	5	11	18	.362	.662
	Triple-A	2	.000	0	0	0	0	2	.000	.000

Rodriguez by far packs the most potent punch of this group. Rodriguez has the bat to play most any position. Drafted as a shortstop, his ultimate future position was uncertain and has yet to become definite. He could also play third base and has the bat to play outfield. His offensive liability is his propensity to strike out. He needs to learn better discipline at the plate to fully realize his offensive potential.

4. Etanislao Abreu -- Los Angeles Dodgers

Age	2006 level	at-bats	ave	2b	3b	hr	bb	so	obp	slg
22	Double-A	457	.287	24	3	6	33	69	.343	.392

Abreu does a lot of things well. He hits well, though his 2006 batting average was the lowest of his career. He plays defense well. He runs well. He does not draw walks well, however, though he did show significant improvement last season. In his previous 1,065 minor league at-bats, he drew only 40 walks. Being more patient at the Double-A level showed signs of progress, even if it came at the expense of his batting average. Abreu could get a brief look with the Dodgers at some point in 2007.

5. Kevin Frandsen -- San Francisco Giants

Age	2006 level	at-bats	ave	2b	3b	hr	bb	so	obp	slg
25	High-A	7	.429	0	0	0	0	0	.556	.429
	Triple-A	293	.304	25	3	3	12	30	.358	.440
	Majors	93	.215	4	0	2	3	14	.284	.323

Frandsen makes contact well but he could use taking more walks. An injury last season could have decreased his opportunity to make a longer impact in front of Giants officials. He could have been the Giants' starter at 2b had they not re-signed Ray Durham.

6. Alexi Casilla -- Minnesota Twins

Age	2006 level	at-bats	ave	2b	3b	hr	bb	so	obp	slg
23	High-A	323	.331	12	6	0	30	36	.390	.406
	Double-A	170	.294	10	1	1	18	20	.375	.382
	Majors	4	.250	0	0	0	2	1	.500	.500

The Angels system has been so deep in the middle infield that it could spare trading both Casilla and Alberto Callaspo and yet still hang on to Sean Rodriguez, graduate Howie Kendrick to the Majors, and keep shortstops Erick Aybar and Brandon Wood. Because of this depth, Casilla become obviously expendable. Casilla consistently hits .300 and does not strike out much (124 times in 1,187 minor league ABs). He has speed and plays good defense but has absolutely no power. It's possible he could work his way into a utility spot with the Twins, but will more likely stay in the minors for another season and be a cheap alternative to re-signing Luis Castillo in 2008.

7. Eric Patterson -- Chicago Cubs

Age	2006 level	at-bats	ave	2b	3b	hr	bb	so	obp	slg
24	Double-A	441	.263	22	9	8	46	89	.330	.408
	Triple-A	67	.358	1	1	2	6	9	.395	.493

Patterson is a decent hitter, both for average and with some pop. However, he strikes out more than he should, though that seems to be the way the Cubs like it. His defense is a liability and he may not be able to stay at 2b.

8. Yung-Chi Chen -- Seattle Mariners

Age	2006 level	at-bats	ave	2b	3b	hr	bb	so	obp	slg
24	Rookie	11	.273	1	1	0	1	0	.385	.545
	High-A	278	.342	17	3	5	22	40	.388	.478
	Double-A	149	.295	9	2	3	18	23	.365	.443

An injury slowed Chen down at the end of last season after having a successful campaign. He hits well but has mediocre-at-best power. His defense is playable and nothing else stands out. Perhaps destined for a utility infield role.

9. Ryan Adams -- Baltimore Orioles

Age	2006 level	at-bats	ave	2b	3b	hr	bb	so	obp	slg
20	Rookie	133	.256	8	1	2	19	32	.361	.376
	SS-A	19	.316	3	0	1	4	7	.458	.632

Adams was a high school shortstop who the Orioles drafted in the 2nd round last June. He's a good hitter with a mature approach. Time and experience will tell if Adams can climb this list in future seasons.

10. Kevin Melillo -- Oakland A's

Age	2006 level	at-bats	ave	2b	3b	hr	bb	so	obp	slg
25	Double-A	500	.280	31	3	12	68	98	.367	.426

Melillo put up solid offensive numbers last season. But he should have as a 24-year old in Double-A. His defense is not exceptional. He needs his bat to be able to produce if and when he does get a crack at the Majors in the next couple seasons. If his bat falters, he's likely destined to be a solid career Triple-A performer. 

2007 Top Prospects by Position